Stability: A [Moderate Stability] ( Excellent stable and guided ride from wave plate, sidewalls and forward guidance) Stability: A- ( Several features that create a moderate to moderate to high level of stability including Mizuno's wave plate) The upper is so much more dialed in than last year’s model. It will give you the same fit that the Glycerin 20 and the Saucony Triumph had. The overlays on the shoe make it look a little more appealing to the human eye, and the cross-section of knitting keeps everything in place without crushing you. There’s also a fair amount of breathability, which is well appreciated after these disgusting days in Virginia. This gives you that classic tight Mizuno fit, but I think this year’s version will finally work for some D-width people.

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 continues to be the reliable stability trainer runners have come to expect while incorporating more modern aspects, such as bio-friendly materials and the springy sensation underfoot that’s become increasingly in demand amongst runners. Nothing is perfect but these are darn close when it comes to a daily trainer.” says a tester whose legs were shot for the testing period, having previously completed a marathon. “They treated my sore legs well.” Feel inspired to run with the new Wave Inspire 18 running shoe for men, designed to make your daily runs feel effortless whilst supporting your technique. With MIZUNO ENERZY Foam at the heel wedge, it provides great cushioning and energy return. The Double Fan-Shaped Wave supports the movement of the foot to avoid overpronation. The improved upper design provides a seamless fit.Delivery timescales are esimates in working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 was the first edition of the Inspire to use ENERZY foam in the midsole, and the Inspire 18 continues that tradition. The result is a softer, bouncier feeling than previous models. Mizuno’s ENERZY foam shines in the midsole, offering a blend of softness and energy return not typically seen in stability shoes. You may have experienced Mizuno ENERZY foam in the Wave Rider 25 or the Wave Sky 5.

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. Matt: The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a slightly firmer but cushioned daily training shoe. The full-length ENERZY foam provides a cushioned, slightly firmer and moderately responsive/bouncy feel underfoot. I This makes the shoe feel protective and lighter than its listed weight. I am still not sure what ENERZY foam is, but it feels softer than the previous firm midsole materials Mizuno has used. The 12mm heel drop is noticeable and makes for an initially clunky heel transition. As the foam breaks in, this smooths out somewhat and the drop feels more in the 10mm range due to compression. The higher heel drop, 10.6 oz weight and slightly firmer but protective ride makes the Inspire 18 work best for daily training, long runs and easy runs. The slightly clunky heel prevents this shoe from working well for uptempo session (the Rebellion works much better) and instead makes it better for easier or longer paces. The heel is a bit stiffer, which adds to the stability in the rearfoot. Like the recent Rider, the forefoot has deeper flex grooves and is surprisingly flexible for a daily trainer. The toe-off is smooth and comfortable with fairly minimal toe spring needed thanks to that flexibility up front. The durability is excellent thanks to extensive outsole rubber. I have 35 miles on my pair and have not made a dent in the outsole. For that reason, I would expect this shoe to last beyond the industry standard of 300-500 miles. The Kayano is a titan, lasting through 27 iterations. So you don’t mess with that name (or shoe) without some serious forethought. It delivers boatloads of cushioning and stability, but not every runner needs that level of protection. In addition, newer releases like the Wave Rebellion Pro and Wave Rebellion Flash showcase the brand’s lighter, speedier side. They feature lightweight, highly responsive midsole cushioning foams and midsole plates designed for maximum energy return—ideal for running at faster paces. We’d recommend them for both speed training and race day. Wave Plate Performance: B+ ( Higher drop daily trainer that facilitates forward motion decently. Slightly firmer heel with softer forefoot)

EU Delivery

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is for those looking for a slightly wider, high heel toe drop, moderate stability shoe for daily training. The full ENERZY midsole provides responsive protection, however a slightly clunky heel makes this shoe better for easy miles. This is somewhat offset by a surprisingly flexible and smooth forefoot, but daily training is what this shoe is best for. The wave plate in the rearfoot and posterior midfoot creates a moderate level of medial stability, along with a few other measures. The high heel drop is noticeable, so those looking for it will find it here. The fit is secure in the heel while opening up in the forefoot, with a little extra stretch up front from the mesh. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a consistent daily training option for those who want moderate medial stability, a higher heel drop, and a shoe that runs a little lighter than its listed weight.

The outsole is also unchanged with the X10 carbon rubber and provides excellent traction. It’s not a significant drop, but my US M10.5 2E weighed 11.5 oz. while my Wave Inspire 17 weighed 11.8 oz. Shop Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 – Men Shop Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 – Women The BadFor 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. Founded in 1906 by two brothers, Rihachi and Rizo Mizuno, in Osaka, Japan, the brand rose to prominence with the Air Genova ST shoe, which featured an early version of its “wave plate” technology—a novel midsole design that offered a distinctively stable running feel. Mizuno then set out to build the ultimate speed shoe, which resulted in the Racing Star 100 in 1988. The light and highly flexible design proved successful: In 1991, Carl Lewis wore a pair to break the men’s 100-meter dash record. The G3 compound used in the outsole saves weight over traditional rubber, and has been enhanced with a more durable G3-DR compound to keep it durable. As a result, it’s built to withstand plenty of mileage.

Mizuno didn’t make too many changes to the latest version of the Wave Inspire, which means if you enjoyed the previous version you’ll likely enjoy this one, too. Bach: I really enjoyed this new update to the Wave Inspire from Mizuno. My biggest recommendation would be to work on lowering the drop to 10mm to help it feel less tall and more in line with shoes in the market today. I understand Mizuno has a long-standing 12mm tradition, but it definitely is the one adjustment I would love to see in this model to really help make it sing. 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.

The Inspire 19 does run a high 12mm drop which is noticeable. It helps greatly that the shoe transitions well, but this is clearly a higher drop shoe and best suited for those who prefer that. Though I typically enjoy something closer to 8-10mm, as I put more miles in the Inspire I didn't find it to be as much of an issue as I thought it might be. The U4ic midsole and X10 outsole remain unchanged. I can’t be too critical of Enerzy foam because it does everything you need. It’s on par with the DNA Loft of the Brooks Adrenaline, so it’s cushioned enough to handle longer mileage but doesn’t feel too heavy underfoot. The outsole is similar to what we’ve seen in the past from Mizuno: a solid amount of durability that will handle any bits of crummy rain I’ve been running through these summer months. Three flex grooves are found at the forefoot to keep the shoe as easygoing as possible. Combined Mizuno Enerzy and Mizuno Wave - Guarantees higher stability from landing transition, whilst providing an overall softer and more responsive run. Lacing them up for the first time I noticed right away how long the shoe laces are. Again, doesn’t change the way they run but I’m definitely going to switch them out. 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.