Mizuno Corp.'s Ignitus soccer shoes have drawn hot attention because they were developed specifically to kick the "nonspinning ball," which star player Keisuke Honda has employed with devastating effect at the World Cup.
The Osaka-based company has already sold 70,000 pairs since the shoes' debut in December and plans to produce more to meet the many inquiries from customers.
A nonspinning ball makes unexpected moves as it descends, making it difficult for goalkeepers to block.
Honda, a member of Japan's World Cup team, scored a goal by kicking a nonspinning ball during Friday's match in South Africa against Denmark.
Analyzing Honda's kicking style, Mizuno concluded the inner side of a foot is the best surface for executing a nonspinning ball.
"I'm very happy because I can support a player through the development of a (special) shoe," said Takuro Kuwabara, 32, one of the Mizuno workers who designed the shoe.
