Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Best suited for daily training, walking, or casual wear on paved surfaces or treadmills• Infinity Wave midsole cushioning that runs the full length of the shoe• Added cushioning with the U4icX underlayer• Airy mesh upper using Mizuno DynamotionFit: 3-panel construction• Taller profile shoe that benefits from the upper’s overlays for stability• Heavier shoe that would be a good option for larger runners• The color scheme and overall design is eye-catching and well-liked• Varied feedback on sizing claiming it is smaller and narrower than previous versions• Seems to require some break-in time• High heel drop at 12mm
Upper
The upper of the Wave Prophecy 6 employs Mizuno’s DynamotionFit. To simulate natural foot movement, this 3-panel construction provides security and allows for a fuller range of motion. With soft and well-ventilated AIRmesh, the upper feels breathable and flexible. The lining of the upper and the padded tongue and collar also lend them to comfort and breathability. The plentiful stitched overlays lock in the foot and provide a confident stability. A removable foam insole has been added for extra softness underfoot.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is its defining feature. Mizuno left this unchanged from the prior version of the Prophecy. Surprisingly, the comfort that is usually due to soft cushioning in other shoes is instead present in the Prophecy 6 courtesy of two wave plates that join midfoot below the strobel lasting board. These two wave-shaped plastic plates essentially act as one full-length piece to compress and spring with each footfall allowing for underfoot cushioning and responsiveness. This “Infinity Wave,” that is designed to be more durable than traditional foam, utilizes “convex geometry” to allow the midsole to feel rockered and offer smoother transitions from heel to toe off. And while all this is happening, as an added feature for comfort, this strobel board, or underlayer of foam U4icX delivers a measure of cushioning between the plastic and the foot.
Outsole
The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 6 is considered to be durable and offer good traction. Its incorporation of X10 carbon rubber aims to ensure long-lasting solid road contact with each footstrike. With embedded flex grooves, the sole acts similar to a rockered shoe for a smooth heel to toe transition and more efficient pain-free running.
Breathability
Engineered with Mizuno’s AIRmesh, the upper is created to be lighter and more breathable. Despite some overlays, many felt the shoe was still well ventilated and provided a comfortable, dry, cool ride.
Comfort
Sizing issues aside, most found the Wave Prophecy 6 to be a comfortable shoe- in part due to its cushioning system as well as its airy mesh upper. As mentioned during the discussion of the midsole design, the majority of its cushioning does not come from a foam midsole as in most shoes but from two plastic wave plates that join midfoot below the Strobel board. These wave shaped plastic plates react and redirect energy with each footfall allowing for surprising underfoot softness and responsiveness. As an added feature for comfort, this Strobel board underlayer of foam U4icX delivers a measure of cushioning between the plastic and the foot. Runners additionally can benefit from the included but removable insole.;The heel cushioning feels soft while the forefoot feels as expected which made the higher drop a little tougher on some people’s toe areas. Most found it to be a good option for longer distances but some felt it was best as a walking or casual wear shoe. Many claim it is a good shoe for those suffering with knee or hip issues and even Achilles heel pain and plantar fasciitis. The overall fit and cushion have yielded reviewers citing alleviating of back pain symptoms as well. As stated, sizing is a mixed bag among reviews. While there are those that found the collar to feel loose some found the toebox and/or heel to fit shallow. And some claim they run small by at least a half size, some say they fit narrow and are not ideal for wider feet, while others swear by true to fit sizing. Mizuno offers this shoe only in standard width so it is probably best to try on a pair before purchasing.
Style
With the midsole’s standout Infinity Wave design giving a unique aesthetic and a color palette most enjoyed, the Wave Prophecy 6 gives the air of trendy confidence. The color schemes are fresh and full of personality without being over the top. Men’s are available in combos such as black/ silver, directoire blue/ green flash, and trade winds/black. Women can toe the line in griffin/paradise pink/grape juice, white/ silver/gold, silver/blarney, or purple/pink.
Durability
Concerns about durability did seem to be an issue in those that were not pleased overall. Some cited that the plastic heel broke and finding that to be the only concern decided to try again in the hopes it was just a defect. Some other things to note were that customers complained about the fabric upper ripping. And more seriously and a with a few comments to this end, in a short amount of time without any excessive wear and tear, the midsole was prone to tear away. With a proven durable outsole and a cushioned comfortable shoe, these points against the shoe’s durability really counted against it and made some reconsider their purchase…especially at the given higher price point.
