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10 Best Mizuno Running Shoes in 2026 | Complete Guide to Buy

10 Best Mizuno Running Shoes in 2026 | Complete Guide to Buy




August 8, 2026








Finding a good running shoe can greatly help your comfort, performance and whole running time.

With the many brands around nowadays, Mizuno has made a strong name for making dependable, lasting and high-performing running shoes. Known for its new Wave tech, quick cushioning and top quality work, Mizuno stays a favorite with runners at all levels in 2026.

If you are getting ready for a long race, jogging every day, using the running machine ͏or just wanting some easy sports shoes, there is a Mizuno style made to fit your needs.

The name gives all sorts of options from soft daily trainers to light racing shoes and choices that help with stability for those who roll their feet in too much.

One reason why runners like Mizuno is its promise to mix comfort and quickness. Unlike very soft shoes which might seem wobbly, Mizuno shoes usually give a strong but cozy feel that helps runners stay on track over long miles. 

In this guide, we’ve put together the top Mizuno jogging shoes for 2026. We will chat about their ideas, top uses and what makes every kind special so you can choose the good pair for your run style.

Why Choose Mizuno Running Shoes?

Before looking at the top models, it’s important to know why Mizuno is among the most trusted running brands.

best mizuno running shoes why ti choose them a image with black running shoe

Key benefits include:

Wave Plate technology for stability and energy returnDurable constructionExcellent cushioning optionsResponsive rideLightweight designsReliable tractionLong-lasting performance

If you’re a new or an old runner, Mizuno has choices for almost every kind of running.

1. Mizuno Wave Rider 30

The Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the brand’s best known jogging shoes and it still leads a group in 2026.

best mizuno running shoes rider white wave shoes with side view

Key Features:

MIZUNO ENERZY cushioningWave Plate technologyBreathable engineered mesh upperDurable rubber outsole

Best For:

Daily running and long-distance training.

The Wave Rider offers a nice blend of gentle help and fast reaction making it good for runners wanting an easy everyday shoe. 

2. Mizuno Wave Sky 9

best mizuno running shoes wave sky 9 shoes blue color

For folks who care about ease, the Wave Sky 9 is one of the top Mizuno running shoes out there.

Key Features:

Maximum cushioningPlush ridePremium upper constructionSmooth transitions

Best For:

Recovery runs and long-distance comfort.

The shoe gives a comfy feel below the foot, while keeping the quickness that Mizuno is famous for.

3. Mizuno Wave Inspire 22

best mizuno running shoes wave inspire 22 black in color side view

The Wave Inspire stays one of Mizuno’s best shoes for support.

Key Features:

Enhanced supportMIZUNO ENERZY midsoleLightweight stability designImproved heel support

Best For:

People who roll their feet too much and joggers needing more help.

It gives help without being too stiff, which makes it great for everyday use.

4. Mizuno Neo Vista

best mizuno running shoes neo vista blue color shoe side view

The Neo Vista is one of Mizuno’s best new running shoes.

Key Features:

Lightweight constructionHigh-energy foamModern rocker geometryPremium comfort

Best For:

Performance training and fast daily runs.

Joggers wanting a fresher vibe will like the Neo Vista’s lively journey.

5. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

best mizuno running shoes wave rebellion pro 3 shoes pink color side view

Made for racing, the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is fast.

Key Features:

Carbon-infused plateAggressive rocker shapeLightweight designHigh energy return

Best For:

Marathons and race day performance.

Big runners looking for best times will find this type very nice.

6. Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

wave daichi 9 blue color side view

Trail runners need strength and hold, and the Wave Daichi 9 gives both.

Key Features:

Rugged outsoleTrail-specific tractionProtective upperStable platform

Best For:

Trail running and mixed terrain.

The shoe works well on soil ways, stony paths and bumpy ground.

7. Mizuno Wave Mujin 11

Mizuno wave mujin 11 brown color shoe side view

The Wave Mujin is made for tricky path trips.

Key Features:

Maximum trail protectionEnhanced gripDurable materialsComfortable cushioning

Best For:

Long-distance trail running.

Its strong shape helps runners face tough ground with trust. 

8. Mizuno Wave Equate 9

The Wave Equate gives steadiness at a cheaper cost. 

wave equate 9 shoes side view blue color

Key Features:

Balanced supportDurable constructionComfortable fitResponsive cushioning

Best For:

Beginner runners and ͏everyday training.

This model gives great value while keeping Mizuno’s unique comfort.

9. Mizuno Wave Ultima 16

best mizuno running shoes  wave ultima 16 shoe side view

The Wave Ultima joins comfort and changeability.

Key Features:

Comfortable cushioningSmooth transitionsDurable outsoleLightweight feel

Best For:

Neutral runners seeking daily comfort.

The shoe fits well for many running lengths and speeds.

10. Mizuno Wave Aero 22

best mizuno running shoes wave aero 22 black color shoe side view color

For folks who like fast exercises, the Wave Aero is still a good choice.

Key Features:

Lightweight profileResponsive cushioningFast turnoverStreamlined upper

Best For:

Tempo runs and speed training.

It gives a faster, nimbler trip than the thick padded shoes.

Comparison of the Best Mizuno Running Shoes

The Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the brand’s best known jogger shoes and it st͏ill leads a group in 2026.

All Mizuno shoes have the brands promise to be strong, comfy and work well but their soft padding, help systems, and planned use differ a lot. 

how to compare best mizuno shoes running shoe image with side view white in color

The Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is the best choice in the group. It gives a good mix of soft padding, quick response, and strength making it good for all kinds of runs from daily jogs to long trips.

For folks who care about comfort the most, the Wave Sky 9 offers the softest and cushiest feel in the group Its comfy middle sole makes it great for easy runs and people who stand a lot on their feet 

For folks who need more help, the Wave Inspire 22 and Wave Equate 9 are great picks. The Wave Inspire 22 gives top-notch steadiness features but keeps a nice and easy ride, while Wave Equate 9 has reliable support at a cheaper cost making it appealing for new runners. 

Athletes who care about their performance might like the Neo Vista and Wave Rebellion Pro 3.

The Neo Vista mixes new soft padding tech with a light build, giving a ͏lively feel for quick training times. The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 pushes things more with its race-ready making and carbon-filled plate, which makes it one of the speediest shoes in Mizuno’s collection. 

Trail runners have special choices too. The Wave Daichi 9 gives flexibility for different ground, while the Wave Mujin 11 offers greatest safety and hold for trickier paths and longer out-door trips.

At the same time, a Wave Ultima 16 is a solid daily shoe for easy runners wanting soft and flexible fit. The Wave Aero 22 attracts runners that like fast runs, quick workouts and light shoes.

Overall, the best Mizuno sneakers fit lots of needs from daily runs and races to trail running and help.

Choosing a good pair really relies on your running goals, favorite softness amount and the type of ground you run on most times. 

