I was able to run mostly roads, but I added in some gravel, grass, dirt, and asphalt, and felt great on all surfaces. Wet or dry, hot or cold, the outsoles have performed wonderfully. 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.

Even after the miles add up, I have enjoyed the stability, smoothness, and comfort of these shoes. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how my running has actually sped up when wearing these shoes! Don’t look now, but this luxury car is sneaky fast! Ready out of the box! At the base, you will find a new cushioning, Mizuno ENERZY, a heel wedge used to make the landing softer along with returning more energy for liftoffs. From time to time carriers may deliver earlier or later, or on non working days however this is cannot be guaranteed nor should it be expected. 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. The plate is stiffer and more durable than the surrounding midsole foam, so it compresses less under your weight. That extra durability helps the midsole wear evenly, giving you a more stable ride throughout the life of the shoe.Above the wave plate is U4IC cushioning. This is the same cushioning they have used for the last few editions. There is plenty of breathability with the Wave Inspire. The improved mesh upper provides for plenty of ventilation, especially when the pavement gets HOT, and the sun keeps blaring down on those roads.

The Wave Horizon combines a stable, cushioned ride with exceptional durability. The current model, the Wave Horizon 6, represents a significant revamp to the design. The midsole features an all-new combo of resilient Enerzy and super-soft Enerzy Core foams for improved cushioning. Subsequent runs have proven that the shoes continue to show up day in and day out, no matter the mileage. This would also fit with my experience with the Wave Inspire 17. Overall, they were inconsistent in their performance which prevented them from being a daily trainer.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Upper Unit

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. My first run with the Wave Inspire 17s was ten miles and they felt pretty great - no hot spots or blisters to speak of. Many popular running shoes are using softer foams now than they used to, and Mizuno is keeping with the trend.