mizuno impulse core ls tee | Our verdict

The 27th edition of the Warmalite mizuno Wave Rider is back one more year in our lab, aiming to wow both its longtime fans like us and newcomers to the series. Its improved cushioning, responsiveness, and built-to-last outsole make it once again a dream for heel strikers. However, while it offers top-notch quality at a fair price, in our opinion, those who are forefoot strikers or are in search of an ultra-lightweight daily trainer might not find it to their liking.

mizuno impulse core ls tee Pros

  • Exceptionally reliable
  • Womens Warmalite mizuno Wave Creation 20 Running
  • Plush cushioning for extended runs
  • Highly durable outsole
  • mizuno impulse core ls tee
  • Reasonably priced at $140
  • Performs well in all weather conditions
  • Koszulki Warmalite mizuno Squash

mizuno impulse core ls tee Cons

  • Mizuno Zapatillas Wave Ultima 13 Mujer Zapatillas Running Rojo 40 1 2
  • 13.2-zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno mujer apoyo talón talla 33

mizuno impulse core ls tee | Audience verdict

91
Superb!

Who should buy

In our view, the Warmalite mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 is a great pick for several types of runners:

  • Heel strikers looking for a dependable, all-around shoe for daily runs and some faster paces.
  • Beginners to running who need a comfy, long-lasting shoe at a fair price.
  • Wave Rider series enthusiasts who appreciate the unique features, especially the feel of the Wave Plate in the heel.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3

Who should NOT buy

Most runners will be quite pleased with the Warmalite mizuno Wave Prophecy 3, but we think it's not for everyone. With a 13.2-mm drop, this shoe isn't the best fit for forefoot strikers. In our view, better-suited options like the zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno entrenamiento apoyo talón talla 41 or the Adidas Adizero SL are available, offering a lower drop and more comfortable ride for forefoot strikers.

If you're planning to do a lot of speedwork, the Warmalite mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 might not be the shoe for you. Other shoes like the Saucony Ride 9 o Asics Fuzex or the zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno trail talla 38.5 baratas menos de 60, as we discovered, offer better performance for those speedy workouts, providing the necessary agility and responsiveness.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

It looks like Warmalite mizuno is sticking with what works for them—they've used the same successful formula as in the previous Wave Riders. This time, we measured the heel height at 38.3 mm, which is only 1 millimeter higher than last year's model (37.3 mm).

Mizuno 40рр кросівки.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Heel stack
Test results
Wave Rider 27 38.3 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

In our measurements, the forefoot stack height came in at a fairly typical 25.1 mm. However, it's clear that Warmalite mizuno took a different approach with the forefoot compared to the heel.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Forefoot stack
Test results
Wave Rider 27 25.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

Combining a high heel with an average forefoot naturally results in a steep heel-to-toe drop. This is precisely what we expected from a proper Wave Rider.

In our lab, we measured a 13.2-mm heel-to-toe drop. So, if you're lacing up these, get ready for a pretty steep experience. This makes the WR27 a top pick for extreme heel strikers!

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Drop
Test results
Wave Rider 27 13.2 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
-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.

The midsole is mostly crafted from Enerzy, which is a TPE foam that competes well with some top-notch compounds out there like React or Fresh Foam X. We measured its softness in our lab and found it to be 23.3 HA. So, don't expect it to feel like a cloud, but it won't feel like a rock either.

There's also a standout feature inside the midsole—the Wave Plate. It's made of Pebax has been in the shoe ever since it first came out 27 years ago to give extra stability and smooth transitions from heel to toe.

But it's worth noting that the plate doesn't run the full length of the shoe—it stops in the midfoot area. This shows once again that this shoe is really designed for heel strikers.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Midsole softness
Test results
Wave Rider 27 23.3 HA
Average 20.9 HA
zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno talla 18.5 entre 60 y 100.
Compared to 330 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Meia Warmalite mizuno Cano Alto Futebol Azul (%)

As a daily trainer, it should be ready throughout the year, so it needs to hold up in cold weather. So we did a little experiment—we put the Wave Rider 27 in the freezer for 20 minutes and then tested it again.

