Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
Mizuno Wave Daichi 2
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• XtaRide• Wave Technology• Michelin rubber outsole• X groove• AirMesh• 12mm drop• DynamotionFit• X lugs
Upper
The Mizuno Wave Daichi has a strong upper to support the foot on different trail surfaces. The shoe uses DynamotionFit for the design on the upper. The AirMesh is a breathable material that allows the foot to stay dry and cool, while also protecting the foot from surface debris. There are also multiple overlays that are welded and stitched along the midfoot that help keep the foot secure on trail surfaces. The Mizuno Wave Daichi has an Ortholite Sockliner that is removable and provides additional cushioning and moisture-wicking. Additionally, the upper has laces that are textured and flat to provide maximum support. Overall, the upper is designed with support and comfort in mind, and rates above average.
Midsole
The Mizuno Wave Daichi uses the high performing Mizuno Wave technology on the midsole. The Wave is just that, a wave-shaped or concave design that provides cushioning, responsiveness, some stability and impact -resistance. The cushioning is along the full midsole, allowing toe off to be better supported. The highly rated cushioning is AP+ and said to provide more responsiveness and durability than the typical EVA found in other shoes. Overall, Mizuno continues to do well with its midsole on the Wave Daichi.
Outsole
The Mizuno Wave Daichi outsole is a high quality feature of the shoe. Mizuno has partnered with Michelin to create a premium outsole that is designed to conquer what the trails throw at runners. The outsole uses a Michelin compound that is comprised of durable carbon rubber that prevents wear and tear, while also adding traction on wet surfaces. The Mizuno Wave Daichi uses the XtaticRide technology for the layout of the shoe that place the lugs of the shoe in a way that provides multi-directional traction. Using Xta groove and multiple X lugs, the shoe is designed to be adaptable to different trail conditions, including wet, slippery mud. Reviewers felt that the design of the outsole worked well, especially since many appreciated that they were still able to feel the ground. The Mizuno Wave Daichi performs well on all types of trail surfaces, and overall ranks high for its outsole.
Breathability
The Mizuno Wave Daichi is designed to provide breathability while still providing protection from debris on the trail. The shoe’s upper uses AirMesh, which is a breathable material that helps keep the foot dry and cool. The Mizuno Wave Daichi also has an Ortholite Sockliner that is removable and designed with a moisture-wicking material. Overall, Mizuno has done a great job in designing a shoe that is still breathable.
Comfort
The Mizuno Wave Daichi has many features that contribute to the shoe’s comfort level. The shoe uses a DynamotionFit on the upper that helps keep the foot comfortably supported. The upper also has a cushioned removable sockliner and padded tongue. The shoe’s outsole, while full of lugs that aid traction, still allow the runner to feel the ground, keeping comfort a top priority. The shoe’s midsole is also designed with comfort in mind, as the cushioning keeps the foot comfortable during impact. Some reviewers did note that the shoe was a little stiff, but otherwise, most were pleased with the comfort of the shoe. These features combine to create a comfortable, yet supportive and responsive shoe that keeps the runner energized mile after mile. Overall, comfort was above average for the Mizuno Wave Daichi.
Style
The Mizuno Wave Daichi uses a sleek design and interesting color choices to make this a stylish choice. Coming in a variety of colors, the shoe has options for those that light bright colors as well as toned down. The shoe boasts a modern design that reviewers felt met their needs.
Durability
The Mizuno Wave Daichi is designed to hold up on all the different trail elements. The shoe’s outsole uses Michelin-grade carbon rubber with strong lugs to avoid wear and tear. The Mizuno Daichi’s midsole is comprised of proprietary AP+ that is stronger than the typical EVA used on other trail shoes. The upper is also highly durable using AirMesh material and overlays. Reviewers were pleased with the level of durability the Mizuno Daichi provides.
Protection
The Mizuno Wave Daichi, as a trail shoe, has an optimal amount of protection throughout. The shoe’s outsole with strong Michelin rubber and lugs throughout the outsole protect the foot from trail elements, along with the Airmesh and overlays as a part of the upper. The midsole uses a foam that is stronger than most EVA-based shoes, adding protection during impact. The Wave technology throughout the midsole is designed to provide security, stability and protection during the transition. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Daichi provides an average amount of protection.