How to Choose the Best Mizuno Running Shoes

Choosing the top Mizuno running shoes depends on some factors, such as your running way, foot form, training goals and how much soft help you want. With a lot of styles out in 2026 knowing what you need can help choose the right pair and improve comfort and act. 

The first thing to think about is your foot shape and run style. People who run with a straight stride usually pick shoes like the Wave Rider 30, Wave Sky 9 or Wave Ultima 16 good for many uses.

best mizuno running shoes how to choose best mizuno running shoe yellow shoe side view

These shoes give even softening and quickness without extra help features. If you often roll your foot inwards or need more steadiness when you run, types like the Wave Inspire 22 or Wave Equate 9 give more support to keep things lined up right. 

Next, think about the kind of running you do most times. For everyday practice and usual health, the Wave Rider stays one of the top Mizuno running shoes because of its overall ability.

If you often run long ways and care about comfort, the well-padded Wave Sky 9 could be a better choice. Runners who want speed should think about light choices like a Neo Vista or the Wave Rebellion Pro 3.

Softness is one more big thing to think about. Some joggers like a softer, cushier feel but others prefer a harder and more quick response. Mizuno has choices all over this range, letting runners pick a shoe that fits their comfort wants.

You must think about the ground you run on too. People who run on roads can pick from many of Mizuno’s options, but those who run on trails need to check out shoes like the Wave Daichi 9 or Wave Mujin 11 which͏ are made for rough paths.

In the end, the finest Mizuno shoes for jogging are those that fit your wants. Taking time to check your running style, support needs and comfort wishes will help you find a pair that makes each run better and more fun.

What Makes Mizuno Different From Other Running Brands?

Mizuno has gained a steady group of fans among joggers because of its special way of making shoes, how they work and their lasting quality.

While lots of running names mainly look at soft padding, Mizuno uses a more even method by mixing ease, quickness and steadiness in one set. This unique idea is one big reason why the name keeps making some of the best Mizuno running shoes each year.

best mizuno running shoes hwo they are best from other brands image with a yellow shoe side view

One of Mizuno’s special ideas is its Wave Plate tech. Unlike normal running shoes that use only foam for softening, Mizuno puts a specially shaped wave plate in the middle part.

This tech helps spread out force better, boosts steadiness and makes energy bounce back more during every step. Because of this, runners often feel a softer and easier run.

One more spot where Mizuno shines is strength. Lots of runners pick Mizuno shoes since they keep their work over many miles.

The name uses good materials and strong bottoms that can handle regular training without getting worn out fast; this makes Mizuno a smart choice for runners wanting long-lasting shoes.

Mizuno gives a mix of shoes for many running styles. If you want a comfy daily shoe, a stable pair, a light racer or a trail-running type, there is one Mizuno choice made just for that. Shoes like the Wave Rider, the Wave Sky Wave Inspire and the Wave Rebellion fit many kinds of runners and aims.

Also, Mizuno shoes get lots of praise for giving a more quick feel than some very cushioned rivals. Many runners like the mix between softness and ground feedback which help make a natural running experience.

What makes Mizuno special is its promise to give strong support, long-lasting use and quick reaction while still keeping things comfy. This mix keeps making Mizuno a safe pick for joggers looking for steady action and lasting worth in their shoes.

Are Mizuno Running Shoes Good for Beginners?

Sure, Mizuno running shoes are a great pick for new runners. The brand makes shoes that mix comfort, help, toughness and how well they work so it’s easier for newbies to feel good and stick with their practice.

If you’re starting a fitness trip, getting ready for your first 5K or just wanting comfy running shoes for daily workout, Mizuno has some easy options for beginners.

a high ankle running shoe from mizuno with a side view white color

One of the main perks of Mizuno shoes is their steadiness and good padding. New runners usually need shoes that can soak up shock well while giving right support during runs.

Lots of the top Mizuno running shoes have the brand’s special wave tech, which͏ helps spread weight out evenly and makes for an easier run. This can lessen pain and help fresh runners keep better shape.

Another reason why new runners like Mizuno is the toughness of its shoes. New joggers might not know what kind of running shoe fits them best, so getting a pair that lasts for months of practice is helpful.

Mizuno shoes are made to take regular use and usually keep their padding and shape for longer times than many basic running shoes.

Models like Wave Rider 30, Wave Inspire 22 and Wave Equate 9 are good for new runners.

The Wave Rider gives a nice mix of ease and quick feel while the Wave Inspire has more help for joggers who want extra steadiness! The Wave Equate is a low-cost choice that still gives trustable action and comfort.

Mizuno also offers a blend of soft types, helping new runners choose a shoe that matches their tastes. If you enjoy a smoother ride or a bouncier feel, there’s likely an Mizuno design that fits your needs.

In general, Mizuno running shoes are a good pick for new runners since they mix ease, help, lasting use and solid working. With the correct set, fresh runners can have a better time and fun start running.

Are Mizuno Running Shoes Worth Buying in 2026?

Yep, Mizuno joggers are truly worth it in 2026 mostly for runners who enjoy durable and comfy things.

Though the world of running shoes has a lot of good brands, Mizuno keeps shining by providing strong shoes that suit all types of runners from beginners to seasoned marathoners. 

best mizuno running shoes  are worth it? a black shoes with side view

One of the big reasons to think of Mizuno is the name’s trust. Many runners like that Mizuno shoes stay soft and give good help for a long time.

This strength often means better value, as runners can run lots of miles before they need a new pair.  

For people who run often, putting money into a strong running shoe can help a lot. One big plus is Mizuno’s new wave tech, which helps give a mix of padding, steadiness and quick response.

Unlike some running shoes that just care about bein͏g soft, Mizuno wants to make a ride that feels good but not too hard or too soft. This way suits runners who want ease while still keeping up speed during exercises and long runs.

The brand also gives a great range of models. If you need a shoe for everyday use like the Wave Rider 30 or a soft choice like the Wave Sky 9, maybe a shoe that helps with balance such as the Wave Inspire 22 or a fast model like the Wave Rebellion Pro 3; there is Mizuno shoe made for your needs. 

Mizuno shoes are known for their nice make, light tops, and strong hold. These traits help to make a comfy and safe run no matter how long or what type of training it is. All in all Mizuno still is one of the most trusted names in running shoes in 2026.

If you’re seeking for shoes that mix comfort, strength, support and performance. The best Mizuno running shoes are surely worth a thought for your next purchase.

Key Technologies Behind Mizuno Running Shoes

One of the big reasons Mizuno stays a known name with runners is its care for new ideas. The brand often puts money into study and growth to make running shoes that give a mix of ease, help and doing well.

Knowing the tools used in the best Mizuno running shoes can aid runners see why these styles keep doing so great in different running times.

In the center of lots of Mizuno shoes is the brand’s special Wave Plate tech. This wave-like plate is built into the middle part to help spread out hit forces better when each foot hits down.

best mizuno running shoes technology they use for making shoes , a multicolor shoe with a side view

The outcome is better steadiness, easier shifts and more energy back. Unlike old cushioning ways that depend only on foam, the Wave Plate gives structure support without making it too heavy. 

