Mizuno Wave Sky 5

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75%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Mizuno Wave Sky 5: Review

β€œA cushioned shoe for neutral runners seeking a smooth and responsive road experience.”

Overview


The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is a premium running shoe designed for those who seek a blend of comfort and performance on the road. This model stands out for its plush cushioning and responsive ride, making it a top choice for neutral runners, particularly those who prefer a shoe with a generous amount of underfoot padding.

Key Features:

  • Cushioning: The shoe features MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam, offering a soft yet energetic feel with each step.
  • Upper: A new Smooth Stretch Woven material provides a secure and breathable fit.
  • Outsole: Durable X10 rubber ensures longevity and grip on various surfaces.

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is part of the Mizuno Wave Sky family and is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and a smooth transition during their daily running sessions. Its updated midsole and upper offer a fresh and modern take within the lineup of Mizuno products.

With an average review score of 75%, it's in the lowest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Sky 5


The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 has been well-received for its plush cushioning and snug fit, making it a solid choice for neutral runners. The introduction of MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam in the midsole has been a game-changer, providing a soft yet responsive ride that is appreciated during long runs. The shoe's upper, made from Smooth Stretch Woven material, offers a secure and comfortable fit, although it may feel more snug compared to previous versions. Runners have noted the shoe's durability and grip, thanks to the X10 rubber outsole, which is designed to withstand many miles. While the Wave Sky 5 is not the lightest shoe on the market, its cushioning and comfort make it a great option for recovery runs and longer distances. However, some runners may find the shoe lacks breathability and is not as responsive as they would like for faster-paced workouts.

Updates to Mizuno Wave Sky 5


The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 introduces significant updates from its predecessor, the Mizuno Wave Sky 4. The new model features a redesigned upper made from Smooth Stretch Woven material, offering a more secure fit. The midsole has been enhanced with MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam, providing increased energy return and cushioning. These changes contribute to a more comfortable and responsive running experience.

6 Mizuno Wave Sky 5 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam in the midsole offers a soft and responsive ride.
The Smooth Stretch Woven upper provides a secure and comfortable fit.
Durable X10 rubber outsole ensures longevity and grip.

3 Cons

Some runners may find the shoe lacks breathability.
The snug fit may not accommodate wider feet comfortably.
The shoe's weight may not be ideal for faster-paced workouts.

In Depth


Upper

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5's upper has been redesigned with a new Smooth Stretch Woven material, which provides a snug and secure fit. This fabric is soft to the touch and features added holes for ventilation, although some runners may find it less breathable than desired. The upper's construction includes a gusseted tongue, ensuring a comfortable and stable fit during runs.

Midsole

The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is a highlight, featuring the new MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam. This material offers a significant increase in energy return and cushioning, contributing to a smooth and comfortable ride. The midsole's design also includes a combination of foams that work together to provide stability and responsiveness.

Outsole

Durability is a key aspect of the Mizuno Wave Sky 5, with an outsole coated in X10 rubber. This material is known for its wear resistance and provides excellent traction on pavement. Runners can expect the outsole to last through extensive mileage without showing significant signs of wear.

Size/fit

The Wave Sky 5 offers a more secure fit than its predecessors, thanks to the new upper design. While the shoe is available in wide sizes, the fit is generally more snug, particularly in the midfoot area. Runners should consider trying on the shoe to ensure the right fit, as the sensation may differ from previous models.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Mizuno Wave Sky 5. The combination of soft cushioning and a secure upper design creates a comfortable environment for the foot. The shoe's plush underfoot feel is particularly beneficial for recovery days and long runs, providing a cushioned platform that reduces fatigue.

Cushioning

The cushioning of the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is described as plush and protective. The ENERZY Core foam in the midsole delivers a soft and responsive feel, which is appreciated by runners who prioritize underfoot comfort. The shoe's cushioning is designed to absorb impact and provide a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Breathability

While the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 features a woven upper with added holes for ventilation, some runners have noted that the shoe's breathability could be improved. The upper's tighter weave may restrict airflow, leading to a warmer experience during runs, especially in hotter conditions.

Stability

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is designed as a neutral running shoe, but it also offers a stable ride. The midsole's foam combination and the shoe's overall design work together to provide a balanced and secure feel, without excessive side-to-side movement, making it suitable for runners with neutral pronation.

Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 5?


The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is well-suited for runners who value a cushioned and stable ride during their road runs. It is particularly beneficial for those with a neutral pronation and a preference for a shoe that provides a soft and responsive underfoot feel. Runners who prioritize durability and are looking for a reliable shoe for high mileage will also appreciate the Wave Sky 5.

Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 5?


Runners who prefer a lightweight and highly breathable shoe for faster-paced workouts or races may not find the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 to be the best fit. Additionally, those with wider feet might find the shoe's snug fit to be restrictive. Runners seeking a more ventilated option or a shoe with a wider toe box may want to consider other models.

Mizuno Wave Sky 5: What's it good for?


The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is an excellent choice for long-distance runs and recovery days. Its cushioning and stability make it suitable for runners who spend a lot of time on the road and need a shoe that can handle the demands of high mileage. The shoe's durable construction also makes it a good option for daily training.

4 Mizuno Wave Sky 5 FAQs


What type of runner is the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 best suited for?

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is best suited for neutral runners who are looking for a cushioned and responsive shoe for their road runs. It is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and stability during long distances and high mileage training.

How does the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 fit compared to previous models?

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 offers a more secure and snug fit compared to previous models, thanks to its new Smooth Stretch Woven upper. Runners may find the fit to be tighter, especially in the midfoot area, and should try on the shoe to ensure the right fit.

Is the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 suitable for faster-paced workouts?

While the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 provides excellent cushioning and stability, it may not be the best choice for faster-paced workouts due to its weight and cushioning focused on comfort. Runners looking for a more performance-oriented shoe might consider other options.

How durable is the Mizuno Wave Sky 5?

The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is designed with durability in mind, featuring an X10 rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and wear resistance. It is built to withstand many miles of running without significant signs of wear.

Mizuno Wave Sky 5 alternatives

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Weight
Weight
309 g
M: 269 g
W: 218 g
M: 283 g
W: 261 g
M: 269 g
W: 232 g
M: 266 g
W: 241 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
29 mm
25 mm
24 mm
22 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
10 mm
10 mm
12 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
37 mm
37 mm
35 mm
36 mm
32 mm
Brand
Brand
Mizuno
New BalanceNikeNikeBrooksNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
ComfortableMaximalistComfortableComfortableMaximalist
Comfortable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Mizuno Wave Sky 5: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Mizuno Wave Sky 5: 4 Expert video reviews

Mizuno Wave Sky 5: 1 Manufacturer video

Mizuno Wave Sky 5 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainRoad (+1361)
UsagesDaily running (+1131)
BrandMizuno (+89)
Support TypeNeutral (+1602)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1577)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1113)Heel strike (+1096)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1524)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+428)
FitMedium toe box (+853)
FeaturesBreathable (+752)
MaterialsMesh (+941)
ColorwaysBlack, Blackened Pearl / Silv, Blackened Pearl / Silver / Violet Blue, Green, Grey, Griffin, Heather / White / Neo Lime, Legion Blue / Silver, Misty Blue / Orion Blue / Neo Lime, Moroccan Blue / Peacoc
Specificationsvs Average
Model
5
Released
Aug 2021
Measurements
Weight
309 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
37 mm
Forefoot
29 mm

Evolution of the Mizuno Wave Sky product family

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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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October 17, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%