Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe

Product Information

From time to time carriers may deliver earlier or later, or on non working days however this is cannot be guaranteed nor should it be expected. You’ll notice this from the MIZUNO WAVE plate in the midsole area. I felt all over cushioning in the upper along with how breathable they felt. Even after the miles add up, I have enjoyed the stability, smoothness, and comfort of these shoes. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how my running has actually sped up when wearing these shoes! Don’t look now, but this luxury car is sneaky fast! Ready out of the box! While other trainers it competes with are evolving, the Wave Inspire is staying true to the wave plate. This would be justified if the wave plate is effective but in my opinion it isn’t.

There was a noticeable difference between the ENERZY cushioning and the U4ICx used in previous editions.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Sole Unit

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. 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 biggest changes come from the redesigned seamless upper, the incorporation of recycled materials and the slightly lighter weight. they provide a wonderful ride that makes you wonder just how this is a stability shoe in the first place. 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. 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.

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.

For cushioning, Mizuno uses a range of proprietary ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams called “Enerzy.” The company stays tight-lipped about its exact chemistry and composition, but Mizuno calls the cushion responsive and lightweight, and claims that it offers 15-percent more energy return than the company’s last generation of EVA foam, U4ic. Subsequent runs have proven that the shoes continue to show up day in and day out, no matter the mileage. 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 Wave Sky is Mizuno’s super-plush shoe. While previous versions achieved a soft ride using a long list of foams, the Wave Sky 6 streamlines the cushion to save weight and showcase the brand’s latest midsole design, which sandwiches its Enerzy and Enerzy Core foams around a wave plate. All three components complement each other: The firm Enerzy foam provides support. The plush, but resilient Enerzy Core compresses to provide that plush feel. The wave plate, as always, stabilizes your foot and dissipates impact forces. Together, the foams and plate promote smooth transitions and create a notably soft, somewhat responsive ride. Like in Mizuno’s other models, the wedge of Enerzy foam in the heel of the Inspire 17 lends the shoe a softer touch and bouncier response. The placement gives it a more cushioned feel on landing, and it helps the shoe roll smoothly into the forefoot transition.

UK Delivery

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. Many popular running shoes are using softer foams now than they used to, and Mizuno is keeping with the trend. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 was the first edition of the Inspire to use ENERZY foam in the midsole, and the Inspire 18 continues that tradition. The result is a softer, bouncier feeling than previous models. Mizuno switched to its proven U4ic foam for the midsole under the forefoot, which is a little firmer than the Enerzy in the heel. That firmer forefoot creates a stable, responsive platform that really works for one reviewer. 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.