Monday, April 12, 2021

Product review: Mizuno Wave Horizon 5

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Mizuno Wave Horizon 5 running shoes in exchange for my honest review.

Ahhh....is there no better feeling than slipping on a new pair of running shoes? That fresh cushion beneath your soles? When Mizuno Running contacted me to see if I wanted to try the newest model of the Wave Horizon, I jumped at it! A couple of years ago, I received a pair of the 3s and loved them. I was excited to try them again. 

Bottom line: They made them even better!

The Wave Horizon is a stability running shoe. Stability shoes are designed to support runners who tend to overpronate or need support for low arches. Stability shoes have extra cushioning in the midsole, or arch area of the shoe. Stability shoes have evolved over the years, providing support and comfort to runners who need it. These shoes are not designed to 'fix' a runner's gait.

How do you know if you overpronate? You can record yourself running and watch it in slow motion with an eye to your feet and knees. If they roll inwards, you might be an overpronator. You can also look at the wear pattern on the bottom of your shoes--if the tread is more worn down on the inside of the heel, you might be an overpronator. You can also go to a running store for a professional opinion.

I don't necessarily overpronate. In fact, I tend to roll my feed outward. But I do have issues with my arches and because I have rheumatoid arthritis, I can have pain in the joints in my feet, especially on long runs. Several years ago, I was recommended to run in stability shoes. The switch has made a big difference in my gait and comfort on the run. The Wave Horizon is one of my favorite stability shoes and works well for me on long runs.

Heel strike much? 

Mizuno has made some updates to the newest version of the Wave Horizon. They've changed to a new foam insole dubbed 'Mizuno Energy" which the manufacturer says is more responsive and springy compared to previous models. The midsole has also been lightened up, using the same materials found in Mizuno's other shoes. They updated the heel collar to create a better fit. The outsole of the shoe is flat, which is designed to wear evenly, yet provide flexibility. 

For me, the newest version of the Wave Horizon is just perfect. I liked the Wave Horizon 3 but I didn't love it, finding them to be a little stiff. The Wave Horizon 5 is so comfortable and supportive--when I took them for my first run in them, it literally felt like I was running on a cloud. The outsole is indeed flexible, in comparison with the previous version I ran in. There is no stiffness with these shoes. I've run in them for about a month and I've decided they will be my long run shoes, providing the support I need for those miles.

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 5 comes in 3 colors--I received the purple and red version, which I just love! They are also lighter than the previous versions, coming in at 9.7 ounces. Heel drop is 10mm. I received my normal size and found them to be a little snug at first. After a few runs, the shoes have loosened up a bit and feel great. I'm looking forward to many happy miles in these shoes!

Have you run in Mizuno shoes? What are your thoughts on them? Have you run in a stability shoe?

Is there anything better than a new pair of running shoes? I got to try the @MizunoRunUSA Wave Horizon 5. Check out my review! /via @oldrunningmom #running #runchat #productreview

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJenLaura, and Lisa.  

 

41 comments :

  1. I used to love Wave Inspires years ago, but then they changed between models and I went off them in a big way! I can't remember why now. I would definitely try them again in the running shop as one of my options - when I can! Good to know they're so comfy and also that they loosen up over the first few runs. OK, they're also pretty ...

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  2. Interesting I usually run in neutral (I tend to supinate also, very clear on the tread of my shoes!), but I've run in the Mizuno Sky, I think, and I do like Mizuno. I need some new shoes . . .

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    1. I’m really pleased with these? My feet appreciate the extra support!

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  3. I used to wear Wave Inspires and I loved them

    Then came the foot issues and I've gone from shoe to shoe.

    I just tried Brooks again - so comfy but stiff. Topos not stiff but not cushiony. I'll keep trying...gets expensive though.

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    1. Wow, I never considered Brooks to be stiff, in fact they are the comfiest shoes I’ve ever run in, out of the box. These new Mizunos are much less stiff than the previous version.

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  4. And they look nice, too!
    Asics somehow changed the heel collar lower on the model I use. Now I always have the feeling I'm "falling out" of the shoe.
    I have never tried a Mizuno shoe but I think I really want to try one now!