Protection
The Wave Prophecy 6 delivers protection in a few ways. Its breathable AIRmesh upper helps maintain a cool, dry environment for feet that decrease the chance of blisters. The stability of the shoe keeps feet in line to help avoid imbalance issues and stave off injury. Its midsole with the infinity wave technology and the U4icX Strobel lasting board provide shock attenuation that also helps to reduce the chance of running injuries, The X10 rubber outsole is tough and can prevent any sharp underfoot debris from penetrating the shoe.
Responsiveness
The Infinity Wave fully mechanical midsole is responsible for much of this shoe’s responsiveness. While it is a decidedly heavier shoe, quite a few were impressed with its ability to feel cushioned without feeling slowed down. Thanks to the two conjoined plastic wave plates and the cushioned pillars running throughout them, the Prophecy 6 offers a ride that absorbs impact and also disperses it for more energy efficiency. Some have said it creates a more natural spring to the step with an effective heel to toe motion.
Support
With its good arch support and all of its underfoot cushioning, most felt that this shoe was beneficial for those tending to have flatter feet. As all the cushioning provided does carry a decent amount of heft, larger runners seemed to especially enjoy it as well. The upper’s overlays help lock in feet for added stability and keep the foot placed squarely over the arch and midfoot where support is greatest resulting in minimal lateral movement and optimal positioning for efficiency in the run cycle.
Terrain
As with the rest of Wave Prophecy predecessors, the 6 is also a road or paved surface trainer. While quite a few have taken to the treadmill for walks or running, some even enjoy them for casual everyday wear. With a sturdy outsole providing what some consider exceptional traction, most still stick to asphalt for their daily runs in this shoe.
Price
Retailing in a higher price bracket, some felt it a very worthwhile investment claiming a fully comfortable ride with no pain. However, there were quite a few others that balked at the price, especially given fit and durability issues. Having been on the market for a while, one could find this shoe for reasonably less, but even with that discount, this shoe is relatively pricey.
Drop
The extra layer of foam under the sockliner (u4icX) adds added height that raises the heel to about 37 mm and the forefoot comes in at about 25mm. This stackheight makes for a tall shoe with a relatively high heel-to-toe drop as well at 12mm.
Stability
The Wave Prophecy 6 is a neutral shoe with more stability features than many others on the market adding to its bulkier and heavier feel. With the added cushioning height in the sole unit, stability could be an issue, but Mizuno incorporated many overlays from heel to midfoot to secure the foot and provide a stable ride. The forefoot benefits from a little less structure ensuring less compression over toes. Those with bunions may find this to be a plus, especially since a higher heel drop has the potential to drive the toes forward without proper midfoot security. Larger runners and heavy heel strikers may find this system to feel pretty good. But lighter swifter runners could find this a bulky shoe overwhelming.
Flexibility
The soft AIRmesh upper proves flexible without being flimsy. Combined with the sole unit’s flex grooves, the Prophecy 6 creates a natural feeling throughout the running motion. This level of flexibility allows for a responsive ride that runners can count on.
Traction
The durable X10 carbon rubber in the Wave Prophecy 6’s outsole delivers a sticky traction that most found more than suitable for outdoor road adventures. It performs to satisfaction in dry and wet conditions with a grip that surprised some.
Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Prophecy 6 is the next iteration in a line of daily road training shoes. It is neutral but with solid arch support and many stability features for the security of fit. With its distinctive Infinity Wave midsole, it aims to offer more comfort and durability than traditional foam, and its X10 rubber outsole offers more protection from wear at key points on foot. The breathable Dynamotion Fit AIRmesh upper offers a well-ventilated, more natural movement and while it is lighter than previous versions, it is still relatively heavy but one that seems to have more appeal for larger runners or heel strikers. While bulky, it is considered quite flexible, responsive, and comfortable. Many state that the shoe is more narrow and smaller than older models prompting sizing concerns. At this higher price point, it is an investment, and with less in-store availability making sizing for proper fit difficult, it would be wise to take the opportunity to try on if you can find it. While most enjoyed the color and style options, it may be a “take what you can get” if you are so inclined.
