Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Wave Enigma 6
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• The Wave plate system offers a cushion for heel strikes.• The X10 carbon rubber material in the outsole is strong and durable.• VS-1 and AP+ cushioning work together to provide shock absorption.• The Smooth Ride system offers smoothness during heel to toe transitions.
Upper
The upper in Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 was redesigned to be lighter than the previous model. The upper features an entire layer of AIRmesh to keep the foot cool and keep air moving through. The upper also features an Ortholite Sockliner that is moisture wicking surface and has anti-microbial properties. The upper also features the Dynamotion Fit to create the optimal fit while stretching the material in the forefoot to match the movement of your foot.
Midsole
The Wave Enigma 2 features a high tech midsole to create a comfortable and smooth ride for any runner. There is a gender specific network of grooves built into the midsole to provide flexibility in order to minimize speed changes and make a smooth heel to toe transition. The extended Wave Plate in the midfoot provides increased torsional rigidity between the heel and forefoot in order to better provide a stable surface to step on. The midsole also features AP+ foam, which is Mizuno’s high-end full-length copolymer. It is light and provides a high level of cushioning.
Outsole
The Wave Enigma 2 features the specially designed X10 carbon rubber outsole. In addition to being tough, this material will offer runners extra grip when the road underneath gets slick or loose. Mizuno uses the X10 rubber on many of their shoes, including the Wave Kazan, Ekiden 11, and the Synchro MX. This might sound like it’s a common feature, and while it is found on many Mizuno shoes, it is anything but common. This material is strong and built to last.
Breathability
The Wave Enigma 2 does a good job of providing ventilation due to the AIRmesh upper and the built-in air movement considerations. Offering a combination of protection and ventilation, instead of focusing on only one or the other, this shoe will help you stay comfortable even on the hottest days.
Comfort
The Wave Enigma 2 creates a comfortable and cool environment for your feet. The Wave system’s thermal plastic plate offers a bit of spring and cushioning for your heel as it strikes the ground. The VS-1 cushioning material also absorbs shock well, and combined with the AP+ foam, it provides a very comfortable ride. The upper keeps you cool by allowing air movement through the AIRmesh.
Style
In true Mizuno fashion, the Wave Enigma 2 offers a unique look with nice colorful overlays and a contrasting bottom section. Similar to the Wave Ultima 7, this shoe features a traditional lace system that offers another bit of contrasting color. The upper mesh includes the Running Bird logo in a bright color against the mesh and overlays in neutral colors. The midsole and outsole also feature coordinated colors to draw attention without being overdone. Available in multiple color combinations, you can find a version of the Wave Enigma 2 that matches your personal style.
Durability
When choosing a running shoe, especially when finding one to train for a road race, the durability of the shoe is a prime consideration. No one wants to purchase a new pair just to watch them fall apart four months later. With that in mind, the Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 was built with the consumer in mind. The outsole’s X10 material creates a solid surface that will stand up to the test of time.
Protection
The Wave Enigma 2 can definitely protect you from the elements thanks to the AIRmesh upper that keeps everything from getting through. The overlays are made out of synthetic material and provide a secure fit. The outsole’s durability also means that it won’t break down and will protect from anything underfoot. The cushion in the Wave Plate system creates a thick cushion along with the foam midsole to absorb even the toughest shocks.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is a factor that can make a major difference in your runs. These shoes were designed with specific flex grooves, depending on gender, in order to provide enough flex and response in the sole and will ultimately help with a smooth heel to toe transition. The Wave cushioning system in the heel also creates a spring-like platform to help the shoe respond to strong heel strikes on hard asphalt.
Support
The Wave Enigma 2 features enough toughness in the outsole to last a while, but it also provides a proper base for support. The Wave plate system allows your heel strikes to remain comfortable while also supporting your foot. The full gel system also supports your foot to keep you comfortable and injury-free as you log the miles.
Terrain
The Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 was built specifically to be used as a road shoe and the X10 outsole ensures that it will stand up to the hazards you will encounter along the way. Not only that, but the material will grip concrete even under less than ideal conditions. Some runners even found that the rugged outsole material and cushioning allowed this shoe to be comfortable on a wide variety of surfaces, including grass and light trails.
Price
The Mizuno Wave Enigma series is a reasonably priced shoe. Considering the high-quality features and materials of the shoe, the Wave Enigma 2 is a good value compared to other similar road shoes. It is a highly cushioned smooth ride with a lot of technology thrown in for improvement, especially when compared to the previous version of the Wave Enigma. With so much cushion, it would be reasonable to expect these shoes to provide a high level of comfort, and in general, they do. The upper does allow for a little too much flex in some spots which can lead to the runner’s foot sitting on the edge of the shoe and causing some hotspots that lower the value of the shoe.
Drop
The Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 may feel overbuilt in the heel to some runners, as it is rather high. It has a 12mm drop from heel to toe. For some runners, this feels like overkill, but for those that need a neutral shoe with arch support, it might be just right.
Stability
Neutral shoes are built to offer support without being entirely motion controlled or overdone. This is achieved by a specific foam midsole that provides basic support structures under your foot. With the Wave Enigma 2, the Wave system creates a nice rear cushion for your foot during each heel strike. As you roll your foot forward, you’ll have the cushioning of the foam to support your arches.
Flexibility
The flex grooves that are on the midsole of the Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 are set-up differently for men and women. The high-quality AP+ foam provides more flex and shock absorption. One of the keys to the success of this shoe is the upper. The AIRmesh upper stretches to the natural movement of your foot while the overlays create a secure fit. However, the overlays do flex some in order to provide that natural movement.
Traction
The outsole of the Wave Enigma 2 features the special Mizuno X10 carbon rubber which offers superior traction on road terrain, though it will also provide adequate traction on light trails. However, it is intended for road and pavement use. For those that run on a bike path or on the street, these do provide superior grip and traction.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 is a high-quality road shoe with features many runners are looking for. By providing a solid base made out of the rugged X10 material, this shoe is able to stand up to the pavement. The system of foams and thermal plastic plate creates a layer of shock absorption and bounce back that might be a little unexpected at first, but in the long run, will lead to a more effective and comfortable run. The thin mesh of the upper allows excellent breathability, keeping your foot cool and dry. The traditional lacing system and the padded ankle collar create a secure and comfortable fit.
