A lot of sneakers lean on color alone, but this pair actually has a story behind it. Inspired by the black persimmon, also known as “Kuro Gaki,” this latest take on the Mizuno MXR uses a deep purple Kakishibu-style treatment that gives the shoe a moodier, more distinctive look than your average mesh runner.

That purple finish washes over nearly everything. The mesh base, overlays, laces, lining, and midsole all fall in line, giving the shoe a saturated, almost studio-made feel from top to bottom. Even with one dominant shade doing most of the work, the MXR still keeps its shape and layered runner look intact. Small tan hits near the tongue and side panel help break things up, while the darker Mizuno logo adds just enough edge.

What really sets this release apart is how small it is. Only 30 pairs of the JW Studios x Mizuno MXR “Kuro Gaki” were made, and each one is individually marked “1/30” on the tongue. That numbered detail makes the project feel more personal, more deliberate, and a lot more collectible than a normal limited release.

The JW Studios x Mizuno MXR “Kuro Gaki” will be available through a giveaway at byjwstudios.com. Entries close at 1:00 PM ET on April 17, 2026 with winners chosen at random on April 18. Shipping is expected within four weeks, so this one is shaping up to be a very small but very memorable Mizuno drop.

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