Performance: B+/A- ( The full-length ENERZY foam creates a nice bounce underfoot while the new flex grooves in the forefoot provide a much smoother toe-off. Heel is still clunky until the shoe breaks in, but far improved from the previous version) The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is your everyday overpronator’s reliable daily trainer. This year’s most significant update is in the reconstruction of this engineered mesh upper. Other than that, the Enerzy midsole and Wave Plate act as a cushioning suspension to log easy to moderate miles. In addition, newer releases like the Wave Rebellion Pro and Wave Rebellion Flash showcase the brand’s lighter, speedier side. They feature lightweight, highly responsive midsole cushioning foams and midsole plates designed for maximum energy return—ideal for running at faster paces. We’d recommend them for both speed training and race day. Wave Plate

The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I have updated it regularly as Mizuno releases new shoes and running shoe tech. What to Consider When Shopping For Mizuno Running Shoes The Wave Horizon combines a stable, cushioned ride with exceptional durability. The current model, the Wave Horizon 6, represents a significant revamp to the design. The midsole features an all-new combo of resilient Enerzy and super-soft Enerzy Core foams for improved cushioning. Fit: A- (Overall just a very solid, nice fitting shoe for standard to narrow footed runners and some wider feet ) Those who benefit from high drop and support may include those with posterior tib strains given that the post tib both plantarflexes and inverts the foot. So taking it into dorsiflexion and eversion (pronation) may stress it. A similar situation arises for those with peroneus longus strains as that muscle plantarflexes and everts the foot. Those who need to unload a posterior tibialis may do better in a shoe like the Wave Inspire 18 with its medial support. Those who need to unload a peroneus longus may do better in a shoe with medial and lateral guide rails like the Adrenaline given the more central and guided nature.MERCER: I don’t know, this shoe is so mid that there aren’t any bad things to highlight. Unlike the Ghost, whose average-ness makes it shine, this is somewhat napworthy. The Wave Sky is Mizuno’s super-plush shoe. While previous versions achieved a soft ride using a long list of foams, the Wave Sky 6 streamlines the cushion to save weight and showcase the brand’s latest midsole design, which sandwiches its Enerzy and Enerzy Core foams around a wave plate. All three components complement each other: The firm Enerzy foam provides support. The plush, but resilient Enerzy Core compresses to provide that plush feel. The wave plate, as always, stabilizes your foot and dissipates impact forces. Together, the foams and plate promote smooth transitions and create a notably soft, somewhat responsive ride. The G3 compound used in the outsole saves weight over traditional rubber, and has been enhanced with a more durable G3-DR compound to keep it durable. As a result, it’s built to withstand plenty of mileage. To help guide a pronating foot, Asics scallops the Lite’s lateral (outer) edge while bolstering the foam’s medial side. The design helps the sole compress on landing, and then provides extra resistance as you roll to midstance. Wear-testers say the Lite 2 felt “light as feather” while still providing support and cushioning on their runs. One hangup was that the wider platform resulted in a looser fit around the midfoot, causing some testers to slide or scrunch their feet for a stabler hold on the footbed midrun. Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup

Pellentesque orci lectus, consectetur vel posuere posuere, rutrum eu ipsum. Aliquam eget odio sed ligula iaculis consequat at eget orci. Mauris molestie sit amet metus mattis varius. Donec sit amet ligula eget nisi sodales egestas. Aliquam interdum dolor aliquet dolor sollicitudin fermentum. Donec congue lorem a molestie bibendum. Etiam nisi ante, consectetur eget placerat a, tempus a neque. Donec ut elit urna. Etiam venenatis eleifend urna eget scelerisque. Aliquam in nunc quis dui sollicitudin ornare ac vitae lectus. The Wave Inspire 18 feels supportive because of Mizuno’s Wave Plate, but it still has a decent amount of flexibility. The Wave Plate also adds a touch of responsiveness as well, which I noticed during my strides,” Caroline says. This is my first pair of Mizuno running shoes ever. I was pretty excited to try them and see why Mizuno Wave fans love this particular model. I opened the box and was surprised with how well made they looked. Today, Mizuno has a reputation for creating durable and supportive shoes that work well for day-to-day training. That said, they’ve also made some exciting racing shoes, such as the Wave Rebellion Pro, which brought the brand into the “ super shoe” era. Fit: A- ( Snug heel with wider forefoot. Stiff but secure heel counter that will work well for some and not for others)ALDREN: Some things fly under the radar and stay out of the public view because, on paper, they’re just not well advertised. Compare season 3 of The Umbrella Academy and season 4 of Stranger Things — which of those did you watch? I’m not bashing Mizuno, but when was the last time you sat down to research their prototypes and leaks? Don’t get me wrong, we’ve seen some glimmers of light from the brand, but for now, let’s dive into their staple stability shoe. Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer It has a 12mm drop for both men and women. This is a little on the higher side but I enjoyed wearing these on runs the day after I did a speed workout or when my calves just felt sore. DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Medial stability, but several new age methods of stability including the wider last and sidewalls. Wave plate design adds some degree of variability in stability)

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is for those looking for a slightly wider, high heel toe drop, moderate stability shoe for daily training. The full ENERZY midsole provides responsive protection, however a slightly clunky heel makes this shoe better for easy miles. This is somewhat offset by a surprisingly flexible and smooth forefoot, but daily training is what this shoe is best for. The wave plate in the rearfoot and posterior midfoot creates a moderate level of medial stability, along with a few other measures. The high heel drop is noticeable, so those looking for it will find it here. The fit is secure in the heel while opening up in the forefoot, with a little extra stretch up front from the mesh. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a consistent daily training option for those who want moderate medial stability, a higher heel drop, and a shoe that runs a little lighter than its listed weight. Performance: B+ ( Higher drop daily trainer that facilitates forward motion decently. Slightly firmer heel with softer forefoot)For those who want something lighter, there’s the Lite. Unlike its namesake, the Lite uses just a single piece of midsole foam to provide cushioning and stability; the standard model has a dual-density post on the medial side plus a hard plastic Trusstic bridge in the midfoot. The Neo Wind is designed for speed training. In our testing, we found it feels best when pushed to tempo pace. The midsole features Enerzy Lite foam and a wave plate, both of which are made from castor beans. The result? The midsole serves up a firm sensation that’s ideal for speed, though it might feel too unforgiving for slower runs. ALDREN: I don’t have anything here, but Mizuno shoes are pretty ugly. This Wave Inspire 18 colorway looks like your typical watermelon summer splash on a bottle of Welch’s. They are heavier shoes but that’s due to all the stability technology put into the midsole. They weigh 9.1 oz for women and 10.6 for men.

We always recommend heading to your local running store to be measured up, however if you can’t make it into store as an alternative, we recommend measuring your feet at home by following these easy steps: I haven’t tried past models but I was very impressed with the shoe as a whole from the first time I placed them on my feet.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Upper Unit

The midsole uses Enerzy foam exclusively (no more U4ic), and it’s paired with a PEBA wave plate to disperse impact forces and promote smooth, stable strides. Like the Wave Horizon, the Wave Rider features a carbon rubber outsole, for a better grip and extra durability. Overall: A-/B+ ( A solid moderate stability, high drop daily trainer with a flexible and smooth toe off that greatly improves on the previous version)