Facts

  • Terrain

    Road

    Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.

    Trail

    Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.

    Good to know

    As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.

  • Arch support

    Neutral / cushion / high arch

    Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.

    Stability / overpronation / normal arch

    Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.

    Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet

    Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.

    Good to know

    - Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
    - More about arch support in this video.
    - Find your arch type by following steps from this video.

  • Use

    Daily running

    Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.

    Competition

    Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.

    Good to know

    If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.

  • Price
    $110
  • Weight
    Men: 7.4oz
    Women: 7.4oz
  • Heel to toe drop
    Men: 8mm
    Women: 8mm

    The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.

    There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.

  • Heel height
    Men: 24mm
    Women: 24mm
  • Forefoot height
    Men: 16mm
    Women: 16mm
  • Width
    Men: Narrow, Normal
    Women: Narrow, Normal
  • Release date
    Unknown
Show more facts

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The Mizuno Wave Shadow 3 is similar to its predecessor, the Wave Shadow 2, save for a few changes to the upper unit. These seemingly minor and visual alterations to the facade are actually meant to open up the silhouette for enhanced airflow. Gone are the stitched-on overlays and the multifaceted heel structure; in their place are two textiles that are responsible for security and comfort.

Underfoot cushioning is the responsibility of a cushioning system that offers targeted support to the forefoot and the heel. The latter gets extra attention through the Mizuno Wave layer that runs from the heel to the midfoot. Rearfoot strikers are the ones who are likely to benefit from this accouterment.

The sizing scheme of the Mizuno Wave Shadow 3 suggests that it is true to size. However, runners are encouraged to test a pair first in-store before buying to ensure an accurate fitting with the shoe.

The structure of the Wave Shadow 3 caters to neutral pronators. Thus, fit specifications include moderate widths of the heel and forefoot, as well as medium heights of the arch and the toe box.

The semi-curved shape of the platform and the form-fitting quality of the upper unit also affect the quality of the fit. These elements promote the capturing of an agreeable coverage and ride through adherence to the foot-shape.

The external pad of the Mizuno Wave Shadow 3 is made of X10, a layer that is derived from carbon rubber. The material protects the base of the midsole from the abrasive nature of the ground. It has a durable construction to allow it to last long. Also, it is responsible for doling out traction, which is highly essential for the efficacy of the performance.

The heel and forefoot sections are decoupled to responsibly isolate the impact shock generated by the striking phase. When the foot lands on the heel, the force dissipates exclusively on that part, leaving the other areas to smoothly complete the step.

Shallow flex grooves make the platform a bit flexible. These trenches fundamentally sanction the natural bending capacity of the foot as it gears itself for the toe-off phase.

U4ic is a Mizuno technology that offers reactive cushioning in a lightweight yet durable package. This full-length piece is designed to support the foot and keep it energized as it takes each step. Additionally, it attenuates impact during the landing phase. U4ic is a staple in many modern Mizuno shoe series, gracing long-running rosters like the Wave Creation and the Wave Prophecy.

The Mizuno Wave is a thermoplastic piece that is wedged in the heel part of the platform. This layer is designed to bolster the structural integrity of the platform while also maintaining in-shoe steadiness. Moreover, it assists the foam part of the midsole when it comes to receiving the impact shock.

The Premium Sockliner is a layer of soft cushioning that is placed right above the primary midsole system. It is thin yet soft and flexible. It provides a smooth surface for the foot to enjoy while inside the Mizuno Wave Shadow 3. It can be removed or replaced with a new insert.

SmoothRide is a slightly convex platform construction which is helpful when it comes to leading the foot through the step smoothly and efficiently.

The Mizuno Intercool is made up of a ventilation system within the midsole unit. Small holes permit air to enter and exit the shoe, staving off the feeling of stuffiness.

Running from the front to the midfoot part of the Mizuno Wave Shadow 3 is a cloth-like mesh. This element aims to deliver smooth and non-irritating coverage. It has a stretchy construction to mimic the shape and motion of the foot. Also, it has breathing holes to further encourage a cool and dry in-shoe experience.

The heel part features a ribbed textile which helps with the security of the heel.

The padded tongue and collar are designed to cushion the topmost portions of the foot, namely the Achilles tendon, the ankles, and the instep. The foam within these parts also aims to avert in-shoe wobbling and accidental shoe removals.

Comparison