Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• XG (extra grade) rubber in the outsole gives the shoe superb traction and durability• Mizuno Intercool Technology makes sure the shoe is ventilated at the bottom and lends excellent breathability• The Tornado X is a very stable shoe because of the heel structure and Infinity Wave Technology—ideal for overpronators• Considering all of the technology packed into the Tornado X, it is very affordable
Upper
The Mizuno Wave Tornado X features an upper made of a triple-layered mesh with soft synthetic leather. It also has a unique technology called Mizuno Dynamotion Fit. What does this technology do? The upper is constructed with Mizuno Flex Eyelets and Stretch Mesh, these components help reflect the foot’s natural movement while running. The upper is also comfortable, with a snug fit. If you want a shoe that works together with your foot to provide a free range of motion (and who doesn’t?), the Tornado X is a good choice for you because of the technology in the upper. Mizuno hit the nail on the head with this one.
Midsole
The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Tornado X features SR Touch AP+ foam and delivers an enhanced rebound. The midsole has a groundbreaking Infinity Wave Technology, meaning that all areas—particularly the midsole—are cushioned to provide extra comfort and absorb shock. The Wave plate (which Mizuno says is inspired by nature) diffuses energy from the initial impact to a broader area, which gives you a smooth ride and a sense of safety. The most important thing to note about the Wave plate inside the sole is that it offers cushioning and stability—whereas many shoes offer one or other, the Tornado X gives you the package deal. The technology of the midsole also helps with overpronation and makes sure you are centered in the shoe.
Outsole
The Mizuno Wave Tornado X’s outsole is made of XG rubber and gum rubber. This high-performance XG (extra grade) rubber provides not only great durability but also a strong grip, meaning that you can feel safe as you run. On the forefoot area, this rubber has a combination of flex grooves and multi-directional patterns. Previous reviewers have reported that the outsole area took some time to break in. The outsole package provides a really solid choice for anyone looking for something with great durability, traction, and flexibility.
Breathability
The full-length ventilation of this shoe allows it to have breathability all around. Unlike many comparable shoes, the Mizuno Wave Tornado X even features a Mizuno Intercool technology, meaning that the shoe has air vent holes at the soles. This ventilation system helps keep air circulating around your foot. Overall, Mizuno receives an A+ for the breathability of this shoe—your feet will definitely stay cool and dry no matter the weather. The Tornado X’s breathability couldn’t be better.
Comfort
The Mizuno Dynamotion Fit technology on the upper helps aid with the comfort of this shoe. The Stretch Mesh provides a contoured fit that lessens the chance of any pulling, bunching, or sliding—this makes sure that your foot is comfortable throughout your whole stride. In addition to the upper, the midsole Wave plate gives you extra cushioning while simultaneously stabilizing you and making sure your ride is smooth. The fabric lining is intended to provide extra comfort. However, the comfort aspect of this shoe isn’t perfect by any means: previous reviewers have stated that the shoe (especially the toe box) was very tight initially and required a few weeks of breaking in before the comfort level was up to par. It has also been said that the logo on the side of the shoe cuts into the foot and becomes very uncomfortable after a few minutes of wearing the shoe.
Style
The high-cut top makes for a different look than many shoes, and the shoe comes in many colors—blue/black, white/navy, pink/purple, and yellow/black, just to name a few. The logo is somewhat blatant, which isn’t what most runners prefer. The big difference with the style of the Tornado X is that the colors are flat and muted, as opposed to the shinier style of some Mizuno shoes. Overall, the Tornado X is not especially exciting style-wise, and if you enjoy your running shoes to follow the latest fashion trends then you will be disappointed.
Durability
The Mizuno Wave Tornado X is one of the most durable shoes on the market today. The XG (extra grade) rubber is the feature that helps the most with this aspect of the shoe: it’s very strong and durable. The outsole is definitely the most durable part of the shoe. The technology of the upper (Mizuno Dynamotion Fit) will hold up well, too. The Mizuno Flex Eyelets and Stretch Mesh are compact and stretchy, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t durable.
