Mizuno Wave Inspire 21

Running Shoe Reviews: Stability Road

Summary

Weight: Men's 295g / Women's 245g
Stack height: 12mm
Heel drop: 37.5mm / 25.5mm

The revamped Mizuno Wave Inspire series boasts exciting updates that enhance comfort and stability for all runners.

Men's Mizuno Wave Inspire 21

£140

Women's Mizuno Wave Inspire 21

£140

Features

Upper:

AIRmesh material is breathable and lightweight

Midsole:

Enerzy foam – top layer, is responsive, ultra-soft cushioning for premium comfort
Enerzy NXT blend – bottom layer, promoting better energy return
Anatomical wave plate follows the shape of the foot, offering a secure fit whilst preventing over-pronation
High-grade removable premium Insock provides additional comfort

Outsole:

X10 durable carbon rubber prevents excessive wear

Pros:

Soft and propulsive cushioning
Wave plate follows anatomy of the foot, keeping the body in a natural straight alignment
Increased use of breathable, recycled materials to support sustainability
Extremely durable outsole that is long lasting

Cons

May fit slightly too wide for those requiring narrow fit shoes

In Testing

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 was my first pair of Mizuno shoes. They delivered on all necessary fronts! The fit was secure but not obtrusive, and my feet felt held in a naturally comfortable position. The cushioning was on par with recent trends, offering plush comfort for my long distance runs, at the end of which my legs felt less tired than usual.

Alongside the cushioning, however, I observed that my gait had almost immediately improved and become straighter because of the new Wave plate. My ankles tend to roll excessively, but this decreased when wearing the Wave Inspire 21, and it remained so throughout the duration of my half marathon training, preventing all the usual injuries!

Verdict

This newest iteration of the Mizuno Wave Inspire series is completely redesigned and offers a fresh approach to running shoes. That is, one that provides over-pronation support in conjunction with a comfortable amount of cushioning which caters to each individual runner according to the anatomy of their feet and gait.

Men's Mizuno Wave Inspire 21

£140