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Best Mizuno Running Shoes

Best Mizuno Running Shoes

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.

Updated: 4.28.2023

Best All Around Mizuno Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rider 26

Mizuno Wave Rider 26

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 delivers the feel of Mizuno Wave technology but improves both the comfort and ride over previous editions. The simple engineered mesh upper molds nicely to the foot, the Enerzy foam can handle 8-10 miles at a time, and the shoe rolls nicely from heel to forefoot. While the outsole wears quicker than most Mizuno models, there’s still plenty of rubber to maintain great traction for a long time. Could it use a little more cushion to really fit in with today’s higher-stack competition? Sure. But the cushion it does have performs well and provides long-lasting on-foot comfort. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140

7/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Mizuno Wave Rider 26 Buy Women's Mizuno Wave Rider 26

Best Speedy Mizuno Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash

The price tag on the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash is a bit high at $150 but it’s your best bet for a speed day shoe from the current Mizuno lineup. It feels light on foot but still packs a ton of rubber on the outsole. And that outsole, in typical Mizuno fashion, hardly shows wear and is ready for the long haul. The upper, while comfy, does have a bit too much material in the toebox and a slippy tongue. Underfoot the Mizuno Enerzy Lite and TPU Wave plate make the shoe feel poppy, if slightly on the firm side. It’s also a good option for flat footers who don’t want much of an arch and wide footers who enjoy the Mizuno midsole geometry.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

7.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash Buy Women's Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash

Best Stability Mizuno Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Featured

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 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 18 as a great daily trainer with extra stability thrown in for good measure. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Buy Women's Mizuno Wave Inspire 18

Best Marathon Mizuno Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is an out-of-nowhere surprise hit. Mizuno was largely staying out of the road racing shoe arena and making its typical everyday running shoes…until now. The Wave Rebellion Pro is the most aggressive super shoe to date. 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 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.

It’s a bit heavier than the lightest marathon racing shoes but you won’t really mind it the extra weight as your body will instead benefit from the trampoline-like feeling that the Enerzy Lite and Wave plate provide. The upper is comfy but does run a little short, so take that into account. One of our testers was ok with his usual size but another needed to go up half a 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 because the G3 outsole grips everything and the upper locks your foot onto the footbed. Mizuno nailed it with this one.

Fits: Short (go up a half size), Drop: 4mm, Price: $250

9/10
Total Score
Buy Wave Rebellion Pro at Mizuno Buy Men's Wave Rebellion Pro at RW Buy Women's Wave Rebellion Pro at RW

Best Mizuno Running Shoes – Honorable Mention

Mizuno Wave Sky 6

Mizuno Wave Sky 6

The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 looks awesome and packs a nicely accommodating and comfortable stretch woven upper. It’s also a well-cushioned and super-durable shoe. That said, it’s heavy, too expensive, and can have a slightly clunky ride for some people. If you can find the Wave Sky 6 on sale, and the weight doesn’t bother you, you’ll have found a long-lasting, super comfortable daily running shoe. Read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $170

7.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Mizuno Wave Sky 6 Buy Women's Mizuno Wave Sky 6

Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is a sustainability-focused, well-rounded daily running shoe that’s priced a little too high. It’s a little heavy with a collar height that isn’t for everyone, but the comfortable knit upper tops a buffet of Mizuno’s best foams. It’s Mizuno’s plushest shoe but can still pick up the pace when needed. It’s definitely worth grabbing if you can find a good sale. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250

7.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra Buy Women's Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Mizuno running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.

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