Mizuno, the global specialty sporting goods company, today announced the launch of its second annual breast cancer awareness initiative, Project Zero. In its second year, Project Zero, a partnership with Fleet Feet and Breast Cancer Research Foundation, highlights personal stories of strength, perseverance and support, while donating a portion of proceeds from each purchase of the special edition BCRF WAVEKNIT R2 running shoes and other BCRF branded gear.

"Breast cancer knows no boundaries. To think, that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is a shocking statistic," said Harper Cornell, Brand Marketing at Mizuno USA. "A friend, coach, mother, daughter, aunt, sister or other loved one is not immune from this disease. This number should be zero in eight women, and through research we have the ability to make this happen and save lives. We are proud to partner with Fleet Feet and play our part in helping raise funds to find a cure through Project Zero."

Former Olympic athlete and former professional softball player, Jennie Finch, is the spokesperson for the campaign and reinforces the main driver behind the initiative – "Turn 1 in 8 to 0 in 8" – in Project Zero campaign video. Jennie's personal tie to breast cancer through losing a childhood mentor and close family friend to the disease has fueled her involvement in Project Zero and finding a cure. This year's campaign highlights incredible, personal stories from women who have been and are currently battling this disease.

Available exclusively at Fleet Feet stores and MizunoUSA.com, the special edition BCRF shoe design was inspired by those battling breast cancer and the supporters who've been with them every step of the way.  The BCRF WAVEKNIT R2 shoes retails at $130, with $10 from each pair purchased donated to BCRF. Both men's and women's options will be available nationwide starting September 27.

"We know first-hand the good that the running community can create when united for a cause," said Victor Ornelas, director of brand management for Fleet Feet. "Our stores' commitment to supporting important causes at the grassroots level, coupled with Mizuno's dedication to bringing this initiative to life nationally and in-store, will hopefully drive further awareness, funding and support for breast cancer research and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in communities across the country this October."

Fleet Feet stores across the county will hold local events and activities highlighting the partnership, local survivors and supporters, and additional ways to support Project Zero. 

Mizuno's BCRF WAVEKNIT® R2 features performance enhancing knitted wave construction on the upper and is the first release of its new knit technology in the North America market and provides a breathable, natural, sock-like fit with unique strength and hold capability. The upper is constructed without any reinforcements and the varying thread qualities offer expansion and support while the foot is in motion. The performance midsole, with exaggerated lateral crash pad for a smoother ride, and the rear midsole perforations deliver added step comfort, plus a plush heel collar ensures outstanding fit and feel.