Mizuno Wave Sky
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Overview
The Mizuno Wave Sky is a highly cushioned running shoe designed for daily training. This shoe is known for its exceptional comfort and stability, making it a reliable choice for long-distance runners. As part of the Mizuno Wave Sky family, it incorporates advanced technologies to enhance the running experience.
Key Features:
- Cloudwave Technology: Provides enhanced cushioning and responsiveness.
- U4icX Foam: Offers a plush and lively feel.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: Ensures good ventilation and comfort.
The Mizuno Wave Sky is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and stability for long-distance runs. Its advanced cushioning offers a smooth ride, making it suitable for daily training.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 79%. This puts it rated just below the median rating of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Sky
The Mizuno Wave Sky is a well-rounded running shoe that excels in providing comfort and stability. Reviewers have praised its great cushioning, making it ideal for long runs. The shoe's outsole quality and durability are also standout features, ensuring it can handle extensive mileage. However, some runners found it too heavy and clunky at faster paces. The breathability of the upper is good, but not the best, which might cause issues in hot weather. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Sky is a solid choice for runners seeking a cushioned and stable shoe for daily training. Its durability and comfort make it a worthwhile investment for long-distance runners.
Updates to Mizuno Wave Sky
The Mizuno Wave Sky 7 features significant updates from its predecessors, including improved cushioning and stability. The addition of Enerzy and Enerzy Core foams in the midsole enhances the shoe's comfort and responsiveness. The breathable mesh upper has been redesigned for better ventilation and support. Compared to the Mizuno Wave Sky 6, the Wave Sky 7 offers a more cushioned and stable ride, making it a better choice for long-distance runners.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Novablast 4 is a good alternative for runners seeking a cushioned daily trainer at a lower price point. While the Mizuno Wave Sky offers excellent durability and stability, the Novablast 4 provides a more energetic and responsive ride. The Novablast 4 is also lighter, making it a better choice for faster paces.
The Saucony Axon 3 is a budget-friendly option for runners looking for a cushioned daily trainer. While the Mizuno Wave Sky excels in durability and stability, the Axon 3 offers a more affordable alternative with decent cushioning and comfort. The Axon 3 is also lighter, making it suitable for runners who prefer a less bulky shoe.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a good choice for midfoot or forefoot strikers seeking a cushioned daily trainer. While the Mizuno Wave Sky is ideal for heel strikers, the Clifton 9 offers a more balanced feel for different strike patterns. The Clifton 9 is also lighter, making it a better option for faster paces.
The ASICS Superblast is a suitable alternative for runners seeking a cushioned daily trainer with a softer midsole. While the Mizuno Wave Sky offers a balanced feel, the Superblast provides an ultra-plush experience. The Superblast is also lighter, making it a better choice for runners who prefer a softer and more responsive ride.
The Nike Invincible 3 is a great option for runners who prefer an ultra-soft midsole. While the Mizuno Wave Sky offers a balanced feel, the Invincible 3 provides a more cushioned and plush experience. The Invincible 3 is also lighter, making it suitable for runners who prioritize comfort and responsiveness.
Special versions of Mizuno Wave Sky
The Mizuno Wave Sky Neo is a special version of the Wave Sky that focuses on providing a more responsive and dynamic ride. It features a unique midsole composition with dual-density foams, offering a softer feel in the lower part and a higher compression foam in the upper part. This design enhances energy return and comfort, making it suitable for both training and competition. The Wave Sky Neo maintains the same high stack height and drop as the standard Wave Sky, ensuring a cushioned and stable ride.
12 Mizuno Wave Sky Pros & Cons
7 Pros
5 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Mizuno Wave Sky features a breathable mesh that ensures good ventilation, making it suitable for warm weather runs. The mesh is slightly stretchy in the forefoot, providing a comfortable fit, while the rear is well-padded for added comfort. The semi-gusseted tongue design (a tongue partially attached to the sides of the shoe) eliminates tongue movement, ensuring a secure fit. Reflective elements are included for safety during low-light runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Sky is designed with dual-density foams. The main foam, Enerzy, offers a balanced softness with good energy return, while the Enerzy Core foam provides an ultra-soft feel under the forefoot and heel. This combination results in a cushioned and responsive ride, suitable for long-distance runs. The midsole also features a high stack height (the thickness of the shoe's sole), making it ideal for heel strikers.
Outsole
The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Sky is made of X10 Carbon rubber, known for its durability and grip. The outsole features strategic cutouts to enhance flexibility and reduce weight. The 5 mm thickness of the outsole contributes to the shoe's durability, although it adds some weight.
Size/fit
The Mizuno Wave Sky offers an average fit, with enough room in the toebox for most runners. The widest part of the toebox measures around 100 mm, providing a comfortable fit for about 80% of runners. The semi-gusseted tongue design ensures a secure fit, and the shoe's standard shape accommodates most over-the-counter insoles.
