Mazda is shifting gears with its latest offering. In partnership with performance wear brand Mizuno, the automotive company has introduced a “Bareclutch” sneaker made to enhance the feeling of driving. The low-top shoe features a thin sole to provide a more direct feeling on the pedal, while efficient cushioning ensures the sneaker is comfortable enough to wear outside of the car.
The Bareclutch sneaker serves as an extension of the Jinba-Ittai philosophy, which Mazda has cited over the years in building its cars. Jinba-Ittai reflects the feeling that the sense of oneness between a rider and his beloved horse is the ultimate bond — a bond Mazda has worked to recreate between its cars and drivers. Its Bareclutch sneaker intensifies this bond even further with a direct pedal feel and more accurate pedal feedback.
