First Look At Mizuno Winter-Spring 2013 Shoes

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on December 19, 2012

Led by the resurgence of the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire franchises, we had a record-breaking 2012. But 2013 promises to be an even better year with several new, exciting introductions as well as significant improvements in existing models.

The big news for winter-spring 2013 is lighter, better fitting uppers, resulting in overall weight savings and improved ride. In addition, Mizuno breaks new ground with the debut of its Wave Evo collection of zero drop shoes, designed primarily for midfoot strikers as well as the introduction of the Wave Ekiden racing flat.

Neutral, Cushioned Shoes

Wave Rider 16: $114.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16, available in EE (wide); (w) 6-12, available in AA (narrow) and D (wide).

Weights: (m) 9.9 oz.; (w) 8.2 oz.

Now in its 16th year, Mizuno’s franchise shoe has always been counted on to deliver a light, flexible, smooth ride. For 2013, the Wave Rider continues its evolution as a fast training shoe designed for runners with efficient gaits. Wave Rider loyalists are passionate about their shoe of choice and we didn't try to fix what isn't broken.

Wave Rider fans will be on familiar turf with the Wave Rider 16. The midsole cushioning is exactly the same as the 15, but the upper underwent a facelift. Through the use of a lighter mesh and the removal of overlays, the Wave Rider 16 shed weight to improve the smoothness of the ride and makes it a “quicker” shoe. The other  change is in the rearfoot where a new lighter, softer outsole compound adds a slightly softer feel at heel strike.

Most importantly, the Wave Rider still has the distinctive signature fit which secures the foot and yet “disappears” from the foot at the same time. That is, the upper never gets in the way of the ride. This is keeping in line with the Mizuno design philosophy to provide runners only as much shoe as they need without any extraneous weight or technology.

All in all, the Wave Rider 16 returns with the same level of comfort, lightweight protection and responsive ride that has made it one of the premiere shoes in running.

Wave Evo Levitas: $109.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11

Weights: (m) 6 oz.; (w) 5.2 oz.

The minimal approach to shoe-building is nothing new for Mizuno. Since we began building running shoes, the dominant design philosophy has been doing more with less. That's why Mizuno is uniquely positioned to fill a need for the growing number of runners who have decided to change their running form from heel striking to more of a midfoot strike. The Wave Evo Levitas and the Wave Evo Cursoris are the first two shoes from Mizuno that are specifically designed to enhance the midfoot running experience.

Levitas is derived from the Latin for “light” which is the overriding feel of the shoe. By utilizing a flat foot platform with zero drop from heel to toe (8 mm/8mm heel to forefoot), the focus of the Evo Levitas is extreme lightness and flexibility that will heighten forefoot or midfoot running.

One of the unique aspects of the Evo shoes is its shape. Unlike conventional shoes which have a rounded shape from the lateral to the medial side of the forefoot, the Evo shoes have an oblique shape. That allows the toes to splay and engages them better in the toe-off process.

The outsole of the Evo shoes is relatively thin with multi flex grooves to create a fast transition from midfoot or forefoot landing to toe off. Available January 5th.

Wave Evo Cursoris: $119.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11

Weights: (m) 7 oz.; (w) 6.2 oz.

Although the Cursoris is born of the same design philosophy as the Levitas and shares many of the same technical features, the Cursoris has a bit more protection for runners who are taking their first strides transitioning to a midfoot strike.

The Cursoris shares a similar zero ramp offset as the Levitas, but it has a 12 mm/12mm heel-to-forefoot design. Additionally, the Cursoris has more midsole cushioning and a wider forefoot platform than the Levitas which adds stability from midfoot strike through toe-off. 

Named for one of the oldest (and smallest) bipedal parareptiles, the Cursoris has the same oblique shape as the Levitas which allows for the foot and shoe to move together in a smoother, more natural manner. Available January 5th.

Wave Creation 14: $149.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 11.9 oz.; (w) 9.7 oz.

The Wave Creation has been one of the cornerstones of Mizuno's family of neutral shoes for more than a decade. The Creation has established a large following among runners who appreciate luxurious cushioning, responsiveness and great arch support.

