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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mizuno Wave Universe 5 Review}} The Mizuno Wave Universe is one of the lightest running shoes available, and it's surprisingly comfortable. The Universe i..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mizuno Wave Universe 5 Review}}
The Mizuno Wave Universe is one of the lightest running shoes available, and it's surprisingly comfortable. The Universe is a great minimalist shoe, and I use it to provide strength training for my feet and ankle muscles. It's rare that I find a shoe in which there's so little I'd change. As long as you accept it for an ultra-lightweight minimalist shoe, it's wonderful. Of course, being a minimalist shoe it lacks the cushioning that would improve your [[Running Economy]], so it's slower than you might expect. (When I want to go faster, I'd rather put on the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]].) {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|}
=Cushioning, Running Economy, & Performance=
[[The Science of Running Shoes]] indicates that some cushioning improves [[Running Economy]], which will reduce the effort required to run. I found that the lack of cushioning in the Wave Universe clearly changes my running stride, and even though it's amazingly light, I was slower than I would be is a slightly heavier, but better cushioned shoe like the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]].
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The Wave Universe is the best option for someone wanting the lightest shoe available. On the other hand, if you're after something for running fast, then the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] is heavier, but offers more cushioning. The extra cushioning probably gives an improvement in Running Economy that will make you faster in the Hyper Speed than the Wave Universe.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Wave Universe only has 9-12mm of quite firm foam, so it provides only the most minimal level of cushioning. This level of cushioning is not enough to provide the full improvement in [[Running Economy]] you'd get with a more cushioned shoe.
* {{H:drop}}. The Wave Universe is only a 3mm of drop, which is not ideal, but does not make a noticeable difference to my foot strike. With a shoe this thin, the main issue with the drop is that I'd like the same level of cushioning at both ends of the shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. The Wave Universe looks like it's made of two different foams, with Mizuno's Wave Plate between them. However, both types of foam have the same density, and there's no plastic plate involved. This appears to be an illusion to justify the 'wave' that's in the name. I think this is a good thing, as the simplicity of a single density foam works better than multiple densities in most cases. A wave plate might improve cushioning, but it's doubtful it would justify its weight.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Wave Universe is even more flexible than you'd expect given its thinness.
* {{H:outsole}}. There are patches of outsole made of a high grip, durable material. As you can see from the pictures, these patches are well placed on the forefoot, but the rear patch will only help someone who has an extreme heal strike.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, and I didn't need to to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box for comfort]].
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is extremely thin and slightly stretchy, with no seams. It's a remarkably comfortable upper that does better than many far heavier shoes. There is only a small amount of padding around the ankle opening, but it's sufficient.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Wave Universe a thin, traditional tongue that is held in places by a tab for the laces. There is no padding, but I found it comfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. The thin flat laces worked well, and I had no problems with the laces coming undone while running.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. There's a tiny tab in the rear of the shoe that's kind of like a heel counter, but even more pointless than most. I realize that it probably only adds a tiny bit of weight, but the shoe would be better without it.
{{BuyShoes|RW=T|RRS=T|AZ=T}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Wave Universe and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
Comparing the Wave Universe and the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]], the Hyper Speed is nearly twice as heavy, but offers a lot more cushioning and the hyper speed is likely to be the faster shoe.
* Similarities
** {{H:flexibility}}. Both shoes are remarkably flexible.
* Advantage Wave Universe
** {{H:drop}}. The Wave Universe is 3mm drop, the Hyper Speed is 6mm.
** {{H:grip}}. The Universe has more grip in the forefoot.
** {{H:shape}}. The Wave Universe has a better toe box.
* Advantage [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Hyper Speed is a lot more softly cushioned.
** {{H:weight}}. The Wave Universe is a lighter, but the extra cushioning makes the Hyper Speed faster.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Hyper Speed lasts longer.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Wave Universe and Altra One2 ==
Comparing the Wave Universe and the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]], the Altra wins on cushioning and comfort, but the Wave Universe is a lot lighter. The two are not direct competition, but if you want something lighter than your current shoes, the Altra is well worth considering.
* Similarities
** {{H:grip}}. Neither has much grip.
** {{H:availability}}. Neither is widely stocked.
* Advantage Wave Universe
** {{H:weight}}. The Wave Universe is a lot lighter (the lack of cushioning means that the Altra is not much slower.)
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Wave Universe is a bit more flexible.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Wave Universe lasts longer.
