We are thrilled to see a collaboration like the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender, bringing together sneaker culture, fine art, and heritage right in our own country. As a local Amsterdam-area lover of both design and craftsmanship, this union feels special: Mizuno, with its heritage and performance DNA, paired with the Rijksmuseum and its vast catalogue of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces.

What makes the Rijksmuseum Edition Contender special

This limited-edition Contender is inspired by Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”, one of the most beloved works in the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Mizuno has taken visual cues from the painting, subdued, subtle colours reminiscent of the Milkmaid’s garments, Delft-blue tile motifs etc. On the tongue of the sneaker you’ll even find a print referencing Vermeer’s figure herself. 

Materials are premium: suede, mesh, even leather accents in some colorways.  The style blends lifestyle sneaker aesthetics with Mizuno’s history for comfort and design detail. The Contender isn’t necessarily a high-end running shoe in terms of performance, but its build quality, heritage appeal, and limited availability make it a collector’s item.

Symbolism, design & integration with Mizuno’s story

The collaboration draws from more than just visual inspiration. Mizuno and the Rijksmuseum joined forces under the broader collection that also includes the Wave Rider 29 Rijksmuseum edition, released for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2025. The theme: an 18th-century Japanese kimono decorated with wave motifs. Water as element, important in both Japanese culture and the Netherlands, becomes a linking thread. Details like gradations of blue, wave patterns, careful craftsmanship, insole graphics, and even references to Osaka manhole cover designs make the shoes richer in story. 

Why we’re excited (local pride, fashion & culture)

It’s always exciting when a global brand like Mizuno looks to Dutch art heritage and museums for inspiration, rather than outsourcing aesthetic ideas. That this comes through our own Rijksmuseum adds a sense of pride. We see culture and fashion intersecting in a tangible way: you can walk through the galleries, absorb the art, then step out wearing something that carries that art with you.

Also, for those of us who love to experience more than just visual culture, there’s RIJKS®, the restaurant inside the Rijksmuseum. Under chef Joris Bijdendijk (with Yascha Oosterberg, Friso van Amerongen and our good friend and RIJKS Sommellier Robin Toen), RIJKS® serves what they call the “Cuisine of the Low Countries”, using authentic Dutch produce and blending tradition and innovation. After viewing the museum or even after picking up your Contender pair, dining at RIJKS® is a way to complete the sensory journey: art, design, flavour. If you haven’t yet, we highly recommend making a reservation.

Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender – A Sneaker Inspired by Dutch Art

At BehindThePines, we are excited to present the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender, a unique collaboration that brings together Japanese craftsmanship, sneaker culture, and Dutch heritage. As a local Amsterdam store, it’s a special moment to see Mizuno partner with the world-famous Rijksmuseum — right in our own backyard.

The Story Behind the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Collaboration

The Mizuno Contender is a classic silhouette from the 1990s, originally designed as a lightweight running shoe. In this collaboration, Mizuno draws inspiration from the Rijksmuseum’s most treasured artworks, including Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The muted tones, Delft-blue detailing, and premium materials echo the textures and colours of Vermeer’s masterpiece, turning the sneaker into a wearable piece of art.

Sneaker Details: Mizuno Contender Meets Vermeer’s Masterpiece

• Premium materials: suede, mesh, and leather accents

• Color palette: soft creams, blues, and yellows inspired by Vermeer

• Artistic details: subtle patterns and motifs referencing Dutch heritage

• Heritage design: comfort and structure drawn from Mizuno’s running legacy

The result is a sneaker that balances lifestyle aesthetics with cultural storytelling, making it a must-have for collectors and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

Why This Amsterdam Collaboration Matters

For us, the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum collaboration represents more than footwear. It’s a celebration of Amsterdam’s cultural identity and a reminder that sneakers can be just as expressive as the art hanging in museums. We’re proud to stock this release at BehindThePines — not only because it’s a standout Mizuno project, but also because it connects sneaker culture to our own local heritage.

From Art to Dining: The RIJKS® Restaurant Experience

A visit to the Rijksmuseum is not complete without experiencing RIJKS® Restaurant, located within the museum itself. The Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the Cuisine of the Low Countries, with seasonal ingredients and modern interpretations of Dutch classics. For us, RIJKS® is the perfect example of how tradition and innovation come together, just like this sneaker collaboration.

Details

• Price: €139,95

• Availability: Shop the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender

• Stock: Limited edition, don’t wait too long if you want to secure a pair.

The Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender is more than just a sneaker, it’s a fusion of sport, fashion, and fine art. For sneaker fans, culture lovers, and anyone proud of Dutch heritage, this release is one to celebrate. Pair a visit to the Rijksmuseum with dinner at RIJKS®, and you’ll see why this collaboration feels like the perfect blend of art, design, and lifestyle.