With the prime running season now here, most runners are looking to add a new pair of shoes to their footwear quiver. To help you decide what to get, we selected some of our favourite shoes from Mizuno this season.
Best for neutral runners seeking a highly cushioned and bouncy ride
Mizuno Neo Zen
A max-cushion shoe
Constructed with a unique Enerzy NXT midsole that consists of nitrogen-infused supercritical TPU foam, the Neo Zen delivers shockingly low weight (8.5 oz. or 240 g for men’s size 9), exceptional cushioning and a highly bouncy ride. The result is a shoe that offers excellent protection for daily training while delivering plenty of energy return to help you maintain your pace during more spirited runs.
From a numbers perspective, the Neo Zen features a 40-mm heel stack and a 34-mm stack in the forefoot, resulting in a 6-mm drop. These numbers clearly place the shoe in the maximal cushioning category, with a bias toward midfoot- and forefoot-striking runners. Mizuno has also incorporated its Smooth Speed Assist rocker geometry, which encourages a faster turnover and complements the shoe’s bouncy ride. For the upper, Mizuno has used a one-piece stretch knit textile with a seamless integrated tongue that delivers excellent breathability and a unique sock-like fit.
As with many other Mizuno shoes, the Neo Zen employs an X10 carbon rubber outsole, which has proven to be durable and offers solid grip. If you are in the market for a maximal cushioning shoe that feels bouncy with sufficient energy return for faster training, check out the Neo Zen.
Best for neutral runners seeking a well-cushioned training shoe
Mizuno Wave Rider 28
A surprisingly versatile and capable daily trainer
The updated Wave Rider 28 delivers a highly desired blend of cushioning and responsiveness that neutral runners will appreciate. The shoe’s midsole showcases an Enerzy EVA foam midsole with a small dose of bouncier nitrogen-infused supercritical EVA (Enerzy NXT) in the heel for a softer and more energized ride. Sandwiched between these foams is Mizuno’s tried-and-true Wave Plate, which provides additional cushioning and improves the overall stability of the shoe. It’s worth noting that the shoe sports a 12-mm drop, which makes it perfect for heel strikers. However, thanks to the shoe’s unique overall geometry, the Wave Rider 28 is surprisingly versatile, and will also work for many mid-foot-striking runners.
Up top, Mizuno has spec’d a jacquard air mesh upper that is highly breathable and easily conforms to the shape of your foot. Finally, the X10 carbon rubber outsole is Mizuno’s most durable compound, ensuring excellent long-term durability. If you are looking for an efficient and versatile shoe for daily training, check out the Wave Rider 28.
Best for heel strikers seeking a stable and responsive daily trainer
Mizuno Wave Inspire 21
A classic stability shoe for daily training
Mizuno has updated this classic stability shoe, making it lighter, softer and more responsive. These performance improvements stem primarily from the updated midsole, which consists of a slab of Enerzy EVA foam, the addition of nitrogen-infused supercritical EVA (Enerzy NXT) in the heel, and a classic Wave Plate that’s optimized to provide stability for runners with moderate overpronation. The result is a shoe with a wonderful balance of stability, cushioning and responsiveness.
Mizuno has also spec’d a 38-mm heel stack and a 26-mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 12-mm drop. While this may not suit all runners, heel strikers will appreciate these dimensions. For the upper, Mizuno employs a highly breathable jacquard air mesh textile and a gusseted tongue, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit.
Finally, the X10 carbon rubber outsole delivers exceptional durability for excellent long-term. This is a very reasonably priced stability shoe that excels for daily training.
Best for runners seeking an affordable super shoe for training and racing
Wave Rebellion Flash 2
A plated performance trainer
Runners who are looking to improve their PB or just want a fast training shoe should seriously consider the Rebellion Flash 2. The shoe features a glassfibre-reinforced wave plate that’s sandwiched between an upper layer of soft PEBA-based foam and a bottom layer of firmer Mizuno Enerzy foam. This construction delivers incredible energy return and responsiveness while retaining the durability required for fast daily training.
Up top, Mizuno has updated the upper for an improved fit and less weight. From a numbers perspective, the Rebellion Flash 2 has a 0.5-mm drop, with a 35-mm heel height and a 34.5-mm forefoot stack. Clearly, these numbers are not ideal for heel-strikers, but if you are a midfoot/forefoot runner wanting super-shoe performance at a reasonable price, check out the Rebellion Flash 2.
