Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
14mm
Breathability
7.7/10
Latest Version
Wave Prophecy 6
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2• The Infinity Wave offers a unique cushion that is superior to a standard sole system.• The Mizuno AP+ midsole provides advanced cushioning while still being responsive and “bouncy”• The Wave Prophecy 2 is slightly heavy but most runners feel it still gets the job done well.• The entire design is meant to hold up to the rough road of street running. With that in mind, it does well as an all-around shoe that can be used for jogging, racing, or just days at the gym.
Upper
The Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2 offers premium upper material made of synthetic materials attached to a high-quality, thin mesh. Each different design offers contrasting colors that create a nice looking shoe with a light checkerboard pattern on the actual mesh at the top of the toe area. The toe cap covering features the same synthetic that is used throughout and creates a nice tough edge. The upper also features a nicely padded tongue and secure lacing system to make a snug fit.
Midsole
The midsole above the plate system creates additional cushioning for your foot when running down the highway. The AP+ cushion offers a nice pillow feel without the sogginess that comes with lower quality padding. It also serves to get the job done without adding much weight. When combined with the tough and cushioned outsole system, this offers a plush ride for your foot and will last for miles.
Outsole
For the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2, Mizuno built a unique Infinity Wave plate outsole, featuring rugged and tough rubber to provide durability. The design allows for the two separate plates, connected by small rubber bumpers, to flex independently of each other. This creates a large amount of shock absorption when the heel first strikes the ground, then as the runner’s foot rolls forward to the toe, the shock actually springs back forward to help propel you further with each step.
Breathability
The upper of these shoes is built out of high-quality fine mesh with synthetic overlays in the place of the logo and specific areas to keep the shoe secure. This leads to an upper that keeps your foot cool and comfortable even in the hottest environments. Air movement is key to keeping your foot from overheating, and not only does the mesh allow the air to move but can keep the other elements like dirt and dust out.
Comfort
The biggest advantage for runners trying out the Wave Prophecy 2 is that they offer a surprising amount of cushion and comfort. The soft landing that comes along with the Infinity Wave plate system leaves many runners satisfied with the feeling and ability to run more than they might have been with other shoes. They even work well for heavier runners. Many also find this shoe is comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Style
Mizuno shoes that feature the Infinity Wave plate design are often unique looking enough to create a sense of style. These shoes feature nice contrasting color combinations with an accent color on each. Those combinations include the main color of red, silver, anthracite, Malibu blue, or blue. Each of these options features a nice accent color splash along the midsole and around the logo. Even though it is a solid running shoe, the Wave Prophecy 2 is at home on the track or when you just need a good pair of solid sneakers for a day out.
Durability
Simply by the nature of the two plate system, these shoes offer superior durability, because the structure is so solid. The outsole under the plastic plate, however, is designed to offer long lasting tread to keep your shoes gripping to the asphalt for miles. The upper is also very solid and designed to last a long time, with the synthetic overlays creating strength right in the places where shoes usually get worn out.
Protection
The sole of this shoe creates a bouncy shock that stops your foot from feeling the brunt of the force. The upper provides a thin layer of mesh that stops the elements from getting to you while the overlays protect areas of wear. With a large amount of shock absorption, though, this shoe protects you both from the hard ground underneath and the possibility of a stress injury or knee injury. The upper also features a plush collar around the top and a padded tongue to help keep you both comfortable and safe.
Responsiveness
While these shoes may seem like a gimmick due to the unique design, the mechanical cushioning does create a shoe that responds to you with every step you take. As the heel strikes the ground, the shock is absorbed into the Infinity Wave and then distributed. When the runner’s weight shifts forward, the compression moves along the sole toward the front, then offers a bit of spring back to help propel you. The midsole’s padding only cushions your foot as it moves along the wave, allowing this shoe to be responsive and safe while still providing you with a platform for speed.
Support
The Wave Prophecy 2 is one shoe that provides solid support to those seeking neutral cushioning. Neutral runners often have higher and more stable arches and do not pronate or roll inwards. These shoes offer support on the lateral side of the shoe to help runners avoid shin and knee issues. In addition, the outsole provides a stiff surface that creates a layer of support for your foot so that you can enjoy running for the activity it is instead of suffering through with a shoe that offers less.
Terrain
The Wave Prophecy 2 is designed to be Mizuno’s unique road shoe. It is comfortable enough to use, however, in the gym during strength training or on flat surfaces as well. The outsole’s rubber grip is designed to offer traction on the asphalt while the shock absorption makes it ideal for running on hard surfaces. No matter how hard the asphalt, or how many miles you spend on it, these shoes will help you keep moving forward.
Price
The price of the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2 is higher than comparable shoes, but they do offer something that many comparable shoes cannot: a solid foundation for runners that need the extra cushioning or even the added support that a neutral shoe provides. With that in mind, paying more for shoes that do their job well might make more sense than picking up the cheapest and simplest option. Additionally, many heavier runners may find that these shoes allow them to put in more miles, making the value that much higher than other contemporary shoes and helping them in their efforts to lose weight.
Drop
With zero drops shoes being all the rage in the running world today, it may seem surprising that companies are making shoes with a significant heel-toe drop. The Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2 comes in with a 14mm drop, putting these on the higher on the drop range. For runners with a significant heel strike, this allows for more padding to make contact first and absorb the impact. As the foot rolls forward, it creates a safe and natural gait to help you run faster and smoother.
Stability
The base of the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2 creates a stable foundation for a quality shoe. The outsole and midsole combine to make a cushioned platform. Being designed for neutral cushion runners, these offer less structure than actual stability shoes but still help runners that do not over pronate find balance as they move down the road. For those who experience their foot rolling outward as they run, these should help keep them stable and secure while out for their daily job. The Wave Prophecy 2 creates a nice balance between lightweight minimal shoes and maximum stability shoes, providing the best of both worlds to runners that need something in between the extremes.
Flexibility
The Infinity Wave system offers a structure that is extremely cushioned and soft while still being responsive. Due to the unique setup of the plate system, runners seem to find that this shoe provides flex right along the areas that need it most. The rubber in the pillar system pushed back against their foot (as well as the ground) but allows the shoe to bend to the position necessary with each step. The upper offers flexibility around the toe of the shoe due to the nature of the material surrounding the foot.;The toe box is wider allowing the runner to spread their toes and naturally absorb some shock, be it during a run or just while walking around the weight room before you begin lifting. This can lead to a better and safer fit overall because the foot is securely in place but the upper will remain flexible as well.
Traction
The Wave Prophecy 2 was designed to offer runners the most cushioning on the road while they put in their miles. These shoes offer a strong outsole that connects to the ground in a way that provides traction and responsive handling. They are built to provide you traction on asphalt, but also perform well on solid surfaces such as a gym floor or weight room. The outsole’s flexible design creates surface area connection which simply expands where the grip has the opportunity for its job.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Prophecy series uses a unique concept to offer a shoe that is built for durability and longevity while providing comfort for runners with even the hardest heel strikes. The dual plate system is built to cushion better than a traditional foam and rubber-bottomed shoe by creating small shock absorbers between the plates. This helps provide bounce-back for the runner without overdoing it.;The shoe actually creates a fluid motion with each step and can help those that have moved away from running find their way back to just strapping on the activity tracker and fitting running back into their schedule, but the price tag can be a deterrent for some runners. Even when that is taken into consideration, it is a high-quality shoe that does the job it was designed for. Many feel that it is worth the price for something that works as well as it is designed to.
