Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Wave Hayate 3
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• U4ic midsole• Mizuno concave Wave technology• XtaRide design• X10 Carbon rubber compound• XLugs and X Groove unit• AirMesh upper• WetTraction technology• SmoothRide technology• DynamotionFit technology
Upper
The construction of the upper of these shoes went through a change when compared to their previous version. Wider holes in the Open AirMesh upper are featured in the second version of these shoes to provide optimized breathability. From the midfoot area to the front the shoes are covered in the AirMesh, from the midfoot to the heel area they are covered with a tighter mesh that is highly breathable as well. The Mizuno logo on both sides of the shoe act like an overlay that provides structure to their midfoot area. The XtaRide technical trail technology incorporated in the whole shoe, from the outsole to the upper, bring a more responsive design. The laces are very thin and can cause discomfort for some runners as the tongue is not super well padded.
Midsole
The midsoles of the Wave line of Mizuno running shoes have always been known as outstanding. These shoes are not the exemption. The full-length U4ic midsole featured in the Hayate 2 provide good cushioning and shock attenuation. It is also very durable, lightweight and comfortable. A concave Mizuno Wave technology is featured as part of the midsole providing more stable rides and smoother transitions. The Mizuno Wave technology consists in a thermal plastic unit placed in the rearfoot area of the midsole to the midfoot area. That unit has great shock absorption properties and it’s able to promote more efficient rides. These shoes combine the Mizuno Wave with the SmoothRide technology for a smoother heel to toe transitions.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe didn’t change that much from its previous version. The shoes feature an X10 carbon rubber outsole. That compound provides a great balance between traction, flexibility, lightweight and durability. The outsole also follows the Active X design for enhanced flexibility and traction. The X Groove technology in the midfoot area of the shoe provides enhanced flexibility while the X Lugs pattern provides one of the best multi-directional traction for enhanced responsiveness. The outsole of these shoes also features the Wet Traction design for enhanced grip and traction when running on wet surfaces. The outsole of the Hayate 2 is definitely one of the best features that make them stand out from many other similar shoes.
Breathability
The breathability of these shoes is optimized by the AirMesh technology. With wider holes than before, these shoes provide a cool and dry environment for your feet. The very breathable mesh promotes a good perspiration rate. You will not experience any moisture excess inside the shoes, the inner lining and the upper mesh will wick the moisture away with efficiency for a better environment for your feet. It is very unlikely you get blisters when running on these shoes. The AirMesh technology is able to make the shoes very breathable but it makes it not very good when running while raining as the mesh is very permeable. The shoes will dry fast though.
Comfort
The comfort of the shoes has been taken very seriously by Mizuno. These shoes happen to have excellent reviews when it comes down to comfortability. From the great flexibility, the X Grooves unit provide to the outsole. The adaptability and breathability of the upper are also very important to make possible for these shoes to really do a great job at keeping you comfortable when performing trail runs. You will experience very smooth heel to toe transitions and a very comfortable ride thanks to the combination of the Mizuno Wave and the SmoothRide technologies. The shoes also promote a mid foot strike, so your runs will be more comfortable but also more efficient and protective to your joints.
Style
These shoes do not come in many colors as other do, but the combination of the colors and the style of the Hayate 2 can definitely catch your eye. Saphire Blue/Raspberry and Hyacinth Violet/Silver are the most common color for women. Green Gecko/Blue Depths/Silver and Electric Blue Lemonade/Black are the most common colors for men. They outsole looks as powerful as it is. The Mizuno logo stitched on both sides of the shoe give it a great sleek look. The upper looks very breathable but protective and the overlays and toe cap give the shoe a great shape and structure. They look narrower than they feel. The XtaRide design of the shoe promotes its adaptation to almost any kind of foot shape.
Durability
The high-quality materials used in these shoes and their great design makes them very durable. The X10 technology provides extended durability to the outsole by reinforcing the high abrasion areas with a special rubber compound. The renovated mesh upper of the Hayate 2 is able to last for long as the mesh material is more durable than before. Using only one overlay on each side of the shoe and following the XtaRide technical trail, the structural integrity of the shoe last for longer. The shoes adapt to the movements you make rather than opposing at them. The U4ic technology is known to make really lightweight and cushioned midsoles that perform their best for longer than similar technologies.
Protection
The shoes provide good protection to your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. The Mizuno Wave technology and the U4ic midsole are able to absorb greatly the impact of landings. That will keep your joints away from injuries. The toe cap provides enough protection in case you bump into any debris during your runs. The breathability of the shoes decreases the change of getting blisters and hot spots. You will always be cool and dry. The XtaRide design promotes a better fit for increased responsiveness and protection. Do not forget that these neutral trail running shoes promote a midfoot strike that helps to decrease the impact of running for your knees and hips.
