Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Wave Hitogami 3• U4ic midsole• AIRmesh• SmoothRide midsole• DynamotionFit technology• Parallel Wave in heel• Blown Rubber in the forefoot
Upper
The Hitogami 3’s upper consists of a lightweight breathable mesh. The AIRmesh material allows a significant amount of ventilation. While it is important to keep your feet cool throughout your run, it is equally as important to make sure they are dry. The upper also features a soft DynamicFit material that stretches around the foot for a comfortable fit. The biggest downside to having a thin, lightweight upper is that water can get in easily. Besides the toe guard and the laces, the entire sneaker is equipped with the DynamicFit material up to the heel.
Midsole
The Hitogami 3 is equipped with the U4ic midsole foam. This foam has the same capabilities as Mizuno’s superior foams and is about 30 percent lighter. Another part of the midsole is the Wave Spring. This Mizuno-exclusive technology is a midfoot insert that absorbs shock. However, you can easily remove the Wave Spring at any time, if desired.
Outsole
The outsole is covered with Mizuno’s durable X10 carbon rubber. This callous material increases the lifespan of the outsole. One negative about the outsole that has been an ongoing issue with the Mizuno Hitogami line is its performance on certain surfaces, especially wet surfaces. Runners have reported an unpleasant, slippery experience on wet surfaces because of the lack of tread on the outsole. However, the outsole is flexible and provides good traction on dry surfaces.
Breathability
The thin AIRmesh material in the upper offers excellent ventilation and is what truly makes the Hitogami 3 a breathable sneaker. Again, one of the bigger downsides to having an ultra thin upper is that water can easily get in. So if you’re running in rain or snow conditions, this may not be the right shoe for you.
Comfort
The Hitogami 3 has a traditional padded tongue and lace system helps keep the feet in place, as well as provide extra comfort around the ankle area. The AIRmesh upper contains lightweight padding and there is a removable insole, both providing a more comfortable experience. The midfoot and forefoot are slightly narrow, which could cause some discomfort for wider feet.
Style
The sleek design of the Hitogami 3 warrants its use in a casual setting in addition to an athletic setting. The Mizuno logo is on each side of the midfoot. Each color option has a neon green outsole which will definitely attract attention when on the road.
Durability
The durability for the Mizuno Wave Hitogami 3 is good. There haven’t been any consistent complaints about the durability of this shoe. You can expect to run over a dozen miles without the slightest notice of wear. The only weakness that has potential to damage easily is the upper. Since the upper is so thin, it is more vulnerable to being punctured or torn. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Hitogami 3 is durable enough to handle the sometimes grueling demands of high mile, every day running, as well as intense racing.
Protection
The underfoot is protected very well with the Hitogami 3. The midsole helps prevent aches and pains by absorbing shock. There is also a leather toe guard protects the toes.
Responsiveness
This sneaker has a high level of responsiveness. The midsole has Mizuno’s Wave Spring technology, which is a midfoot insert which efficiently absorbs shock from the ground and transitions it into energy for the runner. The U4ic cushioning within the midsole also contributes to a large amount of the Hitogami’s responsiveness. This firm, yet responsive technology helps the runner gain more energy for their next stride.
Support
The Hitogami 3 is generous in foot support. The upper has Mizuno’s custom DynamotionFit, which is a stretch material that provides a sock-like fit around the foot.
Terrain
These running sneakers perform best on a road, sidewalk, track and other smooth surfaces. One thing to note is that the outsole doesn’t have enough tread on it to grip onto rough terrain, such as trails.
Price
The Mizuno Wave Hitogami 3 offers a great value for a reasonable price. Based off of the lightweight technology used in this shoe, it is safe to say that the buyer is getting a bargain. Other brands with the same benefits are likely to be priced higher.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop of the Mizuno Wave Hitogami 3 is about 9 millimeters, which is slightly below a standard drop. This measurement will compliment runners who tend to land on their heel as opposed to the forefoot or midfoot.
Stability
With a narrow toe box and a locked in heel, you will notice some stability in the Hitogami 3. Located on the lateral and medial sides, the Mizuno logo overlay help hold the foot in place. The firmness within the U4ic midsole also contributes to the sneaker’s solid stability. The U4ic isn’t stiff but “just right” where the runner can go through their natural motions with confidence and a stable foot.
Flexibility
Mizuno offers gender-specific grooves that are designed to increase the flexibility of the Hitogami 3. The flex grooves in this shoe provide a smoother heel to forefoot motion. The outsole also features G3 Sole, a lightweight rubber pattern in the forefoot. G3 increases the grip and the bendability of the outsole, allowing for a natural foot movement. Another feature from Mizuno that helps with flexibility is the SmoothRide geometry. This material creates a consistent toe off for a more natural experience, implying that the material is flexible enough to handle the demands of a natural foot movement.
Traction
The X10 carbon rubber outsole provides enhanced traction because of its sticky feature. There are also over a handful of “dots” scattered across the outsole, referred to by Mizuno as “the G3 Sole.” The G3 Sole compensates for the lack of tread on the outsole by aggressively gripping onto the surface. The traction on the Hitogami 3 is strictly for dry road surfaces. The shoe does not provide good traction on wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
A solid crossover between racing shoe and running sneaker, the Mizuno Wave Hitogami 3 offers a lightweight solution for any racer or daily runner. The Mizuno brand has high standards for its sneakers and the Wave Hitogami 3 lives up to that standard. With all the superior technology put in this shoe, this is a solid racing shoe, and can even be used for everyday training as well.
