I have tested the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 and I must say that the shoe is a really positive surprise.
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On the one hand Mizuno is known for being very conservative when designing shoes, yet on the other hand for producing incredibly high quality shoes. Thus, if you buy a Mizuno shoe, you will always get a shoe that you can trust and that you can rely on for miles and miles. Every now and again, however, there may be an element or two you have to compromise on.
In the case of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6's, weight has been the main compromise.
So we might as well talk about the elephant in the room.
The Sample Size (US 9) weighs 334g. This is admittedly quite a lot in today's market. But the positive thing is that it doesn't actually feel as heavy as it is. It doesn't feel like an ultralight super shoe either, but still definitely lighter than a shoe weighing 334g.
Who is the shoe for?
The shoe is ideal for runners who appreciate extra support, comfort and stability.
Mizuno describe the shoe in the following way:
Unlike other stability shoes, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is not equipped with a wedge or other form of stability component on the inside of the foot. Nevertheless, there are a number of features in the shoe that stabilise your foot movement and provide suitable support when on your run.
On the outside of the shoe is Mizuno's Wave technology, which helps to provide softness and bounce, and which, according to MIzuno, also helps to provide forward momentum. Furthermore, if you look at the design of the waves, you can also see that they have a slightly different design on the inside than on the outside of the shoe. They are slightly larger on the inside, and this helps to support the inside of the foot well.
Foto: Malte Kirkebæk Weis
Secondly, the outsole covers further up the inside of the shoe than it does on the outside, which also helps to stabilise your foot upon landing.
Mizuno describe the foam in this shoe as both super soft and bouncy - I don't necessarily agree. I think the foam has some firmness, without being overly hard. However, between these layers of foam they have placed what they call an 'Enerzy Core' - a soft material which provides softness to the two harder layers of foam. And this I definitely think you can feel.
Upper
The upper lives up to its name and features the wave design on the side of the shoe. Yet the waves are more than just for the sake of appearance. First and foremost, they are meant to be stretchy sideways, but not lengthwise. That way, the shoe has some flexibility in relation to the fit of your foot, but you won't be sliding forward in the shoe. In addition, the waves are slightly larger on the inside of the shoe, and this should also help to provide additional stability.
Foto: Malte Kirkebæk Weis
What can the shoe be worn for?
This is a versatile shoe, but also a rather heavy shoe. If you only need one pair of running shoes and you really want added stability, then this is a really good choice. If you have several pairs of running shoes, I would recommend this shoe as a high mileage running shoe or a shoe for the more relaxed runs. All in all, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a versatile and comfortable running shoe.
However, I would say that it is also possible to wear the shoe on the faster runs. I've run some tempo sessions in the shoe, and I think it handles the training surprisingly well.
A small side note is that it is a particularly good shoe if you are a heavier runner. The foam and sole are durable and Mizuno's quality means that the shoe can handle mile after mile under added stress.
Foto: Malte Kirkebæk Weis
This is a real, pardon the expression, no-bullshit shoe. It's a shoe that does what it promises, perhaps even more. It does the job, and it does it well. You don't get fancy plates or a new wacky type of of foam, but you get a high-quality shoe that's versatile, comfortable and not least great for running.
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