7 Best Mizuno Running Shoes in 2025

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 has a well-cushioned platform that securely maintains stability through its dual-density set-up and Wave plate we saw in the lab. On foot, it feels very comfortable especially since it bends with our feet easily, boosting its versatility. We find it to be a highly reliable workhorse, making it our best Mizuno running shoe.

The midsole features a massive 39.3 mm heel for cushioned landings for heel strikers. Diving deeper into the midsole, it’s composed mainly of a firm 28.0 HA Enerzy foam with the primary purpose of providing support. To enhance comfort and responsiveness, a softer 20.2 HA foam is positioned under the Wave plate.

Speaking of the Wave plate, it promotes stable and smooth transitions without stiffening the ride. In our bend test, we’re surprised to find it’s 23.5% more flexible than average, making it a great companion for multi-hour runs and activities like walking.

With its modest forefoot, the 14.7 mm drop might feel too steep for midfoot and forefoot strikers. We believe this shoe heavily favors heel strikers.

We tested Mizuno running shoes in and out of the lab and found the Wave Sky 8 as the perfect companion to gobble up the miles without leg fatigue. The lab shows the numbers, but our feet can confirm it’s Mizuno’s best daily trainer because of its ultra-soft, cloud-like cushion, effortless ride, and light build.

Our caliper reveals a sky-high 40.7/30.7 mm stack, 6.8/5.4 mm taller than average. It has generous cushioning for us to finish long runs comfortably, regardless of footstrike and weight. It gives a good amount of energy return, which we truly enjoyed, notably the Enerzy NXT layer right beneath our foot. Our durometer reveals it’s a plush 14.0 HA, while the base layer is a firmer 26.4 HA for stability and protection from wear.

Contrary to most maximalists, Wave Sky 8 made us feel very agile thanks to its light and flexible midsole. We expect a shoe of this height to surpass the 10-oz mark but our scales revealed it’s only 9.6 oz (271g)! Meanwhile, the outsole includes large flex grooves and its purpose came alive in our bend test. Wave Sky 8 emerged 23.0% more malleable than average, making it versatile for activities beyond running.

However, because of its plush and stacked midsole, this shoe is only suitable for neutral runners. Those looking for extra support should check stability shoes.

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 is a speedy shoe with a unique geometry and underfoot sensation. Our lab tests validate its electric persona through its energetic midsole and Wave Plate, without sacrificing comfort. Its light build and awesome impact protection made our runs more enjoyable, making it our best tempo Mizuno running shoe.

WRF2 infuses power with each stride, courtesy of the bouncy cushioning, which our lab test shows has a high energy return rate of 59.6% in the forefoot. Meanwhile, the Wave Plate nestled in the midsole offers some responsiveness without the rigidity.

Our feet couldn’t deny its effortless feel, and our bend test shows it needs a near-average 15.8N to reach 30 degrees. That’s actually quite forgiving for a plated shoe, making it compatible for training sessions. Additionally, its weightlessness is enhanced by its actual low 8.4 oz (239g) figure, 9.8% below average. 

With every takeoff, a divine cushioning awaits. In our shock absorption test, WRF2 scored an impressive 148 SA, meaning it’s able to absorb impact 16.5% better than average, keeping our legs fresh.

Unfortunately, our confidence fades during rainy days. With a subpar 0.42 traction score, we recommend using this pair on dry pavements.

Already in its name, Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is a one-of-a-kind rebel racer. With its unconventional geometry, crazy stack height, and light build, it delivers a uniquely enjoyable ride. Through our runs and lab tests, we discovered it's insanely responsive and is the best Mizuno race shoe for a niche market—fast and technical midfoot strikers.

At first glance and slip-on, this racer immediately stands out with its innovative design. Featuring an ultra-thick midfoot foam for comfort, it boasts a U-shaped rocker that amplifies forward momentum. To stay within the 40-mm race-legal limit, the heel has less foam at 37.9 mm. The forefoot measures a staggering 35.8 mm, the highest we’ve encountered among hundreds of lab-tested shoes.

The midsole boasts a dual-density foam, comprising a soft and responsive 16.0 HA top layer according to our durometer, complemented by a firmer 26.0 HA bottom layer for added support. Nestled between these layers is another remarkable feature: the nylon Wave plate. Unlike the typical carbon plate, our bend test confirms it offers less resistance, requiring a force of 21.7N—a figure falling between daily trainers and supershoes.

Despite its monstrous size, this racer is astonishingly light at 7.4 oz (209g), at par with other speedsters.

Because of its build, this shoe is unstable and won't deliver its maximum performance for heel and forefoot strikers. 

We went on actual runs and took apart Mizuno running shoes in search of the best stability shoe—and we found the 21st Wave Inspire leads the pack. It strikes the equilibrium between comfort and support. It has elements that subtly guide us, allowing us to stride naturally. Plus, its stellar X10 rubber outsole is a perfect mix of durability and traction.

The vast 118.1/94.0 mm platform and Wave plate are the main stability features. The extra width ensures safe landings without adding intrusive elements. Meanwhile, the partial Wave plate’s positioning under our heel feels extra supportive. It prevents ankle rolls and excessive lateral movements without stiffening the ride, as proven by its 3/5 torsional rigidity mark.

Unlike most stability shoes, WI21 highlights comfort. Its loose build allows us to move freely. In our flex test, it takes 2.7% less force to bend vs. the average—impressive considering the support it delivers. Underfoot, its balanced dual-density midsole feels steady and amplifies impact absorption through its 38.0/25.1 mm stack.

Completing this package is a robust outsole that barely showed signs of wear after our runs and displayed reliable traction on wet pavements. It scored a solid 0.50 score in our friction test and showed a minimal 0.9 mm dent in our Dremel test.

We discovered a steep 12.7 mm heel drop more suited for heel-strikers. Runners seeking a more level platform should look elsewhere.

The Mizuno Neo Vista sets itself apart with its unmatched fun and cushioning. Beyond its sock-like upper and mega stack, Neo Vista offers a unique experience through its insane speed and surprising flexibility in our runs. Ultimately, our lab agrees it’s the best Mizuno supertrainer.

At first glance, it’s obvious the stack is massive but the actual numbers took our breath away: a skyscraper 44.9/35.3 mm stack. The forefoot is even taller than other shoes’ heels! Amazingly, Neo Vista didn’t burden us with its weight as it’s only 9.1 oz (259g).

This platform is packed with a soft 15.6 HA ENERZY NEXT foam, which feels cloudlike yet electric! We felt protected and energized regardless of footstrike or distance. In our shock absorption test, Neo Vista proves it offers more protection with its 163 SA score, 28.3% above average.

Besides its maximalist nature, Neo Vista surprised us with its balanced fluidity because of the Wave Plate nestled in the foam. This nylon plate serves to stabilize the ride without adding too much rigidity. To neutralize potential imbalances, Neo Vista also expanded its 120.8/97.9 mm base for safe landings.

However, the sock-like upper presents limited airflow. Therefore, we can’t recommend this to runners training in hot weather.