By: The Mizuno Shoe Guy
Nearly every major running shoe manufacturer utilizes a patented midsole technology in its shoes that either adds cushioning or support. Mizuno is quite different. Our Wave Technology, available in every Mizuno running shoe, does two important things: It adds cushioning and support.
First introduced to the U.S. market in 1997, Mizuno’s Wave running shoes quickly gained a following as one of the most innovative and technologically advanced brands. Most runners are aware of the Wave, but often wonder what exactly is it, what does it do, how does it work and what’s in it for me?
The Wave is clearly visible in every Mizuno shoe. In most, the Wave is located in the rearfoot, sandwiched between the midsole (the cushioning element) and the outsole (the rubber which contacts the ground). In four high-end shoes, the Wave extends from the rearfoot into the forefoot to provide full-length support and cushioning. (More on that later.)
When examining Mizuno shoes, you’ll notice that the Wave plates are…well, they are wavy. (Hence the name.) In the production process, the Waves can be shaped in a variety of ways. The basic structure of the Wave allows the cushioning midsole to disperse the impact forces of running by spreading it out more evenly through the shoe.
Dispersal of the impact forces over a wider area, allows for a smoother heel-toe-transition and because of the Wave, the foot doesn’t sink into the midsole, allowing for energy savings. We aren’t making any claims that wearing a Mizuno Wave shoe makes you run faster, but you may find you run easier and without some of the pounding associated with running.
Another advantage of the Mizuno Wave is its support. The Wave provides inherent support in the area around the arch to keep you centered in the shoe.
Since the Wave can be shaped in a variety of ways, this allows Mizuno to use one of several different types of Wave Plates in its family of shoes. Some of the Waves are more supportive, while others are more oriented toward maximum cushioning and impact forces dispersal. This allows Mizuno to provide an exceptional running experience in every shoe, while allowing for different experiences in each shoe.
Parallel Wave: The Parallel Wave is utilized in the neutral shoes: Wave Rider, Wave Sayonara, Wave Hitogami, and Wave Enigma.
The shape of our Parallel Wave is designed to work with your natural foot movement which is perfect for neutral foot types who don’t need a lot of support. The inherent structure of the Wave, the Parallel Wave functions to disperse the impact forces evenly throughout the midsole
Fan Wave: The Fan Wave is used in the Wave Inspire and Wave Paradox.
The Fan Wave provides more support in areas where overpronators need it by simply changing the shape of the Wave. This Wave Plate is made of different height waves to guide and stabilize the foot. The Fan Wave reduces overpronation (excessive torque on the foot) extremely well.
Infinity Wave: The Infinity Wave is available in the Wave Prophecy and the Wave Creation.
The Infinity Wave creates a unique and responsive running experience which is more consistent throughout the life of the shoes. The fully mechanical midsole allows for a running experience that is not affected by traditional forces- which provides maximum cushioning that lasts much longer than a foam-based shoe. The Infinity Wave runs from the heel to the forefoot and replaces foam with two Wave Plates—i.e., a mechanical midsole.
The uniqueness of our Wave technology allow for exceptions, but unique running experiences in all of the shoes that we make. To find the perfect Mizuno for you, visit our Shoe Advisor.