Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• 12mm drop• Road shoe• High stability, high cushioning• NEW softer midsole feel• NEW deeper heel grooves for added stability• NEW longer wave plate for improved ride feel• NEW more heel collar padding for added comfort• Triple-layer midsole design (U4ic and U4icX foam along with a wave plate) delivers the ultimate combination of responsiveness, stability, comfort, and impact protection• Cloudwave technology for adaptive support and stability• SmoothRide technology delivers the perfect ride feel• DynamotionFit upper construction for a secure fit• Engineered mesh upper for a secure and resistant fit• Sockliner• X10 rubber outsole for traction and durability• Separated heel and forefoot construction for a flexible ride
Upper
The upper has barely changed since the original. Its most notable update is a slightly thicker ankle collar with plusher padding. The 2 features the same engineered mesh upper as its predecessor and identical DynamotionFit technology that delivers a wrapped bootie-like fit. One oft-mentioned comment from reviewers was that the liner of the Wave Horizon 2 felt ridiculously heavy. Many wearers opted to remove and replace it because of its overly bulky design. In general, though, reviewers found the Horizon’s upper true to size (with a standard toe box design that didn’t feel too tight or overly generous in width) and liked the breathable nature of the engineered mesh. Some reviewers did mention, however, that the upper material felt somewhat stiff and lacked any kind of flex or give so getting the sizing right is crucial.
Midsole
The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Horizon features a few updates. The midsole material is slightly softer than the original Horizon, and the wave plate (this is the portion of the shoe that provides adaptive stability) has been lengthened to improve overall ride feel by encouraging a smoother heel to toe movement.;The Horizon’s softer midsole is composed of three materials. A U4ic foam provides the coveted softness. The shoe’s stiff patented wave plate technology delivers responsiveness and stability. And finally, the U4icX foam adds an additional layer of padding bringing up the comfort factor another level. The shoe features Cloudwave and SmoothRide technology (in conjunction with the wave plate) to offer a balance of stability and smoothness during a run.;Reviewers found the midsole provided excellent shock absorption and were incredibly impressed with the shoe’s combination of responsiveness and softness. Reviewers liked that the Horizon 2 was suitable for long or short runs and appreciated the adaptive support delivered via the shoe’s Cloudwave component.
Outsole
The Horizon 2’s outsole is relatively similar to that of the original version. Both are made of X10 rubber, but the new Horizon features deeper heel grooves for added stability and protection against impact. The outsole of the Horizon also features a separated forefoot and heel to ensure flexibility and a smooth transition from heel to toe. While comments on durability are a little premature, considering the shoe’s March 2018 release, reviewers felt confident in declaring the outsole ultra durable. Reviewers also noted they were happy with the traction provided by the Horizon.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper of the Horizon 2 is mainly the same as the original. A bit of extra heel collar padding is a nice addition but doesn’t change the overall feel of the upper. The same DynamotionFit technology is present in the two so users get an excellent fit. The result is a shoe that’s breathable but not sloppy. Most reviewers found the Wave Horizon fit well but noted that the toe box wasn’t particularly generously sized, perhaps a poor option for wide footed runners. Reviewers also noted that while ventilation wasn’t necessarily bad, the upper was inflexible and stiff making it easy to end up with a too-tight fit.
Comfort
Comfort has improved in this sequel to the Horizon. The changes to the shoe are meant to bump it up a notch. The midsole delivers an incredible combo of responsiveness and plushness that surprised reviewers. The U4ic and U4icX foam coupled with the wave plate provides softness without skimping on snappy feedback. The same SmoothRide tech of the original is present in the 2. Heel to toe transition feels effortless as a result. Extra ankle collar padding has been introduced, too. While the Horizon 2 is a bit heavier than the original, reviewers didn’t seem to mind too much. Most reviewers did choose, however, to swap out the heavy liner for a less bulky option. Reviewers were pleased with the Horizon’s nicely cushioned platform perfect for long runs and heavy footed wearers.
Style
The Wave Horizon 2 still features an athletic design. Visible from the side profile of the shoe, the waveplate acts not only as an adaptive stability mechanism but is a design feature in and of itself. Most of the road shoe’s colorways, available in men’s and women’s styles, feature pops of color against a more subtle background. For ladies, the Horizon 2 is available in grey/blue/black, purple/coral, and pink/purple. Men can select either a grey/black/red option or a blue/neon combination.
Durability
A recent release means it’s a bit early to find accurate comments regarding the Horizon’s durability, but reviewers seem confident in their belief that the updated Horizon is a super durable shoe. Most were particularly impressed with the X10 rubber outsole. It’s unlikely you’ll feel let down by the Wave’s lifespan. Its resilient construction is more than capable of handling high mileage and frequent use.
