Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoes

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoe is a stable, comfortable, cushioned, everyday running shoe designed primarily for lower-intensity and longer runs, but there is some dynamism in it to run faster short distances in your intervall training. Versatile, durable and rugged, it’s a good choice for beginners and heavier runners. It’s also a good choice for advanced runners looking for stability and support for slower, longer runs. The midsole has changed significantly from the previous version, becoming more forgiving and softer as Mizuno used a new foam in the heel area.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoe is made from a knitted mesh material that has average breathability. The upper fits true to size, slightly wider than average. It’s worth paying attention to Mizuno’s measurements and also check the inside length in millimeters. The upper is optimized for comfort with high cushioning throughout. The tongue is thick, fixed on both sides and hugs the foot comfortably. The heel collar is stiff but highly cushioned, keeping the foot comfortable and stable. The heel collar is high and the upper is softer so as not to irritate the Achilles tendon, acting as a kind of pull-up strap. The lace holes are surrounded by a layer of faux leather, making them more durable and allowing you to tighten the laces more securely. The Inspire 21 comes in two widths, so if you have wider feet, it’s worth getting the wide version.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 midsole

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoe midsole is made up of two different types of foam and a curved plastic plate. The foam under the plate at the heel is Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam, which is a lightweight, dynamic and soft foam. Above the plate and at the forefoot is Mizuno Enerzy foam, which has good shock absorption, is a bit stiffer than the Enerzy NXT foam, and provides good stability. The midsole is 37.5mm high at the heel and 25.5mm high at the forefoot, so the midsole drop is 12mm. Because the heel is a softer foam that compresses more easily, the higher than average drop is less noticeable. For better stability, the midsole plate is different from the plate found in neutral Mizuno shoes, it is taller and has a different arch. Stability is not only increased by the plate, but also by the fact that the sole of the shoe is wider than average, especially at the heel. Overall, the midsole is not aggressively stable and the stability of the shoe is not obtrusive. Very balanced, medium soft, medium firm and therefore versatile. Provides a comfortable and secure feeling while running, which is enhanced by the well-fitting, cushioned upper. The midsole is stiff at the heel but flexible at the forefoot. The stiffness in the heel is due to the stability plate, but the more flexible forefoot enhances comfort.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 outsole

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoe outsole is made from a rubber compound called X10, a slightly harder than average carbonized rubber compound. Because it is harder than average, it has good abrasion resistance and is thick, making it extremely durable. The outsole covers almost the entire midsole, with only a central longitudinal cutout. Due to the high coverage, the shoe has good traction, which is helped by the deep tread pattern. The longitudinal cutout allows for more flexibility, while the high coverage of the outsole increases the stability of the shoe.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 vs Inspire 20, how has it changed from the previous version?

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 running shoe has changed a lot from the previous version.

The upper material has been reworked, the lace holes have been reinforced with a layer of synthetic leather and the heel collar has been redesigned. The previous lower, rounded heel collar has been replaced with a higher, angled heel collar with a non-rigid upper what acting as a kind of pull-up strap.

The midsole of the previous version was made entirely of Mizuno Enerzy foam with a Mizuno Wave plate in the middle for stability, the Inspire 21 has a new midsole foam in the heel area, making the shoe slightly softer and more dynamic.

Thanks to these changes, the weight of the shoe has been reduced by 6 grams.

Who is the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 for and what kind of running? Summary

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 Running Shoe is a comfortable, durable, stable running shoe with non-intrusive stability. It can be a good choice for beginners or as a first running shoe. As it is durable, has good abrasion resistance and a thick outsole, making it an ideal choice for runners with higher body weights. It can be a good choice for advanced runners, even if they have a neutral foot position, for lighter intensity longer runs, as the good stability of the shoe provides great support while running.