Mizuno Wave Shadow

The Mizuno Wave Shadowshoes arriveas a training model to replace the Mizuno Wave Sayonara. It is important to know that the Wave Shadow share many features of the Sayonara both in weight and structure, however we will also see differences. For example in the drop, which goes from the 10mm of the previous shoe to 8mm for this edition, thus providing a better ground feel without sacrificing much cushioning.

Upper features

The upper design has now a more refined and quality style, in the front we can appreciate a single piece of mesh which has holes of different sizes and gives the shoe a more modern and daring look, but also an optimal ventilation. The collar combines decent cushioning with a pattern in the fabric that helps keep the ankle from slipping while wearing the shoe and also allows for moisture management.

Unlike the Sayonara, this edition has eliminated the use of stitching almost entirely, making for a more comfortable shoe, with the upper securing the foot better without pressure points that can cause irritation.

The side overlays are made with a lightweight synthetic overlay that attaches directly to the lacing system, although it may seem that these overlays do not add functionality and are a simple styling detail, the truth is that they allow the midfoot section to fit better when tying the laces.

The tongue has medium padding and its size allows it to adapt well to the contour of the instep of our foot. It is covered with the same mesh used for the upper, which allows for good ventilation.

Midsole

For the midsole of the Mizuno Wave Shadow the U4icX compound is used, unlike the Sayonara that used a U4ic midsole; the difference between these two materials is that the one used in the Shadow is softer, which provides us with a more comfortable cushioning, but at the same time it still maintains its rebound, to offer a greater energy return that allows us a more fluid step.

Another detail that we can appreciate with respect to the midsole is the presence of triangular perforations that are placed around the contour of the shoe, which are very noticeable in the design. These shapes contribute to smooth the entire contour of the shoe, facilitating the landing, then the transition and finally the toe-off.

Outsole

The soles of these shoes are made from two different types of rubber. In all the orange areas of the outsole we find Mizunos X10 rubber, which offers good wear resistance and efficient traction, while in the green areas we have made use of a rubber with softer characteristics which allows for greater flexibility.

To make the soles even more flexible, grooves of different depths have been placed, which allow for a good range of motion. In the heel area is the Wave technology, which for this edition is more flexible and better sculpted than in other shoes, this allows greater support against torsion, but also leaves some range of lateral movement.

The Mizuno Wave Shadow shoes promise to become an excellent replacement for the Sayonara, with softer yet functional cushioning that will allow for a more comfortable run.