Protection
From top to bottom, the Mizuno Horizon 2 provides top-notch protection for users. Whether you’re a runner looking for extra cushioning to serve you on long runs, or you’re a severe overpronator, the Horizon delivers. First, there’s the outsole. Thick and durable, the X10 rubber is the first defense against wear and tear and slippery road conditions. Next, the triple-layer midsole filled with two types of foam (U4ic and U4icX) keeps wearers from bearing the brunt of too much impact. Mizuno’s Cloudwave technology (delivered via the midsole’s wave plate) isn’t just there for a smooth ride. The wave plate is where you’ll get stability. Finally, the mesh upper, tough as nails, keeps wearers stable thanks to Mizuno’s DynamotionFit tech.
Responsiveness
The Horizon 2, though somewhat softer underfoot than the OG version, also manages to feel super responsive. Various Mizuno technologies work together to deliver a smooth, snappy ride. The three midsole components (U4ic, U4icX, and a wave plate) provide the perfect harmony of protection, plush padding for comfort, and stiffness for stability. Together they ensure wearers experience an effortless heel to toe transition and an energy-filled ride that doesn’t feel aggressive and hard underfoot. Reviewers found the combination of responsiveness and softness outstanding.
Support
The Horizon’s wave plate (Cloudwave technology) provides users with adaptive support. This means that depending on how much you pronate, the wave plate will adjust accordingly to deliver the right amount of correction required. The shoe essentially intelligently delivers stability and support depending on the way you move. Neat, right? The kicker is that even with the ability to provide high-stability, the Wave Horizon doesn’t feel bulky. The liner could use a makeover, it’s definitely clunky, but the package itself doesn’t feel like other high stability shoes.
Terrain
Like its predecessor, the Horizon 2 is a road shoe through and through. Even with a sturdy X10 rubber outsole, the design just isn’t aggressive enough to expertly handle technical terrain. That’s fine, though. Reviewers agreed that the Horizon delivers excellent traction for its intended use. Reviewers also noted that their first impressions of the outsole were that it was super durable and seemed capable of standing up to repeated encounters with the hard pavement.
Price
As expected, getting high stability and maximum cushioning means a higher price tag. Reviewers seemed happy to fork over the cash, though, if it meant getting the highly prized combo of responsiveness and plush cushioning. Newly adjusted features make the Horizon 2 a great buy for overpronators.
Drop
While the Horizon does a lot right, reviewers seemed universally disappointed by the high drop height of the shoe. At nearly 12 mm, the drop feels excessive and many wearers found it encouraged a heel strike – even for those who were not heel strikers, to begin with. In other words, the heel gets in the way.
Stability
Mizuno’s unique Cloudwave technology ensures that wearers get the right amount of stability where it’s needed. The adaptive wave plate design delivers a responsive, stable ride. DynamotionFit technology also helps to ensure wearers get a snug fit. In this version of the Horizon, the cleverly designed wave plate gets a slight upgrade. By extending the length of the plate, the ride feel is improved and so is stability. Deeper grooves at the back of the outsole promote stability, as well. Reviewers found the marketing matched the shoe and agreed that the Horizon delivered on its promise of high stability cushioning.
Flexibility
You already know that the Horizon feels soft underfoot and is super responsive. It’s probably not that flexible, right? It’s too good to be true! Actually, the Mizuno Horizon 2 features a unique decoupled outsole design. The forefoot and heel are separated to help improve flexibility and ride transition feel. The result is a smoother ride and a flexible feel underfoot. Where the shoe lacks give in its engineered mesh upper. Reviewers noted that while the fit of the Wave felt great, getting the right size was paramount since the material didn’t have any stretch to it.
Traction
The X10 outsole on the Wave Horizon delivers just the right degree of traction for road running. Reviewers had zero complaints when it came to the outsole and most were seriously impressed with its resistant design and grippy construction.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 is a well-thought-out sequel that delivers an impressive mix of responsiveness and plush cushioning. The midsole materials are not only soft, but also offer maximum protection from impact. The shoe, true to size, offers a standard toe box design and a breathable engineered mesh upper. Whether you choose to run long distances or keep training short, the Wave Horizon 2 delivers maximum stability that adapts to your stride. The heel to toe drop might take some getting used to, but the ride feel may just make up for that aggressive drop height. Severe overpronators looking for correction and comfort should feel confident in choosing the Horizon 2. Quality materials make up the popular shoe. Mizuno’s numerous high-tech features work particularly well in this supportive, stable, running shoe.