One big change is MIZUNO ENERZY foam, which has turned into a main part in lots of the brand’s new models. This smart padding stuff is made to give both softness and bounce.

Runners gain more comfort below their feet while still having a lively and bright run. The tech helps cut tiredness during long runs and adds to a better running time all together. 

Mizuno also puts a lot of attention on the top building. Many styles have made mesh tops that help air flow while keeping a snug fit.

This helps keep feet cool and comfy during practice times, especi͏ally in hot weather. Light materials make comfort even better without giving up strength. 

Also, Mizuno uses strong rubber bottoms that give steady grip on different grounds. Whether jogging on streets, paths or easy trails, joggers can look for trustable hold and lasting use. 

All these tools make a special running experience that mixes softness, help, strength and ease. This promise to new ideas is one of the reasons why the best Mizuno running shoes still draw in runners at all skill levels in 2026.

Benefits of Running in Mizuno Shoes

Picking the right joggers can really change how you run, feel and avoid getting hurt. This is why lots of runners keep choosing Mizuno every year. The top Mizuno running shoes are made to help runners over many distances, training types and fitness stages, giving different perks that make them shine in a busy market.

One of the top perks of Mizuno running shoes is their even ride. Unlike some joggers that only look at soft padding, Mizuno tries to mix padding with quickness and steadiness. This makes for a running feel that is cozy while still letting runners keep moving well and have nice energy back during their runs.

what are the benefits a running shoe image from mizuni with side view grey on color

One more main plus is how long they last. Mizuno shoes are famous for their power to handle regular workouts without getting out of shape or losing their skill. Good midsoles, strong outsoles and n͏ice top materials help some Mizuno types go on for many miles, making them a good buy for runners who run a lot. 

Ease is one more place where Mizuno does very well. Lots of the brand’s newest shoes have airy mesh tops, soft collars and clever padding that help lower stress on the feet. This makes them good for all types of things from short runs each day to long training times. 

Help is just as key and Mizuno gives choices for both straight runners and those who need more stability. Styles like the Wave Inspire and Wave Equate offer more help for runners that overpronate, while straight options like the Wave Rider and Wave Sky aim to give smooth and comfy changes. 

Also, Mizuno has a big choice of running shoes that means there is a good fit for almost every kind of runner. If your aim is for daily practice, getting ready for a marathon, going fast or running on trails the brand gives special shoes made to help you do very well while feeling comfy and safe. 

Final Verdict

Mizuno keeps showing why it is one of the top names in the running field. With a big focus on how well things work, lasting power and ease, the brand gives many choices that suit almost every type of runner.

If you are a newbie starting your fit path, a skilled marathon runner, or a person in search of an everyday shoe for training there is a Mizuno type made to suit your needs.

In this guide, the Wave Rider 30 from Mizuno is one of the best choices for most runners. It gives a great mix of softness, quickness and long-lasting use making it good for everyday runs, long jogs and fitness tasks.

If you want more comfort, the Wave Sky 9 gives a soft and very cushioned feel; while runners who need more help will like the stability-driven Wave Inspire 22. 

Active sportspeople have good choices too. The Neo Vista and Wave Rebellion Pro 3 give light, quick rides that are perfect for speedy training and race days.

Outdoor lovers find great options in the Wave Daichi 9 and Wave Mujin 11, which both provide great grip and safety on tough ground.

What really makes Mizuno different is its skill to mix new tech with lasting strength. Things like Wave Plate tech, quick bouncing support and high-quality build help make a running feel that seems both cozy and smooth. 

At the end, the best Mizuno running shoes are ones that fit your own running goals, foot shape and liking for soft padding. 

By picking the right type, you can boost comfort, lessen tiredne͏ss and have a better running time. For joggers looking for tough kicks that give good value a͏nd how well they function, Mizuno is still a name to think about in 2026.

FAQs

Which is the best Mizuno running shoe in 2026?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is looked at as a best pick for lots of joggers.

Are Mizuno running shoes good for beginners?

Yes, shoes like a Wave Rider 30 and the Wave Equate 9 are good for new runners.

Which Mizuno shoe is best for long-distance running?

The Wave Sky 9 and Wave Rider 30 are nice choices for long journeys of ease.

Does Mizuno make stable running shoes?

Yes, the Wave Inspire 22 and Wave Equate 9 are made for a better balance.

Are Mizuno running shoes durable?

Yes, Mizuno shoes are known for their tough make and strong use.

Which Mizuno shoe is best for racing?

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a best pick from Mizuno for running shoes.  

Are Mizuno shoes worth buying in 2026?

Yeah, they give great ease, long-lasting-ness and worth for joggers of every kind.







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Dec Donnelly’s bedtime confession leaves co-star Ant McPartlin utterly stunned

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    Dec Donnelly’s bedtime confession leaves co-star Ant McPartlin utterly stunned


    Dec Donnelly left Ant McPartlin stunned as he revealed his unusual bedtime routine on their podcast.

    As reported by the Daily Mail, the pair discussed their nighttime habits on Thursday’s episode of Hanging Out with Ant & Dec. The chat quickly turned into a string of innuendos, and Ant could not stop laughing.

    Dec said he and wife Ali Astall usually head upstairs at about nine o’clock. He said: “I have a pretty good routine. At about maybe nine o’clock, we’ll go up to the bedroom. Put the TV on.”

    He added: “Sometimes I’ll have a little shower before bed. I like to have a shower, getting into clean sheets. Phones off, but not off, but like silent. Do not disturb.”

    Dec explained his routine with Ant (Credit: Belta Box / YouTube)

    Dec Donnelly stuns Ant McPartlin with bedtime routine

    Then Dec dropped the line that stunned Ant. He said: “I’ve got these boots.”

    Ant jumped in straight away. He asked: “What? You put boots on to go on the bed? Nighttime boots?”

    Dec kept the joke going before he explained himself. He said: “Yeah. It’s supposed to make me taller. No, no, no. They’re compression boots that I put on my legs and they go right up to, right to there.”

    As Dec described the thigh-high fit, Ant fired back with one word: “Sexy.”

    Dec explained what the boots do. He said: “And you press a button and they go [buzz]. It’s like having your blood pressure taken. It’s for like lymphatic system.”

    Ant pushed the joke even further. He asked: “And are you turned on by this boot?”

    Dec laughed and carried on. He said: “Well, I’ll have a little boot session, maybe. We watch TV. Mrs. D does her bit.”

    That answer only confused Ant more. He replied: “What?”

    Declan Donnelly And His Pregnant Wife Ali Astall Arriving For Day 2 Of Royal Ascot
    Dec shared details on his and wife Ali’s bedtime routines (Credit: David Parker/ANL/Shutterstock)

    Ali Astall’s routine made the chat even stranger

    Dec then explained Ali’s side of the evening ritual. He said: “She does whatever she does, her little beauty routine. There’s all sorts of creams going on.”

