Mizuno is a Japanese sports brand with over 100years of tradition. It is primarily known for its innovative running shoes. Its flagship technology is the Wave system, which provides cushioning and stability. Its lineup includes the soft, cushioned Mizuno Wave Sky training shoe; the lightweight, fast Mizuno Rebellion racing models; and the sturdy Mizuno Wave Mujin trail shoe. Thanks to this variety, runners of all levels – from beginners to marathoners and mountain trail enthusiasts – can find the perfect running shoes in the Mizuno lineup.
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 asphalt 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 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 | PROPULSIVE NEUTRAL | STABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Wave Sky 9 |  Wave Horizon 8 | |
| very high cushioning |  Wave Skyrise 7 |  Wave Rider 29 |  Wave Inspire 22 |
| high cushioning |  Revolt 4 |  Wave Ultima 17 |  Wave Equate 9 |
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
- Waga: 290g men’s, 230g women’s
- Drop: 8mm
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Mizuno Wave Horizon 8
The Mizuno running shoe has the second-best cushioning, second only to the Sky. You could say it’s similar to the Wave Sky model, but with a higher level of support. A block of stiffer foam/rubber in the medial part of the midsole provides stability. The waves forming the midsole are arranged asymmetrically for greater stability. While it may feel a bit “clunky,” it offers excellent cushioning, stability, and control of overpronation, even for runners weighing 100 kg. This shoe is ideal for frequent and long-distance runners, as well as those needing control of overpronation.
- Stack height: 42/34mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 323g men’s, 275g women’s
- Regular price: 190 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 Rider 29
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: 38/30mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 265g men’s, 225g women’s
- Regular price: 160 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 2 |
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 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
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
