Mizuno Wave Ibuki
Buy Mizuno Wave Ibuki at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is a trail running shoe designed to introduce runners to mountain terrain. This shoe is known for its versatility and comfort, making it suitable for both trail and road running.
Key Features:
- Mizuno Wave Technology: Provides stability and cushioning for a smooth ride.
- Breathable Upper: The knitted mesh upper ensures optimal ventilation and reduces the risk of chafing.
- WGrip Outsole: Offers excellent traction on various surfaces, enhancing grip and safety.
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and stability for trail running. Its breathable upper offers enhanced comfort, making it suitable for long-distance runs.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Ibuki
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is a solid choice for those new to trail running. Its combination of Mizuno Wave Technology and Mizuno Enerzy foam in the midsole provides a balanced mix of cushioning and stability. The breathable upper ensures comfort during long runs, while the WGrip outsole offers reliable traction on various terrains. However, some users may find the shoe slightly heavy, especially for faster paces. The shoe's versatility makes it suitable for both trail and road running, but it excels in less technical mountain terrains. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Ibuki is a dependable option for runners seeking a comfortable and stable trail running shoe. Its value for money and performance make it a worthwhile investment for trail running enthusiasts.
Comparable Shoes
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a good alternative for those seeking a more aggressive trail running shoe. It offers superior grip and traction on technical terrains, making it suitable for more challenging trails. However, it may not be as comfortable for long-distance runs on mixed terrains as the Mizuno Wave Ibuki.
The Brooks Cascadia 15 is another trail running shoe that offers excellent cushioning and stability. It is designed for rugged terrains and provides a secure fit. While it is comparable to the Mizuno Wave Ibuki in terms of comfort, the Cascadia 15 may offer better performance on highly technical trails.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is known for its exceptional cushioning and support. It is ideal for long-distance trail running and offers a plush ride. However, it may be heavier than the Mizuno Wave Ibuki, making it less suitable for runners who prefer a lighter shoe.
Special versions of Mizuno Wave Ibuki
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki GTX is a special version of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki, designed for wet and muddy conditions. It features a Gore-Tex membrane in the upper, providing waterproofing and keeping the feet dry. The outsole is slightly modified with WGrip rubber, offering enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. While it retains the same cushioning and stability features as the standard version, the GTX version is slightly heavier due to the added waterproofing materials.
6 Mizuno Wave Ibuki Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki is made from a knitted mesh, providing excellent breathability and reducing the risk of chafing. This seamless design enhances comfort and ensures a snug fit. The inclusion of a gusseted tongue (attached to the upper most of the way to the opening of the boot under the laces) prevents debris from entering the shoe, making it ideal for trail running.
Midsole
The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki features Mizuno Enerzy foam, which offers improved cushioning and responsiveness. This material is known for its durability and ability to provide a soft yet stable ride. Combined with Mizuno Wave Technology, the midsole ensures a balanced mix of cushioning and stability, making it suitable for long-distance runs on various terrains.
Outsole
The WGrip outsole of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki is designed to provide excellent traction on different surfaces. The X10 technology, an anti-abrasion material, ensures durability and grip. The outsole's lug pattern is specifically designed for trail running, with X-shaped lugs in the central area for multidirectional traction and V-shaped lugs on the edges for steep terrain.
Size/fit
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki offers a medium toe box, providing ample space for the toes to splay naturally. This design ensures a comfortable fit for runners with medium-width feet. The shoe's overall fit is snug and secure, thanks to the knitted mesh upper and gusseted tongue, which prevent debris from entering the shoe.
Comfort
Comfort is a key feature of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki. The combination of a breathable upper, cushioned midsole, and secure fit ensures a comfortable running experience. The padded tongue adds to the overall comfort, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The shoe's design minimizes the risk of chafing and blisters, enhancing the overall comfort for trail running.