    Then he revealed the detail that really threw Ant. He said: “She lies on one of these bed of nails. Like a mat with [plastic little sticks]. It’s like an acupuncture thing.”

    Dec admitted he wants no part of that. He said: “It hurts me. I can’t do it. So I just put my legs on.”

    Read more: Dec Donnelly hits out at ‘rude’ parent following incident at son Jack’s playgroup

    By then, Ant summed up the whole exchange. He said: “I didn’t expect any of this. I expected like, ‘I might have a bowl of cereal.’”

    Dec also shared the calmer part of the routine. He said: “Sometimes I’ll have a little sleepy tea. The one with the teddy bear on the front and his pyjamas.”

    He added: “I’ll take one of them up and we’ll relax with maybe a 24 Hours in Police Custody. Something nice and chill before bed.”

    What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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    Dr Michael Mosley’s son Jack gets married as beautiful tribute to his late father at wedding revealed

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      Dr Michael Mosley’s son Jack gets married as beautiful tribute to his late father at wedding revealed


      Dr Michael Mosley’s son Jack has married his partner Heather, while making sure his late father remained part of their special day.

      The newlywed shared a selection of wedding photographs on Instagram, including a moving image of an empty chair reserved in Michael’s memory.

      A small handwritten tag bearing the name “Mike” hung from the chair, which was decorated with pink ribbon. A larger message identified Michael as the father of the groom and said his love and spirit continued to surround the family.

      “We carry you in our hearts as we begin this new chapter,” part of the tribute read. “This day is for you, too. Always remembered, always loved.”

      Michael Mosley’s son Jack has tied the knot (Credit: ITV)

      Jack Mosley shares wedding photographs

      Alongside the pictures, which you can see here, Jack wrote: “Best day, marrying my favourite person.”

      Heather wore an off-the-shoulder cream wedding gown and styled her hair in loose curls. Other photographs showed the couple smiling and dancing, with Jack lifting his bride on the dancefloor in one black-and-white image.

      According to The Sun, Jack was joined at the celebrations by his siblings Alex, Dan and Kate, as well as his mother, Dr Clare Mosley.

      Followers appeared touched by the family’s tribute to Michael. One wrote: “Congratulations! That brought tears to my eyes seeing that chair.”

      Another said: “How beautiful – congratulations. What a beautiful touch with the chair for your Dad.”

      Dr Michael Mosley on Lorraine
      Dr Michael Mosley died in 2024 (Credit: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

      Michael Mosley died in 2024

      Michael, a broadcaster, author and doctor, was known to viewers for sharing health advice on programmes including The One Show, This Morning and Lorraine.

      He tragically died aged 67 in June 2024 after going missing during a walk on the Greek island of Symi.

      His body was found on June 9, four days after he failed to return.

      Read more: This Morning viewers ‘uncomfortable’ as Michael Mosley’s wife Clare appears on show

      Jack’s wedding tribute offered a deeply personal way for the family to remember him as the couple began married life together.

      What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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      Late Ondo Founder’s Mother Sues for Company Control, Seeks CEO Removal

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      Late Ondo Founder’s Mother Sues for Company Control, Seeks CEO Removal


      Kathleen Allman, mother of the late Ondo Finance founder Nathan Allman, is seeking to gain control of the company and requesting the removal of Ian De Bode from his position as CEO and president, according to a verified complaint filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on July 24. The lawsuit comes less than two months after Ondo announced Allman’s passing, thrusting one of the major companies in the real-world asset tokenization space into a governance dispute during a period of expanding tokenized securities.

      What The Complaint Says

      According to the complaint, Kathleen Allman alleges that Ian De Bode has “improperly held himself out” as the CEO of Ondo following the death of Nathan Allman without board approval. She also alleges that De Bode sought to make himself the sole director of the company.

      At the heart of the dispute is the status of Ondo’s board following Nathan Allman’s death. The complaint contends that at that time, the board had two seats: one held by Nathan Allman and the other vacant. Under Kathleen Allman’s argument, when Nathan passed away, the company had no remaining directors with the authority to approve De Bode’s appointment as CEO.

      The Block noted that the public version of the complaint redacted several key pieces of information, including the specific voting interest percentage that Nathan Allman’s estate reportedly holds, as well as his cause of death. These redacted portions leave the public filing currently insufficient to fully verify the claim that the estate holds controlling interest in Ondo.

      Kathleen Allman’s Control Claim

      Kathleen Allman argues that as the personal representative of Nathan Allman’s estate, she has the right to represent the controlling voting interest in Ondo. According to the complaint, she was appointed by a Hawaii court as the personal representative of the estate in late June, and, approximately two weeks later, signed a stockholder written consent appointing herself as the sole director of Ondo.

      Subsequently, Allman expanded the board to four seats and appointed Gordon Liao and Tahnee Towill. Liao declined the position for “reasons unrelated” to the legal dispute, according to the filing cited by The Block. Towill is Nathan Allman’s sister.

      On July 24, the same day the complaint was filed, Allman and Towill voted to remove De Bode from all officer, employee, and consultant positions at Ondo, including his role as president. The complaint also states that Allman was appointed as chair, CEO, secretary, and treasurer.

      Should the court accept this argument, the lawsuit will not only revolve around the CEO title, but will also decide who holds the legal right to reconstitute the board and control Ondo following the founder’s death.

      De Bode Rejects The Claims

      In a response provided to The Block, De Bode said Kathleen Allman’s claims are “meritless” and will be clarified in court. He also stated that Ondo continues to receive support from key stakeholders, including lead investors and the Ondo Foundation.

      De Bode continued to use the title of Ondo Finance CEO in his response. He argued that the lawsuit does not serve the interests of the company, shareholders, the team, or the Ondo ecosystem, while stating that the current leadership team remains committed to clients and Nathan Allman’s vision of a more open financial system.

      Kathleen Allman’s side stated that the board group she established remains committed to Nathan Allman’s belief that on-chain markets are the future of finance, while focusing on maintaining company operations while searching for a successor.

      The allegations in the complaint currently remain allegations from one party in the dispute. The Delaware Court of Chancery has not yet issued a ruling confirming which party holds legitimate control over Ondo.

      What’s At Stake

      Ondo is currently one of the major names in the real-world asset tokenization sector. According to DeFiLlama, Ondo Finance currently holds approximately $3.49 billion in TVL across 14 blockchains, while CoinGecko records the ONDO token as having a market capitalization of around $1.93 billion.

      Ondo’s scale extends beyond tokenized Treasurys. Ondo Stocks, the segment bringing traditional securities on-chain, is recording around $1 billion in TVL, 440+ assets, and 

      Ondo Stocks dashboard

      Ondo Stocks dashboard. Source: Ondo Finance

      Nathan Allman passed away at the end of May, De Bode was announced as taking over the CEO role shortly thereafter, and less than two months later, the founder’s mother took the dispute to the Delaware Court of Chancery. The lawsuit therefore emerges just as Ondo is expanding deeper into tokenized securities, a sector highly dependent on the trust of investors, partners, and regulatory frameworks.

