Mizuno is a Japanese sports brand with over 100 years of history that has been developing its own technologies for running shoes for many years. Its most distinctive feature is the Wave system, which is used in the sole construction to improve, among other things, cushioning, stability, and the smoothness of the foot’s roll. Mizuno’s lineup includes comfortable training shoes, dynamic models for faster running and races, as well as trail running constructions. In this overview, you’ll find the brand’s top models and discover which of these best suits your running style.
Training shoes
Training shoes form the foundation of every running shoe producer’s collection, and Mizuno is no exception. Training models make up the majority of the collection. They are well cushioned for comfort and safety, even during long training sessions. They perform best on hard surfaces, such as road or cobblestone, but can also handle paved gravel paths with ease. Thanks to their versatility, they are the perfect choice for recreational runners, as well as those training for a half marathon or marathon.
At Mizuno, shoes in this category are divided into several groups:
- FAST TRAINING, or the NEO line, which focuses on performance during training. These are the most “bouncy” shoes, the ones that most encourage you to run, but the price you pay for this enjoyment is reduced stability.
- NEUTRAL TRAINING, meaning shoes for everyday running that prioritize daily comfort and safety. The lineup includes many models, led by the flagship “max-cushioned” Wave Sky.
- STABILITY TRAINING – shoes that, in addition to softness, also provide ankle stability and help prevent overpronation. Their construction incorporates a traditional rigid Wave plate, which is intended to make this effect happen.
| BOUNCY TRAINING | NEUTRAL TRAINING | STABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Neo Vista 3 |  Wave Sky 9 |  Wave Horizon 9 |
| very high cushioning |  Neo Zen 2 |  Wave Rider 30  Wave Skyrise 7 |  Wave Inspire 22 |
| high cushioning |  Wave Ultima 17  Revolt 4 |  Wave Equate 9 |
Mizuno Neo Vista 3
The Mizuno Neo Vista 3 is an advanced training shoe for neutral runners looking for a combination of soft cushioning, responsiveness, and performance. The midsole features Mizuno Enerzy NXT nitrogen-infused foam, combined with a full-length Wave plate and a firmer outsole layer designed to enhance stability. As a result, the Neo Vista 3 maintains a soft and springy feel while offering a more controlled roll. It’s a versatile road running shoe that performs well during easy runs but truly shines during faster workouts.
- Stack height: 44.5/36.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Waga: 265g men’s, 222g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Number one in cushioning among Mizuno running shoes. This is thanks to Enerzy and Enerzy NXT foams. What’s more, there’s an impressive amount of them, and according to official data, the stack exceeds 4 centimeters. There is no traditional plastic plate here, and the foam has been arranged in waves both under the heel and the front of the foot. This shoe is characterized by a very high level of safety and stability. It is especially recommended for runners with a higher body weight and those who cover the longest distances during training.
- Stack height: 44/36mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Waga: 290g men’s, 230g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Horizon 9
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 9 is one of the best-cushioned and most stable training shoes in Mizuno’s lineup. The midsole features two layers of foam—softer Mizuno Enerzy NXT positioned closer to the foot and firmer Enerzy providing a stable base. The design is complemented by the signature Wave construction, a wide platform, and a contoured outsole, which make strong support possible, especially in the midfoot and heel areas. The Horizon 9 is best suited for relaxed, slow-paced workouts and daily mileage for runners who need significant stability, including those with a higher body weight. However, you’ll need to accept the shoe’s considerable weight and its somewhat lackluster dynamic performance.
- Stack height: 41/33mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 320g men’s, 285g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Neo Zen 2
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a lightweight training shoe for neutral runners who want a single pair of shoes for their daily runs, but with a clear emphasis on comfort and responsiveness. As with the Neo Vista, Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam plays the most important role here, providing excellent cushioning and a pleasant bounce. This model works best on roads and hard surfaces, especially for runners who prefer comfort, lightness, and versatility without the typical racing characteristics.
