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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mizuno Wave Universe 5 Review}}
The Mizuno Wave Universe 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. The lack of outsole in the rear of the shoe means it doesn't last long unless you're a forefoot runner that never touches down with your heel. I've rated it as "Highly Recommended." {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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=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 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 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 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 heel strike. In practice the rear of the foot wears even faster than you'd expect due to the cutout (seen as a black oval in the images).
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Wave Universe is closer to the human foot than many designs, and I didn't need to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box for comfort]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Wave Universe Universe and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==Comparing the Wave Universe 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 UniverseUniverse** {{H:drop}}. The Wave Universe is 3mm drop, the Hyper Speed is is 6mm. ** {{H:grip}}. The Universe 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 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 Speed lasts longer.
{| class="wikitable"
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|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
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==Mizuno Wave Universe and Merrell Trail GloveGlove==
The Universe and the [[Merrell Trail Glove]] are both minimalist shoes, but they approach minimalism in different ways. The Wave Universe is extremely light weight, and less than half the weight of the Trail Glove. However, the Trail Glove will last far, far longer than the Wave Universe.
{| class="wikitable"
|[[File:Merrell-Trail-Glove-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Merrell Trail Glove 3 outside]]
|}
==Wave Universe Universe and Altra One==Comparing the Wave Universe Universe and the [[Altra One]], the Altra wins on cushioning and comfort, but the Wave Universe 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 UniverseUniverse
** {{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 Universe lasts longer.
* Advantage [[Altra One]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
