Every running shoe maker that uses EVA foam to create the midsole of their running shoes will use a specific formula in order to produce a feel that is specific to them. Mizuno shoes are characterized by a responsive feel. That means Mizuno shoes tend to be on the firmer side. You’ll feel like your feet are landing on the ground, not the clouds.

With that decision, the Mizuno Wave Precision, Elixir, Musha, and Ronin disappeared from the shoe wall and were replaced by only two shoes – the Sayonara and the Hitogami.

MIZUNO ENERZY FOAM is a mid-sole material that delivers excellent softness and rebound next to being very durable. It is 17% softer and delivers 15% more energy return than previously used materials. It is 293% softer and provides 56% more energy return than previously used mid-sole materials.

Enerzy is an EVA-based midsole compound, while Enerzy Core is an extremely soft and responsive rubber compound that sits at the center of a sneaker’s tooling. Having different types of compounds has allowed Mizuno to reach a greater range of runners.

Men’s Mizuno Wave Rider The Wave Rider is Mizuno’s all time best selling neutral everyday running shoe. Mizuno’s best selling everyday stability running shoe is the Wave Inspire. The Mizuno Wave Shadow is a lightweight, neutral running shoe best suited for faster paced training.

Almost all Mizuno running shoes will have some type of Wave plate. The length and shape of the plate might differ. Sometimes a shoe might feature a double Wave plate. But if you see a Wave plate, then you know you’re looking at a Mizuno running shoe.

Mizuno wants you to feel like you are landing on firm ground, not sinking into the sand. In 2013, Mizuno released the latest generation of their foam: U4ic (pronounced, “Euphoric”). It first featured in their light weight trainer, Wave Sayonara, and has made its way into every Mizuno running shoe since then.