- Stack height: 40/34mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 245g
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Mizuno Wave Rider 30
The Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is the new generation of one of Mizuno’s most important training models, retaining the series’ versatile character while featuring significantly more advanced construction. The midsole features two layers of Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam, with a nitrogen-infused layer on top, and—for the first time in the model’s 30-year history—a full-length Mizuno Wave plate runs the entire length of the sole. The design is complemented by a wider platform, which improves stability and ensures a smooth roll and noticeable bounce. It remains a highly versatile choice for everyday running, but thanks to its new construction, the Rider 30 also handles faster paces better than its predecessor.
- Stack height: 42.5/34.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 265g men’s, 230g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Mizuno Wave Skyrise 7
The Skyrise is a streamlined version of the Sky model. It eliminates the rigid Wave plate while retaining the distinctive wavy midsole structure made of two layers of soft Enerzy foam. This design provides good cushioning and a smooth, natural foot roll during your run. The shoe is designed for runners weighing up to 90 kg who need a comfortable shoe for daily training on hard surfaces. It’s ideal for those seeking soft cushioning, stable foot guidance, and maximum comfort during easy and moderate runs.
- Stack height: 37.5/29.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 266g men’s, 244g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 is a stable training shoe that sits between the neutral Rider and highly cushioned Horizon in Mizuno’s lineup. It is designed for runners with mild to moderate overpronation who are looking for a comfortable daily training shoe for hard surfaces. The most significant change in this generation is the redesigned midsole, which is made of Mizuno Enerzy NXT, a nitrogen-infused foam. The signature Mizuno Wave plate provides foot support. The Inspire 22 remains a classic, well-cushioned training shoe for runners who need stability.
- Stack height: 37/27mm
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 281g men’s, 241g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Ultima 17
The Ultima is a well-cushioned training shoe. It has a midsole made of Enerzy NXT foam with an integrated Wave plate. Though not overly soft, it offers plenty of cushioning, making it a good option if you’re looking for slightly stiffer running shoes. It was designed primarily for recreational runners and beginners who are looking for a comfortable shoe for regular, but not intense, training over medium and long distances.
- Drop: 120mm
- Weight: 295g men’s, 245g women’s
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Mizuno Revolt 4
This well-cushioned running shoe is ideal for runners weighing up to 80 kilograms who are looking for an affordable, everyday running shoe. It is less cushioned than the flagship Sky and Skyrise models but features a similar construction with Enerzy foam and a wavy foam pattern. The lower level of cushioning and lower stack height also make the shoe lighter. It’s a solid choice for your first running shoes if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.
- Weight: 250g men’s, 230g women’s
- Regular price: 100 EUR
Mizuno Wave Equate 9
Mizuno also offers a more budget-friendly option for recreational runners who want more stability than the Revolt provides. That model is the Equate. It features a simple construction with Enerzy foam and a Wave plate, which makes decent cushioning and stability possible. While it’s one of the least cushioned shoes in the lineup, it will be more than sufficient for lightweight runners weighing up to 80 kg who are just starting out or running purely for fun.
- Weight: 295g men’s, 250g women’s
- Regular price: 130 EUR
Racing shoes
In addition to its standard training shoes, Mizuno offers shoes designed for speed running. Originally, these were in the Rebellion line and featured the top-of-the-line Rebellion Pro with an unconventional midsole design. The Hyperwarp line is a new addition to Mizuno’s lineup. It offers a more classic design and will replace some of the shoes in the Rebellion series.
| HYPERWARP | REBELLION | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Hyperwarp Pure | |
| very high performance |  Hyperwarp Elite |  Wave Rebellion Pro 3 |
| high performance |  Hyperwarp Pro |  Wave Rebellion Flash 3 |
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure
The Hyperwarp Pure is the lightest and top-of-the-line model in the Hyperwarp series. This ultra-performance racing shoe is designed for very fast runs over short and medium distances and can compete with radical constructions like the adidas Adizero Pro Evo. This model uses Enerzy XP responsive foam and a full-length Smooth Speed Plate and weighs just 137 grams. However, its extreme lightness and maximum efficiency come at the expense of stability and comfort over the longest distances. This model’s full potential will be best utilized by advanced runners competing in distances ranging from 5 km to half marathons and marathons with finishing times around 2:30.
