Let’s check out the Mizuno wave creation 20 road running shoes. Mizuno is a brand not widely known in the running world, given the likes of prominent brands such as Asics, Nike, Adidas and even new balance. They had been in the market for decades producing quality running shoes I adore. The wave creation is one such pair of running shoes. It sits on the upper segment of Mizuno’s running shoe range and has a legend as one of their best engineered running shoes. Let’s take a look at it today.
External Shoe Design impressions
Furthermore, on external impressions, you could tell that Mizuno tried a different approach in looks, but there are still limitations on how you can stray from a shoe which is already well-designed.
Also, the Mizuno wave creation 20 is available on 5 colours, with a design which follows a constant and understated design philosophy seem through much of the Mizuno wave creation series. Also, the distinguishable main unique feature of the wave creation is the hollow heel area. This composes of a hybrid plastic, foam heel and mid-sole with hard-wearing non-marking rubber glued onto the bottom. The shoes is not vastly different from previous generations on the external visual point of view.
Available in Kint variants
In the earlier days, Mizuno’s line-up was more simplified. Now, the wave creation 20 is offered in regular in-tongue and kint feet boxes. Both variants come with shoe laces and are similarly priced. We see kint shoes widely employed in slip in running shoes, such as those built for Triatlons.
Moreover, the kint edition is something less conventional, though it is worth noting that the kint fit is snug but without feeling tightly uncomfortable. It does reduces the need for even shoe laces.
Moreover, the front of the shoe is made of lightweight mesh material. It does give the shoe a premium and breathable. The toe box is wide and fit greats for runners with wide feet.
Great on pavements and tarmac
On first impressions, the shoe has bounce and a high rate of return. This is especially on concrete surfaces and smooth tarmac. Also, the wave creation has excellent vertical and horizontal stability. The mid-section is taunt and has a good firmness which makes every heel strike predictable and adds to a confident run.
Also, the shoe is fitted well for neutral to under-pronaters like myself. Under-pronation is where you tend to land on the outer edges of your feet with each foot strike. Cushioning on running tracks reduces this effectiveness and it is advised to run on concrete pavements and tarmac.
Great energy recovery
Using the New Balance NB 565 I previously review as a base benchmark and alternating between each pair on my regular bi-weekly 12 km runs, I was able to get an average increased running pace of up to 1km/hr. I could attribute this to a greater energy return to the runner. In turn, you could prolong the onset of fatigue with a good pair of shoes with a well-fitted mid-sole.
Having ran a couple of marathons on past Mizuno wave creations itself. I can vouch for the cushioning effectiveness even past the 20-30km mark. It does reduce the pounding and fatigue you get after the run.
Building on renowned reliability
The Wave Creation is a shoe I wore for marathons with a good track records as my main running shoe. The bottom sole has rubber feet and are non-marking, but the soles does screech on concrete surfaces. Also, it is worth noting these rubber soles never peel, delaminate or come off, unlike that commonly seen on Nike and New Balance shoes.
Notably, I wore my previous Wave creation past its 600km useful lifespan well into the 2000km range as a casual shoe after decommissioning. This is definitely a nod into the quality Mizuno puts into making their running shoes which is visible here.
Look out for past year bargains
Furthermore, when new, the Mizuno wave creation typically costs in $250 SGD range. Also, it is worth noting that last season shoes (a year old) typically costs about $100 cheaper. For instance, I got this pair for $140 plus shipping on Amazon just before the 21 was released.
The sub $250 price point makes the wave creation comparable to the likes of the premium Asics DS trainer and Nike Bowerman series. Interestingly, for the record, Amazon offer different prices on the colour choices. I found the cheapest colour the black and grey variants. While you pay a premium for more conventional brighter, blue and red colours. Hence, if you are fine with less popular colour selections, you can command an additional discount of the price too.
All in all, Mizuno had built on a tried and tested platform, with much of the improvements are under the skin. As a sports shoe, this 20th generation of the shoe, which goes easily into my top 3 recommendations of running shoes for long distance. While the improvements are usually under the skin, it delivers as one of the best universal and compliant running shoes I would wholeheartedly endorse.
Mizuno wave creation 20- Pros
- Great energy return, lowers fatigue
- Retains compliant cushioning after long distances.
- Marathon capable.
Cons
- Knit fit may not be for everyone
- Pricey, but good discounts available
- Design tad dated
