Mizuno Corporation is a Japanese company founded in 1906. Mizuno started with sportswear, baseball shoes, and baseball gloves before making their first Track and Field focused shoes in 1928. In 1997, Mizuno launched the original Wave Rider. The Wave technology still plays a large part in Mizuno’s running shoes to this day. You’ll likely see it appear below in our ever-updating list of the best Mizuno Running Shoes.
This list does not include all of our Mizuno running shoe reviews – just the best ones. If you want to see more, you can check out all our running shoe reviews here or all of our Mizuno running shoe reviews here.
All the shoes mentioned in our Best Mizuno Running Shoes list are at the top of their respective category within the brand. We tried to make it easy to find the categories that are most important to you. Just click the category you want to read in the table of contents, and you’ll quickly see what we have to say about the best shoe from that category.
Best All Around Mizuno Running Shoes
Mizuno Neo Zen
The Mizuno Neo Zen keeps the exquisite, Smooth Speed Assist rocker geometry and the nitrogen-infused, ENERZY NXT midsole of last year’s well-liked Neo Vista. But the Neo Zen ditches the plate and brings down both the price and the stack to more accessible levels ($150 and a “mere” 40mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot). The X10 rubber outsole bears the same, effective outsole pattern and should provide durability in-line with typical daily running shoes.
The breathable, fully knit upper has a bit more volume in the forefoot than may be necessary, and the lacing in that area isn’t the most effective. However, lockdown is achievable via the rest of the lacing; it may just take a few runs to dial it in completely. But the overall fit nicely accommodates a variety of foot shapes, including our wide-footed friends.
The Mizuno Neo Zen has an incredibly lively and smooth ride that offers an impressive amount of versatility for anything from recovery runs, to track work, to tempo runs, to long runs. The $150 price point and high performance echoes the adidas Evo SL, and we feel the Mizuno Neo Zen likewise provides plenty of value with a fun, bouncy feel. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150
Mizuno Wave Rider 29
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 and its supercritical midsole deliver the best all-around Wave Rider in an already illustrious history, continuing Mizuno’s recent hot streak.
Its Cons are found in its sort of generic aesthetic and the fact that it may not be able to take everyone through long-distance or speedy miles. But the Wave Rider 29 is a viable option for a large cross section of runners and non-runners alike, and its Pros are indeed closely connected to how widely approachable this shoe is. Thanks to a TPU WAVE plate and a nitrogen-infused, entirely EVA version of ENERZY NXT midsole foam, its balanced and supportive ride (short of full-on stability) offers a different type of versatility. The midsole foam is great for new runners and for those who simply want a moderate amount of cushioning with some impact protection and without the trending marshmallowy underfoot feel of many modern running shoes. The Wave Rider 29 also doubles as a great walking or working shoe—just firm enough to keep the feet grounded and just soft enough to keep your body feeling good throughout a long day on your feet. Add to all that an accommodating, true-to-size standard fit as well as wide versions in both men’s and women’s sizing, and the Wave Rider 29 further becomes a great choice for those with wide and/or flat feet who need a thoughtful platform underfoot.
The Wave Rider 29 is a reasonably priced, durable daily trainer with a firm-ish yet protective midsole that’s best used for soaking up miles on easy or recovery runs. For more details, read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Super Trainer
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 continues to prioritize the soft and springy ride, max-stack versatility, and smooth geometry of the original. While some aspects of the shoe’s roll-through could be polarizing depending on a runner’s mechanics, the Neo Vista 2 remains a great option for those seeking a fun and bouncy super trainer that makes the ground all but disappear underfoot.
Pros include: one-shoe-to-do-it-all versatility; the king (and queen) of bounce; and a unique aesthetic guaranteed to turn heads. Cons to consider: its high stack may not be for all runners; true wide-footers may be challenged by the fit; and…is there such a thing as too much bounce/plushness…? The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is true-to-size in length but narrows sharply at the back of the midfoot and heel to help the effective knit upper achieve a secure and supportive fit. So if you need lots of room at the back of the foot, you may need to pass. But many wide-footers will find sufficient room up front for toe splay. The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a versatile super trainer built to soak up the miles and blunt the impact forces that typically make the body feel drained. It can do long runs and the tempo sections your coach throws into them as your target race gets close. It also excels at easy-paced recovery runs where taking care of the body is key.
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2’s impressive midsole, support, and really the total package all allow it to hold its own at the common super trainer price of $200. You’re not getting hidden value, but you’re getting something fun and functional enough to make you feel good about spending that much while you cruise through the miles. For more details, read the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Speed Days
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3 is a speed-focused tempo trainer with a responsive and smooth ride, driven by dual-layered MIZUNO ENERZY XP and ENERZY NXT foams bisected by a nylon WAVE plate. It excels when running fast, with the geometry and foams providing a propulsive feel and solid stability despite the high stack. The outsole offers great traction and durability, showing minimal wear even after many miles. The updated upper provides excellent lockdown and a generally accommodating fit. However, the shoe has several flaws, including prominent arch support that some runners may find uncomfortable. Both our reviewers noted a problematic, shifting tongue and a poorly designed heel counter that can cause rubbing and make the shoe difficult to put on. Ultimately, the Wave Rebellion Flash 3 is considered a strong super trainer for uptempo efforts, but its value depends on whether a runner can tolerate its upper and comfort issues. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 3mm, Price: $180
Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Marathon
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
After returning to the marathon racing shoe arena with the Wave Rebellion Pro, Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion Pro 3 refines the concept while still maintaining the fun factor and aggressive geometry of the original. The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is one of the most aggressive super shoes on the market. The midsole is cut into a supercharged rocker shape without much of a heel. This shape puts you on your midfoot/forefoot more than any other shoe. Because of that, the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 demands better running form and you may feel some accompanying soreness as you break it in. But once you get the hang of it, the bounce is elite. Every step feels like you’re getting a ton of energy return.
The upper is comfy but made of basic engineered mesh so it’s nothing special. Mizuno solved the sizing issues from the first version and the Pro 3 fits true to size. And you may be thinking a shoe this tall will feel unstable…but you’d be wrong. You can take corners fast in the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 because the G3 outsole grips everything and the upper locks your foot onto the footbed. Mizuno nailed it with this one.
Fits: True to size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $250
Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Stability
Mizuno Wave Inspire 21
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 is an extremely versatile, moderately priced stability shoe. The stability features aren’t overwhelming so they do the job without feeling oppressive. And while the laces are ridiculously long, that’s our only (minor) gripe. The ground feel is great while still delivering a solid amount of cushion. And the lockdown was near perfect. Think of the Wave Inspire 21 as a great daily trainer with extra stability thrown in for good measure.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140
Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Honorable Mention
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
The Mizuno Wave Sky 8 is the best performing and best looking Wave Sky yet. The line has long been a solid performer delivering a cushioned yet somewhat firm and stable underfoot feel. The Wave Sky 8 fits true to size with good room in the forefoot while the midfoot and heel are somewhat narrow. The stretch woven upper is comfortable and moldable while the gusseted tongue features a bunch of thick cushion. It’s a shoe that molds to your foot the more you wear it. The beefy heel counter is hard and unforgiving for those with sensitive heels or Haglund’s Deformity. The Wave Sky 8 is a reliable daily trainer that will make buyers happier if they use a coupon to get that too high $170 price tag down a bit. Watch the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Mizuno running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
