Mizuno Wave Equate 8 stable running shoes

The Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe is a moderately stable, comfortable running shoe for everyday running. It is also commonly referred to as the cousin of the Mizuno Wave Rider, which is Mizuno’s most popular everyday running shoe. The mention is not a coincidence, the Equate is similar to the Wave Rider, it’s also a comfortable, ruggedly built running shoe, but the Equate’s midsole wave plate is a Double Fan-shaped Wave, which is thicker, longer, and asymmetrical to better protect the foot from leaning inwards. It’s cheaper than the equally sturdy Mizuno Inspire, making it one of the more affordable choices if you’re looking for a stable, comfortable everyday running shoe. Although Mizuno claims the Wave Equate 8 running shoe to be moderately stable, you can feel it holding your foot more steady the first time you put it on. It’s not intrusive in its stability, doing its job unnoticed while running.

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 upper

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 stable running shoe upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe is made from a designed mesh material with moderate breathability. On hot summer days it can be a little too warm, but for cooler days it’s excellent. The tongue is fixed on both sides, slightly thicker than average, very comfortable. The upper is thick, soft and cushioned. As with most stable running shoes, the heel collar of the Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe is stiff but well cushioned, keeping the foot secure. The upper has a wider design and a very sturdy, strong construction, making it especially suitable for runners with heavier builds.

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 midfoot

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 stable running shoe midsole

The Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe midfoot is made with MIZUNO ENERZY foam, a tougher but comfortable foam. It has high shock absorption, which is beneficial for longer runs and holds up well for runners with heavier body weights. The midsole is more conducive to lower intensity runs, but for the build and weight of the shoe (290g), it’s good to switch up the pace in the Wave Equate 8 running shoe for faster shorter runs. The shoe’s unique feature is the Double Fan-shaped Wave, which is a plastic plate in the midsole for stability. This plate is thicker and asymmetrical in design, unlike other Mizuno plates. It is longer and thicker on the inner side (double thickness), while it is shorter and thinner on the outer side. This design helps to keep the foot centered and straight for those who tend to have a tendency to lean inwards. This is most common on longer runs when the foot is tired and cannot be held correctly. Longer has a relative meaning, so if you typically run 5km, 10km is longer, but if your average run is 15km, it’s 21km. It’s not just the double plate, the design of the shoe’s midsole also helps with stability. The heel section is asymmetrical and splits the midsole in two to provide support on both sides. The inner arch is less curved than a neutral shoe to provide more support for the foot. The width of the sole also contributes to greater stability. The sole is slightly wider (10 mm) at the front and significantly wider (10 mm) at the heel than an average running shoe sole.

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 outsole

Mizuno Wave Equate 8 stable running shoe outsole

The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe is made from a blown rubber called X10. This rubber compound is harder than average, making it more abrasion-resistant and able to handle heavier loads. The outsole is articulated so it doesn’t over-stiffen the midsole in either direction. Because the outsole covers a large surface area of the midsole and has deep, thick grooves, the shoe has a very good grip. Thanks to the deep grooves, you can even take the shoe out for easier cross-country runs.

Summary

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe is a cheap stable, very sturdy and rugged Mizuno Wave Equate 8 running shoe stable running shoe. It’s not intrusive in its stability, but you can feel it right away when you put it on. Definitely a good choice for beginners or heavier, heavier runners. It’s best suited for everyday, low-intensity runs over longer distances, but you’ll have no problem running shorter fast stretches in the Mizuno Wave Equate 8.