Revision as of 17:11, 30 December 2014

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. Some runners have had problems with the upper of the Wave Universe tearing, so be extra careful of getting the right fit. (I use The Science of Running Shoes as the basis of how I test running shoes and what you should look for in a running shoe.)

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside

1 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.

2 Characteristics

• Why you’d buy it. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Flexibility. The Wave Universe‏‎ is even more flexible than you'd expect given its thinness.
• 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.
• Shape. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, and I didn't need to to cut open the toe box for comfort.
• 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. I've heard of some runners having problems with the upper tearing, which they think might be due to extra pressure they put in some areas. This means that getting the right fit is especially important with this shoe.
• 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.
• Lacing. The thin flat laces worked well, and I had no problems with the laces coming undone while running.
• Heel Counter. 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.

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Mizuno Wave Universe at Zappos Buy Mizuno Wave Universe at Road Runner Sports Buy Mizuno Wave Universe at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Mizuno Wave Universe at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3 Cushioning and Shoes

It's intuitively obvious that the cushioning in a shoe will reduce the impact on your body when running. However, The Science of Running Shoes indicates that the reality is rather more complex. While slight cushioning may reduce the effort needed to run by improving your Running Economy, most scientific research indicates that more cushioning does further improve Running Economy. In addition, cushioning does not generally reduce impact and may actually increase it. This is counterintuitive, but is likely to be due to the way a runners mind and body adapts to softer cushioning. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence is far from complete and it's hard to give clear recommendations. I believe that some runners will prefer more cushioning, while others prefer less, and typically those running further have a fondness for greater cushioning. I also believe that a shoe should be as light as possible, and a shoe should justify its weight with the cushioning it provides. My advice is to decide what level of cushioning you're looking for, and then find the lightest shoes that also fit well and are comfortable.

4 Visualizing the Attributes of the Mizuno Wave Universe

How Mizuno Wave Universe compares showing rearfoot cushioning against the performance penalty of its weight. Upper right is better.	How Mizuno Wave Universe compares showing forefoot cushioning against the performance penalty of its weight. Upper right is better.
How Mizuno Wave Universe compares showing the price against the benefit (cushioning/performance penalty). Upper left is better.	How Mizuno Wave Universe compares showing the loaded drop against the benefit (cushioning/performance penalty). Upper left is better.

5 Comparisons

Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.

5.1 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
  • Flexibility. Both shoes are remarkably flexible.
• Advantage Wave Universe‏‎
  • Drop. The Wave Universe is 3mm drop, the Hyper Speed ‎is 6mm.
  • Grip. The Universe‏‎ has more grip in the forefoot.
  • Shape. The Wave Universe has a better toe box.
• Advantage Asics Gel Hyper Speed
  • Cushioning . The Hyper Speed‏‎ is a lot more softly cushioned.
  • Weight. The Wave Universe is a lighter, but the extra cushioning makes the Hyper Speed faster.
  • Longevity. The Hyper Speed‏‎ lasts longer.

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside
Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside

5.2 Wave Universe‏‎ and Altra One2

Comparing the Wave Universe‏‎ and the Altra One², 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
  • Grip. Neither has much grip.
  • Availability. Neither is widely stocked.
• Advantage Wave Universe‏‎
  • Weight. The Wave Universe is a lot lighter (the lack of cushioning means that the Altra is not much slower.)
  • Flexibility. The Wave Universe is a bit more flexible.
  • Longevity. The Wave Universe‏‎ lasts longer.
• Advantage Altra One2
  • Cushioning . The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
  • Drop. The Universe is 3mm drop, the Altra is zero-drop.
  • Shape. The Altra has a slightly better toe box, though it's close.

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 top	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 bottom	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 inside	Mizuno Wave Universe 5 outside
Altra One2 top	Altra One2 bottom	Altra One2 inside	Altra One2 outside

6 A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes

If you're looking for "the best of the best" running shoe, here are my top picks. Of course, the answer will depend a little on what you're looking for, so I have recommendations for various categories. Best All Round Shoe. The Altra Escalante is my current all-round favorite. It has plenty of cushioning for its weight, it has a very springy midsole, it lasts well, and it has a shape that's closer to the shape of a human foot than most shoes. It's a great shoe for any runner, including those Starting to run. It's also a fairly easy shoe to find due to its popularity. Best Maximalist Shoe: If you want something massively cushioned, then I'd recommend the Saucony Kinvara 8. It's remarkably light and remarkably cushioned, beating Hoka at their own game. Best Optimal Shoe: For those looking to trade cushioning for speed, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 was my top pick, but the latest version (LT 4) falls short of it's predecessor. There are lots of great optimal running shoes, which provide just enough cushioning with light weight and minimal frills, but all have their weak spots. Probably the best option at the moment is the Altra Vanish-R, which offers great cushioning for just over 5oz/150g. Fastest Shoe: If you really want speed, then check out the Nike Vaporfly 4%. It's light, massively cushioned, and has a carbon fiber plate. Nothing comes close, not even the now defunct New Balance RC5000‏‎ or New Balance RC5000v2‏‎. There are a number of caveats; it's really expensive, it's really hard to find, and there's a significant injury risk. Best Minimalist Shoe: Merrell Trail Glove. I recommend the trail glove for road running in spite of the 'trail' moniker. It's not a fast shoe by any means, but it's comfortable and will last well. All Terrain Shoe. For trail running, I've become a fan of Altra, and I think their best shoe is the the Altra Timp, though the Altra Lone Peak is really close. Honorable Mention: It's not really a running shoe, but the Vivobarefoot Ra is comfortable, minimalist and can more or less pass as a dress shoe. I've worn mine to weddings with a suit and they've not looked out of place. You can run in the Ra, but the leather means it doesn't breathe well.

For a more detailed on running shoes see the Recommendations for Best Running Shoes. This table lists the key attributes of What to Look for in Running Shoes. For more detailed information, on the shoes see detailed shoe comparison.

It's not a running shoe, but I love the Hoka Tor Ultra hiking boot and I've tested the Altra Lone Peak Boot, the Hoka Tor Speed 2, and the Inov-8 Roclite 325 hiking boots
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