By: The Mizuno Shoe Guy
Mizuno’s line of running shoes has a shoe for every type of runner, every speed and every gait. Make no mistake, Mizuno has a shoe for every runner, but Mizuno is particularly renowned for its neutral training shoes that are among the lightest, best cushioned and most flexible in the running market.
Our three best, most popular neutral shoes are the Wave Rider (now in its 18th year), the well-established Wave Creation and recently revamped Wave Enigma. All fill a similar niche for similar, neutral-oriented runners (without overpronation issues) and yet all three have different characteristics, features and functions.
Inevitably, that leads to some confusion as like-minded runners are uncertain which is the best shoe for their needs and style of running. Having said that, there is a great deal of overlap among these three shoes and a runner who prefers neutral shoes can’t go wrong with any one of the three. If you don’t know which type of shoe best suits your foot type, start here.
Here’s a look at all three neutral shoes and which one is best suited for which type of runner:
- Wave Rider 18 is absolutely one of the best, most enduring shoes in the entire running market. Its light, flexible ride is unparalleled in this category. With a Parallel Wave in the rear and midfoot to support the arch and a well-cushioned U4ic midsole, the Wave Rider has a passionate following among a wide range, from fitness runners to dedicated racers and high mileage runners.
- Wave Creation 17 has been a mainstay in Mizuno’s neutral line of shoes for nearly 18 years and has a considerable following with runners seeking maximum cushioning and outstanding arch support. There isn’t a shoe with a better arch than the Creation. That’s attributable to its full-length Infinity Wave that provides support from landing at heel strike all the way through the gait cycle to toe off. Though not limited to any segment of runners, many bigger runners who have neutral gaits gravitate to the Creation for its full-length cushioning and support.
- Wave Enigma 5 offers that blend of luxurious cushioning “cushier than either the Rider or Creation” with an extremely comfortable, snug fitting upper. Technically, the Enigma is similar to the Creation with a full-length Wave plate and the same midsole material, but it has a lighter, more flexible ride. Perfect for any runner seeking high-end cushioning.
Type of runner best suited for each shoe:
- Fast, efficient, high-mileage runners who want a highly responsive, flexible neutral shoe which won’t slow them down do best in the Wave Rider. Marathoners in training seeking a light, versatile shoe with good cushioning suitable for daily training and/or race day.
- Runners seeking maximum cushioning and top-of-the-line arch support in a highly durable daily trainer are best suited in the Wave Creation. Runners who need full-length support, especially bigger runners, do best in the Creation. Women, in particular, appreciate the Creation’s fit and great arch.
- Runners who desire high-end cushioning without added weight to slow them appreciate the ride, fit and protection of the Wave Enigma. Though classified in the neutral category, the Wave Enigma has such a snug fit and with full-length Wave support, the Enigma can be safely worn by just about any type of runner who places a premium on cushioning.