For 2013, we felt we could do better. The Wave Creation 14 still has the same protection and cushioning runners love, but its plush upper is even softer and more comfortable. Remarkably, the Creation 14 is the lightest ever, coming in nearly an ounce lighter.

Utilizing the heel-to-midfoot Infinity Wave, the Creation has exceptional full-length support and protection throughout the gait cycle. 

Wave Precision 13: $109.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 9.6 oz.; (w) 8 oz. No changes. Available 1-5.

Wave Prophecy 2: $199.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 12.3oz.; (w) 10.1 oz.

The Wave Prophecy is one of the most unique, modernistic shoes on the entire running market. Most of the attention is focused on its full-length Infinity Wave which provides the dynamic, propulsive ride that is unlike any other shoe. The Prophecy's midsole is almost entirely mechanical which means it isn't foam dependent like all other running shoes and thus has much greater durability and won't lose cushioning on long runs.

Wave Enigma 2: $134.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 11.6 oz.; (w) 9.5 oz.

No changes.  Available January 5th.

Support Shoes

Wave Inspire 9: $114.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16, available in EE (wide); (w) 6-12, available in AA (narrow) and D (wide).

Weights: (m) 10.1 oz.; (w) 8.3 oz.

The Wave Inspire doesn’t have the same lengthy history as the Wave Rider does, but in the moderate stability category the Inspire is the leader in lightweight support. And just like the Wave Rider 16, the Wave Inspire 9 didn't need any major revisions. Just a few tweaks to the upper fit here and there (removal of the external overlays) and with a much lighter mesh upper, the Inspire 9 has undergone a significant weight savings of nearly a full ounce.

There are two upgrades in the rearfoot of the Inspire 9 that you may notice. The outsole material in the landing area has been switched from X10 to SR Touch which is softer.

But the cushioning and supportive Double Fan Wave of the Inspire hasn't changed. It still has that stable, light ride as well as its distinctive glove-like fit, especially in the rearfoot.

Wave Alchemy 12: $114.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15, 16 with EE width; (w) 6-12 with AA width.

Weights: (m) 11.9 oz.; (w) 9.9 oz.

Wave Elixir 8: $119.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14, 15; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 8.8 oz.; (w) 7.4 oz.

For plenty of runners, a light ride is of paramount concern. But these same runners still need a bit of support for their speed days and/or racing.

The Wave Elixir 8 not only looks like a fast shoe with a distinctive upper pattern, it feels almost as fast as most flats. And like Mizuno racing shoes, the sleek upper of the Elixir 8 never gets in the way on fast days or races.

The Elixir 8 is nearly a half ounce lighter than its predecessor and yet, it's just as supportive, well-cushioned—and durable. The lively midsole has terrific spring and road feel for tempo runs and/or racing. The Elixir isn't as supportive as the Inspire, but at high speeds its added support smooths out the gait of those who need it. Yet, the support isn't so restrictive that it doesn't get in the way of efficient runners.

The fit of the Elixir remains a constant with an open collar and a snug heel for a secure fit. Another plus is the G3 outsole which provides outstanding traction on wet pavement (such as on slippery roads near aid stations in races).

Trail Shoes

Wave Ascend 7: $104.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13, 14; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 11.4 oz.; (w) 9.6 oz.

New color available January 5th.

Other Shoes

Wave Universe 4: $124.99

Sizes: Unisex 5-12, 13. Weight: 3.8 oz.

Wave Ekiden: $114.99

Sizes: Unisex 5-12, 13. Weight: 4.6 oz.

The Ekiden has been a popular racing shoe with Japanese runners for several years and for 2013, we're bringing its light, responsive ride to the US for the first time. More cushioned than the Universe, but lighter than the Ronin and Musha, the Ekiden has a soft upper and a quick heel-to-transition which experienced racers demand. Available 1-5.

Wave Ronin 5: $104.99

Sizes: (m) 7-13; (w) 6-11.

Weights: (m) 6.9 oz.; (w) 5.8 oz.