Mizuno is a Japanese company founded in 1906 in Osaka. The flagship solution used in Mizuno running shoes is the Wave system, and for years the brand’s most popular model has been the Wave Rider, which is currently in its 27th edition. However, the Japanese brand’s lineup is much broader and includes dozens of models – from the cushioned Wave Sky, through the ultra-fast Rebellion series, to the trail-oriented Wave Ibuki.
Training shoes
Training shoes make up the vast majority of every running shoe producer’s lineup. They are well-cushioned, designed primarily for hard surfaces, but also perform well on gravel trails.
At Mizuno, shoes in this category are divided into two subgroups:
- FLOATING, shoes that focus on luxurious cushioning and a very smooth and soft “flow” while running. It can be said that these are the most comfortable shoes in the brand’s lineup, with the flagship Wave Sky max-cushioned shoe at the forefront.
- PROPULSIVE, shoes that, in addition to softness, also focus on dynamics and rebound. Their construction uses the traditional rigid Wave plate to make sure you get this effect.
In addition to these two groups, we also have the traditional division into running shoes with support and neutral shoes.
| FLOATING NEUTRAL | FLOATING STABILITY | PROPULSIVE NEUTRAL | PROPULSIVE STABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Wave Sky 8 |  Wave Horizon 7 | ||
| very high cushioning |  Wave Skyrise 6 |  Wave Rider 28  Wave Ultima 15 |  Wave Inspire 21 | |
| high cushioning |  Wave Revolt 3 |  Wave Prodigy 6 |  Wave Equate 8 |
Mizuno Wave Sky 8
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: 42/34mm
- Waga: 275g men’s, 230g women’s
- Drop: 8mm
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Horizon 7
The second best cushioned running shoe from Mizuno, right after the Sky. You could say it’s the twin of the Wave Sky model with a higher level of support. Stabilization is provided in a classic way, in the form of a block of stiffer foam/rubber in the midsole. For greater stability, the waves forming the midsole are arranged asymmetrically. It may be a bit “clunky,” but it offers very good cushioning (even for runners weighing 100 kg) and stabilization of overpronation. It is suitable for people who run a lot, run long distances, and those who need stabilization of overpronation.
- Stack height: 41/33mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 335g men’s, 285g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Skyrise 6
A slimmed-down version of the Sky 8, without the Wave plate but still featuring two layers of Enerzy foam arranged in a distinctive wave shape. This construction makes for soft cushioning and a smooth, natural roll of the foot during running. This model is designed for runners weighing up to approximately 90 kilograms who are looking for well-cushioned shoes for everyday training on asphalt surfaces. It is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and stability in every phase of their run.
- Stack height: 37.5/29.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 270g men’s, 235g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Mizuno Wave Rider 28
The Mizuno Wave Rider is an excellent choice in Mizuno’s training shoe category and one of the brand’s most popular running shoes. It makes a great everyday running shoe, but it’s also perfect for faster sessions thanks to its cushioning, light weight, and dynamic feel. If you’re thinking about getting your first pair of well-cushioned Mizuno shoes, the Rider is a great choice.
- Stack height: 38/26mm
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 280g men’s, 240g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Mizuno Wave Inspire 21
Inspire is a combination of many features. It is not as soft as the Wave Sky or Wave Horizon models, but it offers the right balance between cushioning, overpronation control, and dynamics. It is a running shoe designed for those looking for footwear that will perform well during long, easy runs as well as during slightly faster training sessions where dynamics are important. You could easily call it a Rider with stability.
- Stack height: 36/24mm
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 305g men’s, 245g women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Ultima 15
The third best cushioned training shoe after Sky and Rider. With a midsole made of Enerzy foam and a Wave plate inside. It is still definitely a training shoe – with very good cushioning and very good foot support. It can be a good alternative to the better cushioned Riders.
- Stack height: 37.5/25.5mm
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 305g men’s, 245g women’s
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Mizuno Wave Revolt 3
A well-cushioned running shoe for runners weighing up to approximately 80 kilograms who are looking for a shoe for everyday running. Slightly less soft than the Sky and Skyrise, but with a similar construction made of Enerzy foam and a wavy foam layout. The lower level of cushioning and lower stack also result in a lower weight. A good choice for your first running shoes if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.
- Stack height: 34/26mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 260g men’s, 210g women’s
- Regular price: 100 EUR
Mizuno Wave Equate 8
In the stability shoe category, we also have a simpler and more budget-friendly model without advanced technology. Also based on the Wave system, this model offers slightly less foam and is a bit less soft compared to the ones mentioned above. It’s a good choice for those looking for an affordable stability shoe, especially for those weighing up to 80 kg.
- Stack height: 37/25mm
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 295g men’s, 250g women’s
- Regular price: 130 EUR
Mizuno Wave Prodigy 6
The lowest-end running shoe from Mizuno, designed for running on hard surfaces. This model offers good, though modest, cushioning, ideal for beginner runners of moderate weight who run on an occasional basis.
- Stack height: 38/26mm
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 280g men’s, 240g women’s
- Regular price: 120 EUR
Racing shoes
In addition to typical training shoes, Mizuno also offers racing shoes. Currently, there are three models available. The safest and also the “slowest” of these is the Rebellion Sonic. The other models offer increasing levels of dynamics and responsiveness.
| RACING | |
|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Wave Rebellion Pro 3 |
| high dynamics |  Wave Rebellion Flash 2 |
| mid dynamics |  Wave Rebellion Sonic 2 |
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
Mizuno Rebellion Pro are the fastest running shoes from Mizuno. These shoes feature a very aggressive midsole profile that encourages rolling of the foot and propels you forward. This unique dynamic may feel a little unusual at first and may take some getting used to. The midsole features Enerzy Lite foam and a special plate, which is an evolution of the Wave system known from the brand’s training shoes. The plate in the Rebellion model has a delicate wave shape and is made of 30% carbon fiber and 70% nylon. These are racing shoes for the fastest and most advanced runners.
- Stack height: 38/36.5mm
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 225g
- Regular price: 240 EUR
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2
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
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Sonic 2
The safest of the racing shoes. Without the aggressive profiling of the other two racing shoes and with the lowest level of cushioning. Nevertheless, for slightly faster and lighter runners, it is sufficiently cushioned to serve as a racing shoe even for longer distances, including marathons. For slower runners, running around 45 minutes per 10 km, it can be an excellent first and safe racing shoe.
- Stack height: 32/24mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 240g men’s, 195g women’s
- Regular price: 140 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 10 |
| high cushioning |  Wave Daichi 8 |
| mid cushioning |  Wave Ibuki 4 |
Mizuno Wave Mujin 10
Mujin is a true trail tank ready for virtually any conditions. It offers impressive cushioning, especially for a trail running shoe, which can even be compared to the asphalt Mizuno Wave Sky. It is perfect for both short and long distances. You can also easily take it on an ultra mountain run. Its outsole, made of Vibram rubber, makes it extremely versatile for trail running.
- 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 4
The simplest trail shoe from Mizuno. It offers the least cushioning, but still provides a good level of cushioning that is sufficient for runners covering shorter distances. It is also a good choice for runners who run less frequently but are looking for a solid trail shoe.
- Stack height: 30.5/22.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 310g men’s, 250g women’s
- Regular price: 120 EUR
