I was able to run mostly roads, but I added in some gravel, grass, dirt, and asphalt, and felt great on all surfaces. Wet or dry, hot or cold, the outsoles have performed wonderfully. Like most traditional stability running shoes, the plate works to mitigate the effects of overpronation. Runners who overpronate put more stress on the inside of their shoes, which can wear it down prematurely and lead to an uneven ride over time. This is my first pair of Mizuno running shoes ever. I was pretty excited to try them and see why Mizuno Wave fans love this particular model. I opened the box and was surprised with how well made they looked. Today, Mizuno has a reputation for creating durable and supportive shoes that work well for day-to-day training. That said, they’ve also made some exciting racing shoes, such as the Wave Rebellion Pro, which brought the brand into the “ super shoe” era. At the base, you will find a new cushioning, Mizuno ENERZY, a heel wedge used to make the landing softer along with returning more energy for liftoffs.

The Wave Inspire 18’s midsole also features a bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound in the midsole. Traditional TPU foams are made with petroleum or natural gas, while Mizuno’s bio-based plastic is made from renewable materials. You can enjoy a smooth, cushioned ride while feeling good about your impact on the environment. When it comes to creating durable training running shoes, I think Mizuno does some fantastic work, and the 17s are no exception. Excellent grip on Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Lacing them up for the first time I noticed right away how long the shoe laces are. Again, doesn’t change the way they run but I’m definitely going to switch them out.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Conclusion

The toe box is flexible and bouncy while the ride is stiff and heavy in the heel at times. The wave plate provides stability but it comes at the cost of comfort. Beyond ten miles, I started to feel my feet fatiguing a bit more, but even with the fatigue, I have felt the stability design keeping my feet from harm’s way. Mizuno didn’t make too many changes to the latest version of the Wave Inspire, which means if you enjoyed the previous version you’ll likely enjoy this one, too.

The Wave Horizon combines a stable, cushioned ride with exceptional durability. The current model, the Wave Horizon 6, represents a significant revamp to the design. The midsole features an all-new combo of resilient Enerzy and super-soft Enerzy Core foams for improved cushioning. Overall, I’m really impressed with the latest iteration of the Wave Inspire 17. Some worry about the weight of these stability shoes, but the rejuvenated foam technology throughout the midsole provides for a surprisingly fast and smooth ride. If you want to know more about Mizuno’s distinctive designs, we’ll outline the main tech that goes into its shoes, from wave plates to newer cushioning foams. If you want to try a pair, we’ve also highlighted the best Mizuno shoes you can get right now. This works well in the heel area because you need to be securely held to add to the stability of the shoe.

UK Delivery

The G3 compound used in the outsole saves weight over traditional rubber, and has been enhanced with a more durable G3-DR compound to keep it durable. As a result, it’s built to withstand plenty of mileage. The upper of the Wave Inspire 17 is built with double-layered air mesh. After comparing it with the 16’s upper I can say they are basically built with the same mesh material. Last year I said “It is almost like running in two different shoes because of the different sensations felt in the forefoot and midfoot/heel areas” about the 16s. The RW Takeaway: Big updates to the 17th version make the Inspire a moderately responsive and durable workhorse that offers mid-level stability for overpronators and plush cushioning for heel strikers.

The fit of the heel is incredibly important for overpronating runners; I’m one of them. I’ve been impressed since day one with just how comfortable and secure the heel collar is for the Wave Inspire 17s. Above the wave plate is U4IC cushioning. This is the same cushioning they have used for the last few editions.The midsole uses Enerzy foam exclusively (no more U4ic), and it’s paired with a PEBA wave plate to disperse impact forces and promote smooth, stable strides. Like the Wave Horizon, the Wave Rider features a carbon rubber outsole, for a better grip and extra durability. The Wave Rider has long been Mizuno’s neutral do-it-all shoe, and the new Wave Rider 27 has received an overhaul to improve energy return and comfort. Mizuno has made quite a few changes to the upper on this shoe. While Japanese sporting goods company Mizuno might not have the name recognition as running brands like Nike and Adidas, it has been an influential shoe designer since the ‘80s. If you love the Mizuno Wave Inspire for ladies and men in this range, you may also want to explore the rest of our Mizuno collection. This range includes some of the brands most popular running shoes, such as Mizuno Wave 25, Mizuno Wave Rebellion, Mizuno Wave Sky 5, and Mizuno Wave Rider.

For me, the upper was a strength of the Wave Inspire. The double layered air mesh of the Wave Inspire provides a flexible fit while feeling like a warm blanket for your feet. Mizuno’s Cloudwave midsole flexes with the heel on impact for a softer ride that still feels stable. Lakota Gambill This is my second edition of the Wave Inspire I have ran in, with last year being my first. My overall experience with these was similar to that of the 16s. Let’s get to the strengths and disappointments of the Wave Inspire 17.If you’re searching for a reliable and comfortable running shoe, you can’t go wrong with a pair from this range. Our selection of men’s and ladies’ Mizuno Wave Inspire shoes are perfect all-rounders, so whether you prefer sprints or marathons you’ll love these trainers. They’re innovatively crafted using the highest quality materials to make sure that these running shoes are as comfortable and durable as possible. The main stability feature in the Inspire is Mizuno’s Wave Plate. You can see the fan-shaped plate embedded into the heel. On the lateral side of the shoe, the plate has a gentle S-shaped wave to it. On the medial side (the inside), the plate is burlier, with a stair-step kind of shape.