Comfort
Comfort is a key feature of the Mizuno Wave Sky. The shoe's well-padded tongue and rear provide a comfortable fit, while the breathable mesh upper ensures good ventilation. The thick insole enhances the cushioned feel, making it suitable for long runs. The shoe's reflective elements add an extra layer of safety for low-light runs.
Cushioning
The Mizuno Wave Sky excels in cushioning, with a substantial stack height of 40 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot. The dual-density midsole, featuring Enerzy and Enerzy Core foams, provides a plush and responsive ride. This makes the shoe ideal for heel strikers and long-distance runners seeking a cushioned experience.
Breathability
The Mizuno Wave Sky features a breathable mesh upper that ensures good airflow, making it suitable for warm weather runs. The toebox is highly ventilated, while the rest of the upper provides structure and support.
Stability
Stability is a strong point of the Mizuno Wave Sky. The shoe features a torsionally rigid design (resistant to twisting), which provides a stable ride without compromising comfort. The standard heel counter ensures the heel stays secure, while the wider midsole in the heel targets heel strikers. This combination makes the shoe stable and comfortable for long-distance runs.
Durability
The Mizuno Wave Sky is built to last, with a durable X10 Carbon rubber outsole and reinforced toebox. The shoe performed exceptionally well in durability tests, earning high scores for both the toebox and heel padding. The 5 mm thick outsole adds to the shoe's durability, making it a reliable choice for long-distance runners.
Grip
The Mizuno Wave Sky offers excellent grip, thanks to its X10 Carbon rubber outsole. The outsole features deep cuts in the forefoot to enhance flexibility and traction on various surfaces. The shoe performed well on cement, crushed gravel, and even dirt and grass, making it a versatile choice for different terrains.
Flex
The Mizuno Wave Sky offers moderate flexibility, thanks to the forefoot cutouts in the outsole. These cutouts reduce weight and enhance the shoe's flexibility, making it comfortable for daily training.
Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Sky?
The Mizuno Wave Sky is ideal for runners seeking a highly cushioned and stable shoe for daily training. It's perfect for those who prioritize comfort and durability for long-distance runs. Runners with a heel strike will benefit from its high stack height and cushioned midsole. The shoe's breathable upper makes it suitable for warm weather runs.
Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Sky?
Runners looking for a lightweight shoe for fast paces might find the Mizuno Wave Sky too heavy and clunky. Those who prefer a softer midsole might want to consider other options, as the Wave Sky offers a balanced feel rather than an ultra-plush experience. Midfoot or forefoot strikers might find better choices in other models like the Hoka Clifton 9 or ASICS Superblast.
Mizuno Wave Sky: What's it good for?
The Mizuno Wave Sky is well-suited for daily running and long-distance training. Its excellent cushioning and stability make it ideal for marathon training and other long runs. The shoe's durable outsole and breathable upper ensure it performs well in various weather conditions, making it a versatile choice for road running.
6 Mizuno Wave Sky FAQs
Is the Mizuno Wave Sky suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, the Mizuno Wave Sky is designed for long-distance running. Its excellent cushioning and stability make it ideal for marathon training and other long runs.
How does the Mizuno Wave Sky perform in warm weather?
The Mizuno Wave Sky features a breathable mesh upper that ensures good airflow, making it suitable for warm weather runs.
Is the Mizuno Wave Sky good for heel strikers?
Yes, the Mizuno Wave Sky is ideal for heel strikers. Its high stack height and cushioned midsole provide a plush and comfortable ride for heel strikers.
What is the weight of the Mizuno Wave Sky?
The Mizuno Wave Sky weighs 10.4 oz (296g), which is slightly on the heavier side. However, its excellent cushioning and stability make up for the weight.
Does the Mizuno Wave Sky have a removable insole?
Yes, the Mizuno Wave Sky comes with a removable insole, making it easy to replace with over-the-counter insoles if needed.
Is the Mizuno Wave Sky suitable for runners with wide feet?
The Mizuno Wave Sky offers an average fit, with enough room in the toebox for most runners. However, those with extremely wide feet might prefer other shoes that better suit their foot shape.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedJun 2017 | Jun 2018 | Jan 2017 | Nov 2024 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 312 g W: 255 g | M: 275 g W: 232 g | M: 269 g W: 224 g | M: 298 g W: 244 g | M: 303 g W: 266 g | M: 283 g W: 227 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot26 mm | M: 24 mm W: 23 mm | 29 mm | 27 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 5 mm | 3 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm |
| Heel | Heel36 mm | M: 29 mm W: 28 mm | 39 mm | 39 mm | ||
| Brand | BrandMizuno | Newton | Newton | Hoka | Brooks | Brooks |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableMaximalist | Low drop | ComfortableMaximalist | Maximalist | ||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningStabilityOverpronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeLow arch |
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