Mizuno wave rider waveknit12/15/2023 ![]() The majority of our testers declared the Waveknit’s light weight as their favorite feature, even though our lab’s measurements placed the shoe in the middle of the spectrum-not too light nor too heavy. Said a tester, “It felt extremely soft when you first put on the shoe, then your foot settles into the cushioning and it is like walking on a cloud.” Tests at the RW Shoe Lab show the Waveknit R2 to be exceptionally soft, especially the heel which is about as cushy as it gets. This dual midsole, along with the Wave plate, delivers rebound and dials up the cushioning. The Waveknit’s midsole is composed of Mizuno’s U4ic-which is boasted to be approximately 30 percent lighter than the brand’s AP+ midsole-and U4icX. The Wave Plate is just an added bonus for anyone who pronates excessively.The stretchy knit upper was inspired by Mizuno’s Wave Technology (men’s shown). “The Inspire definitely feels stable, but running in it feels smooth and easy. “I don’t notice the Wave Plate is there,” one reviewer says. That extra durability helps the midsole wear evenly, giving you a more stable ride throughout the life of the shoe.Īdding a plastic plate might sound cumbersome, but testers say you only notice the stable ride. The plate is stiffer and more durable than the surrounding midsole foam, so it compresses less under your weight. 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. Like most traditional stability running shoes, the plate works to mitigate the effects of overpronation. On the medial side (the inside), the plate is burlier, with a stair-step kind of shape. On the lateral side of the shoe, the plate has a gentle S-shaped wave to it. ![]() You can see the fan-shaped plate embedded into the heel. The main stability feature in the Inspire is Mizuno’s Wave Plate. “I like the snappier response, especially in a stability shoe.” “The firmer forefoot makes the Inspire feel a little more nimble than softer foams,” one reviewer says. That firmer forefoot creates a stable, responsive platform that really works for one reviewer. Mizuno switched to its proven U4ic foam for the midsole under the forefoot, which is a little firmer than the Enerzy in the heel. “It feels flexible in the forefoot but I still feel supported.” “I love that the Inspire 17 gives me the stability that I need without feeling overly stiff,” one reviewer says. The placement gives it a more cushioned feel on landing, and it helps the shoe roll smoothly into the forefoot transition. 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. Designers already added the new foam composition to shoes like the Wave Rider 24 and the Wave Sky Waveknit 4. Mizuno continued overhauling its lineup with a new type of foam called Enerzy. Many popular running shoes are using softer foams now than they used to, and Mizuno is keeping with the trend. It’s an experience that most experienced runners will find familiar and most new runners will appreciate. The bottom line is simple: The Wave Inspire 17 fits and feels like a traditional running shoe. ![]() The flat laces hold well, and they’re long enough to give you some slack if you need to lace your running shoes differently. Reviewers also say the Inspire fits true to length. “My heel stays put, and more forefoot has plenty of room.” “I have a slightly more rectangular shaped foot, and the Inspire fits me really well,” one reviewer says. An internal bootie creates a snug midfoot feel, and a rigid internal heel counter helps lock your foot into place so it doesn’t shift or rub. One of the most consistent things about Mizuno running shoes is the secure fit. Testers say the knit upper also feels comfortable and secure, but it feels a little bit roomier in the toe box than the mesh option. Alongside a lightly padded tongue and cushioned heel collar, the shoe offers even more comfort. The mesh is soft and light, which adds a plushness to the overall fit. The latest Inspire dons either a conventional mesh upper or a knit upper, depending on your preference. From model to model, Mizuno maintains a comfortable and familiar fit, and the Wave Inspire 17 is no exception. ![]()
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