Details
Brand
Mizuno
Breathability
8.5
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• X10 outsole is extra durable and protective• SmoothRide underfoot and deep flex grooves create a flexible feel• Eu4ic Midsole promotes great energy return and provides comfort and protection• Ultra-breathable Airmesh upper
Upper
The 6th iteration of the Wave Prophecy has made changes to the upper to add in more breathability and comfort. The DynamotionFit provides a unique and personalized fit for each runner. Mizuno uses Airmesh which is an ultra-breathable mesh material. This allows for maximum airflow to keep the foot cool and dry. In addition to the shoe’s maximum breathability, it also includes overlays along the upper that are stitched on to provide a fit that is snug and secure but not restrictive. In addition to this, the shoe has a collar and tongue that are padded for added comfort and a reduction in unwanted friction.
Midsole
Runners can look forward to smart design and added technological features in the midsole of this shoe. The Wave Prophecy 6 Nova uses the patented Eu4ic midsole. It runs the entire length of the midsole, and while it does provide a firmer cushioned feel, runners raved about the comfort. This material is highly responsive. It is also very durable and won’t easily break down.;Like all Mizuno shoes, this shoe features the Mizuno Wave Plate. This unique design supports correct and efficient movement in the foot and amazing energy return to the runner. This design keeps the foot from fatiguing. This allows the runner to run longer. Another technology that Mizuno includes in this shoe is their patented Cloudwave technology. This ensures the that the runner has a high level of responsiveness but also receives the cushioning that they need to feel supported and comfortable. Finally, Mizuno added a removable foam insole to the shoe for customizable fit and cushioning preference.
Outsole
The outsole of the Wave Prophecy 6 Nova is made from Mizuno’s patented X10. This outsole is made from carbon rubber which is the most durable outsole material. It is the same material used to make the tires on racing cars. Another technological design that runners responded positively to is the SmoothRide underfoot. This underfoot is designed with deep flex grooves which provided flexibility and promote a movement that allows for maximum energy return. The outsole of this shoe also offers a higher level of traction. Runners felt safe and secure even on wet surfaces.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe utilizes Airmesh which is a highly breathable material. Although the upper of the shoe includes stitched overlays, it still maintains maximum breathability to keep the foot dry and cool. This is a snug fitting shoe, but the design also allows for maximum airflow to prevent damaging wetness during runs.
Comfort
This shoe has received very high marks from runners for its comfort. Runners loved how the shoe provides a firm cushioning to promote a higher energy return in each footfall. Runners commented that in previous models of the Wave Prophecy, the cushioning was too firm, but additions to the midsole and a removable insole have made this shoe more cushioned overall. In addition to this, the upper of the shoe is made from Airmesh which is a very breathable material. It keeps the foot cool and dry even on long or hot runs.
Style
Runners love the style of this shoe. As is expected from Mizuno shoes, the Wave Prophecy is a bright and uniquely designed shoe. Runners who love brightly colored and fashion forward design elements especially love the attractive look of these shoes. They also come in a sleek all-black version that runners really love.
Durability
The Wave Prophecy 6 Nova is a pricey shoe, but it also includes some of the toughest design elements to ensure that the shoe will last a long time. One element is the X10 outsole which is made from the same rubber that race car tires are made from, carbon rubber. In addition to that, the Eu4ic midsole foam is much more durable than the average midsole.
Protection
The key area of protection that these shoes provide to the runner is protection again break down and wear and tear. The upper, midsole, and outsole all offer unique design and technological elements that ensure this shoe will last long. The midsole itself utilizes the wave plate which helps keep the Eu4ic midsole foam from breaking down easily, but the outsole (the X10) is made from carbon rubber which is the same rubber used to make tires on race cars.
Responsiveness
A trademark feel for the Mizuno brand is its superior responsiveness. These shoes tend to be on the firmer side and do an excellent job or returning energy to the runner with each footfall. The Wave Prophecy 6 Nova uses a midsole that Mizuno calls Eu4ic (pronounced Euphoric). This midsole creates a firmer footfall. It is spongier than previous Mizuno Ap+ midsole foam and lighter too. This provides some added cushioning through the midsole without weighing the shoe down and without losing Mizuno’s signature firm and responsive feel.
Support
This shoe is a good choice for the runner who needs some extra arch support. the midfoot platform is raised which is ideal for the flat-footed runner. The shoe is similar in design to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15 or the Asics GT-2000 4 in terms of its supportive elements. The design does a great job of returning energy to the runner with each footfall and prevents fatigue which makes this a good choice for longer runs.
Terrain
Although the outsole of these shoes is durable and includes decent grip, these are shoes that are suggested for the roads. There are many great trail options, but this shoe is not one of them.
Price
The only serious complaint about these shoes that runners voiced was the price. If the Wave Prophecy 6 Nano is the shoe for you, you need to be prepared to spend over $200. This is a newer version of the Wave Prophecy. It includes some of the newest and best technologies and it is made, from upper to midsole to outsole of some of the most durable materials so this shoe should be viewed as an investment. However, if cost is your primary concern, there are lots of other good options for you.
Drop
If you are looking for a zero drop or minimalist shoe, this is not the option for you. The heel drop of the Wave Prophecy 6 Nova is 12mm. The midsole is firmer and designed to return energy while the outsole works hard to provide maximum responsiveness. This shoe certainly has more of a traditional running shoe feel and is best for longer distances or everyday wear.
Stability
Mizuno shoes feature the patented Mizuno Wave plate that makes all of their shoes stability shoes. Although the Wave Prophecy 6 Nova is not marketed as a stability shoe, and rather a neutral running shoe, it does have reliable stability features. The Wave Plate doesn’t eliminate the flexibility of the shoe, but it does provide protection from unwanted side to side movement.
Flexibility
The outsole of the shoe is very flexible. Mizuno uses Smoothride technology in the Wave Prophecy 6 Nano which includes deep flex grooves to support a freer movement of the foot and help to return energy to the runner to keep the foot from fatiguing. The midsole is firmer, and while it has many qualities of a stability shoe, it promotes free movement but protects the foot from unwanted side to side movement.
Traction
The X10 outsole is made of a very durable rubber, carbon rubber. This material does have added traction, but it is still suggested that this shoe is reserved for road running on primarily dry surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Prophecy 6 Nova is a stability shoe for a neutral runner. What this means is that although it isn’t specifically designed for the runner who needs more stability, it does include technology that makes it a stability shoe. The Wave Plate and the Eu4ic midsole offer superior responsiveness and although they promote flexibility, they keep the foot safe from unwanted side to side movement. The upper of the shoe is breathable and runners love the style this shoe provides. The biggest complaint about the shoe is the price. Over $200 is a tad too much for some runners, so if cost is a primary concern, consider another option.
