 Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 |
| Full Name: Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 |
| Category: Stability / Motion Control |
| Weight: 13 oz. (370 gr.) |
| Suggested Price: 115 $ |
| Recommended For: Moderate to severe over pronators |
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 General Info:
Now entering its second decade of production, the Mizuno Wave Alchemy returns with a new upper and midsole material while retaining the supportive ride that Alchemy runners have come to rely on. As Mizuno’s only motion control shoe, the Wave Alchemy 11 is poised to compete with the Brooks Beast and Ariel, the Asics Foundation and Evolution and the New Balance 1123 and 1012.
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 Sole Unit:
The nucleus of any Mizuno running shoe is its wave plate. The Mizuno Wave technology utilizes plastic plates that are tuned for different types of feet. The Wave Alchemy 11 employs Mizuno’s most supportive dual fan wave which is engineered to provide targeted support for moderate to severe over pronators. Over pronation occurs when the foot strikes the ground and the arch of the foot collapses too far inward. This excessive motion is great for absorbing the shock of foot strike but also can over stress the plantar fascia and lower leg musculature resulting in injury. The Wave Alchemy 11 plate begins at the heel and travels the entire length of the arch thus controlling over pronation and allowing for a more neutral, centered foot strike.
Alchemy 11 (left) vs 10 (right)
At first glance, the Wave Alchemy 11 midsole seems identical to the Wave Alchemy 10. However, the Wave Alchemy 11 gets a substantial improvement with the addition of AP+ midsole foam. AP+ is Mizuno’s upgraded formulation of their classic AP foam and it boasts improved durability and a bouncier, more lively ride. Mizuno’s VS-1 cushioning compound is still found in the heel and Gender Engineering is also carried over from the Wave Alchemy 10. Gender Engineering is Mizuno’s approach to designing the heel and tread patterns to better suit unique male and female foot strike characteristics.
MizuMizuno Wave Alchemy 11 Upper:
The Wave Alchemy 11 is most strikingly different in its upper design. The Wave Alchemy 11 still retains Mizuno’s Dynamotion Fit collar tab but employs a different mid foot saddle aimed at better locking the foot down and preventing lateral movement inside the shoe. An Ortholite sockliner is still standard equipment. Other changes include a tighter heel fit and softer overlays. Interestingly, the bottom of the Mizuno runbird logo is now placed completely over the lower medial and lateral overlay instead of being sewn under them as in the Wave Alchemy 10. By doing this Mizuno removes one more potential spot of irritation and makes the shoe more streamlined inside. This seemingly small detail shows just how much attention Mizuno puts into the design and update process of their footwear.
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 (left) vs 10 (right) upper
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 Opinion:
Again, I’m impressed with the latest version of the Wave Alchemy. I ran a trouble free marathon in the Wave Alchemy 10 a week after a hard 15K race. Although I don’t fit the traditional motion control paradigm at 6’ tall and 160 pounds, I have very flexible arches which will give me trouble if I don’t use a supportive shoe. I’m actually at the upper end of what most stability shoes can handle but Mizuno always comes through for me with the Wave Alchemy and Wave Nirvana series.
The Wave Alchemy 11 has a solid ride that transitions well and is durable enough for daily training just like its predecessor. I did notice that the new AP+ foam does indeed feel bouncier and I also appreciated the heel fit of the Wave Alchemy 11 versus the 10. However, it does seem that the upper in the Wave Alchemy 11 has more volume than before. This will probably fit a thicker foot better but I have not had any issues thus far. Having said that, I still prefer the lower profile upper in the Wave Alchemy 10. The Wave Alchemy 11 does outshine the 10 in regards to heel fit as the new design is simply more locked in than before.
The Wave Alchemy 11 continues to provide a lighter, faster feeling option in the motion control category. Rarely does one find a shoe as simultaneously runnable and supportive as the Wave Alchemy 11. It’s a speeding bullet when compared to the motion control competition. It’s not a shoe I would take to a 5K but the Wave Alchemy 11 will handle all the training miles necessary to get you to your personal best on race day.
Review by Theo Clyatt
Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 Price Comparison:
 | Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 Shoes (white/cyber Yellow) - Men's Shoes - 8.0 M shoes.com Free shippings, Free returns | $103.46 |
 | Mizuno Men's Wave Alchemy 11 Running Shoe endless.com FREE overnight shipping, FREE return shipping (for 365 days). Ships internationally (FREE over 100$) | $114.95 |
 | Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 - Men's - Shoes - White Onlineshoes Free shippings, free exchanges, 365 days returns. | $114.95 |
 | Mizuno - Wave Alchemy 11 (white/super Pink/artisans Gold) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $115.00 |
Hey Theo, are you able to compare the cushion of the Alchemy 11 to the 10? I’ve seem some data on Runner’s World which indicates the 11 is much less cushioned than the 10 – especially in the forefoot.
Any comments?
Hi Steven,
That was not my experience at all. The Alchemy 11 does use Mizuno’s new AP+ foam which is a bit “bouncier” but I wouldn’t say it’s a drastically different ride. I ran a marathon in the 10 and an ultra in the 11 and both were fine for me. Thanks for the question.
Quick question. You mention more volume in the upper. I’ve got pretty narrow feet and generally have to lace my shoes up pretty tight. The 10 was fine. Do you think the 11 will be a problem?
It might. I didn’t have any issue with it but my feet are more average width. It’s tricky to gauge things like fit on the internet since I can’t see your feet. It is an obvious difference to me though. Having said that, the heel is more locked in than before. You may also want to look at the new Wave Inspire 8 or Wave Nirvana 8. Let me know what you find out!
Hi Theo,
I’ve been using Wave Nirvana series for 5yrs now and run 3 half marathons and happy with them. 18months ago, I struggled to get a pair and ‘crossed over’ to Asics gel – what a mistake!!
Now I’m still fairly hefty at 190lb and 5ft 9, severe overpronator, zip arch and wide feet (aka Duck like or Mr Frodo!). The Asics gave me distal medial calf pain (tib post tendonitis) and some plantar fascitis after just 3 short runs. I went straight back to Nirvana but still get a degree of pain after running. I managed a further half marathon pain free 2 months ago. That said I was 210lb when I started running and used the Nirvana 4,5,6 pain free before the Asics..
I’ve been looking at your reviews and wonder if I would be better trying the Alchemy 11? Locally we have very limited outlets and would have to order so keen to get advice prior to purchase. Many thanks
Bob, I understand your pain! I’ve had those same issues when using a shoe without enough arch support. It sounds like the Alchemy could be an ideal shoe for you if you have a wider and flatter foot type. Mine are more average width but with a very flexible arch. Personally, I usually prefer the slimmer fitting and higher arched Nirvana but the Alchemy is a fine shoe as well. I did a 15 miler in my Alchemy 11′s just this past weekend! Let me know what you end up with.
I just HAVE to comment on the Mizunousa brand, their Cimabue and the Alchemy.. the Alchemy 10. Is my first Mizunousa product.. following my Brooks.. what a difference .. I am a severe overpronator and I can run, run, run in the Mizunos.. they are amazing.. Leo, Mizunousa is unmatched in customer service.. after having my shoes only a very short time, and having a n accident at the gym .. I wrote to Mizuno, and they stood by their product.. I will forever support their brand and highly recommended their products, from a quality standpoint and a customer service standpoint .. well done, Mizuno, well done…