      The Delaware Court of Chancery has not yet issued a ruling regarding control of Ondo. Until the court resolves the complaint, De Bode and Kathleen Allman continue to present two opposing positions regarding who holds the authority to run the company following Nathan Allman’s death.



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      The Real-Life Mission Impossible Masks: Identity in the Age of Digital Face Hacking | Metaverse Planet

      The Real-Life Mission Impossible Masks: Identity in the Age of Digital Face Hacking | Metaverse Planet


      Do you remember those iconic Mission Impossible scenes? You know the ones—where Ethan Hunt casually rips off a hyper-realistic face mask to reveal his true identity. I always watched those moments and wondered what it would actually be like to wear one. Well, I’ve been diving deep into the latest developments in materials science, and I have to tell you: the technology has finally caught up to Hollywood.

      We are no longer just dreaming about this. It is here, and it is entirely mind-bending.

      The Nano-Polymer Reality: Breathing Skin and 98% Less Sweat

      Signature: kIprDdTc0+X8gwbM9290ICkznXkhlk+SIpQmmfsSaXqJZuaBo48KWXmYiISoi7AbCeVArrJ52ql7+xRsNStDmt2zlCjQTFCsCwZj+hrsB2mxYEpsiFVrEUbWrd4GVHq6tnGpGDz9N13kwNoqLjslSgJk0XFMa7a4pa6Ya0SH58Nctlz2oaGm+kPC5kC7pjwXHrYbVdTgLjngB9yTsJEtwnWLj5dwMMkeIcU5ghy8YZwG7C/MbyKA/PZgOXw+7mRr

      Let’s talk about the tech itself. Forget those clunky, suffocating rubber masks you see at Halloween. The breakthrough here relies on nano-polymer face masks.

      When I was reading through the specs, I was genuinely shocked. This material is engineered to mimic biology—it actually breathes like real human skin. One of the biggest hurdles with prosthetics used to be thermal regulation, but these new nano-polymers prevent sweating by 98%.

      Think about that for a second. You could look in the mirror, snap on a new layer of synthetic skin, and become a completely different person in a matter of seconds, without feeling like your face is melting off. It is an incredible engineering feat, but it immediately sent my mind racing toward the implications.

      The Dark Side: Stepping into a Cyberpunk Dystopia

      hacker man typing on laptop, hacking computer system. male in mask and pullover. unrecognizable incognito male sit in hood and try to breach the security of laptop system. neon smoke in background

      As much as the tech geek in me loves this, while I was investigating, I stumbled upon a terrifying dark side: digital face hacking.

      We’ve worried about digital deepfakes for years, but what happens when the deepfake enters the physical world? The risks are massive:

      Physical Identity Theft: It’s no longer just about stealing a password; it’s about stealing someone’s literal appearance to bypass biometric security.The Framed Innocent: I thought for a moment about the sheer panic of having my face hacked. Imagine a crime being committed, security cameras catching it all, and the face on the tape is yours—even though you were asleep in your bed.The Death of Trust: On a societal level, I feel like we are approaching a point where I will never confidently know the real face of the person passing by me on the street anymore.

      The Three-Face Limit: A Fragile Security Net?

      cropped-Experience-Revolutionary-Magic-Mirror-Analyzing-Your-Face.webp

      To prevent this from turning into total global chaos, developers are desperately trying to build guardrails. Right now, the system operates under strict biometric locks. It only allows a transformation into three different pre-encrypted faces.

      You can’t just download a celebrity’s face or your neighbor’s face and print it out. The faces are mathematically generated, encrypted, and locked to your specific hardware.

      But honestly? I’m skeptical. Every encrypted system in history has eventually been cracked. If you can hack a bank, you can hack a face. This technology represents a tremendous power, but to me, it feels like a cyberpunk dystopia stepping off the pages of a sci-fi novel and right into our daily lives.

      So, I have to ask you: If you had access to this nano-polymer tech and your three encrypted faces, would you strictly use them to protect your privacy online, or would the temptation to physically walk the streets as a completely different person be too strong?

      Because remember, the future is not fiction, it is being coded right here. Come on, subscribe right now and support me please!

      #FutureTech #DigitalIdentity #FaceHacking #CyberSecurity #MetaversePlanet

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      The Next Generation of Singaporean Fashion Designers are Building Their Own Identity

      The Next Generation of Singaporean Fashion Designers are Building Their Own Identity


      Lasalle College of the Arts’ 2026 graduate fashion show took place in the then-unopened Cantonment MRT station, where students were asked to centre their designs in Southeast Asian fashion. (Photo: Courtesy of Lasalle College of the Arts)

      Midway through May this year, the who’s who of Singapore’s fashion scene—from editors and influencers to budding designers—gathered in the basement level of the unopened Cantonment MRT station. For one evening only, it was to be transformed into a celebration of Singapore’s next generation of designers: the setting for Lasalle College of the Arts’ 2026 graduate fashion show.

      Eng Li Wen’s oversized, workwear-inspired pieces were a tribute to the historic Sungei Road flea market. (Photo: Courtesy of Lasalle College of the Arts)

      Rather than being a silent backdrop to the evening, the station came alive, imbuing the show with a frisson of the unexpected. Models were backlit by fully functional trains pulling into and out of the platform; the electronica soundtrack was interspersed with standard MRT safety announcements. “You wouldn’t believe the level of bureaucracy it took to make this happen,” one usher quipped as he seated attendees—among whom was Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.

      For Dr Circe Henestrosa, the head of Lasalle’s School of Fashion, the show’s unusual setting was less an exercise in novelty than a natural extension of the department’s mission: to develop critically engaged young design talent in Singapore. The show’s theme, De:Centering, asked students to design with a simple yet crucial question in mind: what would it mean for their creations to be truly unmoored from Eurocentric industry norms, centred instead on Southeast Asia? “We’re positioning Singapore as a site of knowledge production rather than simply consumption,” Dr Henestrosa explains.

      Eng Li Wen’s oversized, workwear-inspired pieces were a tribute to the historic Sungei Road flea market. (Photo: Courtesy of Lasalle College of the Arts)

      For the designer whose collection opened the show, the creative process unearthed a uniquely Singaporean dilemma at the heart of the city’s fashion scene. Eng Li Wen’s oversized, workwear-inspired pieces drew from street vendors at the historic Sungei Road Flea Market. “The reason I chose to look at this cultural heritage comes down to this one question that my friends from overseas always ask me: ‘What is a Singaporean fashion brand?’ Eng explains. To the young designer, the question remains surprisingly—and disappointingly—unanswered. “Sure, we can all name a few off the top of our heads, but would you say that they’re uniquely Singaporean brands?” he challenges. “They could be found anywhere else in the world. Unlike Malaysia and Indonesia, which have quite a strong fashion identity, we’re still developing ours in Singapore.”

