7 Best Mizuno Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Mizuno Running Shoes in 2023
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Mizuno has always been known for its durable, long-distance running shoes. But because we know that different runners need different shoes, we’ve selected some of the best choices from different categories. 

Whether it’s for flat feet, premium cushioning, or just the best Mizuno shoe overall, we’ve got our top picks ready for you. To ensure we only give you the best, we have tested nearly 70 Mizuno running models.

How we test running shoes

Because we’re geeks over everything running shoes, we’ve tested tens of Mizuno shoes to pick the greatest. And to do so, we have done the following: 

  • We pay for the shoes with our own money for transparency. 
  • For each shoe, we run at least 30-50 miles in varying conditions. 
  • They then get cut into pieces, so we can measure them with 30+ parameters like softness, breathability, durability, and more. 

Through our own system, we gather multiple expert and user reviews to come up with a CoreScore (from 0-100), which is integral in the shoe’s ranking. 

Best Mizuno running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Mizuno aims at lighter and peppier with the Wave Rider 25. This daily trainer is flexible, comfortable, and perfect for the heel strikers out there that need a ton of foam in the heel to softly dampen impact. The shoe is breathable, and light on the environment with its recycled mesh upper. It’s a great entry point into running shoes for the beginner runner but ultimately falls short for those looking for something a bit more high-performance.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Stable for pronators
  • Grippy
  • Durable

Cons

  • Too much drop
  • Tall heel
  • Heel slip
Full review of Mizuno Wave Rider 25

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (J1GC210393)
Neo Lime (J1GC210315)
Harbor Blue (411319HBHB)
Peacock Blue (4113205C5C)
Imperial Blue (4113215R5R)
Grey (4113199LTU)
Legion Blue Harbor Blue (411320LGHB)
905E (411349905E)
More colors

Best Mizuno stability running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag
Full review of Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (4113519073)
Estate Blue (411351UG73)
Smoke Blue Ebony (411351KBEY)

Best Mizuno running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a solid daily trainer. It might not impress with its traditional design, but taking all the good from its previous iterations it’s now versatile, responsive, extremely durable and a great choice for mild to moderate overpronators who want support on easy and recovery runs.

Pros

  • Excellent durability
  • Roomy toebox
  • Softer than previous iterations
  • Very comfortable upper
  • Amazing traction
  • Smart support for overpronation
  • Surprisingly responsive
  • Feels lighter than its weight
  • Made from renewable materials

Cons

  • Laces could be shorter
  • Can be warm in hot environments
Full review of Mizuno Wave Inspire 18

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Smoke Blue White (411355KB00)
Ultimate Grey/Silver (411355UG73)
Black (J1GC224404)
0A90 (4113550A90)
Grey (411357UG73)
Neo Lime/Misty Blue (4113554M5C)

Best Mizuno running shoes for long distance

Mizuno Wave Sky 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

It's clear as day that the Wave Sky 5 from Mizuno is a cruiser that's made for your easy and recovery days on the road. If you're looking for something fast with an all-around quality, you might want to consider the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 instead. In a nutshell, the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is a premium-priced training flat with premium comfort. It's like a "luxury sedan" for the feet, made for slow-paced runs from short to long distances.

Pros

  • Well-cushioned
  • Stable
  • Protective
  • Responsive
  • Essential for easy days
  • Snug fit
  • Smooth and plush upper
  • Secure fit
  • Ample support
  • Durable outsole
  • Attractive

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Limited toe splay
Full review of Mizuno Wave Sky 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Green (4113275C5C)
Black (4113309090)
Steel Grey (4113279M9M)
Trooper (411327TRTR)
9090 (4113279090)
5R06 (4113275R06)

Mizuno running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion is a speed trainer that shines in short, fast-paced efforts. And if it's a highly stable tempo shoe you're after, this is THE shoe. Because of its soft heel, experts find it more suitable for heel strikers. The Rebellion is pitted against the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2. But because of its ill-fitting upper, it pales in comparison.

Pros

  • Delivers a stable ride
  • Ample support
  • Light
  • Durable
  • Excellent midfoot fit
  • Breathable
  • Sufficient cushioning
  • Reliable traction

Cons

  • Sloppy fit
  • Stiff and firm
  • Lace bite issues
  • Rigid heel counter
Full review of Mizuno Wave Rebellion

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Princess Blue Paradise Green Diva Pink (J1GC211783)
Blue (J1GC211728)
Neo Lime (4113314M4M)

Best value

What makes it the best?

If you are looking for a max-cushioned shoe that you can use as a daily trainer and that will last for hundreds of miles, the Waveknit 3 may be for you. It is an exceptionally well-built shoe, very durable, and should last at least 400 miles, if not more. However, be warned that it’s way too heavy and lacks breathability. With a price tag of $160, there are so many other options at or below that price point that I would prefer.

Pros

  • Solid lockdown
  • Step-in comfort
  • Good energy return
  • Outsole will last hundreds of miles

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Little breathability
  • No reflective elements
Full review of Mizuno Wave Sky WaveKnit 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (4111089090)
Grey (4111079ZVB)
Multi (411106MB00)
Campanula-silver (4111065G73)
Grey (J1GC192534)

Comparison of the 7 best Mizuno running shoes

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
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# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.