Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Responsive Wave plate system in the midsole• Durable X-10 carbon rubber outsole• Flex grooves on the outsole• Ortholite Sock Liner• Dynamotion Fit
Upper
The Mizuno Wave Enigma 6 features a nice open mesh that allows air to move in and out to keep your foot dry and ventilated. The Dynamotion Fit is created using a stretchable material to adapt to the shape of your foot and allow the shoe to flex with each motion. Synthetic overlays create structure in order to keep your foot secure.
Midsole
The midsole features Mizuno’s own wave plate system. The midsole foam unit is a durable and resilient cushion that is lighter than the U4ic foam Mizuno has used previously. This new U4icX material is responsive and offers both cushion and energizing bounce back. This shoe features a thermal plastic wave unit that creates torsional rigidity which helps the heel to toe transition of each step go smoother. The midsole unit also features an antimicrobial Ortholite sock liner to keep the interior clean and dry.
Outsole
The Wave Enigma 6 offers a high-quality outsole made of the same X-10 carbon rubber as many other Mizuno shoes such as the Wave Ekiden. This material delivers long-lasting protection from the rough ground below. Deliberately placed in high impact areas of the bottom, this material also creates a high level of traction on even the sketchiest surfaces. The outsole also features flex grooves to make the platform more flexible and pliable, offering you more connected to the ground underneath.
Breathability
The upper is made of mesh with synthetic overlays. This creates a solid shoe around your foot but also allows air to move in or out as needed to keep you cool. It doesn’t matter if you are heading out for your morning jog or gearing up for an ultra marathon, these shoes will keep you comfortable. The sock layer in the midsole also absorbs moisture and keeps you dry, so even the bottom of your feet can breathe.
Comfort
The Wave Enigma 6 offers superior comfort due to the design of the midsole and upper, offering enough comfort to be useful for every day running and training, and not just the occasional race. The midsole section offers extra cushion provided by the advanced Wave system created of plastic plates, and the U4ciX foam continues to cushion even after the toughest miles. The upper doesn’t restrict your foot, but instead, moves with it from point to point to offer flexibility to allow you to be able to maintain natural movement. Like many other Mizuno shoes, this is one that will be comfortable.
Style
Mizuno may be well known for the style of shoes offered to consumers. From highly noticeable contrasting colors to unique design features, these shoes often draw enough attention on their own to not need much hype. The Wave Enigma offers something a little different, though. These shoes are not bright neon nor are they specifically wild in design. Instead, they offer the muted confidence of a runner ready to run their own race, not one for someone else. Offering classic color options like navy with red, black with dark shadow, or charcoal gray with red, these shoes are a bit more reserved. For those seeking bolder options, there are several available, including gray with a clownfish orange or blue with a light green.
Durability
The Mizuno X-10 material offers premium durability by absorbing the impact that happens on the asphalt while holding up to it as well. Made out of special carbon rubber composite, this material will stand up to even the toughest miles. The Wave plate system adds another layer of solid durability while the upper mesh and overlays are flexible enough to move with you and withstand even the longest runs.
Protection
The Wave Enigma 6’s outsole doesn’t just offer durability but protects you from slippery asphalt by providing superior grip. In the same way, the midsole doesn’t just cushion your step, but it also offers enough support to keep your steps in line. The upper allows air to move in and out with ease but keeps elements and hazards away from your skin. These components all combine to create a shoe that offers more protection than many other options out on the road, especially those that offer the bare minimum. If you are looking for protection, you don’t need to go much further than the Enigma 6.
Responsiveness
The Wave Enigma 6 offers a high level of response with each step due to the unique Wave plate system that creates additional stability and support with each step. The platform underneath each step creates a bounce back feeling that helps keep you comfortable and responds well to each step on the road. The upper flexes with your foot as you move and creates space for your foot to move and adjust.
Support
The Wave Enigma 6 is a neutral shoe which is designed to offer support to a variety of runners. The foam in the midsole combines with the plate system to create a solid base for your foot to land on. This offers a good bit of arch support to help those that need something to keep their foot on a solid ground while keeping them from overpronating.
Terrain
The Wave Enigma 6 is built for the road, but that isn’t all it can do. With a solid outsole that offers both durability and a tough grip, these shoes will stand up to the challenges of any road run. At the same time, some runners find these shoes so comfortable that they find themselves running on varied terrains. Some even use these to run on trails and light dirt tracks without much issue, but they were designed for road use. If you are looking trail shoes, Mizuno does offer several high quality options, but as far as road runs go, the Wave Enigma 6 is right up there with the rest of the best options. With the ability to cushion when there is tough pavement underneath you and grip when the ground is slick, these shoes will offer comfort for miles.
Price
Unfortunately for many runners, Mizuno’s price tag may seem like enough of a problem to keep them out of reach. The Wave Enigma 6 is also one that carries a hefty price tag and may feel like it is something better left for those with money to burn. At the same time, these shoes offer a high-quality option that can keep you comfortable. If you are buying running shoes, finding those that offer the proper support and comfort is an absolute necessity. When the right shoe comes along, the price is often worth it. The Enigma 6 generally falls in that category for runners that need a more supportive shoe. Durability also factors into overall value, and the Wave Enigma 6 can hold up to whatever is thrown at it.
Drop
The heel height of the Wave Enigma 6 is 32 millimeters for both the men’s and women’s version. The forefoot height is only 20 millimeters. This creates a drop of 12 millimeters, which is a higher than average drop. 12 millimeters will allow you to continue with a hard heel strike that connects you to the ground and then roll forward to the forefoot with ease. The drop smooths that transition and helps you be comfortable.
Stability
The Wave Enigma 6 offers a base that is built for stability. The Wave system creates a solid platform for heel strikes and then the lightweight foam continues to cushion each step. This plate creates torsional rigidity, which is important to have a smooth heel-to-toe transition. During that transition, the flex grooves that are cut into the outsole shift to create a base built to keep you well connected to the ground, offering a more stable step than other shoes available.
Flexibility
The average running shoe might feature flexible fabrics in the upper and some type of foam in the midsole to try to create flexibility. Some shoes even try to eliminate as much material as possible to create a minimal option that can flex with the bottom of the foot. The Wave Enigma 6 offers flexibility while still creating a stable base for you to run on. The outsole features flex grooves to allow it to bend and shift. The midsole’s wave plate system offers more support while the light foam offers space for your foot to flex with each step. The upper is built in a way to offers security while the mesh allows your foot to move throughout each step.
Traction
The X-10 material in the heel and outsole does more than just offer durability. It creates a grip-filled surface that offers traction even on compromising runs. The outsole tightly clings to the ground below with the ability to not just propel you forward, but allow you to stop on a dime. This shoe also features flexible grooves in the base to allow your foot to better mold to the surface as necessary. These options create a shoe that is built for traction in adverse conditions.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Enigma 6 is a high-quality road shoe that creates a comfortable and smooth ride for most runners that are seeking a neutral option. The tough and durable outsole keeps you in contact with the ground thanks to the flex grooves built in, and the X-10 carbon rubber grips well. The midsole offers enough cushion to stand up to even the toughest runs, and it includes the Wave plate system, which offers a way to absorb the shock of a heel strike and help facilitate a smooth gait.;The forefoot features the U4icX foam to create a comfortable and energized feeling. The upper provides a solid mesh base with secure synthetic overlays that tighten around the foot to keep it in the right spot while still offering flexibility. For those looking for a quality running shoe, this is a great place to start.