      During the primary research process, which involved sourcing items from thrift stores and interviewing vendors, Eng discovered that the flea market had been closed since 2017, after years of being whittled away by the construction of the Jalan Besar MRT station. “My designs were based on something that was affected by an MRT station in Singapore,” he points out. “So I think the location of the show was quite a funny, ironic callback to the collection itself.” His designs were especially striking against the sleek glass and metal of the underground station—only emphasising their commentary on how creative and cultural spaces in Singapore struggle to survive.

      It’s a struggle that becomes all the more glaring when one considers the compact nature of Singapore’s fashion scene. One could imagine a young designer falling through the cracks of a creative network as bustling and complex as London’s or New York’s. But in a city as small as Singapore, where an entire train station can be handed over to a graduate fashion show, there should be a concentrated pool of resources. Few are better placed to see this than Ting-Ting Zhang, CEO of the Singapore Fashion Council, whose work bridging creative talent and industry leaders gives her an inside view of what makes Singapore unique. “In some ways, Singapore’s ecosystem is compact enough that meaningful partnerships between industry, government agencies, educators, and brands can happen more efficiently,” Zhang explains.

      “I don’t think the issue is a lack of talent—Southeast Asia has an incredible depth of creativity. The challenge is often around infrastructure, visibility, and long-term development pathways.”Ting-Ting Zhang, CEO of the Singapore Fashion Council

      There is a remarkably robust network of educational and financial initiatives aimed at nurturing emerging talent in Singapore. The Singapore Fashion Council’s Global Fashion Programme and Singapore Stories fashion show make up a key pillar, allowing young designers to connect with buyers, manufacturers, and international markets. At Lasalle, support begins not with a business plan but with the intangibles: skills more conceptual and cultural than commercial. “What truly distinguishes a designer is their ability to articulate a clear point of view,” says Dr Henestrosa.

      And yet, Singapore’s fashion ecosystem presents something of a paradox. There is, after all, no shortage of support, which raises an obvious question: if the resources are there, why do so few designers make the leap from promising graduate to enduring fashion brand?

      The answer, according to many in the industry, has less to do with talent than with survival. “I don’t think the issue is a lack of talent—Southeast Asia has an incredible depth of creativity,” Zhang says. “The challenge is often around infrastructure, visibility, and long-term development pathways.” It’s difficult to overstate the array of skills required of a young designer today, from sketching collections to managing finances and building communities around their brand. Visibility may be within reach in the digital age, but stability is as elusive as ever. According to Zhang, the pressure becomes even more acute in Singapore, where the domestic market offers limited room for experimentation. Brands often need to think regionally, even globally, almost from inception.

      For the students preparing to leave the relative safety of academia, that reality is impossible to ignore. “I feel like if I had not gone to school, it would be very hard to access all these opportunities,” says Vanessa Lim, another graduate designer from this year’s show. Through Lasalle, she has presented her work on a professional runway, attended industry talks, and developed connections that would otherwise have been unavailable. But translating that momentum into a business is another challenge entirely.

      “You still have to build from scratch, from the ground up,” she says. “Besides fashion, you need the business aspect as well.” The prospect is daunting enough that Lim hesitates when asked whether she intends to launch her own label after graduation. For now, she plans to gain experience first. Fashion may celebrate youthful ambition, but rent, production costs, and payroll tend to be less romantic.

      Eng is equally candid. Many graduates, he notes, eventually gravitate towards commercial fashion because they have little choice. “At the end of the day, we need the money,” he says with a shrug. He hesitates to refer to it as selling out, but his discouragement is palpable. Building a creative practice is difficult enough; building one that can pay the bills is something else altogether. “We need a place to make mistakes and grow,” Eng says. “That’s the support we need.”

      If there is a common refrain running through conversations with educators, industry leaders, and young designers alike, it is sustainability—not in an environmental sense, but a personal one. Fashion identities and ecosystems are rarely built overnight. For Zhang, the priority is creating the conditions for brands to grow beyond a single breakout moment. “Often, what makes the biggest difference is opening the right doors at the right stage of a brand’s growth,” she says.

      At Lasalle, the conversation stretches even further into the future. Through the Equatorial Fashion Research Lab, Dr Henestrosa and her colleagues have begun taking the theme of De:Centering beyond the Lasalle runway, asking what fashion might look like when viewed entirely from the lens of the tropics. The absence of traditional seasons, she argues, presents an opportunity to rethink some of fashion’s most deeply embedded assumptions.

      “In the tropics, where spring/summer and fall/winter cycles do not exist, we have an opportunity to challenge deeply ingrained Eurocentric models and rethink fashion through new frameworks of materiality, temporality, and the body,” she says. It’s a proposition so obvious it feels almost radical—why not design for the environment in which we live and breathe?

      Perhaps this, ultimately, is how a distinctly Singaporean fashion identity will emerge. Not from a single silhouette, motif, or national aesthetic—Singapore has always been too porous and shaped by exchange for that—but in the confidence to treat its own conditions, climate, and cultural complexity as worthy subjects of design. When asked what excites him about the future, Eng returns to the question that first inspired his collection. “I hope that one day, when someone asks what a Singapore fashion brand is, that’s something I can answer with confidence,” he says. “Something that’s uniquely here, and you can’t find anywhere else.” For now, the answer remains a work in progress. The search for it, however, has already begun.

      This article was first seen on GRAZIA SG

      For more on the latest in luxury fashion and style reads, click here





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      Britney Spears Laments Having ‘Failed’ Sons While Exposing Parents’ ‘Secret Lives’: ‘Proud Of Bringing It Up’

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        Britney Spears Laments Having ‘Failed’ Sons While Exposing Parents’ ‘Secret Lives’: ‘Proud Of Bringing It Up’


        Britney Spears continues to speak her truth, this time admitting she feels like a failure when it comes to motherhood.

        After reconnecting with her sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, earlier this year, the singer and her boys have been spending more time together.

        Now, Spears, in a raw confession, revealed a moment with one of her boys confirmed her biggest fear of being a bad parent, just like hers.

        Tony Oudot/Capital Pictures / MEGA

        In one of her usual social media rants, the Princess of Pop uploaded a throwback picture of Sean and Jayden as toddlers. 

        Gushing about their little bodies came out of her, Spears revealed, “Yes, they are mine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 5 years ago that I saw they were secretly taken to the beach by my mom and dad.”

        The “Toxic” singer recalled being ostracized from the summer outings with her sons, with her dad once refusing to let her go to a diner after getting the attention of the paparazzi. Lamenting the pain, she wrote:

        “I felt demoralized to live in a country where it was accepted for people like my mom and dad to live secret lives with my children. It was demoralizing. I honestly went to my knees and cried for two months.”

        The Singer Says Everyone Took Advantage Of Her

        Spears then painfully looked back at her conservatorship, which ended in November 2021, admitting it stripped her of the right and freedom to truly be herself. 

