New Driving Sneakers from Mazda
Mazda decided to enter the footwear market by partnering with Japanese sneaker manufacturer Spingle to create a new version of the SP-MZD model. These shoes are available exclusively in Japan and are aimed at buyers who want to wear the brand not only behind the wheel but also in everyday life.
Collaboration Details and Design
The collaboration took place with Spingle, which, like Mazda, is based in Hiroshima. Two color options are offered: Sport Tan/Black and all-black. The kangaroo leather on the shoes features the same Sport Tan shade used in the interior of the new CX-5, combined with suede that provides the flexibility needed for comfortable wear.
Mazda’s first attempt in this direction was last year with the SP-MX5 model, which featured brighter colors, including red, white, and blue. The new SP-MZD takes a more restrained approach, and the muted palette is intended to attract buyers who missed the original. Seven unisex sizes are available, and each pair comes in a separate box with a sketch of the shoe.
Production and Price
The company reports that it spent two years working with Spingle on this project, during which teams visited each other’s factories. Each pair is made in Hiroshima and sold through Mazda and Spingle online stores, as well as at 14 Spingle retail locations across Japan. Both options — Sport Tan/Black and all-black — cost 26,500 yen, which is approximately $166 USD.
There is no information on whether these shoes will be available in other markets, but it is unlikely. However, many shoes created in partnership with other automakers remain available, including BMW driving sneakers from Puma. If you really want, you can cut out a Mazda logo stencil and spray paint on an old pair of Adidas.
This move by Mazda demonstrates how automakers are expanding their brand beyond cars, creating lifestyle products that emphasize their identity. The collaboration with the local manufacturer Spingle, based in Hiroshima, strengthens the connection to the region and adds authenticity. Although the shoes are aimed at the Japanese market, they could become a collector’s item for Mazda fans worldwide, especially given the limited release and unique design reminiscent of the CX-5 interior.