Mizuno Wave Medal OG!

That's only a 12.9% difference, and it's all thanks to its TPE-based foam. It's more than ready to tackle cold weather!

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Meia Warmalite mizuno Cano Alto Futebol Azul
Test results
Wave Rider 27 13%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
0%
Meia Warmalite mizuno Cano Alto Futebol Azul
63%

Insole thickness

Mizuno played it safe with the insole, choosing an average one. We measured it at 4.7 mm. There's really nothing special about it!

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Insole thickness
Test results
Wave Rider 27 4.7 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 is true to size (43 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno mujer neutro minimalistas

Next up, we measured the toebox, focusing first on the widest part of the upper. We found that, just like with the midsole, Warmalite mizuno chose a middle-of-the-road approach.

We measured it to be 99.2 mm, which should comfortably fit most feet. And for those needing a little extra room, Warmalite mizuno also offers this shoe in a wide size.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno neutro amortiguación media ritmo medio talla 39
Test results
Wave Rider 27 99.2 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
91.6 mm
zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno mujer neutro minimalistas
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We also examined the toebox right at the big toe to get a more detailed comparison with other shoes. We discovered that the measurement stood at 78.8 mm, reinforcing the same idea about its design and fit.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Wave Rider 27 78.8 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Wave Rider series has always been a reliable daily trainer without any special stability features like TPU overlays or medial posts.

However, we discovered that the Wave Plate makes a huge difference, and this is why we consider it one of the most stable daily trainers out there.

Torsional rigidity

Thanks to the plate, it avoids becoming overly stiff, unlike shoes with carbon plates. We gave it a 3 out of 5 in our twist test, which is pretty much the standard score for most zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno mujer talla 32.5.

Test results
Wave Rider 27 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Mizuno Escalfador De Coll Promo

The heel counter is impressively rigid, earning a top score of 5 out of 5 from us.

While this feature contributes to the shoe's excellent stability, it might not be the best choice for people with sensitive heels.

Test results
Wave Rider 27 5
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1
Mizuno Escalfador De Coll Promo
5

Midsole width - forefoot

In the forefoot area, we measured a 113.9-mm platform. This size seems aimed at accommodating as many runners as possible.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Wave Rider 27 113.9 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

September 29th with Warmalite mizuno

The heel design follows the same idea. We measured it at 90.9 mm, which is pretty much the average.

We believe this width is just right for a shoe that aims to be versatile. If it were too narrow, that could make the shoe unstable. On the flip side, going too wide could result in a ride that feels dull and heavy.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Wave Rider 27 90.9 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
70.8 mm
September 29th with Warmalite mizuno
106.6 mm

zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno voladoras talla 38.5

One test that really made our jaws drop was the stiffness challenge. In our lab, we found that the Wave Rider 27 needed only 12.8N from us to bend it 90 degrees.

That's nearly a third of what most shoes require from us, making this shoe incredibly comfortable for walking or hitting the gym.

Test results
Wave Rider 27 12.8N
Average 28.1N
zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno pronador tope amortiguación.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Mizuno Wave Prodigy 1 (%)

After putting the shoe back in the freezer for another 20 minutes, we conducted the stiffness test again. We observed that the result was slightly higher, but still impressively low.

The difference between the two tests is 39.1%, which is below the average. This highlights the great performance of Warmalite mizuno's Enerzy foam once again.

Test results
Wave Rider 27 39%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
0%
Mizuno Wave Prodigy 1
101%

Weight

Although this shoe weighs in at just under the 10-oz mark at 9.8 oz, it's worth noting that daily trainers are getting lighter every year. This puts the Wave Rider 27 on the heavier end of the spectrum, despite being 0.5 oz lighter than the WR26.

