“MIZUNO α” is Mizuno’s fastest speed boot in history, combining Mizuno’s unique technology to achieve a high level of both “hard work” and “sprint” required in modern football.
In just three years since its release, the series has grown into the “fourth pillar” following MORELIA / MORELIA NEO / MONARCIDA, and has finally been updated to the next generation. “This fit changes your speed.” The third generation model with this concept debuted on January 9, 2026.
This time, Alpen Group employees participated in the trial session. We will deliver a report from the field’s point of view about the “key points of evolution” and “realistic appeal” that we experienced while actually wearing spikes, running, stopping, and kicking.
■“MIZUNO α III” function briefing held before the trial
Before the try-on session began, Mizuno staff explained the technology of the 3rd generation MIZUNO α while holding the actual product in hand.
Biggest evolution: New upper structure that “optimizes” fit
Based on a light and soft carefully selected knit, it has evolved into a new structure made up of 3 layers. Mizuno’s signature stitching is applied to the upper, which simultaneously suppresses the stretch of the knit, conforms to the foot, and provides flexibility. The hanging accuracy during shoe making has also improved, resulting in a more natural fit.
Adopted in forefoot: ZEROGLIDE α Mesh
The forefoot lining uses a non-slip, lightweight mesh inherited from Zero Glide. This reduces blur when shooting. This suppresses misalignment of the fit during sudden accelerations and sudden stops, giving you the peace of mind that your feet won’t be out of control during sprints.
Sprint specialty: “KaRVO RS™” midsole
Adopts KaRVO RS™, an insole material with excellent bending resilience and rigidity. By generating large repulsion with small force, it minimizes energy loss and supports sprinting with initial velocity and elongation.
MORELIA Transfer: α Triangle Stud
Inheriting the philosophy of the MORELIA series, the stud arrangement uses the “α Triangle Stud,” which specializes in vertical speed and quick direction changes. This pair of shoes allows you to maintain top speed and make fine turns.
Improved cushioning: MIZUNO ENERZY heel structure
The heel is equipped with MIZUNO ENERZY, a unique material, to reduce the strain during long periods of play. The insole uses MIZUNO ENERZY XP, which pursues softness, lightness, and resilience, to enhance performance for hard work.
Basic specs
Model name: MIZUNO α III JAPAN
Price: ¥26,400 (tax included)
Weight: 195g (27.0cm)
Size: 23.0-30.0cm
■“Quality of speed” changes through actual play──MIZUNO α III try-on session
After explaining the functions, it was time to pitch. All participants wore MIZUNO α III, and the session started with some light ball spinning.
Ball rotation: First experience of the fit that “sticks” to your feet.
The first thing that surprised the participants when they first started spinning the ball was how quickly it took them to get it right. The 3-layer knit structure wraps around your entire foot, giving you the feeling that you can treat it as your own foot from the moment you put it on.
“It’s different from the first touch” “My feet don’t shake inside the shoes”
That voice naturally leaked out.
Pass & Go: The stability of turning is on a whole other level
In the following pass & go, the effect of ZEROGILDE α Mesh becomes more clear. The forefoot does not slip, allowing a smooth transition from passing to the next movement. Because the switching from stop to acceleration is fast,
“Easy to move again” “Easy to turn in steps”
There were many positive reactions.
Shooting practice: The feeling of “the ball stretching” from the moment you step in
During shooting practice, the high repulsion of the KaRVO RS™ midsole made its presence felt. The power you press into the ball returns to the front without wasting any effort, and even in the middle, it feels like the ball is flying by itself.
“The ball runs without any force” “The toe is light so the swing is fast”
It was highly rated, especially by participants in offensive positions.
Game format: Vertical sprint makes the difference
In the final mini-game, the α Triangle Stud’s vertical grip shined. There were many situations in which they were able to gain an advantage through their straight sprints, and gained an advantage in their tactics with opposing defenders. Coupled with the lightness of the material and the rebound, some say it’s hard to slow down even in the final stages.
Overall review! The ideal combination of “speed x grip x fit” is here.
Through the try-on session, I realized that MIZUNO α III is a pair of shoes that naturally improves fit, stability, rebound, and sprint.
Every play has a “quality of speed” — these spikes truly embody Mizuno’s slogan, “This fit changes your speed.”
Lastly, we asked the Alpen Group employees who participated in the session today to share their impressions of playing in MIZUNO α III and their recommendations.
