Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
9mm
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Wave Hitogami 4
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Mizuno Wave Hitogami• G3 forefoot outsole rubber and X-10 carbon rubber heel for traction control• SmoothRide Engineering• Dynamotion Fi technology in AIRmesh upper• U4ic responsive midsole• Wave plate technology• Hitogami mask detail when shoes are turned on their side• Approximately 9mm drop
Upper
The Hitogami’s upper uses a technology that Mizuno calls its Dynamotion Fit. The technology enables the shoe to move with the same natural, fluid movement the foot does, working with it instead of constricting or obstructing. This technology has Flex Eyelets that keep the heel in place while the rest of the upper region flexes and stretches with the movement of the foot. The mesh region is designed to gently hug the foot, keeping it in place without pinching, rubbing or sliding.;The upper consists of flexible AIRmesh and smooth, welded overlays/wraps that keep the shoe highly breathable and light. The Hitogami also features Mizuno’s standard sockliner for additional comfort, braided laces that are designed stay tied, and a padded tongue.
Midsole
Mizuno is widely known for their Wave Technology used in the midsoles of their shoes. This technology, in the arch/rearfoot area, provides cushioning, stability and support for lateral and medial movements while also efficiently dissipating impact forces.;The Hitogami utilizes Mizuno’s own Smooth Ride Technology which consists of Flex Grooves in the heel and forefoot, a U4ic foam midsole as well as the Flex Controllers. The U4ic midsole is light-weight (30% lighter), durable shock absorption and enhanced energy feedback. The precisely placed Flex Grooves keep the foot rocking forward through the landing, while the U4ic midsole provides a well-timed energetic push. Together, these technology features create a smooth rocking chair-like movement from heel-to-toe.
Outsole
The outsole is made of a blown rubber forefoot and X-10 carbon rubber in the heel. The X-10 material is known for its durability and traction control during a heel strike. The Hitogami also features Mizuno’s G3 outsole technology known for enhancing traction while keeping things flexible and lightweight.
Breathability
Runners stated that the AIRmesh upper provides excellent airflow and keeps feet cool, dry and blister/chafe-free.
Comfort
Many have reported a great fit, right out of the box, with little to no break in period required. Several runners noted that the Hitogami made them feel as though they were running naked. True to the Mizuno Dynamotion promise, runners generally reported that these shoes felt natural, with no bunching, blistering or chafing. The heel collar also does a good job of locking down the heel resulting in less slippage. Although, some runners said that the laces do not seem to stay tied even when double knotted, which can be a tripping hazard.;Fit, especially in running shoes, can be a tricky thing. In many reviews, runners rate the shoes as true to size in both length and width, with a fitted, but comfortable midfoot and snug-to-roomy toe-box. Others, however, have commented on the shoe’s narrowness. There are pictures available of just how narrow the shoes were when compared with other same-sized, but comfortable shoes these runners had in their arsenal. This tended to be true more so for the women’s version of the shoe.
Style
In a time when flashy shoes seem to get all the attention, Mizuno takes a different approach with the Hitogami. The shoe colors and overall design may seem a bit modest compared to others, but this line has a unique conversation-starting design. Harkening to its Kabuki-inspired name, these shoes look just like a Japanese theater mask when the shoes are placed side by side with the tops facing inward.;White shoes are often a non-starter for runners who like to keep the sharp, clean look of new shoes, but the kabuki-themed design of these shoes manages to make even the dingiest shoes look stylish.
Durability
Runners have noted some concerns about the overall durability of the shoe, specifically wear in the forefoot midsole and outsole regions. These were not enough to discontinue use of the shoe. The concerns also did not necessarily translate to problems during use. Overall, runners found the Wave Hitogami to be relatively durable for high-mileage and the shoe did not show any significant signs of wear outside of the noted concerns.
Protection
The Wave Hitogami provide adequate protection for regular underfoot road-running obstacles, such as small pebbles and rocks. The lightweight upper mesh may not stand up to any sort of shear or ripping forces.
Responsiveness
Runners report a solid ground feel. Some runners have noted that this connection, due to the U4ic foam lightweight midsole, is true as “euphoric,” as the name boasts. Others referred to the cushioning as being just right, “snappy,” not squishy. Shoe squishiness results in lost energy when runners need it most. In terms of your run, this means that the Hitogami provides runners with great energy return and the increased energy efficiency so important during a long run.
Support
The Hitogami is a supportive shoe appropriate for mid-to- long distance running. Runners have reported the shoe as providing a surprising amount of cushion for its weight. Mizuno’s Wave Technology, extending into the arch of the shoe, provides a dash of arch support. Mizuno created the Hitogami to have more cushioning than the Musha or Ronin. The enhanced support is due to its enhanced U4ic midsole. The midfoot wraps provide not only an aesthetic design element but also keeps feet from shifting inside the shoe, preventing toe injury.
Terrain
The Hitogami is a road running shoe, although can also be used for crushed gravel. Runners repeatedly reported a smooth road running feel. In fact, runners who have tried them on both trails and cement noted that a harder surface is where these shoes truly shine.
Price
The Wave Hitogami is priced significantly lower than your average pair of running shoes, making them a more affordable, cost-effective option for runners with any sized shoe budget. Their many features (talking-point aesthetics, race-ready feel, supportive technology) also make these shoes quite a deal. It’s great to see a major shoe brand targeting shoes at this price point.
Drop
The Hitogami have an approximately 9mm heel-toe drop, the same as both the Ronin and Musha lines that it replaces. The men’s shoe profile goes from 27.7 in the heel to 18.3 in the forefoot. The women’s shoe has a 25.66mm feel to a 17.1mm forefoot. With a slightly less than average heel drop, this shoe may help runners interested in learning and maintain a mid-to-forefoot strike.
Stability
The Mizuno Wave Hitogami is made for neutral runners. It provides some stability, but not enough for runners who need guidance to correct their under or overpronation.
Flexibility
The Hitogami is a rather flexible shoe in the midsole stack, despite the Wave plate in the heel to arch. The Flex Grooves ensure that the shoes can be bent and twisted in your hands in nearly every conceivable direction. Mizuno’s Dynamotion upper comes through again, with the shoe following along with runner’s natural stride movement during the run.
Traction
Despite the traction X-10 and blown rubber traction control features, some runners have noted problems running on wet-surfaces and reported some issues with slipping and sliding.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Hitogami is a cost-effective option for runners looking for a neutral, race-ready running shoe that does not skimp on support. It has an understated look, but a conversation-starting design. It is a solid choice for any middle or long distance runner.
