Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AP+ midsole• Mizuno Wave technology• XtaRide design• X10 Carbon rubber compound• XLugs and XtaGroove unit• AirMesh upper• WetTraction technology
Upper
The upper of these shoes is made of AirMesh. It allows excellent breathability that will keep you cool and dry all the time. The XtaRide technical trail technology makes the shoes very adaptable to any kind of terrain and activity from the outsole to the upper. These shoes provide a great fit that will keep your feet secure and comfortable. The overlays in the upper are stitched in the outside for structural integrity. The inner lining is very soft and responsive, and with a seamless construction on the inside, these shoes provide an even more comfortable ride. The upper works together with the lacing system to provide a great overall fit.
Midsole
The midsole of the Kazan 2 trail running shoes is made to provide optimum comfort, protection, and durability. The AP+ extra lightweight midsole compound provides great cushioning and a stable bouncy feeling to the shoes. The Mizuno Wave technology allows the midsole to disperse the impact forces throughout the entire platform of the shoe for softer and more protective landings. Thanks to the bounciness of the AP+ component and the XtaRide technology, the energy from your landings is transformed into more efficient toe offs. The Wave technology also offers extra support in the midfoot area.
Outsole
The outsole of these shoes provides a really good combination of traction, flexibility, and durability. The X10 carbon rubber provides the best traction until the very last step of your runs. The unique XLugs pattern in the outsole provides remarkable multi-directional traction and grip. The WetTraction Bi Directional outsole technology gives these a really good grip under very wet circumstances. The grip allows maximum stability and responsiveness when running while it’s raining, on mud and sometimes on ice, according to reviewers. On top of that, the integration of the XtaRide technical trail technology has allowed these shoes to adapt with ease to their environment.
Breathability
An optimized breathability is what you get from these shoes. The AirMesh upper technology will enhance your foot’s ability to perspire so that no excess moisture stays within the shoes. They are made to take your runs on the toughest road conditions and help your body maintain a healthy temperature. Your whole body will feel cool during runs because when your feet are cool, the rest of your body feels cool. They promote a dry environment within the shoe that will decrease the risk of getting blisters and hot spots.
Comfort
Some have described the shoes as “the Ferrari of trail running shoes”. That has to do a lot with the comfort they bring, rather than their speed. The great AP+ midsole component and the Wave technology will make sure that you get softer landings and easier take offs. Providing a very smooth heel to toe transition, these shoes feel really comfortable when running on any kind of terrain. The quality breathability will keep you cool and dry all the time. The soft inner lining feels great on the foot while providing a great fit. The midfoot area provides good support thanks to the Wave technology. They are neutral shoes, though. So keep that in mind if you are not a neutral shoe runner.
Style
These shoes have a classic style, which makes them really appealing to many runners. The overlays in the upper section make them look very strong. The Mizuno Wave unit is visible in the heel area of the shoe from the outside, making it look how it feels, which is very supportive. The look of the outsole is definitely amazing. The dynamic XLug pattern looks amazing. The colors of the shoe are limited to the stock available in the stores. Keep in mind these have been in the market for a while. Regardless of the available colors, you are sure to get a sleek looking shoe.
Durability
These shoes are made to last. Every component is designed to provide lightweight durability to the shoe as a whole. The X10 outsole promises extended durability, which it provides very well, according to reviewers. The AP+ midsole is flexible, lightweight and very resilient. Mizuno claims it lasts longer than regular EVA midsoles. The overlays in the upper protect the shoe and your foot from extreme damage. They are stitched to provide more structural integrity. The AirMesh, while very breathable, is also very durable and protective. Made for taking you off road, these shoes will not disappoint you any time soon.
Protection
The shock absorption offered by these shoes is remarkable, considering their light weight. The Mizuno Wave technology, combined with the AP+ midsole compound, absorbs and distribute the shock of the landing impacts throughout the entire platform of the shoe, protecting your ankles, knees, and hips. The shock absorption properties of this shoe will decrease your chance of getting injured due to repetitive impacts when running. The upper mesh is not waterproof but manages to repel water very efficiently, reviewers have noticed. That way your feet are always cool and dry, decreasing the risk of getting blisters. A toe cap will protect you from injuring your foot due to loose rocks along your path. The upper is very strong and does not allow any debris to get into your shoes.