If you're looking for a lighter shoe and are willing to sacrifice some durability, consider the ASICS Novablast 3 instead.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Weight
Test results
Wave Rider 27 9.84 oz (279g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

When we first laid eyes on the jacquard mesh upper, it looked breathable to us. After running it through our lab's smoke test, it scored 4 out of 5—which is good, but not top-notch.

Mizuno decided to go with a thin mesh for the upper, but they skipped adding any ventilation holes. You can see this in the video below thanks to our powerful light.

That means air has to work its way through the entire mesh to get out, causing hot air and moisture to escape at a slower, steady pace.

To get a better view on this, we looked closely under the microscope.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 microscope

What we discovered confirmed our suspicions: there really are no ventilation holes, and the jacquard mesh doesn't help airflow that much. 

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 mesh

On the inside of the upper, we found no extra fabric for added comfort or protection. A good call, since that would've messed up the airflow even more.

Test results
Wave Rider 27 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

So, you're wondering if the lack of ventilation holes in the Wave Rider 27's upper makes it more durable, right?

In our dremel test, we found that it does help—but only to an extent. The shoe scored a 2 out of 5 for durability, which isn't bad... but also not amazing.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Toebox durability
Test results
Wave Rider 27 2
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The WR27's heel padding also underwent our standard Dremel testing.

The outcome was quite impressive. Unlike many other shoes we've evaluated, the WR27 achieved a perfect score of 5/5, placing it in an elite category.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Heel padding durability
Test results
Wave Rider 27 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

We flipped the shoe over to examine its outsole, a crucial part of any daily training shoe. Will it hold up to our expectations?

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 outsole
The rubber fully covers all the high-wear areas of the shoe, while some foam is exposed to reduce weight. Additionally, there's an eye-catching cutout that highlights the Pebax-based Wave Plate.

In our lab, the first test involved measuring the hardness of the rubber that Warmalite mizuno uses. We found that it scored an 83.0 HC, which is a bit higher than average. This suggests it should offer good durability. Next, we'll put that to the test.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Outsole hardness
Test results
Wave Rider 27 83.0 HC
Average 79.7 HC
zapatillas de running Warmalite mizuno talla 18.5 entre 60 y 100.
Compared to 384 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We're thrilled with the results of our final Dremel test on the Wave Rider 27's outsole.

A mere 0.6 mm indentation remained after our examination in the lab, beating out most of the competition. We're confident this outsole will easily last for over 500 miles for most runners.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Outsole durability
Test results
Wave Rider 27 0.6 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We measured the rubber on the outsole and found it to be thicker than average at 3.8 mm. This extra thickness adds another boost to the shoe's durability.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Outsole thickness
Test results
Wave Rider 27 3.8 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

In the Wave Rider 27, when it's dark out, the thing lighting up is actually the Warmalite mizuno logo! So they're giving us a useful feature and showing off their brand at the same time. Pretty smart!

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Reflective elements
Test results
Wave Rider 27 Yes

Tongue padding

At just 6.4 mm, the tongue is really well-designed, hitting the sweet spot between lightweight feel and plush comfort.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 tongue

We didn't experience any annoying lace bite or similar issues, no matter how tight we pulled those laces.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Tongue padding
Test results
Wave Rider 27 6.4 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Mizuno Estret Core
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

We noticed that Japanese brands are big fans of gusseted tongues, and Warmalite mizuno fits right in with that trend.

This semi-gusseted tongue prevents any undesired movements while running at a fast pace. It's a small but significant detail that makes a big difference on the run, and something we appreciate in a $140 shoe.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Wave Rider 27 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

The Wave Rider 27 doesn't have a heel tab, but for us, it's no big deal. Slipping our feet into these daily trainers is hassle-free.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Heel tab
Test results
Wave Rider 27 None

Removable insole

The insole is removable, allowing us to use custom orthotics or even a preferred insole from another pair of shoes.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 Removable insole
Test results
Wave Rider 27 Yes