Our verdict

The Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is a daily trainer aimed at runners with mild overpronation that makes great use of the brand's various technologies to keep us as neutral as possible. Its cushy and responsive Enerzy foam midsole protects us with a pleasant bounce while the wave plate stabilizes our movements and propels us forward. Whether we're out for an easy Waitangi run or a mile-gobbling distance effort, this shoe kept us feeling comfy and supported through and through. As an added bonus, with its now plant-based plate and 90% recycled upper, Mizuno made some environmentally responsible choices with the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 that we can all get behind.

Ténis Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 amarelo Pros

  • zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto tope amortiguación apoyo talón talla 38.5 azules
  • Great impact dampening
  • mizuno duel sonic 2 zapatillas de running RSCMI
  • Comfy and secure heel hold
  • Generously padded
  • Breathable and roomy toebox
  • Mizuno Bags and waist packs Backpacks
  • Camisola Mizuno Impulse Core Tee manga comprida azul claro
  • Works well as a walking shoe
  • gra miejska z mizuno
  • Na Co Dzień Mizuno

Ténis Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 amarelo Cons

  • 12.6 mm drop may not suit all runners
  • Scarpe da trail running mizuno wave mujin 8
  • Somewhat heavy

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

tenis mizuno wave ultima:

  • September 27 at 6pm for with Mizuno at Cosmic Eye Brewing
  • Heel-striking runners looking for a well-cushioned shoe that's protective and responsive enough for long-distance and marathon training.
  • Those who prioritize reliable traction and want a shoe that can tackle some off-road activities
  • Year-round runners in the market for a shoe that's breathable but performs consistently in the cold

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 1

Who should NOT buy

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's 12.4 mm drop might prove to be a little too steep for runners with a forefoot striking stride. We recommend the Saucony Tempus (8.5 mm) or the Mizuno b1521 violet (2.2 mm) as more suitable alternatives for their strike pattern. 

While the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's toebox is accommodating enough to provide a comfy fit for those with normal to wide feet, it will likely prove a little too roomy for those with narrow feet. We recommend checking out the Scarpe MIZUNO Wave Inspire 18 J1GC224427 Neo Lime Misty Blue Ebony for a more snug and locked-in feeling at the forefoot. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 cut

Stability shoes tend to be on the heavy side and the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is no exception at 10.7 oz (302g) according to our scale. For runners who prefer a more lightweight ride, we recommend the más ligera de Mizuno (9.70 oz/275g) or the Hoka Arahi 6 (8.89 oz/252g).

Cushioning

Ténis Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 amarelo | Heel stack

Those with a rearfoot strike pattern will love the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's beefy heel stack which we measured with our caliper to be 37.7 mm thick. This is significantly higher 81GA213009 our current lab average and means that we have plenty of foam underfoot for well-protected heel landings while testing this shoe. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Heel stack

Apart from being beneficial for heel-strikers, this feature is excellent for long-distance running where fatigue can affect our running form and cause midfoot/forefoot strikers to revert to heel striking as the miles wear on. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 37.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's stack isn't as chunky at the forefoot, measuring 25.1 mm thick according to our caliper. This amount of foam underfoot effectively mutes out the harsh road below by allowing our feet to sink into and savor the midsole cushioning from landing to toe-off. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Forefoot stack
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 25.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The difference in our stack measurements leaves the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 with a drop height of 12.6 mm, making the 12 mm offset stated by Mizuno quite accurate. While this might sound like a given, our findings in the lab so far have turned up quite a few disparities in manufacturer-stated heel drops as we explore in this article

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Drop

High-drop shoes like the Wave Rider 20 are generally more advantageous for those with a heel-striking stride or those with lower leg issues. That said, we found that the midsole's SmoothRide rocker geometry promotes smooth transitions that even midfoot and forefoot strikers can appreciate. 

Ténis Mizuno Wave Mujin 7 preto amarelo Saucony Tempus (8.5 mm) or the Mizuno b1521 violet (2.2 mm) instead. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 12.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

We pressed our durometer against the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's Enerzy Foam midsole and got a reading of 22 HA. This is about as soft as our current average for road shoes. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Midsole softness

This level of softness is exaggerated by the shoe's healthy stack, allowing us to really savor the shoe's cushioning as it dampens the impacts of our landings. At the same time, the Wave plate embedded in the midsole prevents us from sinking into the midsole too much which contributes to the shoe's comfy yet stable ride. 

The Enerzy Foam also has a pleasant and responsive rebound with a slight springiness to it that felt great whether we were out for an easy Waitangi run or testing our gas tank with a marathon training session. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 22.0 HA
Average 20.9 HA
zapatillas de running Mizuno neutro voladoras media maratón talla 48.5.
Compared to 330 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre pronador constitución fuerte más de 100 (%)

To test the effects of cold conditions on the midsole, we placed the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 in our freezer for twenty minutes. Once appropriately chilled, we pressed our durometer against the Enerzy Foam once more and were impressed to find that it only became 14.2% firmer. This makes the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 more consistent 81GA213009 the average road shoe under similar conditions and, with a reading of 25.1 HA, means that the shoe should still provide a balanced and comfy level of cushioning during the winter months. That said, with its relatively high breathability, we recommend pairing the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 with a pair of warm socks to avoid frosty feet on particularly frigid days. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Mizuno Men's Sky Medal S Sneakers in Ginger Grey Bering Sea
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 14%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
0%
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre pronador constitución fuerte más de 100
63%

Insole thickness

At 5.5 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's insole is a little thicker 81GA213009 our current lab average. This gives us a nice and cushy footbed to sink into as the midsole works its cushioning magic. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Insole thickness
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 5.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is true to size (28 votes).

Ténis Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 amarelo?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

Using our caliper, we measured the Wave Inspire's toebox to be 101.6 mm wide at its widest point. This is significantly wider 81GA213009 our current lab average and means that the shoe will provide an accommodating fit for runners with broad feet. What's more, the added internal real estate gives us some space for our feet to swell without being constricted by the upper during our longer runs. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Toebox width at the widest part

However, this might prove to be a little too roomy for those with narrow feet. For a more snug alternative, we recommend checking out the Scarpe MIZUNO Wave Inspire 18 J1GC224427 Neo Lime Misty Blue Ebony instead. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 101.6 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The toebox is also roomier 81GA213009 average in the area around the big toe at 78.9 mm wide according to our caliper measurements. As such, we had plenty of room for our toes to splay out naturally while testing the shoe without worrying about painful hotspots or blisters. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Koturn MIZUNO ENERZY zapewnia bardziej miękką i sprężystą amortyzację piętyw
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 78.9 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Despite the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's chunky stack, the shoe feels incredibly stable during our test runs. Rather 81GA213009 using rigid medial posts to achieve this, Mizuno opts for its signature Wave Plate embedded in the midsole (and visible through the cutouts) that lends the shoe its moniker. 

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's heel is beveled in a way that allows us to land on the outside of our foot and smoothly transition to the forefoot. The Wave plate embedded in the midsole also helps evenly disperse the Shoes of impact in tandem with the cushy Enerzy foam. 

Additionally, its positioning under the arch of our foot feels incredibly supportive and makes the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 a good choice for those with flat feet. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Lateral stability test 9

Further adding to its confidence-inspiring ride is how the midsole flares upwards to form sidewalls at the shoe's rear and medial side. This means that our feet feel cradled within the foam rather 81GA213009 perched precariously atop the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's high stack. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Lateral stability test

Torsional rigidity

The aforementioned Wave plate lends the shoe a relatively high level of torsional rigidity, leading us to give the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 a rather stiff score of 4 out of 5 in this manual assessment. As such, the shoe resists the excessive lateral movements of our foot during our test runs. This not only helps us maintain a more neutral gait but leaves us with a nice and steady landing platform for a surefooted and stable ride. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Schuhe MIZUNO Wave Equate 6 J1GC224804 Ebony Silver Orange Copper

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's heel counter also feels quite stiff as we squeeze and probe at it, leading us to give it a subjective score of 4 out of 5. This limits the lateral mobility of our rearfoot and helps us achieve a secure lockdown without putting too much pressure on our tendons. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1
Schuhe MIZUNO Wave Equate 6 J1GC224804 Ebony Silver Orange Copper
5

Midsole width - forefoot

At 115.5 mm wide according to our caliper measurements, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's midsole is slightly wider 81GA213009 average at the forefoot.

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Midsole width in the forefoot 2

This gives us more 81GA213009 enough of a base to ensure stable landings and toe-offs without the shoe feeling too blocky when taking corners.  

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 115.5 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The midsole is significantly wider 81GA213009 average at the heel, measuring 94.2 mm wide at the forefoot. This further confirms how well-suited the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is for heel-striking runners as it gives them a very broad landing platform that's conducive to their stride. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 94.2 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

While it has a relatively high level of torsional rigidity, we found that only 20.7N of Shoes is needed to torque the shoe to 90 degrees in our stiffness test.

This makes the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 more flexible 81GA213009 average in a longitudinal sense. This contributes to the shoe's comfortable ride as it conforms with the natural flexion of our foot with relative ease. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Stiffness
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 20.7N
Average 28.1N
Mizuno MVP Prime 13 Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitt.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

tenis mizuno wave mirai 2 feminino (%)

Becoming only 8.1% stiffer, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 displays an impressively consistent performance as we repeat the flex test after leaving the shoe in our freezer for twenty minutes. As such, despite being well-suited for warm weather, the shoe will feel just as flexible and forgiving on the foot as temperatures drop. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 8%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
0%
tenis mizuno wave mirai 2 feminino
101%

Weight

Tipping our scale at 10.7 oz (302g), the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is on par with the average stability shoe which tends to be on the heavier side when compared to most road shoes. That said, 81GA213009ks to the rockered and responsive midsole, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 never felt overly burdensome during our test runs, even when we pushing the mile markers. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Weight

For runners looking for a more lightweight stability shoe that can also gobble up miles, we recommend checking out the Hoka Arahi 6

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 10.65 oz (302g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Ténis Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 amarelo | Breathability

Despite a slow start in our breathability test, the shoe is suddenly engulfed in a haze of smoke that steadily filters through the entire upper. This leads us to give the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 a respectable 4 out of 5 in this assessment which indicates a good amount of airflow that allows heat to escape the shoe quite easily. 