Responsiveness
The Mizuno Wave Daichi has many features that contribute to the shoe’s responsiveness. The Mizuno Wave technology’s concave design aids responsiveness by cushioning during the transition. The AP+ foam throughout the midsole helps not only cushion during impact but also assists during toe off. The shoe’s DynamationFit is designed to help the foot move naturally while transferring the energy during transition. The Xta grooves and X lugs combine to support the foot naturally. Overall, the Mizuno Daichi has above average responsiveness.
Support
The Mizuno Wave Daichi, while a trail shoe, still offers a good amount of support. The upper keeps the foot securely in place by using overlays on the midfoot. The shoe also has a heel counter and a strong mesh upper that supports the foot throughout movement. The shoe’s outsole is also designed to provide support by using a tough rubber and lugs that support the foot during impact. Additionally, the shoe’s foam provides an element of support while helping to absorb the shock and create a supported transition. Overall, the shoe’s support is average.
Terrain
The Mizuno Wave Daichi is a trail shoe that is designed to handle the elements that get thrown at trail runners. The shoe is designed with the outsole as a key feature to support trail surfaces. The outsole boasts a Michelin-grade rubber and many lugs that allow the shoe to have grip and traction on trails that are both wet and dry. The shoe also has Xta groove and X lugs that work well to support the foot along the trails. Reviewers were impressed with the amount of traction the Mizuno Wave Daichi provided on wet, muddy conditions.
Price
The Mizuno Wave Daichi is priced at $120, which falls in line with other trail shoes. Since there is a newer version available, it is possible to find the shoe for a more affordable price. However, with the features that are offered, this shoe is a great buy at this price.
Drop
The Mizuno Wave Daichi has a 12mm drop. This is an average drop for trail shoes, while there has been a trend to create some lower drop shoes for those looking for more performance. The Mizuno Daichi’s cushioning helps support the runner, as well as the heel counter. Reviewers that are used to trail running were pleased with the drop. Beginner trail runners who are used to a lower drop may have a transition period adjusting to the shoe’s transitions.
Stability
The Mizuno Wave Daichi offers stability while running on rough trail surfaces. The Wave technology is designed to provide stability while also adding cushioning. The overlays that are welded and stitched to the shoe help create stability for the foot, keeping it secure. The heel counter also adds an element of stability to the Mizuno Daichi. The shoe’s outsole is also designed to provide stability by using a tough rubber and lugs that keep the foot stable during impact. Additionally, the shoe’s foam provides an element of stability while helping to absorb the shock and create a smooth transition. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Daichi offers an average amount of stability.
Flexibility
The Mizuno Wave Daichi, as a trail shoe, needs to have some flexibility, but also support in order to handle many different surfaces. The shoe uses the X groove to provide flexibility, as well as grip. The shoe’s upper uses the DynamotionFit to support the foot while allowing it to move with flexibility. While the shoe is designed to have some flexibility, reviewers felt that the shoe was a bit stiff. Overall, the shoe offers an average amount of flexibility.
Traction
The Mizuno Wave Daichi has an optimal amount of traction for trail shoes. Using the Michelin-grad rubber and many lugs along the outsole, the shoe is able to grip the ground while still offering runners the feel of the ground. The rubber is designed to provide traction even on wet conditions, and the design of the lugs is made to help keep the mud from staying on the shoe. There is also an X groove that helps the foot flex to grip the surfaces while offering shock absorption. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Daichi offers a high amount of traction.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Daichi is a high performing trail shoe for those looking to up their running game. Mizuno has taken its trail shoes to the next level with this model. Collaborating with Michelin to design a high-class outsole that uses Michelin-grade rubber that is made to grip on any trail surface was a great move on Mizuno’s part. The shoe also has various lugs that aid the shoe’s already strong traction. The shoe performs well on both wet and dry trail conditions and will withstand miles of wear and tear. The shoe also uses the typical Mizuno Wave technology along with strong foam for cushioning along the midsole. These features combine to create a comfortable, yet supportive and responsive shoe that keeps the runner energized mile after mile. The upper helps secure the foot with its overlays while keeping it cool and dry by using AirMesh material. Mizuno manages to create a highly comfortable shoe that can handle the elements while keeping the weight of the shoe low. Reviewers had little to complain about, except that the shoe lacked a bit of flexibility. Overall, this is a great selection for those looking for a trail shoe that can go the distance.