Cushioning
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki excels in cushioning, thanks to the Mizuno Enerzy foam in the midsole. This material provides a soft and responsive feel, absorbing impact and reducing stress on the joints. The Mizuno Wave Technology further enhances cushioning, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride on various terrains.
Breathability
The knitted mesh upper of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki ensures excellent breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs. This well-ventilated design reduces the risk of overheating and blisters, making it suitable for long-distance runs in various weather conditions.
Stability
Stability is a strong point of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki, thanks to the Mizuno Wave Technology in the midsole. This technology provides a stable platform, reducing the risk of ankle rolls and enhancing overall balance. The shoe's design ensures a secure fit, further contributing to its stability on various terrains.
Durability
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is built to last, with durable materials used in the upper, midsole, and outsole. The WGrip outsole, combined with X10 technology, ensures long-lasting traction and resistance to wear and tear. The Mizuno Enerzy foam in the midsole maintains its cushioning properties over time, making the shoe a reliable choice for trail running.
Grip
The WGrip outsole of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki provides excellent grip on various surfaces, making it suitable for trail running. The lug pattern is designed for multidirectional traction, ensuring stability on steep and uneven terrains. The outsole's durability and grip make it a dependable choice for runners seeking reliable traction.
Flex
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki offers a good balance of flexibility and support. The knitted mesh upper allows for natural foot movement, while the Mizuno Wave Technology in the midsole provides the necessary support. This combination ensures a comfortable and responsive ride, making it suitable for various running conditions.
Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Ibuki?
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is ideal for runners who are new to trail running and seek a versatile shoe that can handle both trail and road surfaces. Those who prioritize comfort and cushioning will appreciate the Mizuno Enerzy foam in the midsole. Runners with medium-width feet will find the medium toe box design accommodating. Additionally, those who value a breathable and well-ventilated shoe will benefit from the knitted mesh upper.
Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Ibuki?
Runners who prefer a lightweight shoe for faster paces may find the Mizuno Wave Ibuki slightly heavy. Those who require a shoe for highly technical terrains might need a more specialized trail running shoe. If you have a low arch or need extra arch support, this shoe may not provide the necessary support. For those who run exclusively on roads, a dedicated road running shoe might be a better option.
Mizuno Wave Ibuki: What's it good for?
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki is well-suited for trail running, especially for beginners and intermediate runners. Its cushioning and stability make it ideal for long-distance runs on less technical mountain terrains. The shoe's versatility allows it to handle both trail and road surfaces, making it a great choice for mixed-terrain runs. Additionally, the breathable upper ensures comfort during extended runs, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
5 Mizuno Wave Ibuki FAQs
Is the Mizuno Wave Ibuki suitable for road running?
Yes, the Mizuno Wave Ibuki is versatile enough for both trail and road running. Its cushioning and stability make it suitable for mixed-terrain runs.
What is the weight of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki?
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki weighs 326 g for men and 275 g for women.
Does the Mizuno Wave Ibuki provide good traction?
Yes, the WGrip outsole of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki offers excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for trail running.
Is the Mizuno Wave Ibuki breathable?
Yes, the knitted mesh upper of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki ensures excellent breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs.
What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki?
The Mizuno Wave Ibuki has a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm.
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| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 326 g W: 275 g | M: 247 g W: 210 g | M: 244 g W: 213 g | M: 278 g W: 232 g | ||
| Forefoot | Forefoot16 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | |||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 3 mm | 1 mm | 6 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel26 mm | 35 mm | 41 mm | |||
| Brand | BrandMizuno | Newton | Mizuno | New Balance | adidas | New Balance |
| Support Type | Support TypeNeutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | ||
| Pronation Type | Pronation TypeNeutral pronation | Neutral pronation | Neutral pronation | Neutral pronation | ||
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | ||
| Arch Type | Arch TypeHigh arch | High arch | High arch | High arch | ||
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | LightweightLow drop | ComfortableLightweightLow dropMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam | New Balance FuelCell | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsRoad |
