Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• SmoothRide Engineering• U4IC midsole• U4icX material in the heel and forefoot area• Double Wave Fan• Wave plate• Dynamotion fit• Carbon rubber outsole• Breathable mesh upper• Ortholite technology
Upper
Designers changed the upper again in the Wave Paradox 3. It is still incredibly lightweight and durable, but the mesh now follows a traditional mesh design instead of the previous honeycomb pattern. This is a highly breathable upper with synthetic overlays to give the shoe structure and lock the foot in. Mizuno also used their Dynamotion fit technology which is comprised of stretchy materials that wrap around the foot and move with the natural motion of the foot, creating a comfortable sock-like fit.
Midsole
Mizuno added some extra cushioning to the Wave Paradox 3. There is the U4ic foam throughout the midsole unit which provides responsive cushioning and prevents impact-related injuries. This new version of the shoe also incorporates U4icX which is a lighter version of U4ic cushion. Designers have placed this extra cushion in the heel and the forefoot to increase the overall comfort of the shoe while maintaining the responsiveness. The shoe still incorporates the Mizuno Wave, which is the plastic support under the foot which absorbs impact and great at providing extra support. The Double Fan Wave in the midsole prevents overpronation and controls the motion of the stride, helping to prevent injury. This shoe also has an Ortholite sock liner which gives additional cushioning but it also has antimicrobial and anti-moisture properties that keep a clean, healthy environment for your feet.
Outsole
Mizuno stuck with the combination of X10 carbon rubber and blown rubber for the outsole of the Wave Paradox 3, these 2 rubber materials provide durable consistent traction. The outsole design also incorporates SmoothRide Engineering, rocking the foot gently through the stride. The Flex Grooves on the outsole allow the shoe to bend to the natural movement of your foot. Mizuno made some changes to the outsole pattern, with large sections of traction that follow the natural shape of the foot.
Breathability
The upper of the Wave Paradox 3 is comprised primarily of mesh material which makes for a highly breathable shoe. The mesh is flexible and forgiving and allows air to pass easily through the top of the shoe. This shoe also features a generous fit in the toe box area, adding additional room for ventilation.
Comfort
In the Mizuno Wave Paradox 3, designers really amped up the cushion and the comfort with the addition of the U4icX material in the forefoot and rearfoot, this is still a responsive shoe but now with a little extra cushion in the ride. The midsole unit is a little thicker than the previous edition which adds significantly to the comfort of this shoe. The Dynamotion fit is great at wrapping around and moving with the foot, giving the shoe a glove-like feeling. The Ortholite inner material has moisture wicking properties which keep the foot comfortable and dry. Despite the overwhelming amount of cushion and comfort this shoe has, it is still responsive, making for a great ride.
Style
Mizuno incorporated some nice fresh colors with this new design. With 6 color variations for men and 3 for women, you are sure to find a color variation that suits you. All of the color options feature reflective material on the synthetic overlays, giving the shoe a shiny, funky appearance. The Wave plate is not visible in the design of the shoe but the U4ic midsole material is visible. The shoe has a nice broad base and sits close to the ground so it has a lower to the ground, sleeker look than some other motion control shoes on the market.
Durability
The outsole is built primarily of highly X10 carbon rubber, a material that is known for its durable traction. However, some testers have noticed visible wear on this outsole early on in its use. The midsole and upper, however, are highly durable, lasting several hundred miles without significant wear. The fit of the shoe also remains comfortable after extended use.
Protection
This is a stability shoe for runners with severe overpronation issues. Runners with severe overpronation issues are may experience injury to the knees, hips, ankles and other areas. However, this support shoe does a great job of controlling their stride and getting runners to run in a more natural motion, thus preventing injury. There is also nice shock attenuation built into the shoe to prevent running injuries related to shock and heel striking. The outsole also works to get runners quickly through their heel to toe transition for a smooth ride and solid toe-off. The upper is highly durable, great at keeping debris out of the shoe and the Ortholite’s anti-moisture properties help prevent blisters.
Responsiveness
With the addition of the U4icX material in the rearfoot and forefoot, this shoe is more cushioned than the previous edition but still very responsive. There is a good amount of cushioning and shock attenuation but designers still wanted something with a snappy responsive feeling. Mizuno’s EU4IC cushioning is designed as a firm responsive cushion, offering impact protection but with a fast feeling that encourages quick turnover and a faster stride.
Support
This is built to give runners who overpronate and are heel strikers plenty of support. The Wave plate in the midsole controls and guides the stride, as well as provide torsion control. The firm U4IC EVA material supports the foot and the stride and the additional U4icX material cushions the landing. The Smooth Ride Engineering is designed to support the stride through the transition, encouraging runners to get up on to their toes in proper form, for a strong toe-off.
Terrain
Carbon rubber makes up the majority of this outsole which is great at providing long-lasting traction on hard, road terrain. It stands up to hard pavement surfaces while also providing good grip. The outsole pattern follows the natural curve of the foot to further enhance the grip. Lots of shock absorbing qualities located in the midsole are great for impact protection on long runs.
Price
Originally priced at $190 USD, this was an expensive road shoe. However, it is now available on Amazon for just under $80 USD which is a good price for a durable shoe and is certainly worth looking into if you are a runner that is plagued with overuse injuries or overpronation. There are a ton of technologies built into this shoe which make it a good buy.
Drop
The heel to toe offset is 12mm, typical for a motion control, stability shoe like this one. This doesn’t allow for a lot of natural foot movement, which can be ideal for runners who need additional support. This shoe gently controls the direction of the stride. At this drop, designers also have a little more space for some extra cushioning in the heel. This offset works well with the Smooth Ride Engineering to help roll from heel to toe quickly and smoothly.
Stability
There are lots of stability features in this shoe, great for runners facing overpronation problems. The Wave plate and the Double Wave Fan are great at controlling the stride and preventing any twisting that might occur with other shoes. This shoe also has a nice broad base with an upper and lacing system that really lock the foot in, great for providing a secure, stable ride. The Smooth Ride Engineering also works to get the runner quickly and smoothly through the transition from heel to toe. During the transition from heel to toe, the foot and legs are most vulnerable to twisting and injury, and by supporting the stride in this way makes for a great stability shoe.
Flexibility
This is great for a stability shoe, but overall, the technologies make it less flexible. The Wave plate and the Double Fan Wave are plates that run the entire length of the shoe and help to absorb impact. There is also additional midsole cushioning material in this edition of the shoe, which further decreases its flexibility. There are Flex Grooves in 2 places in the outsole to provide flexibility in those key areas but overall a stiff shoe is good for motion control and ideal for runners requiring a supportive shoe.
Traction
The outsole is built from a combination of durable carbon rubber and blown rubber and the outsole pattern design follows the natural shape of the foot for good traction underneath. The carbon rubber is abrasion resistant, good for providing longlasting traction on hard concrete or paved surfaces. There is a little bit of flexibility in the forefoot which is good for compressing on impact and providing additional traction.
Bottom Line
Mizuno incorporated all of the same motion control technologies in this new Wave Paradox shoe and added a little more comfort and support. This is a comfortable shoe with fast, responsive cushioning in the midsole, great for increasing speed and stride turnover naturally. Runners with overpronation issues will love this fast, supportive shoe.
