Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 19th installment in the Wave Creation series• Well-cushioned• Most found it to be comfortable• Higher heel drop of 12 mm• Unique Infinity Wave technology is visible in the sole unit• Superior traction• Secure and stable ride• Unique gender engineering system for a more customized fit• Higher end of the pricing range• Inaccurate sizing running smaller• Some reported blisters and discomfort
Upper
The breathable mesh of the upper helps encourages air movement around the foot keeping it cool and dry. Helping to support the foot are the color-coordinated seamless synthetic overlays covering the medial and lateral sides of the upper’s fabric. In addition, the Dynamotion technology provides enhanced durability as it reduces distortion from the foot leading to a better fitting shoe. The improved removable sockliner is moisture wicking and does its part to add to the security of fit… and most reviewers feel it is exceptionally comfortable.
Midsole
The midsole features different densities of EVA foam technology. It incorporates a softer, more cushioned heel and a new U4icX (pronounced euphoricX) bottom that runs the full length of the shoe for improved flexibility and a smoother, more comfortable ride. And with Mizuno’s gender engineering, men can find a wider base in the sole and women will benefit from added flex grooves.
Outsole
The Mizuno Wave Creation 19 is built from the ground up to rack up some high mileage. Comprised of X10 high density rubber, the outsole provides enhanced traction, especially at the heel and forefoot.
Breathability
Designed with a breathable mesh upper and not weighed down with too many synthetic overlays, this shoe aims to provide a well-ventilated experience for the daily high mileage runner. While most felt it was acceptable, there were some that felt it did not live up to this, claiming that their feet felt warm and with only casual wear or after a short run.
Comfort
Considered to be quite comfortable by most, this shoe borders on plush to many of its wearers. Stepping up from previous incarnations of the Wave Creation Line, the improved quality and amount of cushioning is quite a change. With a removable insole for your preference, softer midsole foam, and soft upper fabric, the Wave Creation 19 sports a soft and stable ride that many find to be a large improvement. Some found the newer fit to be more snug and narrow and developed blisters rendering the shoes unwearable until they heal. Overall though, if the proper fit was found (and most advise sizing up at least a half size), the security of fit and the underfoot cushioning seem to be a big hit among Wave Creation regulars and those just trying the line for the first time.
Style
Coming across as plain to some and not as attractive as the previous version, reviews are split on the overall appearance of the Mizuno Wave Creation 19. Like the style or not, these daily trainers are available in a range of color combinations. Men can choose from Griffin/True Red/Black and Directoire Blue/Silver/Blueprint while women can elect from Castlerock/Pink Glo/Black and High-rise/Blue Atoll/Castlerock.
Durability
Sporting an infinity wave midsole, the Mizuno Wave Creation 19, comprised of a durable rubber compound, is built from the bottom up to stand up to daily high mileage runs. Most were impressed by the durability of the shoe, between the sole unit and the fabric and overlays in the upper, and found it suitable for daily long-distance running without undue wear and tear.
Protection
Softer than previous installments of the Wave Creation series, the 19 provides a durable protective underlayer. The Infinity Wave in the sole unit infuses elastic thermal plastic plate in the heel to instill added comfort and improve energy return on heel strike. Its updated figure-eight shaped geometry offers additional protection while the uppers almost seamless overlays create an additional barrier from external debris. Joining the fabric of the upper in protecting the foot from lateral movement is the anatomic sockliner as well.
Responsiveness
The Infinity Wave Geometry in the sole that is a trademark feature of the Mizuno Wave Creation series aims to deliver remarkable responsiveness. Paired with the more flexible U4icX full-length layer in the midsole, this creates a good base for a smooth transition and responsive ride.
Support
Most wearers found the Wave Creation 19 to be amply supportive. The underfoot cushion provides a solid base. The upper’s Dynamotion Fit that consists of 3 panels with seamless overlays creates a more supportive environment for feet. In addition the anatomically molded sockliner and well-liked arch support also please many runners.
Terrain
The Mizuno Wave Creation line was invented for road runners and the 19th incarnation of this shoe is no exception. While some choose to wear them outdoors on paved surfaces and on cinder and gravel path too, some take to the treadmill for their run. Some find them suitable for aerobics classes and weight training and also many reviewers felt the shoe was comfortable enough, with its maximum cushioning, that they wear them for casual everyday wear.
Price
Price is a sticking point for a few reviewers. As a premium running shoe, it fetches a premium price. It is considered in keeping with other comparable options but some, especially those citing issues with fit and blisters, found the cost harder to swallow and ended up being disappointed. Overall, while some wearers did comment on how big they opened their wallets, most were pleased with the overall shoe. Many dedicated Mizuno Wave Creation loyalists seemed to feel that this shoe was worth every penny. Usually, the asking price for shoes drops after introduction but, as this shoe remains on the market, it seems its cost has fluctuated – ranging from a definite must – buy bargain to a marked up commodity.
Drop
Offering maximal cushioning, the Mizuno Wave Creation 19 offers a substantial stack-height. Measuring 31 mm in the heel and 19mm in the forefoot, the calculated drop is 12 mm. This is on the higher end but many find this heel-to-toe drop to be ultimately very comfortable. A higher drop lends itself to inclination to heel striking that can induce knee injury but a drop of this size is sometimes recommended for those that suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or posterior tibial tendonitis.
Stability
The Wave Creation 19 is a shoe intended for the neutral to underpronator. While not an all-out stability shoe, it offers a comfortable smooth ride for those with typical motion and those with slight tendencies toward supination. Though it is not lightweight, as a highly cushioned shoe, many find it to be effective for a healthy, efficient stride. The inclusion of a specially designed U4icX strobel board in the sole unit, the wider outsole, and the thermoplastic piece strategically placed at the midfoot offer added support and stability that seems to please most wearers.
Flexibility
The Mizuno Wave Creation 19 is a maximum cushioning shoe. With 19mm of stackheight in the forefoot and 21mm in the heel, and one would think this does not lend itself to much in the way of flexibility. Mizunoe tried to adjust for this by incorporating flex grooves in the sole. With Mizuno’s unique gender engineering, women benefit from additional flex grooves.
Traction
The X10 rubber compound in the outsole offers superior traction. Not sacrificing responsivity or flexibility, it is considered durable and grippy. While the shoe features no lugs, its underfoot traction is found to be appropriately sticky for road and paved or smooth surfaces. Most found it holds up well and provides a confident ride in wet conditions as well.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Creation series seems to have a dedicated fan base. Many of its loyal customers swear by it and have enjoyed most of its incarnations. While there are a few reviewers that suffered blisters in the newest model, citing excess cushioning (that, incidentally, many complained was missing from previous versions) by and large, most were singing its praises. While some balked at the asking price, it is considered comparable to other neutral daily road runners. With impressive grip and a durable sole, this shoe seems like it could be a long term investment. Full of comfort and offering a lighter weight, stable, and confident ride, this high mileage trainer pleases most. Aside from sizing issues and the consumers that found it to run a little more narrow, it can be your go-to running footwear. If you can find it, and it fits well and feels secure, try it.
