By: The Mizuno Shoe Guy
In the running shoe industry, the only constant is change. It’s certainly understandable how many loyal runners to a particular model often don’t want any change whatsoever. But Mizuno is populated with highly competitive footwear experts who are never satisfied with the status quo.
Mizuno’s mantra is “Never Settle,” and we won’t. Our shoe techs refuse to rest on their laurels and are continually challenged by improving our product line in terms of weight and cushioning, better fitting uppers and enhanced ride. We’ve had our fair share of hits—and misses—but our goal is to improve the running experience for every customer.
Summer running is an important period for you, just as it is for us. We have several new and improved models that will be introduced this summer as well as additional colors in existing shoes to help keep you running and Never Settling.
Neutral, cushioned category:
Wave Rider 18: $119.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16, available in EE (wide); (w) 6-12, available in AA (narrow) and D (wide).
Weights: (m) 9.2 oz.; (w) 7.8 oz.
Now in its 18th year, Mizuno’s franchise shoe has always been counted on to deliver a light, flexible and smooth ride. For 2015, the Wave Rider continues its evolution as a fast training shoe designed for runners with efficient gaits. Wave Rider loyalists are passionate about their shoe of choice and we didn’t try to fix what isn’t broken.
Wave Rider fans have flocked to the Wave Rider 18 which was introduced in late fall 2014. The 18 has a much better fit than its predecessor and it hugs the foot much snugger than the WR 17 did. The midsole cushioning is firmer than the 17s to provide a better platform for a more efficient, smoother toeoff. It also has improved flexibility and better toe spring that is a return to the same design characteristics that the popular Wave Rider 13 and 16 both had.
All in all, the Wave Rider 18 returns the Rider to the same level of comfort, lightweight protection and responsive ride that has made it one of the premiere shoes in running.
Changes for summer, 2015: None. An additional color for men and women will be available in July.
Wave Creation 17: $159.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 12 oz.; (w) 10.2 oz.
The Wave Creation has been one of the cornerstones of Mizuno’s family of neutral shoes for more than 15 years. Since its introduction, the Creation has established a large following among runners who appreciate its luxurious cushioning, heel-to-toe responsiveness and great arch support.
For 2015, we felt we could improve even more upon this shoe that has become such a fan favorite over the years. One of the most protective shoes on the market, the Wave Creation 17 still has the same protection and cushioning runners love, but its plush upper is even softer and more comfortable with a cushier rear foot. The reflectivity of the upper has also been enhanced.
Utilizing the heel-to-midfoot Infinity Wave, the Creation has exceptional full-length support and protection throughout the gait cycle.
Changes for summer, 2015: A new 3D fit upper construction and a more cushioned rear foot. Better reflectivity. Available in July.
Wave Prophecy 4: $209.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 12.3 oz.; (w) 10.1 oz.
The Wave Prophecy is one of the most unique, modernistic shoes on the entire running market. Most of the attention is focused on its full-length Infinity Wave which provides the dynamic, propulsive ride that is unlike any other shoe. The Prophecy’s midsole is almost entirely mechanical which means it isn’t foam dependent like all other running shoes and thus has much greater durability and won’t lose cushioning on long runs.
In addition to the cushioning brilliance of the Prophecy, the heel counter has been updated for a snugger fit, and it possesses a natural fit which conforms to the shape of your foot.
Changes for summer, 2015: None. Two new upper colors for men and two for women, available as of June.
Wave Sayonara 3: $109.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 8.4 oz.; (w) 7 oz.
No shoe in the Mizuno line has undergone greater improvement than the Wave Sayonara. Mizuno’s go-fast shoe, the Sayonara has a revamped upper design with highly breathable mesh for a snugger, more fluid fit, befitting a daily performance shoe. There’s also a much better underfoot feel with greater cushioning which is immediately apparent in the rear foot. The ride, however, is geared a bit more neutral than prior versions. The lateral mid-foot (the outside section) has been sculpted to provide a better platform at toe off. Stripped of superfluous overlays, the Sayonara 3 is an everyday “fast’ shoe, reminiscent of the popular Wave Precision of yesteryear.