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    1. I always get bummed out when a favorite shoe is changed-one of the reasons I quit on my long time love ASICS. Mizuno did good with this one, though!

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  5. I feel like a broken record here (I should just change the name of my blog to "I have big fat feet") but how is the toe box? I'm always on the lookout for a WIDE toe box (they look pretty good in the picture) and have never tried Mizunos.

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    1. ha ha. I'm with you and the wide toe box. The cute ones never have a wide toe box.

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  6. Oh man you had me until you mentioned the heel drop. That's just too steep for my picky feet :( Rats.

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  7. I loved Mizunos when they still made them in a size 5. They start at size 6 now and I've never worn a 6 in any brand that fit correctly. #littlefeetproblems

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    1. Several brands make shoes in 5/5.5 - Brooks, Saucony, Asics. I've never run in kids' shoes, I've read they are designed to be as sturdy as adult shoes. I was really disappointed when Mizuno quit.

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    2. *oops! They are NOT designed to be as sturdy as adult shoes.

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    3. I didn't know that about kids' shoes! That's not so reassuring if you have a child that runs. I'm glad a couple of brands make smaller sized shoes for women.

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  8. Great review! I tend to roll outwards too (under pronator?) but usually run in a somewhat stable shoe, like Ravenna or Glycerin now. I have never run in Mizuno!

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    1. I really like this shoe, especially for higher mileage. It’s a comfy, supportive ride!

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  9. I've gone back and forth between Mizuno Wave Inspires and Brooks Adrenalines...both seem to be on opposite years in their good and bad tweaks, so it's worked out well. Last year, I got a pair of the WI 15's and have loved them. I've never tried the Wave Horizons, but they look like a similar shoe for stability (which this over-pronator needs).

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    1. I have run in both the Inspires and the Horizons--I think the Horizon gives a more cushioned ride.

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  10. I've never tried Mizunos! I don't run in stability shoes, but I used to wear the Pure Cadence which had some stability. Glad you like this shoe so much!

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  11. After wearing Mizuno for years and years, sadly my feet have grown too wide in the toe box for them. Who even am I anymore.

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    1. Oh Marcia. Someone just wrote about that. They were fitted for shoes at a running store and told they needed wide shoes now.

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  12. These sound like they have both comfort and nice support. New shoes are always fun! Great review and happy running

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  13. So glad the newer version is better than the ones you experienced before. Sometimes it doesn't work that way and you end up hunting tirelessly for older versions of the shoe! I wear a stability shoe as I over-pronate so this sounds like it would work for me too. I love the colour too!

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  14. I’ve never tried Mizuno but they sound great. I wear Saucony in a neutral shoe and I love them.

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    1. I've tried Saucony, but after running for years in shoes with a high heel drop, they did not work for me.

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  15. Very cool!

    For the longest time, I ran in Mizuno Wave Inspires, and I loved them. Unfortunately, they went through a bit of a design setback, and I had to find something else because they got a little too clunky for my taste. I should try them again.

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    1. That was exactly my feelings about Mizuno from the past, but I'm glad I tried the new rendition of the Horizon. It's a nice remake!

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  16. I've worn a few of Mizuno shoes but for the past few years I've worn Brooks. I am glad these work for you. New shoes are definitely the best!

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    1. I also run in Brooks, but it is really nice to have found another shoe I like!

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  17. You know I love Mizunos! I've never even worn a pair out yet.. maybe that doesn't say a lot about me as a runner...haha. Would love to add this color to my collection! -M

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  18. I have never run in Mizunos or stability shoes. I tend to over-supinate, so I stick to neutral. These sound like a good shoe for those who need stability!

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    1. I'm definitely more of a supinator, but with my arch issues, these really give me the support i need.

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  19. Great review Wendy - you've got me curious to revisit Mizunos. I ran in the Wave Rider years ago and loved them, but then they tinkered with the design. I love the color of the pair you received! Do they offer more cushion than the Adrenalines?

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    1. That's a great question. I won't say they give more cushion, but they do feel more supportive for the longer runs. At least, that's been my takeaway.

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