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This Japanese Brand Pushes Its Gorpcore Sneaker into New Territory

This cult-favorite silhouette gets a utilitarian edge thanks to a Hong Kong-based streetwear brand.

Close-up of a black sneaker with orange laces threaded through a silver metal ring and a black pull tab with white text.Lakh
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Ethan Brehm

By Ethan Brehm

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Mizuno, one of the footwear industry’s most IYKYK running brands, just dropped what might be its boldest shoe ever.

Based on the already-bold Wave Prophecy Strap, the Japanese running firm’s latest sneaker levels up the quirkiness with the help of a beloved streetwear label.

Black sneaker with glossy sole and bright orange laces worn with black ribbed socks.
Mizuno teamed up with streetwear brand Lakh for a utilitarian-looking take on the Wave Prophecy Strap sneaker.
Lakh

Riding the Wave

The history of the Wave Prophecy Strap is already an interesting one. Back in 2011, Mizuno decided to take its innovative Wave midsole — designed as a suspension system to help rebound impact and control compression underfoot — and expose it entirely. The result was the Wave Prophecy, which has since become known as a running shoe icon. 

Then, more than a decade later, Mizuno played around with the concept some more. Inspired by the construction of sprint spikes, it turned this renowned trainer into a gorpcore lifestyle sneaker. It opened up the upper and, instead of laces, used a hook-and-loop strap system that tightens around your foot in a single pull.

Black athletic shoes with orange laces hanging from a silver carabiner against a gray wall.
The sandal-sneaker gets an orange braided cord wrapped around the upper.
Lakh

Now, that cult-favorite streetwear shoe gets a utilitarian edge that we didn’t see coming.

Corderly fashion

Hong Kong-based Lakh has significantly grown in popularity since its inception a decade ago. But much like Mizuno, the brand is far from a household name in the US.

Black and orange outdoor sandals worn on feet standing on coiled white rope with orange markings.
The lanyard is mostly ornamental but can be used for hanging up the shoes or attaching any gear pouches as well.
Lakh
Black mesh sneaker with black straps, orange laces, and a black button labeled "LAKH.
The shoe utilizes the already-bold Wave Prophecy Strap’s hook-and-loop system for support.
Lakh

Together, the partnership has created the Wave Prophecy Strap “Knot-Link,” taking the standard Strap sandal-sneaker and adding a braided cord accessory that attaches to the heel loop. This orange lanyard is modular and can be oriented around the shoe however you’d like. 

While it seems to be largely ornamental in nature, the metal-tipped cord can also be used to hang the shoes on a hook or even attach a small gear pouch. Aside from its utility on the shoes themselves, “the detached knot accessories and metal hardware can be independently repurposed as lanyards, keychains and bag ornaments,” according to Lakh.

Pair of black athletic shoes with orange laces and a matching orange keychain on a light gray background.
The cord is removable if you want to use it on your bag or belt loop.
Lakh

If it ain’t broke …

The new Knot-Link silhouette retains all the signature features from the Wave Prophecy Strap, such as its premium webbing straps, the engineered mesh and textile upper and the overall stripped-back appearance. 

Of course, the Infinity Wave midsole can be found underneath with a lightweight EVA layer on top. For the outsole, Mizuno employs its high-abrasion X10 carbon rubber.

Close-up of an orange shoelace with a silver metal aglet engraved with "larkh" on a glossy black shoe.
The sneakers are still built on Mizuno’s famed Infinity Wave midsoles, which come from the brand’s iconic running shoes.
Lakh

Availability and pricing

Landing in all black, save for the hi-vis orange cord, the Wave Prophecy Strap “Knot-Link” dropped today from Lakh’s website. It’s priced at $233.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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