        The 44-year-old noted she used to be “unbelievably intelligent,” until she was “brainwashed into an Ignorant system where every goddamn person took advantage of me.”

        Calling herself an angel, Spears reflected on her youthful exuberance and passion for life. 

        However, all that was stripped from her during the conservatorship, and she can’t help but ask now that she’s older, “How the hell would a government allow that?”

        Britney Spears Talks Failing Her Kids, Apologizes For Past Mistakes

        Britney Spears on the red carpet
        Lumeimages / MEGA

        The X post then took a somber tone when Spears honestly examined her parenting skills, recalling the moment one of her sons told her he doesn’t personally believe in God.

        Although she didn’t reveal the identity, the “Gimme More” songstress confessed in that moment she believed she “had failed as a mother. Nevertheless, Spears, who has had a phase of doubt like her son, declared “there is a Holy Spirit that sits high in the kingdom of heaven…I’ve been there. I’ve felt it.”

        The entertainer noted that she wants to turn over a new leaf and apologize to her kids and others about her past mistakes. She also revealed her intention not to participate in the business of music anymore. 

        Britney Spears Alleges She Was Forced To Perform In The Past

        Britney Spears on stage
        MEGA

        For the “Mickey Mouse Club House” alum, the music industry isn’t the same as it used to be when she was younger.

        “Not one time in those 15 years was it ever me,” she wrote. “I was shamed, embarrassed, and forced to do all of it.” 

        Spears continued, explaining that she was beholden to a good girl image, but life felt better when she was bad. However, her family and the country didn’t like it when she was better. “I’m proud of bringing it up because it’s honestly unbelievably sad,” she noted of her past. 

        Concluding her post, Spears got philosophical about fame, revealing that she would rather hang out with those not in the public eye. “I want to get closer to God, she declared.

        Britney Spears’ Son Denies Claims Of Artist Being Cloned

        Britney Spears wearing a Julien MacDonald dress, H Stern jewels, and Christian Louboutin shoes arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards
        Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

        The “Crossroads” alum’s emotional rant comes weeks after her youngest son, Jayden, addressed speculations of a clone.

        After several of Spears’ dancing videos on social media sparked a storm, Jayden took to TikTok to clear the air, assuring fans his mother was very much alive and real.

        As The Blast reported, the teenager slammed, “I hop on TikTok, and I see this one video that has 1.2 million likes, and the caption is like, ‘The biggest theory ever: Is Britney Spears still alive?’ Like, bro, you can go to her page and see her right now.”

        Jayden, during the Livestream, then criticized the media for pushing “exaggerated and fake” news.



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        Don’t Expect GTA 6 Online News “Anytime Soon,” Says Jason Schreier

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        Don’t Expect GTA 6 Online News “Anytime Soon,” Says Jason Schreier


        It has been notable that Rockstar and Take-Two have not yet mentioned the launch of a new Grand Theft Auto Online to coincide with GTA 6 coming out in November of this year. And now, according to the usually very reliable Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, that won’t be changing in the near future.

        In the latest video on his personal YouTube channel, Schreier discusses having an opportunity to interview Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick about GTA 6. Before he launches into his brief chat with Strauss Zelnick, he drops an interesting tidbit of information: Rockstar and Take-Two aren’t planning on discussing GTA Online “anytime soon.”

        Here’s Schreier’s exact quote, which runs from 5:50-6:15 in his video.

        “Take 2 is only talking about GTA 6 in terms of the single player portion… and not GTA Online. They have not talked at all and they are not planning to talk anytime soon about what the new GTA Online will look like…”

        Now, Schreier does not attribute this to Strauss Zelnick, nor does he mention where the information comes from. However, Schreier is a man who knows a great many things about the industry, and he’s very confident in his assertion, which to me indicates that he’s heard this information from somewhere very reliable. He doesn’t throw it out as a possibility, or a guess or even his own opinion – he states it like it’s fact.

        It’s not surprising, really, though, because Rockstar have been very careful to describe GTA 6 as a “single player experience.”

        And, of course, Schreier’s words could mean quite a lot. The original GTA Online launched a few weeks after the main game dropped, so perhaps Rockstar is planning something similar so that the single player portion can get time to sell a few billion copies and be enjoyed by everyone before the new online mode begins to absorb every minute of everyone’s free time. Or maybe GTA Online isn’t to be replaced, just upgraded, or left exactly as it is.

        We don’t know. And I guess we aren’t going to know for a little while.

        But we will get an extended look at GTA 6 later this month when it appears on Netflix, and then YouTube 6 hours later. Which is a weird sentence to type.



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        Fortnite’s Item Shop Has Become An Increasingly Annoying Labyrinth Of Frustration

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        Fortnite’s Item Shop Has Become An Increasingly Annoying Labyrinth Of Frustration


        The Fortnite item shop has always been kind of annoying, because it’s never had a consistent inventory you could browse like a normal store. There are more than 2,000 Fortnite skins that have been sold in the item shop, but only a few dozen are available on any given day. But Epic has never been content with just the FOMO angle–the company has been dinged by regulatory agencies all over the world for its “dark patterns” and coercive sale techniques.

        In some very significant ways, the Fortnite item shop is in much better shape now because of the changes those agencies forced Epic to implement–like being able to cancel an errant purchase, and knowing exactly when an item will leave the shop. Still, though, Epic continues to come up with new ways to make the Fortnite shopping experience more complicated and annoying, particularly in the past year. Let’s break it down.

        Fortnite gift cards no longer exist

        You used to be able to buy a Fortnite gift card that would redeem directly for V-Bucks, but Epic stopped making those in 2025. While Epic does still have an item that it refers to as a “Fortnite Gift Card – Powered by the Epic Games Store,” these are not actually Fortnite products at all. Instead, a current “Fortnite gift card” simply grants you credit in the Epic Games Store, and you can spend it on anything they sell on mobile or PC, including V-Bucks. So in reality these are EGS gift cards, and there is no current way to gift V-Bucks directly.

        This distinction is important because the physical “Fortnite gift cards” that are sold in stores (in denominations of $15, $30, $50, and $100) don’t line up with any V-Buck purchase amounts. So if you receive a $30 card for your birthday, you can buy a 2,400 pack of V-Bucks and have $7 left over, or you can throw in $7 of your own money and get a 4,500 pack. Epic gift cards do have the added benefit of a 20% rebate in EGS credit when you put it toward Fortnite–but that’s still an additional layer of stuff you have to think about beyond the original purchase, and all it really does is make you take extra steps to counter the most recent V-Buck price increase. 

        Oh, and if you play on Switch or Switch 2, you can’t even use V-Bucks purchased with an EGS gift card on your device, because your V-Buck balance doesn’t transfer to Nintendo’s systems. Instead, you’ll have to shop in a web browser and then restart your game to receive the items. More extra steps.