Responsiveness
Thanks to the XtaRide technical trail technology incorporated everywhere, these shoe does a great job when it comes to responsiveness. The X Lugs provide multidirectional traction for enhanced responsiveness even when performing hard technical runs. The U4ic midsole and the Mizuno concave Wave technology combine forces to provide smoother heel to toe transitions and promote more natural gait cycles with a midfoot strike mechanic. The AirMesh upper adapts very well to the shape of your foot providing a great fit that will enhance the responsiveness of the shoes overall. You will lead the way and the shoes will comfortably and quickly follow you.
Support
These shoes have a decent amount of cushioning. Mostly coming from the U4ic midsole, the support of these shoes is average when compared to other shoes. They do not provide support for under-pronators or over pronators. Neutral pronators will enjoy these shoes the most. The X Groove unit placed in the midfoot area of the shoe provides good arch support and flexibility for more comfortable rides. If you need extra support in the arch, you can get some orthopedic or custom made insoles and place them in the shoes. That way you get the best support integrated into one of the best trail running shoes from Mizuno.
Terrain
Thanks to the X Lugs technology and the lugs pattern in the outsole you can virtually run on any kind of terrain. Going down-hill or up-hill, on rocky surfaces or grass, these shoes will keep you running on the ground. They do a good job when running on asphalt, but they are definitely designed and built as trail running shoes. The offroad tracks are the natural terrain for the Hayate 2. They adapt very easily to all kinds of terrains and thanks to the Wet Traction design in the outsole, you can even have your trail runs on wet surfaces if you want to.
Price
One of the greatest things about these shoes is that they can get really affordable. They provide some of the best technologies from Mizuno but for a fraction of the price of other similar shoes. The average price of the Mizuno Wave Hayate 2 is $110 USD. We really think these shoes are really good value for your money. Have in mind two things: first, the price varies depending on the size you want to buy and if you’re looking for a women’s or a men shoe, second, these shoes have been recently discontinued, so the price may vary depending on the stock of the stores. Get yours soon!
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Mizuno Wave Hayate 2 neutral trail running shoes have a 9 mm drop. The forefoot height is 13 mm and the heel height is 22 mm for both men and women. The drop of the shoe and other features in it promote a midfoot strike for more efficient and protective runs.
Stability
The stability of the shoes goes hand in hand with its flexibility. It is the same technologies the ones that allow great flexibility and enough stability for more efficient runs. The X Groove unit placed in the arch area of the outsole provides structural integrity to the whole shoe. The XtaRide technical trail technology promotes more natural runs by enhancing the flexibility in the shoe and providing good stability in the upper (thanks to the twitched overlay and lacing system) and midsole (combining the Mizuno Wave and the U4ic midsole).
Flexibility
From the core of the shoe, the X Groove unit provides enhanced flexibility to the shoes overall. Placed in the midfoot area of the shoe, it makes possible the shoe to bend in any possible direction with ease and following a natural design. The XtaRide technical trail technology also makes sure to provide more flexibility from the upper and the outsole. The upper adapts very easily to the shape of your feet and the movements you take when running. The outsole is very protective and durable but is flexible enough to make possible for the athletes to run comfortably on these shoes as soon as they take them out of the box. No real in period is necessary with the Hayate 2.
Traction
The excellent X10 rubber component on the outsole provide remarkable grip to these shoes. It focuses its attention on the high abrasion areas like the heel area for extended durability and better traction. The X Lugs design, providing multidirectional traction make possible for the shoes to provide better traction on virtually any kind of terrain. Going uphill and down hill is something you do not have to worry about anymore. The Wet Traction design will keep them on the ground when running on wet surfaces. Even when running on wet grassy surfaces, these shoes maintain a good level of traction and grip.
Bottom Line
If you really like to go off-road for your runs and have thought of buying a versatile enough running shoe that can take you anywhere you want to venture, you would do well in considering the Wave Hayate 2. The remarkable technology the shoe features makes it possible for you to conquer any type of trail terrain. Even wet surfaces will not hinder the shoe’s ability to provide adequate multi-directional traction and grip.;The cushioned midsole provides an extremely comfortable ride and in conjunction with the Mizuno Wave unit placed in the rearfoot area of the shoe, you will experience favorably smooth heel to toe transitions and great shock absorption. The SmothRide and DynamotionFit technology make the upper an extremely flexible and resilient unit, one that hugs your foot for comfort and security. With their affordable price tag and longevity, they are overall a great value option. The Hayate 2 have been discontinued as the new Mizuno Wave Hayate 3 is now out, but if you’re in for a discount of a wonderful shoe that still meets standards, this one might be for you!
