Mizuno Wave Inspire 17

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Mizuno Wave Inspire 17: Review

“A stability shoe that combines support with innovative cushioning.”

Overview


The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is a running shoe designed to provide stability and support for runners who experience overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running). This shoe is part of the esteemed Mizuno Wave Inspire family and is known for its innovative features that cater to daily running on the road.

Key Features:

  • Stability: The double fan wave plate offers support for overpronation, making it ideal for runners with this pronation type.
  • Cushioning: The introduction of Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel provides a softer landing and increased energy return.
  • Upper: The double-layered air mesh upper ensures a snug fit while maintaining breathability.
  • Outsole: Durable X10 carbon rubber outsole offers enhanced traction and longevity.

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is an ideal choice for runners seeking a stability shoe that provides a balance of cushioning and support. Its innovative midsole technology offers benefits for those participating in events like 10k races to marathons. Positioned within the Mizuno lineup, it continues the brand's legacy of crafting quality running shoes while incorporating new advancements to enhance the runner's experience.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 71%. This puts it in the lowest rated 10% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 10% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17


The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 has garnered attention for its stability features, particularly the double fan wave plate designed for overpronation support. The addition of Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel has been praised for providing a softer landing and a more responsive feel. However, some runners have noted a stiffness in the heel and an inconsistent ride, which may detract from the overall experience. The shoe's upper, made from double-layered air mesh, offers a snug and breathable fit, although the narrow design may not suit all foot shapes. The outsole's durable X10 carbon rubber provides reliable traction across various conditions. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is a solid choice for runners seeking a stability shoe for daily training, but it may not stand out in a competitive market due to its reluctance to evolve from the wave plate design.

Updates to Mizuno Wave Inspire 17


The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 introduces several updates from its predecessors, such as the new Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel for improved cushioning and energy return. The removal of the trusstic-like piece in the midfoot enhances the shoe's flexibility. These changes aim to provide a smoother and more responsive ride within the Mizuno Wave Inspire line.

Comparable Shoes


The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is often compared to the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 as both are stability shoes catering to overpronators. The Adrenaline features a GuideRails support system, which some runners may prefer over the traditional wave plate found in the Wave Inspire 17 for a less intrusive feel.

6 Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 provides reliable stability for overpronators, thanks to its double fan wave plate.
The introduction of Mizuno ENERZY foam enhances the shoe's cushioning and energy return.
The double-layered air mesh upper offers a breathable and snug fit.

3 Cons

Some runners find the stiffness in the heel due to the wave plate to be uncomfortable.
The narrow fit may not be suitable for runners with wider feet or those who prefer more room in the toe box.
The shoe's design has been criticized for not evolving from the traditional wave plate, which may affect its competitiveness in the market.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is constructed with double-layered air mesh, providing a snug fit that maintains breathability. Runners have found the fit to be on the narrower side, which offers a secure feel in the heel but may limit toe splay. The upper's design, featuring a long tongue and a low-sitting lacing system, requires a tighter tie for optimal stability.

Midsole

The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 features the new Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel, which enhances cushioning and energy return. The double fan wave plate, a signature element for stability, runs from the heel to the midfoot. While it supports overpronation, some runners feel it contributes to the shoe's stiffness and affects the smoothness of the ride.

Outsole

The outsole employs durable X10 carbon rubber, which has been noted for its improved traction and grip, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. The outsole's design aims to increase the shoe's longevity and maintain its performance across various terrains.

Size/fit

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 offers a narrow fit from heel to toe, with ample cushioning in the heel and tongue. While the fit is generally snug, some runners may find the toe box too restrictive for comfortable toe splay.

Comfort

Comfort in the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is achieved through the plush upper and the soft Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel. However, the presence of the wave plate can cause a noticeable stiffness, particularly in the heel, which may affect overall comfort during longer runs.

Cushioning

The shoe's cushioning is highlighted by the introduction of Mizuno ENERZY foam, which provides a softer landing and increased energy return. The increased amount of U4IC cushioning above the wave plate also contributes to a softer ride, although some runners may find the forefoot cushioning minimal.

Breathability

The double-layered air mesh upper of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 ensures breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable during runs. The mesh material is thick enough to provide warmth in colder temperatures without compromising on air flow.

Stability

Stability is a key feature of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17, with the double fan wave plate offering targeted support for overpronators. This design choice, while effective for stability, has been noted to contribute to the shoe's stiffness and may be felt as intrusive by some runners.

Durability

Durability is enhanced by the X10 carbon rubber outsole, which is designed to withstand wear and tear over time. The shoe's construction is built to handle high mileage, making it a reliable option for regular training.

Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17?


The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is well-suited for runners who require a stability shoe with a focus on support for overpronation. It is ideal for those participating in 10k to marathon distances and who appreciate a snug, breathable fit. The shoe's cushioning and durability make it a strong candidate for daily training.

Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17?


Runners who prefer a roomier toe box or a more flexible ride may not find the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 to their liking due to its narrow fit and the stiffness associated with the wave plate. Those seeking a more modern approach to stability without the traditional wave plate might consider alternatives such as the Brooks Adrenaline GTS or the ASICS GT 2000 families.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17: What's it good for?


The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is well-suited for road running and daily training. Its stability features make it a strong choice for runners with overpronation, and the durable outsole is capable of handling high mileage. The shoe's cushioning is particularly beneficial for longer distances, such as half marathons and marathons.

4 Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 FAQs


What updates does the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 have compared to previous models?

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 features the new Mizuno ENERZY foam in the heel for a softer landing and increased energy return, as well as a more flexible midfoot design due to the removal of the trusstic-like piece.

Is the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 suitable for marathon training?

Yes, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is suitable for marathon training, offering stability, cushioning, and durability needed for long-distance running.

How does the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 fit?

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 offers a snug fit with a narrow design from heel to toe, which may not accommodate runners who prefer a roomier toe box.

Can the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 handle different weather conditions?

Yes, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 is equipped with a durable X10 carbon rubber outsole that provides reliable traction in various weather conditions, including wet and snowy environments.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 alternatives



Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
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Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
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Weight
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 261 g
M: 272 g
W: 232 g
M: 437 g
W: 349 g
M: 275 g
W: 235 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
19 mm
18 mm
28 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
10 mm
12 mm
10 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
31 mm
30 mm
40 mm
36 mm
Brand
Brand
Mizuno
New BalanceNikeNew BalanceASICSASICS
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableMaximalist
Maximalist
MaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortable
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
ASICS GelOrthoLiteOrthoLite
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17: what the experts say (3 reviews)

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17: 3 Expert video reviews

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesDaily running (+1132)
BrandMizuno (+89)
Support TypeStability (+209)
Pronation TypeOverpronation (+195)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeLow arch (+201)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+239)Maximalist (+428)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Pearl, Black / White / Blue, Blue, Blue Yellow White, Chinablue Quarry Tcotta, Eggshellb / Dustyt / Pas, Gibralt Sea, Grey, India Ink
Specificationsvs Average
Model
17
Released
Nov 2020
Measurements
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 261 g
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
Heel
31 mm
Forefoot
19 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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