        Prices are a mess since the latest price change

        The latest price increase, back in the spring, was an example of shrinkflation–the prices stayed the same, but the amounts of V-Bucks you’d receive for your purchase went down. It used to be that $23 got you 2,800 V-Bucks, but now it’s 2,400, and the other standard amounts have been adjusted similarly. On top of that, Epic added a new “exact purchase” feature that would allow you to purchase only the specific amount required for the thing you want to buy. That sounds good in theory, but it’s a horrendous value given the way Epic implemented it.

        How it works is that it charges you two different rates within the same transaction. Let’s use the new Lil Tecca bundle, which costs 2,600 V-Bucks, as an example. If you use the “exact amount” feature to purchase 2,600 V-Bucks, you’ll pay $27–the first 2,400 costs $23 ($.95 per 100 V-Bucks), and the other 200 costs $4 ($2 per 100 V-Bucks). That might be tolerable in small amounts, but the value becomes increasingly terrible the more you’re spending.

        Fortnite caps the price to use the “exact amount” just below that of the next tier of V-Bucks, meaning that if you’re buying less than 4,500 V-Bucks with the “exact amount” feature, you will always pay less than the $37 that a 4,500 pack costs. But since using this feature is so exorbitantly expensive, you’ll reach that cap by purchasing just 3,100 V-Bucks. And that means that using the “exact amount” feature to purchase any amount of V-Bucks between 3,100 and 4,400 will cost exactly $36.49. So if you were to use this feature to buy the Addison Rae bundle for 3,600 V-Bucks, you’d be shorting yourself 900 V-Bucks to save 50 cents.

        The price change and the expensive top-up are changes that work in tandem, because so many past shop bundles were oriented around the 2,800 V-Buck pack. I suspect that was one of the reasons Epic opted to shrink the V-Buck packs instead of raising prices again, because it theoretically pushes folks toward the unreasonable “exact amount” purchase or encourages them to get a bigger pack of V-Bucks instead.

        Fortunately for players, Epic has been offering more new shop bundles that actually line up with the new V-Buck amounts–Harley and Ivy, The Odyssey, Spider-Man, and David Beckham all received bundles that cost 2,400 or less, taking most of the friction out of the process for those items. But there are still plenty of new bundles that go beyond that price, like the recent Addison Rae, Lil Tecca, and Supergirl bundles.

        Shop FOMO is out of control

        There are more than 2,000 item shop skins, and just over half of them have appeared in the item shop at any point in the past four months. There are only a few dozen skins available to buy on any given day, there seems to be a limit on how many collabs they can have available at the same time, and the most popular Fortnite-original items rotate through over and over (like Aura, who appears in the shop several days every month) while less popular ones disappear indefinitely (like this cool bag man, who first appeared in the shop for three days last June and has never returned). Even collabs frequently suffer a similar fate–just ask any of the Attack on Titan or Transformers or God of War fans who’ve been waiting years to see those skins return. Similarly, they seem to only sell Star Wars cosmetics in May now. 

        The takeaway here is that it’s not easy to shop for the things you want in Fortnite, because only a tiny portion of the game’s cosmetics are available at a time. For Epic, that’s always been the point–the FOMO system encourages you to watch the shop change every day and leap into action when something you want comes back. But if there’s too much friction in that process, or if buying stuff routinely requires too much math and other mental effort, it can sour folks on the shop entirely.

        Other shenanigans

        Along with these broad, all-encompassing strategies, it appears that Epic has also been trying various other, more low-key techniques to boost sales both directly and indirectly.

        Since the Great AdiraFNInfo Incident back in the spring, in which Epic sued one of its former contractors for leaking upcoming collaborations, the Fortnite leaks scene has pretty much disappeared. This makes it harder to plan ahead, because we have much less of a sense of whether there’s anything on the way worth saving our V-Bucks for.

        Epic has been frequently bringing back items individually, without the accessories that go with them or the bundles they belong to, which has been frustrating for folks who like having the full set. Sometimes they even return a skin and all its accessories but still leave out the bundle anyway, which essentially raises the price of the set.

        Over the past few months I’ve noticed a lot of strangely jumbled shop sections, like the above tab from the Toon Takeover section on June 15. It’s impossible to tell with any confidence if the way this whole section was arranged–the above was one of six tabs of items and bundles from Futurama, Adventure Time, and Phineas and Ferb that were seemingly tossed together in a random order–was on purpose or just incompetence. But putting things in an order that people can’t make sense of and deemphasizing the bundles so they look like just another item in the pile sounds more like a sales technique than it does an accident. Fortunately, we haven’t seen this phenomenon pop up since Hot Bat Summer began in late July, so either they fixed the problem or stopped using this strategy, whatever the case actually was.

        The thing you have to keep in mind about all of this is that every irritation we’ve talked about here compounds with each other, and it ultimately creates a buying experience in which discerning customers are constantly frustrated, and undiscerning customers are overpaying without realizing it.



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        Mitch McConnell Has Been ‘Discharged’ From the Hospital: When Will He Return to Congress?

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          Mitch McConnell Has Been ‘Discharged’ From the Hospital: When Will He Return to Congress?


          Reading Time: 2 minutes

          It’s been nearly eight weeks since Mitch McConnell has been seen in public.

          The 84-year-old senator from Kentucky was rushed to the hospital by ambulance in June, and for obvious reasons, many feared the worst.

          But despite rumors to the contrary, McConnell’s wife maintained that he was still alive. And now, Mitch — or someone speaking on his behalf — claims that he’s been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably at home.

          U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrives for a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on November 19, 2024 in Washington, DC.
          U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrives for a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on November 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. ((Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images))

          “Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home,” reads a post on McConnell’s Facebook page:

          “Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff.

          “On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”

          The news comes at the start of a five-week Senate hiatus, so it might be quite some time before McConnell casts another vote.

          Not surprisingly, critics and conspiracy theorists have snarkily described the timing as “convenient.”

          According to his office, McConnell has been undergoing multiple physical therapy sessions each day focused on improving his strength and reducing the risk of future falls.

          Those efforts are especially significant given the senator’s history with childhood polio, which left him with lasting mobility issues. In recent years, McConnell has also experienced several high-profile health setbacks, including multiple falls and widely publicized freezing episodes during press appearances.

          His extended absence from the Senate also fueled growing questions about his fitness for office, with some Kentucky political leaders calling for greater transparency regarding his condition.

          McConnell did not provide a date for when he expects to resume in-person duties on Capitol Hill.

          .McConnell said he plans to remain engaged with his staff and Senate colleagues throughout his recovery.

          The Republican senator previously announced that he will not seek reelection when his current term expires, bringing an end to one of the longest and most influential careers in modern Senate history. For now, though, his focus appears to be on continuing his rehabilitation and regaining his strength at home.

          Well, we wish Senator McConnell all the best — and we’re glad we don’t need a Ouija board to convey that wish.





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          Meghan Markle Accused of Plagiarizing Idea For Netflix Kids’ Show

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          Reading Time: 3 minutes With her food and lifestyle series, Meghan Markle has finally created a hit series for Netflix. And it couldn’t...