Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoes

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Running Shoe is a comfortable, durable, stable, everyday running shoe with good traction. Rightly not skimping on the weight, Mizuno has created a shoe you can run your everyday runs in with abandon. The upper is very comfortable, with slightly better than average breathability. The midsole is moderately stable, just enough so that you don’t notice the technologies built in for stability. The upper and outsole are very robust and durable. It grips exceptionally well even on wet, dusty roads. You could even use it for light trail running based on the outsole, but if you’re running on uneven, bumpy ground, be careful because the high (37.5mm) heel section can easily untie.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 upper

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe is clearly all about comfort and a stable footing. The upper is made from a double-layer knit mesh fabric that has better than average breathability, but can be a little warm on hot summer days. The tongue of the shoe is thicker than average, padded, and secured on both sides. As is usual for stable running shoes, the heel collar is stiff but well cushioned, keeping the foot well and securely in place. The construction of the upper is wide, those with thin feet will need to tighten the laces more, but a wider version is also available alongside the standard version (Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Wide)

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 midfoot

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe midfoot

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Running Shoe Midsole is made of ENERZY foam with a plastic Wave Plate at the heel and under the midfoot, shaped to help provide stability, more dynamism at kick-off and better shock absorption at impact. The ENERZY foam is slightly harder than average, which helps stability and better shock absorption. For stability, the midsole splits in two from the midsection to the heel, providing support in both directions. The midfoot has moderate dynamism, but can also be used to run some shorter, faster sections. Like the upper, the midsole is slightly wider than average. The Mizuno brand is known for its high drop running shoes, and the Inspire 20 is no exception. The 12mm drop is much higher than average, and for those who haven’t run in a running shoe with such a high drop, it might be a bit unusual at first. The high drop relieves more of the load on the ankle and shin, and is more for those with stronger thigh muscles. A high drop is more conducive to longer strides and heel landing. I’m basically a midfoot runner and I’ve tried heel landing in this shoe, it feels softer and more comfortable. On the heel, the midsole is specifically high at 37.5mm, which gives great shock absorption. The high heel, coupled with the big drop, requires a little more attention when running on bumpy ground, as the ankle can roll out more easily (you can get used to it in the first 1km).

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Outsole

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Running Shoe Outsole

The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe is made from a blown rubber called X10, which is well-textured, has good traction and is more durable than average. The X10 rubber is a slightly harder rubber than average, so its grip is not as good, but the Inspire 20 outsole is deeply grooved and covers a relatively large amount of the midsole, so it has a very good grip. The outsole is thick, a little over 3 mm. The X10 has average wear resistance, but because it is thick, it is durable.

Summary

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe is a comfortable, stable running shoe for longer everyday runs. The upper is sufficiently breathable and highly cushioned, keeping the foot stable. The midsole is highly cushioned, stable and has good shock absorption. The outsole is grippy and durable. If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable stable running shoe that gets the job done without being noticed, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 running shoe could be a good choice.