Our verdict

The zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas breaks away from convention with a prominent heel cutout exposing its fiberglass Wave Plate. This lightweight, all-pace, high-stability shoe not only looks good to us, but also provides ample cushioning for those long runs. Yet, concerns about durability emerged in our lab, particularly given its near $200 price tag.

Best Mizuno soccer cleats Pros

  • Unique geometry
  • Exceptionally lightweight
  • Responsive midsole
  • Versatile for both tempo pace and long runs
  • Superior heel lock
  • Remarkable stability
  • Spacious toebox

Best Mizuno soccer cleats Cons

  • Potentially overpriced at $180
  • Lacks outsole durability
  • Thin oversized tongue

Audience verdict

87
Great!

Who should buy

While this is an interesting shoe, it may not suit everyone. We recommend it for:

  • Runners looking for a versatile shoe capable of handling both easy and tempo training sessions, even on the track.
  • Those seeking a running shoe that offers ample cushioning for extended runs, all packaged in a lightweight design.
  • Mizuno aficionados Mizuno Maximizer 23 K1GA210209.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas

Best Mizuno soccer cleats | Who should NOT buy

If you're a runner who tends to wear out the outsoles on most running shoes quickly, we advise steering clear of this Mizuno. You might want to consider a comparable running shoe with a more robust outsole, such as the Puma Deviate Nitro 2.

This shoe may also be a poor fit for runners with narrow feet since it runs wide. If you're looking for narrower shoes that can also serve as reliable tempo training partners for long runs, consider options like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 or the Hoka Mach 5.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas

Cushioning

Heel stack

Boasting 36.4 mm of foam in the heel, this lightweight running shoe is capable of any long run even for heel strikers. The superior cushioning that we felt underfoot was truly impressive, and the lab-based measurement provided just the validation we needed.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Heel stack
Test results
Wave Rebellion 36.4 mm
Average 34.7 mm
Compared to 486 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
22.5 mm
Heel stack
48.1 mm

Forefoot stack

We found a substantial 28.7 mm of foam in the forefoot area during our measurements.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas forefoot

This is indeed enough to endure any workout, and it's plenty to satisfy the needs of forefoot strikers.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Forefoot stack
Test results
Wave Rebellion 28.7 mm
Average 26.1 mm
Compared to 486 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
38.5 mm

Drop

Kudos to Mizuno on this one! Lately we're seeing some pretty wild differences between a brand's stated drop and our meticulous measurements.

This time we clocked a 7.7 mm with the caliper when Mizuno claimed 8 mm. Now, that's some cool Japanese precision!

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Drop
Test results
Wave Rebellion 7.7 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 486 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
-0.1 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, training a high measurement means it's firm.

Living up to its reputation, Mizuno delivers another moderately firm midsole with this shoe.

Registering at 24.3 HA, the Enerzy Lite foam offers a springy ride. However, don't expect an ultra-soft feel under your foot. It provides more of a classic running experience.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Midsole softness
Test results
Wave Rebellion 24.3 HA
Average 20.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 412 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
5.9 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
36.1 HA

Size and fit

Size

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas fits slightly large (20 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

zapatillas de running Mizuno ritmo medio pie normal ultra trail?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

Toebox width - widest part

Mizuno has a clear affinity for crafting shoes suitable for wide feet, and this model proves it once again.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas feet

With a roomy measurement of 101.7 mm, the upper comfortably accommodates nearly all foot types, eliminating any need for a wider size. However, if you have narrow feet, you might want to consider another shoe like the Nike ZoomX Streakfly.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Toebox width at the widest part

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 101.7 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
91.6 mm
upper Mizuno Ezrun LX
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The shoe's roominess isn't limited to its widest part—it extends to the toe area as well. Our precise measurements clock the toe region at a generous 79 mm.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Toebox width at the big toe

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 79.0 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
67.6 mm
Toebox width
89.2 mm

Footwear MIZUNO Wave Stream 2 J1GC191916 Black Phantom

Some runners assume that shoes with a plate will always be super stiff, but that's just not true. Shoes with Pebax or fiberglass plates, like the Wave Rebellion, stay pretty flexible, unlike those with carbon-fiber plates.

To prove it, we only had to apply 26.1N of force to bend it 90 degrees. That's less than most running shoes ask of us!

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 26.1N
Average 28.1N
Mizuno Women s clothing T-shirts.
Compared to 383 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
2.2N
Flexibility Stiffness
72.1N

Best Mizuno soccer cleats | Stiffness in cold (%)

In cold temperatures, the shoe does get a tad stiffer—we needed to apply 32.3N of force to bend it 90 degrees.

But here's the thing. Most of the shoe's stiffness stems from the fiberglass plate, which isn't affected by cold. So, the actual difference ends up being minor.

In reality, it's just a 23.7% increase. A truly outstanding performance!

Test results
Wave Rebellion 24%
Average 33%
Compared to 383 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

Tipping the scales at a featherlight 8.7 oz (247g), we certainly classify this as a delightfully light shoe.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas cutout

Of course, the ingenious cutout in the heel we've previously mentioned deserves abundant credit for this weight reduction.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 8.7 oz (247g)
Average 9.3 oz (264g)
Compared to 487 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
5.3 oz (149g)
Weight
12.9 oz (366g)

Breathability

In the past decade, breathable shoes were hard to find, but that's not the case anymore. That's why we felt a tad let down when, after our smoke-pumping test in the lab, the Wave Rebellion only scored a 3/5. This result seems low for a shoe that costs $180.

But we do have some good news. We discovered breathable sections on the medial side of the shoe when we put it under the light. This feature isn't always present in all shoes, and we truly value it. It's beneficial for runners who tend to get blisters on their arches.

