Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Wave Paradox 3
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• SmoothRide Engineering• UE4IC constructed midsole• Dynamotion fit• Abrasion-resistant rubber outsole• Honeycomb mesh design on the upper• Improved breathability and overall comfort
Upper
The biggest change to this edition of the Paradox is the upper. Mizuno did away with the funky colors and the tightly woven upper for a more open mesh upper in this 2nd make of the shoe. The very breathable honeycomb mesh makes up the majority of the upper, with numerous stitched overlays that provide the shoe with additional structure and support. However, it’s still very forgiving and flexible and has an almost glove like feeling.;The shoe also includes an Ortholite insole and sock liner that is antimicrobial, which helps to keep the interior odor free. This shoe also has a wider toe box, which is great for those who may have wider feet or perhaps need a bit more room for the toes to splay. There are no overlays in the toe box area, making for a solid construction and an upper that doesn’t rub.
Midsole
Mizuno has incorporated a few different midsole materials to give a decent amount of required support and control while at the same time dissipating the shock from impact and improving the overall comfort. In this newer edition of this model, they have added a foam called SR touch, which is an advanced lightweight cushion that absorbs shock. It improves the speed of the transition and makes it smoother and faster, thanks to its rebounding properties.;The full-length wave plate runs the fully down the shoe’s midsole, helping to absorb impacts, dispersing it in a way that acts just like a sort of shock absorber. The plate also helps to enhance the overall stability by better securing the foot, giving the shoe torsion control. The primary cushion is still their EU4IC EVA material, which is quite responsive, Giving the runner a good amount of ground feel, while at the same time, giving a confident amount of impact protection. With this type of cushioning, the wearer shouldn’t feel like they’re sinking into a super spongy shoe. These actually have a feeling of quickness, increasing the stride efficiency. The midsole is a little thicker and softer in this update, good for providing a little more cushion to runners.
Outsole
The outsole of these is primarily made up of a combination of blown rubber and X10 carbon rubber that provides durable traction. These also have their SmoothRide Engineering, which smoothly rocks the foot from the heel onto the toe for a good toe-off. The outsole on this model will not just last a while, but they’re also claimed to be able to better your stride by encouraging natural motion. There are a few Flex Grooves in the outsole that allows for more natural motion for the feet. Mizuno did away with the original wave pattern found on the outsole of these to make room for a more traditional ribbed outsole, which provides a little additional flexibility and great traction.
Breathability
One of the biggest improvements Mizuno has made to this one is in the area of breathability. The honeycomb shaped upper material is flexible yet secure, as well as highly breathable. There are strategically placed overlays throughout this shoe to give it structure and a nice secure feeling, but the majority of the upper material is highly breathable and durable mesh.
Comfort
Mizuno added a little more cushion and comfort to the Paradox 2. The midsole is a bit thicker and although it’s still highly responsive, is noticeably softer. The exceptional fit of the shoe also makes for a comfortable experience. The snug heel cup wraps securely around the feet and the wider toe box was made more comfortable by removing overlays in the toe box area. Even though there is an increased amount of comfortable cushion in this shoe, it is still highly responsive and fast.
Style
Mizuno did away with the more funky, Japanese upper design and went with something a little more traditional for running shoes, adding a honeycomb mesh upper to this shoe. There are several colors available in a variety of bright and neutral colors, great for any runner. There is still the visible wave plate built into the shoe’s midsole, as is the case with a lot of Mizuno shoes. These have a fairly broad base which sits surprisingly close down to the road. So, although it is basically a supportive motion control shoe, These don’t really have the bulk like may other models in the same category. It has a lower profile, sleek design.
Durability
The outsole design is constructed with a combination of durable carbon rubber and blown rubber, which makes it the best of both worlds because of increased durability and traction on road surfaces. The midsole on these is made up of responsive cushion and other midsole materials which don’t wear down after continuous use. Mizuno’s wave plate built into the shoe’s midsole continues to provide decent shock absorption, even after prolonged use. The overlays on the upper are stitched, which improves the durability of the upper unit. The new upper mesh is also highly durable, great for keeping foreign material out and providing a comfortable ride.
