Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe

Product Information

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.

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. The latest Inspire dons either a conventional mesh upper or a knit upper, depending on your preference. The mesh is soft and light, which adds a plushness to the overall fit. Alongside a lightly padded tongue and cushioned heel collar, the shoe offers even more comfort. A pair of lighter racing variants, Enerzy Lite and Enerzy Lite Plus foams, give the Wave Rebellion Pro a snappy, propulsive ride while saving weight. Enerzy Lite is formulated for maximum energy return–Mizuno claims it delivers 35 percent more energy return than U4ic–while the even lighter Enerzy Lite Plus minimizes weight and maximizes softness.It takes a tough shoe to be called a workhorse, and this is just what the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17s are. They have increased the amount of cushioning which combined with the ENERZY cushioning softens the ride of the Wave Inspire. The insoles they use also add bounce to the ride.

Like most traditional stability running shoes, the plate works to mitigate the effects of overpronation. Runners who overpronate put more stress on the inside of their shoes, which can wear it down prematurely and lead to an uneven ride over time. The Wave Sky is Mizuno’s super-plush shoe. While previous versions achieved a soft ride using a long list of foams, the Wave Sky 6 streamlines the cushion to save weight and showcase the brand’s latest midsole design, which sandwiches its Enerzy and Enerzy Core foams around a wave plate. All three components complement each other: The firm Enerzy foam provides support. The plush, but resilient Enerzy Core compresses to provide that plush feel. The wave plate, as always, stabilizes your foot and dissipates impact forces. Together, the foams and plate promote smooth transitions and create a notably soft, somewhat responsive ride. My first run with the Wave Inspire 17s was ten miles and they felt pretty great - no hot spots or blisters to speak of.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

Many popular running shoes are using softer foams now than they used to, and Mizuno is keeping with the trend. Like in Mizuno’s other models, the wedge of Enerzy foam in the heel of the Inspire 17 lends the shoe a softer touch and bouncier response. The placement gives it a more cushioned feel on landing, and it helps the shoe roll smoothly into the forefoot transition.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Conclusion

they provide a wonderful ride that makes you wonder just how this is a stability shoe in the first place. 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. 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! Delivery timescales are based on working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. 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.

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. Testers say the knit upper also feels comfortable and secure, but it feels a little bit roomier in the toe box than the mesh option. 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. 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. The Wave Inspire 18’s midsole also features a bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound in the midsole. Traditional TPU foams are made with petroleum or natural gas, while Mizuno’s bio-based plastic is made from renewable materials. You can enjoy a smooth, cushioned ride while feeling good about your impact on the environment.This is my second edition of the Wave Inspire I have ran in, with last year being my first. My overall experience with these was similar to that of the 16s. Let’s get to the strengths and disappointments of the Wave Inspire 17.