Tracing the Craftsmanship at the Heart of MIZUNO Through the Words of Mizuno Global Brand Ambassador Mason Mount
Japanese sporting goods icon MIZUNO has unveiled the MORELIA LS — a lifestyle silhouette that carries the DNA of the MORELIA, one of the brand's most beloved football boot lineages.
Built on the foundation of the MORELIA GM IN, an indoor football shoe from the mid-2000s, the MORELIA LS has been reimagined for modern life while preserving the details that made the original iconic: the signature flap tongue, precise stitchwork, and refined heel construction. The result is a shoe that bridges football heritage and street sensibility.
The slim-soled silhouette remains sharp and true to its roots, while MIZUNO's proprietary cushioning technologies — MIZUNO ENERZY and MIZUNO WAVE — have been integrated for enhanced comfort underfoot. A rubber forefoot wrap adds stability, ensuring a ride that is both comfortable and performance-ready.
To mark the launch of the MORELIA LS, Hypebeast sat down with Mason Mount — MIZUNO brand ambassador and Manchester United FC midfielder — during his visit to Japan. He spoke about the purpose of his trip, his impressions of Japanese craftsmanship, his philosophy on football, and what makes the MIZUNO α III JAPAN his boot of choice.
The ideal is to forget you're even wearing boots.
Let's start with the purpose of your visit to Japan.
Mason:
This trip had been in the works for a while, so I was genuinely excited for it. Getting to meet the MIZUNO team, visit the headquarters, and see the stores in Tokyo and Osaka — it was all really great. But the standout for me was the boot manufacturing factory. Seeing the process firsthand, meeting the people who work there, understanding how everything comes together — that was one of the most important things I wanted to do on this trip.
Was that your first time visiting a factory?
Mason:
Yes, my first time. This is actually my second visit to Japan — the first was football-related, so I didn't really get a chance to engage with the culture or the craftsmanship side of things the way I did this time. What struck me at the factory was just how many steps and how many hands go into making a single product. Everyone on the production line was working with such attention to detail, and you could feel how much pride they take in the quality of what they make. I spend most of my time with the finished product, so seeing the craftsmanship and the skill behind it was genuinely eye-opening. It changed how I look at the boots a little, honestly.
What were your first impressions when you wore the MIZUNO α III JAPAN for the first time?
Mason:
The first thing I noticed was the fit. I took them straight out of the box, put them on, and went out to play — no break-in period needed. They just felt right immediately. Training felt great, and I ended up wearing them in a match too. That's how much I trusted the fit. It almost felt like I wasn't wearing boots at all. The touch on the ball was good, my passing felt clean, and I actually scored in that game.
Is there anything that sets them apart from other boots?
Mason:
The big thing is that you can go straight from the box to playing. For a player, comfort comes first — the feel on the ball, the touch, the responsiveness. My game involves a lot of quick changes of direction and constant movement, so the boot has to keep up with that. The Alpha does exactly that across everything — quick movement, passing, shooting. It suits my style. And the look matters too, honestly. When you glance down at your feet during a game and they look good, it does something for your confidence on the pitch.
Do the boots affect your performance during a match?
Mason:
They do. But ideally, you want to reach a point where you're not thinking about them at all. When you're fully in the game and you've forgotten you're even wearing boots — that's the sweet spot.
Outside of boots, do you have any other kit rituals or preferences?
Mason:
I've worn a base layer since I was a kid. I honestly can't remember when it started, but it's comfortable and it just became part of my routine. That said, I skip it in the heat — the last game of the season against Brighton, for example, it was too hot, so I left it off.
Any interests outside of football?
Mason:
Cooking. I like to think I'm decent at it, but I'm still learning. I want to keep getting better.
On the fashion side — what's your personal style like?
Mason:
I lean toward a relaxed, slightly oversized look. Comfort is a priority for me, especially when I'm travelling. Lately I've been wearing pieces from Mizuno Sportstyle as well — there's a good balance between sport and fashion there that works naturally with how I dress.
What do you think of the MORELIA LS you're wearing today?
Mason:
I really like them. I wear the Alpha for matches, but the MORELIA is something special — it's a symbol of what MIZUNO stands for. Seeing it being made at the factory, watching the care that goes into the tongue, the laces, the outsole, every little detail — it made a real impression on me.
Finally, do you have a message for fans in Japan?
Mason:
Thank you for reading. It's been a real honour to be here and to spend time with everyone. These opportunities don't come around often, so this visit has been genuinely special to me. Thank you.
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