- Stack height: 34/30.5mm
- Drop: 3.5mm
- Weight: 137g
- Regular price: 300 EUR
Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite
The Hyperwarp Elite, the mid-range model in the Hyperwarp series, is a versatile long-distance racing shoe. Its construction features dual-density Enerzy XP foam and a full-length Smooth Speed Plate (SSP) made of carbon, which together make it possible to achieve a high level of responsiveness and dynamic performance. Compared to the more radical Pure model, the Hyperwarp Elite offers a wider platform, providing greater stability and reliable traction at higher speeds. It is ideal for half marathons and marathons for advanced runners seeking a balance of dynamic and controlled running. It can realistically help runners achieve their goal of breaking the three-hour marathon barrier.
- Stack height: 38/34.5mm
- Drop: 3.5mm
- Weight: 164g
- Regular price: 270 EUR
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
The Mizuno Rebellion Pro is the most advanced running shoe in the Rebellion line. Its unique, highly aggressive midsole profile actively encourages foot roll and propels you forward with power. This dynamic may feel unusual at first and take time to adjust to. The midsole contains Enerzy Lite foam and a special plate that is an evolution of the Wave system found in the brand’s training shoes. The plate in the Rebellion model is gently waved and composed of 30% carbon fiber and 70% nylon.
- Stack height: 38/36.5mm
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 225g
- Regular price: 240 EUR
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro
The Hyperwarp Pro, the most affordable model in the new Hyperwarp series, offers an accessible introduction to carbon technology for a wide range of runners. The shoe features Enerzy XP foam for springiness and a Wave plate made of nylon and carbon fiber to support dynamic foot roll. This construction provides good cushioning, stability, and adequate durability during longer runs. This model is ideal for races ranging from 5 km to a full marathon, fast tempo runs, and training for those new to carbon running shoes.
- Stack height: 39.5/33.5mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 200g
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3
A slightly slower version of the Rebellion Pro. First of all, it has a slightly less aggressive profile, but it is still a shoe that encourages fast foot movement. The midsole, like in the Pro model, features two types of foam – Enerzy Lite+ and Enerzy. Between them, there is a Wave plate made of a plastic and fiberglass composite that extends to the front of the foot, making for a strong rebound while maintaining stability and speed. To feel its dynamics, it is worth running a mile in about 40 minutes or faster.
- Stack height: 35/34.5mm
- Drop: 1.5mm
- Weight: 245g men’s, 205g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Trail running shoes
I left trail running shoes for last. Here, as with racing shoes, Mizuno offers three models. Two solid, sturdy and safe “tanks” and one lightweight and raw model designed for racing on difficult terrain.
| TRAIL | |
|---|---|
| very high cushioning |  Wave Mujin 11 |
| high cushioning |  Wave Daichi 8 |
| mid cushioning |  Wave Ibuki 5 |
Mizuno Wave Mujin 11
The Mizuno Wave Mujin 11 is a true trail runner that combines exceptional cushioning with a high level of stability. The midsole features Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam in the top layer and a full-length Wave construction, providing the comfort needed for long runs. Traction is provided by Vibram Megagrip rubber, which performs well on wet, uneven, and challenging terrain. The Mujin 11 is therefore a versatile trail shoe that can be used for shorter training runs as well as long runs or ultra races on challenging terrain.
- Stack height: 38/30mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 340g men’s, 290g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Mizuno Wave Daichi 8
Daichi is a shoe with slightly lower cushioning than the Mujin model. Some consider it to be a bit more basic, but this is somewhat misleading. It is equally sturdy footwear designed for difficult terrain. Similar to the Mujin, it has a Vibram outsole for good traction and a reinforced upper. This shoe is for those looking for a versatile, but not overly cushioned, shoe for everyday training.
- Stack height: 33.5/27.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 300g men’s, 260g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Mizuno Wave Ibuki 5
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki 5 is the simplest and most affordable trail running shoe in Mizuno’s lineup, designed primarily for those just starting out in trail running. It doesn’t offer as much cushioning or protection as the Mujin or Daichi, but its level of cushioning is more than enough for shorter runs on easier trails, forest paths, and gravel roads. Mizuno Enerzy foam in the upper part of the sole makes comfort adequate, while the Wave construction enhances stability. It’s a good choice for runners who do some trail running occasionally and don’t need a heavy, heavily protected trail shoe.
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 300g men’s, 250g women’s
- Regular price: 120 EUR