–Please tell us your honest impressions after wearing the MIZUNO α III for today’s training, and the evolution you felt from the previous model.
Futa Mukai (Head Office Sales Planning Group Soccer Chief Advisor)
Mr. Mukai: The first thing that surprised me was the thinness of the upper. I also wore the MIZUNO α II, but the MIZUNO α III has a knit structure, which makes the thinness more clearly visible. That direct feeling directly connected to the fit, and I felt that the sense of unity with my feet had increased significantly.
Daiki Nishimura (Sports Depot Flagship Store Mark Is Minato Mirai Store)
Mr. Nishimura: I felt a difference the moment I put them on. The opening is wide, so even people with wide feet can wear them without stress. I didn’t feel uncomfortable when I put my foot in the shoe, and I thought it was a “forgiving” shoe that could be used by any type of player.
Takahiro Suzuki (Alpen TOKYO: Sports Depot Flagship Store Shinjuku Store)
Suzuki: My first impression is that it’s easy to wear. It’s easy to put your feet in, but it fits perfectly after you put it on. This balance is really good. It has some stretch, but the stitching on the upper prevents it from stretching too much. It provides a sense of security because it supports the lateral forces without letting them escape too much.
――When you actually ran, what kind of feeling did you get from each play, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting?
Mr. Mukai: This time I wore the “JAPAN” model, but as soon as I started running, I immediately felt how thin the entire shoe was. Thanks to this, the repulsion of the “KaRVO RS™” insole is directly transmitted, and the forward propulsion is clearly stronger. This is something I didn’t feel in the previous work. Anyway, it was easy to run.
Suzuki: In dribbling, I had good bite when handling the ball on the outside. Regarding running, I was impressed that I didn’t have to worry about the studs pushing up. I think it’s because of the insole’s “MIZUNO ENERZY
Mr. Nishimura: In terms of kicking comfort, the new upper has a smooth surface and doesn’t “catch” the ball as strongly as other manufacturers. It’s a little different from the grip type of other companies’ spikes like F50 and Vapor. On the other hand, I think it might be a bit of a problem on rainy days or on wet pitches. On the contrary, I had the impression that it was easy to handle without any quirks.
–Has there been any change in the feeling around the insole or heel?
Mr. Mukai: The feel around the heel and insole was much better this time. In the previous game, the grip was too strong, and I was worried that my feet would be too fixed, but in this game, the grip is just the right amount of mild, giving the impression that it’s stable yet easy to move.
――The MIZUNO α III was well received, but if you have any particular concerns, please let us know.
Mr. Nishimura: I wanted one more level of eyelets (shoe lace holes). The opening of the shoes is low-cut, and if you have wide feet, they will open up a little when you put them on. There was a gap about the width of a finger, so I thought the fit would be even better if it could be tightened one more time.
Mr. Suzuki: Regarding the size, the “ELITE” model fits me best. The fit of the “JAPAN” and “PRO” shoes was a little different, and the PRO shoes in particular had a tendency to hit the thumb against the upper when there were a lot of stopping movements. When forward slipping occurs, it definitely bothers me. This depends on the shape of your feet.
Mr. Mukai: On the other hand, when I was wearing ELITE, my toes hit each other and it hurt. JAPAN fit better. Since I have narrow feet, the soft and stretchy knit fabric made my feet feel like they were moving slightly inside the shoes. I think wide players are a good match.
Suzuki: Actually, the opening is quite wide, and I think it’s easy to wear even for people who don’t like the sock structure. The flexibility of the knit has also increased, so the range of fit has definitely expanded.
–Finally, please tell us your expectations for the future “MIZUNO α series.”
Mr. Mukai: I think the series could be a little more “hard enough to handle sprints.” Currently, it has a good balance between softness and softness, but if you are a competitive athlete, there may be times when you want more rigidity.
Mr. Nishimura: The upper has a smooth texture, so it gives the impression that the grip in rainy weather is weak. This has been a feature since the first generation, but it would be interesting to see an upper with a little more grip in the future.
Mr. Suzuki: Personally, I would like them to create a combination of “MORELIA NEO IV sole” and “α upper.” If it were to be made available in limited quantities or on a made-to-order basis, I think it would appeal to people who are looking for a pair of shoes that are unique to them and match their competitive style.
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[Photo]Hiroshi Gunki
[Interview/Text]Teppei Ikeda
[Interview cooperation]Mizuno Corporation
