Mizuno Wave Equate

A new shoe design added to the Mizuno catalog for 2017 and replacing the Connect line, the Mizuno Wave Equate retains a good amount of features of this shoe but with some "plus" technology that makes it more adaptive and efficient.

Intended for athletes with a pronator and a light to medium build, these support shoes are also an excellent value for money option, being in the lower price range of the company.

Upper of the shoe

The upper of this shoe is covered with AIRmesh, which is quite soft to the touch; the mesh extends over almost the entire upper of the shoe, so the foot will be kept ventilated from all angles.

Synthetic reinforcements are placed in the forefoot and all around the shoe for extra durability for these wear-prone areas. On the sides the Mizuno logo is made of a fairly robust material that makes this section of the shoe stand out, but also allows for better support for the sides.

This reinforcement on the sides ties directly into the lacing system and heel overlays, allowing the runner to custom fit the shoe. Thick laces offer a more comfortable fit, while the padded tongue and collar give a snug lockdown that keeps the foot in place at all times.

Midsole

In the midsole of the Mizuno Wave Equate we find the same technologies that we could see in the Mizuno Connect shoes, especially in the Connect 3. There are two layers of material that are in charge of cushioning, the first one corresponds to the EL8 technology, which can be distinguished on the outside by its white color; this material allows the foot to settle in the midsole allowing greater comfort, while absorbing and efficiently distributing the energy of the contact with the ground to achieve a more fluid stride.

The second material we can see in the midsole is the U4ic in blue, which is clearly identified in the heel section. This addition allows for greater protection for the heel section by providing an extra layer of cushioning material on impact with the ground; for those new to running this feature is important, as this section of the foot is usually contacted first.

Finally, the shoes also feature Wave technology, a wave design for the midsole that adapts better to the anatomy of the foot to give greater support and flexibility to the step.

Outsole

The outsoles also go along the same lines as the Connect shoes, with a flex groove design and the use of a high-strength rubber, the low-profile pattern allows the outsoles better grip, while traction will be more efficient on asphalt surfaces, although the outsoles will perform with versatility in different terrain conditions. The X10 rubber reinforcements are placed at points most prone to wear and tear to offer durability and resistance.

The Mizuno Wave Equate shoes are the firm's new trend in training shoes, offering good support, cushioning and foot protection for runners looking for comfort.