Nevertheless, nothing helps understand this shoe's subpar breathability better than a microscope. The Wave Rebellion is constructed from a thin but dense engineered mesh, and it doesn't feature any ventilation holes.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas microscope

Mizuno believed a thin mesh would suffice, but it's clear that isn't the case. 

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas micro

Test results
Wave Rebellion 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 416 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Wave Rebellion proves itself as a trustworthy option for anyone seeking a fast-yet-stable and lightweight running shoe.

Torsional rigidity

Mizuno's first step to achieve stability is to integrate a fiberglass plate into the midsole. This feature is actually why we awarded it a solid 4/5 on our torsional rigidity test.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 465 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Simultaneously, Mizuno opts for a stiff heel counter, ensuring stability for heel strikers and preventing heel slippage.

This might come at the expense of comfort, and we found it worthy of a strong 4/5 rating.

Test results
Wave Rebellion 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 449 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 4

The third element that enhances stability is the shape of the shoe.

With a forefoot width of 115.1 mm, this Mizuno model is undeniably wider than the average running shoe, outpacing most of its speed-training rivals.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Wave Rebellion 115.1 mm
Average 114.3 mm
Compared to 487 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
102.2 mm
Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 4
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

However, the heel is slightly narrower (87 mm) compared to most other shoes on the market. But the difference is small, so we don't see it posing a problem for any runner.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Wave Rebellion 87.0 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 487 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

Though we weren't blown away by the breathability, this is just the beginning, and there's room for improvement. We moved on to our durability test for the upper. Here, we use the Dremel in the same way on every shoe, allowing us to compare the damage accurately.

With the Wave Rebellion, the outcome wasn't as impressive as with the Nike Alphafly 2. However, it was sufficient to get a score of 2/5, which isn't a bad result by any means in this test.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Toebox durability
Test results
Wave Rebellion 2
Average 2.6
Compared to 350 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1
Toebox durability
5

COMPARA PRECIOS DE LAS MIZUNO EZRUN

We conducted the same Dremel-based test on the heel.

This Mizuno running shoe zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto voladoras blancas.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas COMPARA PRECIOS DE LAS MIZUNO EZRUN
Test results
Wave Rebellion 2
Average 3.4
Compared to 344 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1
COMPARA PRECIOS DE LAS MIZUNO EZRUN
5

Outsole hardness

This outsole is one of the most fascinating we've encountered recently. Mizuno has Prodigy from the conventional outsole pattern, opting for a multi-lug arrangement that includes a large cutout in the heel's center—where the fiberglass Wave Plate is visible.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas outsole

This particular design choice explains why Mizuno went with a 84.0 HC rubber, which is harder than average. They're attempting to counterbalance the lessened ground contact area due to the reduced rubber. 

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Outsole hardness
Test results
Wave Rebellion 84.0 HC
Average 79.2 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 411 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Yet, we encountered an issue. As we used again the Dremel to gauge the outsole's durability, we were taken aback by the extent of the damage.

The lug was simply ruined. Regrettably, we have to report that Mizuno's strategy to enhance durability didn't worked at all. And you want a $180 shoe to last as much as possible.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Outsole durability
Test results
Wave Rebellion 3.9 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 328 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

It's important to remember that this isn't your average running shoe outsole—it's a multi-lug configuration that performs exceptionally well on both roads and dirt paths, and it's really nice for taking sharp turns.

We recorded the outsole thickness as 3.7 mm, which is probably too low given the poor durability shown before.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Outsole thickness
Test results
Wave Rebellion 3.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 483 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
0.5 mm
Outsole thickness
6.1 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

At 4.1 mm, the insole checks out just as we anticipated—it won't cause any trouble and it's comfortable enough for long runs.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Insole thickness
Test results
Wave Rebellion 4.1 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 481 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.6 mm

Removable insole

Removing the insole isn't a problem at all in this Mizuno tempo training shoe.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Removable insole
Test results
Wave Rebellion Yes

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, training a high measurement means it's firm.
zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Midsole softness in cold

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Sadly, the shoe becomes noticeably firmer in colder temperatures. After leaving it in our freezer for 20 minutes, we took another measurement and saw a jump to 33.5 HA on the durometer reading.

This is a significant increase of 38.1%, which lags behind the performance of an average shoe.

We do wish Mizuno had chosen to use Enerzy Lite+ (PEBA) for this one, which would be appropiate given its MSRP. 

Test results
Wave Rebellion 38%
Average 24%
Compared to 411 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Reflective elements

Sadly, we noticed that Mizuno has opted not to include any reflective elements on this shoe, which is quite disappointing.

Could this decision be again in pursuit of weight savings? It's likely!

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Reflective elements
Test results
Wave Rebellion No

Tongue padding

Mizuno has certainly prioritized weight savings when it comes to the tongue of the shoe. We found ourselves wishing for a bit more padding, though.

The Wave Rebellion comes with a mere 0.9 mm of padding in the tongue, which gives it a feel more akin to a racing shoe!

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas Tongue padding
Test results
Wave Rebellion 0.9 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 484 running shoes
zapatillas de running Mizuno hombre talla 17.5
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

zapatillas de running Mizuno competición talla 40

For a speed-focused trainer like this, a gusseted tongue is essential. Mizuno meets our expectations by incorporating a Inspire-gusseted one. It effectively keeps the tongue in place during our runs, offering a comfortable fit without any hint of constriction.

zapatillas de running Mizuno asfalto amarillas zapatillas de running Mizuno competición talla 40
Test results
Wave Rebellion Both sides (semi)