Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Motion Control
Key Features
• Premium Insock lining• Diamond-shaped lugs for extreme traction• Ultra-breathable mesh upper• 12 mm heel to toe drop• AP+ cushioning system• Durable Michelin rubber outsole
Upper
Mizuno has hit this balance with the upper of the Wave Mujin. The breathable mesh material ventilates the foot. Mizuno calls this material AIRmesh and it keeps the runner comfortable and cool on even the warmest runs. The breathable layer allows the show to maintain a high standard of comfort regardless of the weather conditions. The comfort and the flexibility of the upper material will be greatly appreciated during long runs where comfort is vitally important.
Midsole
The cushioning on the Wave Mujin comes from Mizuno’s AP+ technology. This is a lightweight compound that offers a bouncy feel and rebound effect to maximize spent energy. The cushioning also helps support the foot and protect it from excessive impact. Mizuno has also thrown in a premium Insock that offers removable comfort and cushioning that helps mold to the runner’s foot. There is even an ESS rock plate that gives extra protection through the mid and forefoot. This will protect the runner from protruding rocks, roots, or other trail obstacles.
Outsole
For the Wave Mujun, Mizuno has used a Michelin rubber outsole that is designed for maximum grip on rugged terrain. Mizuno also features their XtaRide technical trail concept that features X lugs and Xta grooves. This allows the outsole to better adapt to its surroundings and ensure a smoother ride. Runners should not fear slippage across some of the most common surfaces for running. In addition to the Michelin outsole, this shoe has diamond-shaped lugs that help you make amazing ground connection.
Breathability
The AIRMesh material found in the upper portion of the shoe is extremely breathable. Mizuno has really done a great job to allow the foot to breathe on long hot runs. Air flows in and out of the shoe quite easily thanks to the mesh material found around the toes and ankle. The premium Insock liner also helps to absorb moisture.
Comfort
The Mizuno Wave Mujin provides ample cushioning with their injection AP+ cushioning system, found in the midsole. The wider base of the shoe also makes it feel more comfortable on the foot. Mizuno gives the show its wider gauge platform that gives stability and comfort with every stride of the shoe.
Style
Even some of the highest rated trail running shoes may not score high on the runway. The Mizuno Wave Mujin has a unique style with a variety of color options.
Durability
For the most part, The Wave Mujin is able to provide this durability. The rugged outsole rubber should hold up well over time. The protruding diamond-shaped lugs should hold their shape even after many runs. While breathable, the AIRmesh upper manages to flex and move with the foot and should not be prone to premature wear and tear. The AP+ cushioning is the only area of the shoe that may deteriorate at a faster than expected rate but that’s to be expected for cushioning of that type.
Protection
Protection is a key feature of the Mizuno Wave Mujin. The InSock liner helps to protect the shoe from excessive moisture and sweat build up. The Michelin rubber outsole helps to minimize the impact of trail running and keep the foot healthy and protected. The DynamotionFit system found in the upper portion of the shoe also offers a level of protection keeping the ankle snug and preventing excessive chaffing or “hot spots”.
Responsiveness
Mizuno has added a lot of technology into this shoe in order to help increase its responsiveness. Mizuno included ultra-responsive cushioning provided by the AP+ system, which provides bounce and energy return. There is also the DynamotionFit system that uses advanced motion capture and biomechanics to better connect the runner’s stride to the responsiveness of the shoe. Finally, Mizuno’s XtaRide concept helps the shoe adapt to its surroundings to better respond to changes in terrain.
Support
The Mizuno Wave Mujin is a very supportive shoe. Again, Mizuno has taken a technological approach to solving the support equation. The DynamotionFit system helps to keep the foot supported while encouraging a more efficient, natural stride. The AP+ cushioning system also goes a long way in supporting the foot with its ample midsole cushioning that protects and supports the foot with each stride taken. The XtaRide system adds another layer of support by allowing the shoes to detect and adapt to their environment to offer the right amount of support at the right time in the run.
Terrain
These trail runners are meant to take on the most rugged terrains out there. The diamond-shaped rubber lugs should be able to handle rain, snow, mud, and any slippery pavement that you may come across, along with roots and rocks.
Price
The Mizuno Wave Mujin will fall into the higher end of the running shoe price spectrum. With all of the high-end components found in the shoe, this price should come as no surprise.
Drop
These shoes have a 12 mm drop. This is a typical drop for a trail running shoe.
Stability
The stability of these shoes comes from the many technical features found in the shoe. The outline of the shoe is fairly wide to give it a more stable footprint. The wider gauge platform and Mizuno fan-shaped wave give the shoe more stability than their narrow competitors. Runners will really appreciate the width of the shoe when they’re on longer trail runs that require more stability.
Flexibility
For a pair of rugged trail shoes, they have a decent amount of flexibility. The AP+ cushioning is particularly flexible from stride to stride. The cushioning is able to move with the foot to offer just the right amount of flexible support wherever it’s needed.
Traction
The diamond-shaped lugs found on the bottom of the outsole do a great job of digging into the ground to secure a good grip. The Michelin rubber that is used for the outsole is some of the grippiest material you’ll find on a shoe.
Bottom Line
If you are in need of a versatile and durable trail running shoe, the Mizuno Wave Mujin is an excellent choice. Diamond shaped lugs and a Michelin rubber outsole provide superior traction, and along with the sock-like upper protect your foot from trail debris.