As we can see from inspecting a backlit cross-section of the upper, the light is able to shine brightly through the mesh at the toebox while the more reinforced lateral section blocks it out almost entirely. This more insulated portion is what prevents the shoe from achieving a perfect breathability score. 

Looking at the toebox under our microscope, we see that the mesh is made up of a multi-layered network of braids with lots of little gaps for airflow that open up to form larger gaps that go all the way through the toebox. This explains the shoe's breezy nature which makes it a good warm-weather companion. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Breathability 3

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Breathability 4
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Shoes with breathable mesh uppers don't usually do too well in our durability test but we were very impressed with how well the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 stood up to our imposing Dremel. 

After withstanding four seconds of abrasive Shoes simulating extreme wear and tear, we found that the toebox was left with only a small rip in the upper outer of its mesh. This earns the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 a toebox durability score of 4 out of 5 which is excellent for a road shoe. We, therefore, have added confidence taking this shoe off-road as an accidental bump on a rock of snag on a bush isn't likely to compromise the toebox. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Toebox durability

Compare that to the ASICS Gel Pulse 13's which was left with a massive crater clean through the toebox that we could poke out toes out of. 

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 4
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1
Toebox durability
5

Mizuno Cena od 200 do 299 Czarne

The heel collar proved to be even more resilient in the face of our Dremel which wasn't able to bite into the lining material, with its abrasive element skating off it rather impotently during the four-second test. 

Apart from a minor scuff, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 escapes essentially unscathed with the padding within fully intact. This leads us to give it a perfect 5 out of 5 in this assessment and means that we don't expect any issues with rearfoot comfort or lockdown throughout the shoe's lifetime. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Mizuno Cena od 200 do 299 Czarne 2

The Reebok Answer DMX, on the other hand, had its heel collar obliterated and much of the padding yanked out by our tool.

Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1
Mizuno Cena od 200 do 299 Czarne
5

Outsole hardness

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's outsole is comprised of the brand's proprietary X10 carbon rubber that's marketed as providing excellent traction as well as high wear resistance. Giving us a slightly harder-than-average durometer reading of 84 HC bodes well for the outsole in the shoe's final face-off with our Dremel

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Outsole hardness
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 84.0 HC
Average 79.7 HC
zapatillas de running Mizuno neutro voladoras media maratón talla 48.5.
Compared to 384 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

With high expectations for the X10 rubber, we fired up our Dremel to 10K RPM and set it against the outsole with 3.2N of Shoes. After twenty-two seconds of grinding, we used a tire tread gauge to measure the indentation and were somewhat surprised.

With 0.9 mm of material lost from the outsole, the X10 didn't deliver the performance we had anticipated. Instead, it's just average. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, as we still think that this shoe will last the predicted shelf life of 400 to 500 miles of use, even if used on mild trails occasionally. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Outsole durability
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 0.9 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's outsole falls in line with our current lab average at 3.2 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. This amount of rubber gives us a deep enough tread for solid traction as we tested the shoe on various surfaces without adding too much weight underfoot. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Outsole thickness
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 3.2 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's X10 outsole features a wavy tread pattern that stays true to the shoe's name and covers the major points of contact with the grounds. This provided us with excellent traction on roads and pavements during our test runs. Even a smattering of rain that left the roads wet and slippery didn't compromise the shoe's grippy nature. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 grip

What's more, the outsole's mini lugs allowed us to tackle some mild park trails and activities on dewy grass just as confidently as on the asphalt. 

Reflective elements

With no reflective elements to be found on the shoe, we don't recommend using the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 on dimly lit routes at night without additional high-vis gear. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Reflective elements
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 No

Tongue padding

At 7.1 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's generously padded tongue is thicker 81GA213009 our current lab average. As such, the shoe feels very comfortable across our instep and allows us to achieve a secure midfoot lockdown with no trace of lace bite during testing. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Tongue padding
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 7.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Regata Masculina Mizuno Nirvana Regata M
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's tongue is semi-gusseted on both sides. We found this to be a welcome feature as it further contributes to our foot's locked-in feeling within the shoe while also preventing the tongue from slipping at higher paces. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Both sides (semi)

Removable insole

The Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16's insole isn't glued in so replacing it in favor of an aftermarket alternative or a custom orthotic is possible where necessary. 

Mizuno Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Removable insole
Test results
Las características de las Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Yes