A Step Toward Reducing Waste! Extending the Lifespan of Baseball Cleats with Cemented Carbide (Choko) Studs

As part of its sustainability initiatives, Mizuno is promoting longer product lifespans. For baseball cleats, the company is working to extend the overall durability of the shoes by improving the wear resistance of the metal studs.

While embedded-style studs remain the mainstream choice and deliver strong performance, they present a challenge: once the studs wear down, the entire shoe needs to be replaced. To address this, Mizuno has adopted a special welding method for some custom-order cleats^*1, attaching cemented carbide tips - materials also used in space development equipment and tunnel boring machines - to the ends of the studs. This results in significantly enhanced durability^*2 compared to conventional studs.

*1 As of October 2025, applicable to resin-soled cleats in the Mizuno Pro Order and Global Elite Order series.
*2 Based on Mizuno’s internal research.

These highly durable studs maintain their initial grip strength for longer, supporting player performance over time. Moreover, by reducing situations where “only the studs are worn out, but the rest of the shoe is still usable,” this innovation contributes to waste reduction. Through longer-lasting shoes, Mizuno aims to reduce environmental impact.

Mizuno has been engaged in environmental conservation activities for over 30 years since the 1990s and is working toward achieving carbon neutrality in its business operations by 2050. Through continued technological innovation, the company is committed to preserving a rich global environment where sports can be enjoyed and passing it on to future generations.