Protection
The Tornado X scores fairly well in the protection category. It’s made of durable material that will keep you supported and safe. Reviewers have noted that they appreciate how the toe area is especially protected. In addition to the durable material, the Tornado X’s Infinity Wave Technology absorbs shock very well and protects your joints.
Responsiveness
The pivots are extremely responsive, and so is the overall shoe. Its stiffness out of the box might detract from its responsiveness and give you a bad feeling about the shoe, but don’t worry: the responsiveness will only improve as you break the shoe in. The Mizuno Dynamotion Fit technology used in the upper creates excellent responsiveness because of the way that it supports the natural movement of your foot. The cushioning in the midsole helps with responsiveness as well. On the whole, the shoe is very flexible and scores well in the responsiveness category.
Support
This shoe provides especially excellent support for overpronators because of the Infinity Wave Technology in the midsole. The Mizuno Wave Tornado X is meant to give all runners a little extra help in the support and stability department, and the Wave technology is a big part of how this help happens. However, be aware that many reviewers have related rolling their ankle in this shoe or coming away with sore ankles, some have even advised to only buy this shoe if you have strong ankles. It has also been said that the arch support leaves a lot to be desired. It seems like the Tornado X should have excellent support because of all the great technology it includes, but this might not be the case for everyone.
Terrain
The Mizuno Wave Tornado X has a combination of flex grooves and multi-directional patterns on the outsole. It has above-average traction and grip, but because the bottom of the shoe is flatter, it is a better road running shoe than a trail running shoe—yes, the traction is outstanding, but it is not quite up to par for your typical trail. Stick to road runs that are on the shorter side if you’re wearing the Mizuno Wave Tornado X, and rest assured that you will be good to go.
Price
The Mizuno Wave Tornado X falls into the price category of “average.” Many reviewers have said that it was worth every penny because of all the sophisticated technology, however, others have said they ended up sending the shoe back. It certainly seems that the good outweighs the bad with the Tornado X, and if you want a high-tech shoe (which it certainly is), you should be prepared to pay for the quality technology. But when it comes to price, you will have to judge the Tornado X for yourself.
Drop
The drop (which refers to the distance between the heel and the forefoot height) for the Mizuno Wave Tornado X is not listed, but from eyeballing the shoe, it looks to be more or less an average drop size.
Stability
The heel structure of the Tornado X is rounded and flared, allowing you to feel extra stability even on hard landings. The Infinity Wave Technology in the midsole helps with stability as well, especially for runners who tend to overpronate. The Tornado X was certainly designed with extra stability in mind. Whereas some stable shoes are firm and don’t give, the Tornado X is stable and soft because of that Wave plate in the midsole.
Flexibility
The Mizuno Dynamotion Fit technology that influences natural motion helps with flexibility as well—shoes made with bulky materials can hold you back, but the stretchy upper of the Tornado X will let you fly. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Tornado X might be stiff and unforgiving out of the box—it will improve over time, and as it does, your runs will improve as well. The Tornado X is quite flexible, adding yet another check mark to the list of things Mizuno got right.
Traction
The XG (extra grade) rubber featured in the outsole means that this shoe has excellent traction and a strong grip. It’s not entirely perfect—remember, don’t wear this shoe on your trail runs —but it is certainly better than equivalent shoes. The flex grooves and multi-directional outsole patterns really help you grip the road. Although the traction could be better, you can feel confident that you will always be safe when running in this shoe.
Bottom Line
Mizuno’s devotion to providing their customers with the best technology is truly on display in the Wave Tornado X. Right out of the gate, it establishes itself as an excellent shoe with high-level technology because of the durable XG (extra grade) rubber in the outsole, and because of the Infinity Wave Technology in the midsole that offers both cushioning and stability. The Mizuno Dynamotion Fit Technology in the upper helps mirror your foot’s natural movement, the shoe is incredibly breathable because of the Mizuno Intercool Technology, and the entire shoe is extremely durable. The Tornado X definitely has a few drawbacks—it’s a little on the heavy side, it’s not especially comfortable (at least at first), and the style options are somewhat limited and mundane. But because of its excellent stability and solid traction, the Mizuno Wave Tornado X is a great choice for anyone looking for a shoe that will take them to another level.