Responsiveness
A good combination of technologies, such as the AP+ in the midsole and the XtaRide throughout the whole shoe, is what makes the outstanding responsiveness of this shoe possible when running on all sort of terrains. The XtaRide technical trail technology incorporates an XtaGroove unit in the middle of the outsole that provides extra support and flexibility to the shoe from the bottom up. That technology also allows for the rapid and efficient adaptation of the shoes to the environment and your feet. The X10 rubber compound in the outsole, combined with the XLugs, provides enhanced traction for extra responsiveness. The upper also provides a sock-like feeling that ensures a better fit.
Support
These shoes come with a Premium Insock for enhanced support, cushioning and comfort. They are neutral shoes, so they do not provide extra support for under and overpronators. However, the removable insert allows you to orthopedic or custom made insert if needed for extra support. The good rebound and cushioning that the AP+ midsole provides makes your feet feel supported through the full length of the shoe. The XtaGroove unit placed in the middle of the outsole is able to provide good arch support and flexibility when you need it the most. Customers like these shoes because they feel supported and protected.
Terrain
These shoes have been made to take you through all kinds of places. The XLugs with multidirectional traction is able to take your offroad running sessions to the next level. Going up hill, down hill, crossing mud, loose rocks and grassy slopes will not be a problem when wearing the Kazan 2. The XtaRide technical trail design makes them adapt very well to the environment they are running on and to your feet as well. Reviewers have said that when running on roads, the XLugs are very noisy because they create suction when taking off. These are definitely trail running shoes.
Price
These shoes are not very expensive, especially when considering the comfort, support, and protection they provide. With an MSRP of $140 USD, the Mizuno Wave Kazan 2 have positioned themselves as some reviewers’ favorites. Because they were released quite a while ago and they were not mainstream shoes, it might be tricky to find them in the color and size you want. However, these shoes are great and if you have the chance to get ones in your size, get them!
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Mizuno Wave Kazan 2 neutral trail running shoes have a 12 mm drop. That drop makes them more protective when running offroad in uneven and difficult terrains.
Stability
As with any of the trail running shoes under the Mizuno Wave line, these do a really good job providing stability for their users. The technologies allow them to provide almost independent movements in the forefoot and the rear foot areas. The XLugs working on the forefoot area and the midsole in the rearfoot area. This allows the shoes to be more responsive and have greater traction when running on uneven terrains. In addition to that, the XtaGroove unit in the middle area of the midsole and the full-length AP+ midsole provide a very stable surface for your feet to lay on. Twisting ankles and other potential injuries are prevented by the design and construction of these shoes.
Flexibility
While they are very protective and supportive, they also manage to be flexible and adaptable to all kind of circumstances. The XtaRide technical trail technology behind the design and construction of the shoe allows every component of the shoe to maximize its flexibility. Resilient yet flexible materials are integrated into the construction of the shoe to make it more responsive than similar ones. The AirMesh is very responsive to the movements of your foot and the AP+ midsole promotes smoother heel to toe transitions. The carbon rubber from the X10 outsole provides enhanced durability while remaining flexible enough to provide a more natural ride.
Traction
The carbon rubber X10 outsole provides a combination of amazing traction and durability. The X10 component focuses on providing traction n the heel area while the XtaRide technical trail technology focuses on the forefoot area. The XLugs are incorporated along the forefoot part of the outsole, providing remarkable traction on any kind of terrain. The WetTraction technology greatly improves the grip on wet surfaces. The traction and grip are so powerful that reviewers have noticed they can get very noisy when running on flat surfaces. The traction of these shoes is definitely one of their shining points.
Bottom Line
The versatility of the Mizuno Wave Kazan 2 when running on trails and performing technical rides is extraordinary. The amazing traction and grip from the XLugs, the X10 carbon rubber outsole compound and the WetTraction technology allows these shoes to virtually take you anywhere you want to go. With great responsiveness and flexibility, they manage to be really precise, so you feel you’re in control the whole time. Excellent protection due to remarkable shock absorption and distribution properties really make a difference. They are highly breathable and comfortable as well. These shoes are like a hidden gem in the world of trail running shoes, so get yours soon!