Protection
This is really a motion control/stability model, built for those runners who are dealing with conditions like overprontation and other running form issues. These shoes and their structure work to counter these flaws and correct a runner’s form to prevent injuries. In addition, these also have decent shock attenuation that has been built-in to prevent many different possible injuries which are often related to the probable shock which is felt while running. The upper design is actually very breathable, as well as effective when it comes to keeping your feet dry, free from blisters and more comfortable on longer runs.
Responsiveness
This version has a bit more cushioning than felt in the previous one, but remain quite responsive. You will find a decent amount of comfort with shock absorbent qualities with these, but it is designed with ground feel in mind. The EU4IC cushioning was designed to provide a firm yet responsive experience, offering effective protection but offering a quick and responsive feeling to it. This greatly contrasts the often overly plush approach that most designers take when designing an intended support model. This type of responsive feel is ideal for keeping most runners going with an efficient stride, resulting in a quicker shoe.
Support
These are designed to give runners a ton of lightweight support. Mizuno’s Wave plate also helps to guide the runner’s stride, while that firmer EU4IC material more effectively supports their foot. The brand’s SmoothRide Engineering has been designed to better support the run completely through the runner’s transition from toe to heel, encouraging the wearer to get up on the toes, in a more proper form, allowing a noticeably stronger launch.
Terrain
The carbon rubber, in combination with the blown rubber, makes for a good road shoe that has been thoughtfully designed to last many miles on rough road surfaces. The shock absorbent qualities in the midsole provide exceptional protection over those longer runs. Mizuno’s SmoothRide Engineering shines best over the smoother, more even and leveled surfaces, allowing quicker transitions. There is extra carbon rubber in high abrasion areas so the shoe stands up to the punishment given by continuously running on pavement. Another plus from this one is the excellent traction that it also provides.
Price
Originally put out at a bit of a larger price tag, this was a high priced shoe when it was first released. Now you can buy this shoe for much less than that online. The reason this shoe was priced so high was due to the many durable miles it was designed for. It was also designed for those requiring stability features, and as Mizuno put in the time to get a lightweight, fast-feeling shoe for this market, even at full price, this is definitely one that seems to be worth it for many runners who pick from this category.
Drop
The drop is 12mm with this one, which is fairly typical for most motion control models like the Paradox. It allows the shoe to gently control the stride motion. This works really nicely with other features that help with those faster, smoother transitions.
Stability
There are some excellent stability features found in this particular version of the model, which are good for those out there who may have gait issues. These stability features are coupled with a wide base and secure lacing system, making this a shoe with a great amount of stability. There are various midsole materials that work together to get the wearer throughout their transition smoothly. Through that transition, your legs and feet are very vulnerable to various injuries, so getting that proper support that they offer makes the Paradox 2 a great option for more stability.
Flexibility
There isn’t a ton of flexibility in this shoe, mostly because of that Wave plate which actually runs the entirety of this model. Additionally, there is a little extra midsole material found in this version, which further impacts the flexibility of the shoe. The outsole design does allow for a little more forefoot flexibility, with the many grooves that allow more natural movement.
Traction
On the outsole, you will find durable rubber materials, both of which provide excellent traction on harder, even surfaces. Their carbon rubber material is great for high abrasion areas to prevent wear and provide lasting traction. The blown rubber bends a little with impact to form around the surface it is landing on, great for providing a little extra grip.
Bottom Line
This is a motion control shoe which is thoughtfully designed and feature-packed to give runners the great lightweight responsiveness of a minimal shoe with the support features needed by runners plagued with overpronation and overuse injuries. The quick, responsive design encourages a fast stride turnover and supports the stride all the way through. Although there is a lot of cushioning and stability features, this shoe also encourages runners to feel comfortable with a natural ground feeling. The thoughtful engineering that has been put into these is especially helpful in correcting and encouraging good running form.
