This is my first pair of Mizuno running shoes ever. I was pretty excited to try them and see why Mizuno Wave fans love this particular model. I opened the box and was surprised with how well made they looked. Mizuno continued overhauling its lineup with a new type of foam called Enerzy. Designers already added the new foam composition to shoes like the Wave Rider 24 and the Wave Sky Waveknit 4. I loved this shoe. It met and exceeded all of my expectations. At first, I was a bit concerned about the stiff forefoot, but in the long run (pun intended), the Inspire felt perfectly supportive and I had no issues with hot spots or numbness in my toes. I most liked the snug fit of the heel cup, the secure and supportive—but not too tight—upper around the midfoot, and the wide toebox. I have a wide forefoot and I am always happiest with extra room. Due to the Inspire’s ample cushioning and support, it is perfect for ‘Church of the Sunday Long Run.’ But, because of its heavier weight, I would not recommend this shoe for speedwork or racing.”

From time to time carriers may deliver earlier or later, or on non working days however this is cannot be guaranteed nor should it be expected. the weight and heel to toe drop both fall on the high side of things (11 oz. and 12mm, respectively), but one rarely notices the weight or the height because of the consistency in design throughout the shoe, 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. The U4IC cushioning above the wave plate has also been increased. While I appreciate the changes I can honestly say the ride was very similar to the last edition’s.You’ll notice this from the MIZUNO WAVE plate in the midsole area. I felt all over cushioning in the upper along with how breathable they felt. The cushioning of the midsole underwent some changes which have slightly affected the ride. Mizuno ENERZY is a softer and lighter cushioning found in heel portions. 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 toe box is flexible and bouncy while the ride is stiff and heavy in the heel at times. The wave plate provides stability but it comes at the cost of comfort. The Wave Inspire 18 feels supportive because of Mizuno’s Wave Plate, but it still has a decent amount of flexibility. The Wave Plate also adds a touch of responsiveness as well, which I noticed during my strides,” Caroline says. The RW Takeaway: Big updates to the 17th version make the Inspire a moderately responsive and durable workhorse that offers mid-level stability for overpronators and plush cushioning for heel strikers.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. Up top, a stretchy woven upper gives the Wave Sky 6 an accommodating fit, and generous placements of carbon rubber on the outsole ensure you’ll have plenty of grip and high-mileage durability. It gives runners a plusher on-foot experience while still providing the stable platform the brand’s shoes are known for. The Wave Sky 6 is a great choice for longer runs or recovery days when your feet could use a little extra love. 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.

On the medial side, the wave plate has a double fan, this serves the same purpose as a medial post would in a traditional trainer. The wave plate is evident from the moment the trainer is on and takes some miles to get used to it. 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 17 Sole Unit

The plate is stiffer and more durable than the surrounding midsole foam, so it compresses less under your weight. That extra durability helps the midsole wear evenly, giving you a more stable ride throughout the life of the shoe. It has a 12mm drop for both men and women. This is a little on the higher side but I enjoyed wearing these on runs the day after I did a speed workout or when my calves just felt sore. Delivery timescales are based on working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days.

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. While Japanese sporting goods company Mizuno might not have the name recognition as running brands like Nike and Adidas, it has been an influential shoe designer since the ‘80s. they provide a wonderful ride that makes you wonder just how this is a stability shoe in the first place. 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. For 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.

The firmer forefoot makes the Inspire feel a little more nimble than softer foams,” one reviewer says. “I like the snappier response, especially in a stability shoe.”