N. Korean Sports Institute showcases 'Mizuno' soccer cleats | NK News
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October 02, 2026Oct 02, 2026

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N. Korean Sports Institute showcases ‘Mizuno’ soccer cleats

Japanese brand Mizuno says no connection to North Korean agency

North Korea’s Sport Equipment Research Institute unveiled a new round of soccer cleats it supposedly designed in late November on Korea Central TV.

It’s just that their designs look an awful lot like a Japanese shoemaker’s.

On November 29, Korea Central TV treated viewers to what it said were a homegrown technological innovation designed by the Sport Equipment Research Institute. However, the new cleats share identical markings with athletic equipment produced by the Japanese brand Mizuno.

Minute details in the composition of the logo found on the shoes, including the way the bottom part of the logo separates into two