The Wave Neo Wind and its extra cushioned counterpart, the Wave Neo Ultra, represent a more sustainable approach to running shoe production. The Neo Wind utilizes some of Mizuno’s latest tech, like Enerzy Lite foam, but it’s made with plant-based materials and produced with less resource-intensive manufacturing processes.

The midsole uses Enerzy foam exclusively (no more U4ic), and it’s paired with a PEBA wave plate to disperse impact forces and promote smooth, stable strides. Like the Wave Horizon, the Wave Rider features a carbon rubber outsole, for a better grip and extra durability.The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 are built for stability and miles, unfortunately their refusal to evolve and adapt prevents them from standing out of a crowded stability field. Last year I said “It is almost like running in two different shoes because of the different sensations felt in the forefoot and midfoot/heel areas” about the 16s.

If you want to know more about Mizuno’s distinctive designs, we’ll outline the main tech that goes into its shoes, from wave plates to newer cushioning foams. If you want to try a pair, we’ve also highlighted the best Mizuno shoes you can get right now.Beyond ten miles, I started to feel my feet fatiguing a bit more, but even with the fatigue, I have felt the stability design keeping my feet from harm’s way. The cushioning of the midsole underwent some changes which have slightly affected the ride. Mizuno ENERZY is a softer and lighter cushioning found in heel portions. Don’t buy this shoe if you mind stability (in this case, look for a neutral running shoe like Mizuno Wave Rider 24) or if you want a shoe made for a specific type of running only. This is a versatile shoe, not a devoted race shoe or a long-distance running shoe. Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 fits perfectly

This is Mizuno’s 18th variation of their classic stability training shoe. It makes its debut with some updates but stays true to its original design. Like most traditional stability running shoes, the plate works to mitigate the effects of overpronation. Runners who overpronate put more stress on the inside of their shoes, which can wear it down prematurely and lead to an uneven ride over time. A pair of lighter racing variants, Enerzy Lite and Enerzy Lite Plus foams, give the Wave Rebellion Pro a snappy, propulsive ride while saving weight. Enerzy Lite is formulated for maximum energy return–Mizuno claims it delivers 35 percent more energy return than U4ic–while the even lighter Enerzy Lite Plus minimizes weight and maximizes softness. On the medial side, the wave plate has a double fan, this serves the same purpose as a medial post would in a traditional trainer. The wave plate is evident from the moment the trainer is on and takes some miles to get used to it. For cushioning, Mizuno uses a range of proprietary ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams called “Enerzy.” The company stays tight-lipped about its exact chemistry and composition, but Mizuno calls the cushion responsive and lightweight, and claims that it offers 15-percent more energy return than the company’s last generation of EVA foam, U4ic.

Like previous versions, the foams are cut into an asymmetrical wave shape, which causes the midsole to resist bending laterally. When you land, that stiffness helps counter overpronation in your stride. At the same time, the wave shape allows the shoe to flex from heel to toe, so it moves with your foot and promotes smooth transitions from landing to toe-off. The latest Inspire dons either a conventional mesh upper or a knit upper, depending on your preference. The mesh is soft and light, which adds a plushness to the overall fit. Alongside a lightly padded tongue and cushioned heel collar, the shoe offers even more comfort. You will find overlays in the midfoot on both the medial and lateral sides to improve the fit of the Wave Inspire. These along with the double-layered mesh of the upper make the Wave Inspire a snug fit.

This is my first pair of Mizuno running shoes ever. I was pretty excited to try them and see why Mizuno Wave fans love this particular model. I opened the box and was surprised with how well made they looked. For me, the upper was a strength of the Wave Inspire. The double layered air mesh of the Wave Inspire provides a flexible fit while feeling like a warm blanket for your feet. The blanket is breathable allowing just enough air flow. The fit of the upper is more on the narrower side which will be an issue for some but it wasn’t one for me. The midsole features a suite of Mizuno’s latest tech to help you power through your tempo runs and workouts. For cushioning, it features a combo of Enerzy and highly responsive Enerzy Lite foams for good energy return, with a specialized glass fiber wave plate that helps disperse impact forces and stiffens the shoe for increased stability and snap at toe-off. One of the few Mizuno shoes without a wave plate, the Horizon 6 offers more softness than other shoes on the lineup, while still providing lots of support from the shoe’s shape. Unlike support shoes with a medial post, the wave-shape design doesn’t require a layer of firm, inflexible foam on the medial side of the midsole to support the foot. This allows the shoe to bend with the motion of your feet, creating a more natural running feel. The Horizon is also extremely durable, thanks to a carbon rubber outsole that will last run after run.Mizuno switched to its proven U4ic foam for the midsole under the forefoot, which is a little firmer than the Enerzy in the heel. That firmer forefoot creates a stable, responsive platform that really works for one reviewer. The Wave Inspire 18’s midsole also features a bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound in the midsole. Traditional TPU foams are made with petroleum or natural gas, while Mizuno’s bio-based plastic is made from renewable materials. You can enjoy a smooth, cushioned ride while feeling good about your impact on the environment. This is my second edition of the Wave Inspire I have ran in, with last year being my first. My overall experience with these was similar to that of the 16s. Let’s get to the strengths and disappointments of the Wave Inspire 17. Mizuno’s Cloudwave midsole flexes with the heel on impact for a softer ride that still feels stable. Lakota Gambill