Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
Buy Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a stability shoe designed to support runners with overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running). This shoe is known for its balance of comfort and responsive support.
Key Features:
- Double Fan-Shaped Wave Plate: Provides a stable platform and helps control foot movement to prevent excessive pronation.
- Mizuno ENERZY Foam: Offers a blend of cushioning and energy return for a responsive stride.
- Seamless Upper: Designed for superior fit and comfort, reducing the risk of chafing.
- Environmentally Friendly Materials: Incorporates recycled materials and bio-based plastics for a reduced environmental impact.
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize stability and responsive cushioning for their daily running. Its seamless upper offers comfort, making it suitable for a variety of distances from 10K to marathon.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just below the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 has been well-received as a dependable stability trainer. It offers a seamless blend of comfort and support, making it suitable for runners who experience overpronation. The shoe's Double Fan-Shaped Wave Plate and Mizuno ENERZY foam work together to provide a stable and responsive ride. The seamless upper and use of recycled materials are notable improvements, enhancing both fit and sustainability. While it may not be the lightest shoe on the market, its durability and traction make it a solid choice for everyday training. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a reliable option for runners seeking moderate stability and cushioning in a shoe that can handle a variety of distances and paces.
Updates to Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 introduces a seamless upper and the use of recycled materials, marking a step forward in sustainability compared to its predecessor, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17. While maintaining the same trusted stability features, the latest model offers a slightly lighter weight and a more responsive feel.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Arahi 6 is known for its maximalist cushioning, which contrasts with the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18's more traditional stability features. Runners looking for a plush ride may gravitate towards the Arahi 6.
6 Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 features a redesigned seamless upper, which provides a comfortable and secure fit. The use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the inner lining and shoelaces reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability. The AIRmesh technology ensures the shoe remains breathable, keeping feet cool during runs.
Midsole
At the heart of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18's midsole is the Double Fan-Shaped Wave Plate, which offers stability for overpronators. The inclusion of Mizuno ENERZY foam provides a soft yet responsive feel, balancing cushioning with energy return. This combination is ideal for those who need support without sacrificing comfort.
Outsole
The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is constructed with X10 carbon rubber, which is Mizuno's most durable compound to date. It ensures excellent traction and grip on road surfaces, contributing to the shoe's overall longevity and reliability.
Size/fit
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 fits true to size, offering a roomy toe box that accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. The seamless construction of the upper contributes to a snug and comfortable fit, reducing the likelihood of irritation during runs.
Comfort
Reviewers have praised the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 for its overall comfort. The combination of a padded tongue and heel collar, along with the seamless upper, provides a plush feel around the foot. The shoe's design ensures comfort over long distances, making it a suitable choice for marathon training.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is characterized by the presence of Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel area. This foam is known for its cushioning capacity and reactivity, contributing to a smooth and cushioned ride.
Breathability
The AIRmesh technology incorporated into the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18's upper ensures that the shoe remains well ventilated. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who value breathability and comfort during their runs.
Stability
Stability is a key feature of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18, with the Double Fan-Shaped Wave Plate providing the necessary support to control excessive pronation. This makes the shoe an excellent choice for runners with overpronation who require a stable platform.
Durability
Durability is a standout characteristic of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18, with its robust construction and high-quality materials. The X10 carbon rubber outsole, in particular, offers high resistance to wear, ensuring the shoe can withstand the rigors of daily training.
Grip
The grip of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is enhanced by the X10 carbon rubber outsole, which provides reliable traction on road surfaces. This feature is essential for maintaining stability and safety during runs, especially in wet conditions.
Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18?
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is best suited for runners who need a stability shoe to manage overpronation. It's an excellent choice for those engaging in everyday training and looking for a shoe that offers both cushioning and support. The environmentally conscious runner will also appreciate the use of recycled materials in the shoe's construction.
Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18?
Runners who prefer a minimalist or ultra-lightweight shoe may not find the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 to their liking due to its stability features and cushioning. Those with a neutral gait or underpronation (when the foot does not roll inward enough during the walking or running stride) should consider other models that cater to their specific foot mechanics.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18: What's it good for?
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is good for road running and can handle a variety of distances, from short runs to marathons. Its cushioning and stability make it suitable for daily training and long runs. The shoe's durable construction also allows it to be a reliable choice for runners who log high mileage.
4 Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 FAQs
What updates have been made to the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 compared to the previous model?
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 features a seamless upper and the inclusion of recycled materials for a more sustainable design. It also offers a slightly lighter weight and a more responsive feel.
Is the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 suitable for marathon training?
Yes, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is suitable for marathon training, offering a balance of cushioning, stability, and durability that can handle long-distance runs.
Can the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 be used for daily running?
Absolutely, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is designed for daily running, providing the support and comfort needed for regular use.
How does the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 perform for runners with overpronation?
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is specifically designed for runners with overpronation, offering a Double Fan-Shaped Wave Plate that provides stability and helps control foot movement.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedApr 2022 | Oct 2014 | Jul 2015 | Sep 2022 | Nov 2024 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | Weight301 g | M: 309 g W: 252 g | M: 292 g W: 244 g | 320 g | M: 283 g W: 227 g | M: 303 g W: 266 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot19 mm | 16 mm | 31 mm | 27 mm | 29 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop12 mm | M: 10 mm W: 13 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel | Heel31 mm | 26 mm | 37 mm | 39 mm | 39 mm | |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningHyrox | Daily runningHyrox |
| Brand | BrandMizuno | ASICS | Under Armour | adidas | Brooks | Brooks |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeMaximalist | Maximalist | Maximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | ASICS Gel | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsRoadStabilityOverpronationHeel strikeLow archBreathable |
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