* Advantage [[Altra One2| Altra One2]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
** {{H:drop}}. The Universe is 3mm drop, the Altra is zero-drop.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a slightly better toe box, though it's close.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-One2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Mizuno Wave Universe is one of the lightest running shoes available, and it's surprisingly comfortable. The Universe is a great minimalist shoe, and I use it to provide strength training for my feet and ankle muscles. It's rare that I find a shoe in which there's so little I'd change. As long as you accept it for an ultra-lightweight minimalist shoe, it's wonderful. Of course, being a minimalist shoe it lacks the cushioning that would improve your [[Running Economy]], so it's slower than you might expect. (When I want to go faster, I'd rather put on the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]].) {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|}
=Cushioning, Running Economy, & Performance=
[[The Science of Running Shoes]] indicates that some cushioning improves [[Running Economy]], which will reduce the effort required to run. I found that the lack of cushioning in the Wave Universe clearly changes my running stride, and even though it's amazingly light, I was slower than I would be is a slightly heavier, but better cushioned shoe like the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]].
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The Wave Universe is the best option for someone wanting the lightest shoe available. On the other hand, if you're after something for running fast, then the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] is heavier, but offers more cushioning. The extra cushioning probably gives an improvement in Running Economy that will make you faster in the Hyper Speed than the Wave Universe.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Wave Universe only has 9-12mm of quite firm foam, so it provides only the most minimal level of cushioning. This level of cushioning is not enough to provide the full improvement in [[Running Economy]] you'd get with a more cushioned shoe.
* {{H:drop}}. The Wave Universe is only a 3mm of drop, which is not ideal, but does not make a noticeable difference to my foot strike. With a shoe this thin, the main issue with the drop is that I'd like the same level of cushioning at both ends of the shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. The Wave Universe looks like it's made of two different foams, with Mizuno's Wave Plate between them. However, both types of foam have the same density, and there's no plastic plate involved. This appears to be an illusion to justify the 'wave' that's in the name. I think this is a good thing, as the simplicity of a single density foam works better than multiple densities in most cases. A wave plate might improve cushioning, but it's doubtful it would justify its weight.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Wave Universe is even more flexible than you'd expect given its thinness.
* {{H:outsole}}. There are patches of outsole made of a high grip, durable material. As you can see from the pictures, these patches are well placed on the forefoot, but the rear patch will only help someone who has an extreme heal strike.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, and I didn't need to to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box for comfort]].
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is extremely thin and slightly stretchy, with no seams. It's a remarkably comfortable upper that does better than many far heavier shoes. There is only a small amount of padding around the ankle opening, but it's sufficient.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Wave Universe a thin, traditional tongue that is held in places by a tab for the laces. There is no padding, but I found it comfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. The thin flat laces worked well, and I had no problems with the laces coming undone while running.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. There's a tiny tab in the rear of the shoe that's kind of like a heel counter, but even more pointless than most. I realize that it probably only adds a tiny bit of weight, but the shoe would be better without it.
{{BuyShoes|RW=T|RRS=T|AZ=T}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Wave Universe and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
Comparing the Wave Universe and the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]], the Hyper Speed is nearly twice as heavy, but offers a lot more cushioning and the hyper speed is likely to be the faster shoe.
* Similarities
** {{H:flexibility}}. Both shoes are remarkably flexible.
* Advantage Wave Universe
** {{H:drop}}. The Wave Universe is 3mm drop, the Hyper Speed is 6mm.
** {{H:grip}}. The Universe has more grip in the forefoot.
** {{H:shape}}. The Wave Universe has a better toe box.
* Advantage [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Hyper Speed is a lot more softly cushioned.
** {{H:weight}}. The Wave Universe is a lighter, but the extra cushioning makes the Hyper Speed faster.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Hyper Speed lasts longer.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Wave Universe and Altra One2 ==
Comparing the Wave Universe and the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]], the Altra wins on cushioning and comfort, but the Wave Universe is a lot lighter. The two are not direct competition, but if you want something lighter than your current shoes, the Altra is well worth considering.
* Similarities
** {{H:grip}}. Neither has much grip.
** {{H:availability}}. Neither is widely stocked.
* Advantage Wave Universe
** {{H:weight}}. The Wave Universe is a lot lighter (the lack of cushioning means that the Altra is not much slower.)
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Wave Universe is a bit more flexible.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Wave Universe lasts longer.
* Advantage [[Altra One2| Altra One2]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
** {{H:drop}}. The Universe is 3mm drop, the Altra is zero-drop.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a slightly better toe box, though it's close.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside]]
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Universe-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-One2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}