Changes for summer, 2015: The upper has been revamped with a better fit and the cushioning has been enhanced. An ideal fast-paced shoe for training and racing. Available in July.
Wave Enigma 5: $149.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 11 oz.; (w) 8.8 oz.
Mizuno is known for the firm cushioning of its line of running shoes, with the exception of the new Wave Enigma 5. Our designers’ challenge was to develop a new Enigma with an even softer, more luxurious level of max cushioning. This change is noticeable from the moment you slip your foot into the shoe. The Parallel Wave plate has been redesigned and sandwiched between two different classes of midsole foam to create the softer ride without a loss of efficiency. The rear foot cushioning has been upgraded and so has the forefoot with a softer outsole rubber.
Changes for summer, 2015: A complete redesign, resulting in a softer, cushier ride without sacrificing its smooth ride characteristics. Available in July.
Wave Hitogami 2: $99.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 7.6 oz.; (w) 6.3 oz.
The ideal race day shoe or lightweight performance trainer, the Hitogami 2 is perfect for runners who want to get up on their toes and push the pace. Light and flexible, the Hitogami also has enough cushioning for daily training.
Changes for summer, 2015: None. Two new upper colors for men and two for women are available in July.
Support category
Wave Inspire 11: $119.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16, available in EE (wide); (w) 6-12, available in AA (narrow) and D (wide).
Weights: (m) 9.7 oz.; (w) 8 oz.
The Wave Inspire doesn’t have the same lengthy history as the Wave Rider does, but in the stability category the Inspire is the leader in lightweight moderate support. And just like the Wave Rider 18, the Wave Inspire 11’s upper was dialed in better with our 3D fit design. The toe box was also tweaked and reintroduced a better toe spring.
Most of the changes are minor, but the improvements definitely translate into a better ride.
Changes for summer, 2015: None. Two new colors for men and three for women will be available in June.
Wave Paradox 2: $134.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16, available in EE (wide); (w) 6-12, available in D (wide).
Weights (m) 10.9 oz.; (w) 9.4 oz.
How can a shoe with this much support and cushioning be this light and flexible? That is the crux of the Wave Paradox 2. Maxi support shoes emphasize top-of-the-line protection, but such shoes also means additional weight and bulk. Unfortunately, the added weight means the shoes aren’t much fun to run in. Not so with the Paradox. The cushioning and support are certainly still there, but its flexible, underfoot feeling is more in tune with much lighter shoes. The second version of the Paradox continues along the same track as its predecessor, but with several notable upgrades. Most prominently, there’s even more cushioning in the Paradox 2, especially in the rear foot. Another improvement is in the outsole durability at the most vulnerable spot—in the heel. All the changes to the Paradox 2 simply add up to a vastly improved running experience for overpronators seeking maximum support and cushioning.
Changes for summer, 2015: From top to bottom, the Paradox 2 has better cushioning, fit, flexibility and outsole durability. There’s no other max shoe with this much technology–and at such a reduced weight. Available in July.
Trail
Wave Hayate 2: $109.99
Sizes: (m) 7-13; (w) 6-11.
Weights: (m) 8.8; (w) 7.2 oz.
The Hayate brings road-like cushioning and flexibility to off-road running. Unlike its trail brethren, the Hayate has the comfort and cushioning of road shoes, but with the upper protection and traction of trail shoes. Still, the Hayate’s upper has been refined for a better fit. We also have given more protection around the toes with a better cap along with a slight change to the midsole to offer better cushioning and durability. Even with all the upgrades, the Hayate 2 is a half ounce lighter than the first version.
Changes for summer, 2015: The Hayate 2 is lighter and has better cushioning and upper protection, while still retaining that great traction which makes this such a popular off-road shoe. Available in June.