Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 First Impression:
Great anticipation has been building for the Wave Inspire 8. Many loyal Inspire runners were taken aback by the sweeping changes made to the Inspire 7. Unfold the tissue paper in the box and you’ll see what looks like a Wave Inspire 6 but you’ll find a new but strikingly familiar ride in the Wave Inspire 8.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 Upper:
Mizuno turned back the clock when laying out the plans for the upper of the Wave Inspire 8. Gone is the higher cut heel collar and Dynamotion Fit tab of the Wave Inspire 7. Instead we find a much more lower profile upper with similarly cut overlays as found in the Wave Inspire 6.
Mizuno is still using a wide hole mesh for breathability and the overlay material feels identical to that of my old Wave Inspire 6. Also removed are the flex eyelets and the longer tongue of the Wave Inspire 7.
In fact, the only Wave Inspire 7 design carryover I could find was the inner heel lining material, the Ortholite sock liner and some very slightly modified lateral overlays.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 Sole Unit
Mizuno reinvented the entire midsole for the Wave Inspire 8. While the VS-1 cushioning wedge is still found in the heel, everything else has changed.
Mizuno reengineered the wave plate in the Wave Inspire 8 to provide a level of stability that I haven’t seen in this series since the Wave Inspire 4. Not only is the wave plate providing more arch support, Mizuno has also slightly flared the medial aspect of the heel to ensure a stable landing and transition through toe off.
In the forefoot Mizuno has carved out a bit more midsole foam at the flex point and added flex controllers which almost act as a secondary wave in the forefoot. Still in place is Mizuno’s AP+ midsole foam which is a more durable and springy formulation of their classic AP foam.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 Opinion
I have liked every version of the Wave Inspire series since I ran in the Wave Inspire 2. However, as the series progressed it became less stable and more geared towards light weight and quick transition thus making every Inspire after the 4 not suitable as my workhorse training shoe. When the Inspire 7 came out I broke my half-marathon personal record twice in them! I had relegated the Inspire series to a distance racing shoe for the most part until I ran in the Wave Inspire 8.
Until now, no other shoe has challenged the Mizuno Wave Nirvana as my go to shoe. The Wave Inspire 8 is a real threat to do just that. I simply cannot keep from reaching for these shoes for every run! In fact, I just took them to the New Orleans Jazz half marathon and shattered my previous best by six minutes.
The Wave Inspire 8 is hitting the sweet spot for me – the arch is there, the transition is still quick and the ride is cushioned but never separated from the road. During the race, I never even thought about my Wave Inspire 8’s. And trust me, New Orleans asphalt will exploit any weakness in a running shoe. Mizuno has turned all the dials to 10 on the Wave Inspire 8. Burn!
Wave Inspire 6 fans, Mizuno has heard you and answered with a low profile heel collar and increased stability. Rejoice!
We thank the nice people at Mizuno for sending us a pair of Wave Inspire 8 for testing. This did not influence our review, written after running more than 50 miles in them
price comparison
 | Mizuno Men's Wave Inspire 8 Running Shoe endless.com FREE overnight shipping, FREE return shipping (for 365 days). Ships internationally (FREE over 100$) | $104.95 |
 | Mizuno - Wave Inspire 8 (white/anthracite/prism Violet) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $104.99 |
 | Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 - Men's - Shoes - Grey Onlineshoes Free shippings, free exchanges, 365 days returns. | $114.95 |
 | Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 Shoes (wht/anthracite/orng) - Men's Shoes - 9.5 M shoes.com Free shippings, Free returns | $115.00 |
Written by Theo Clyatt
Theo Clyatt lives in Mississippi and works as an Exercise Physiologist. He and his wife, Melanie, are raising their first child and potential track star, Jackson. His passions outside of running include herding four cats and playing insanely loud electric guitars.
My go-to shoe! Great companion to the Elixir.
This is a fantastic shoe – I agree with the review. The only negative I can find is borderline forefoot cushion – I’d like to see a bit more under the ball of the foot.
Great job, Mizuno!
The Wave Inspire 7 was bad, the 8 is great again and if you get the Osaka Marathon special edition, than you have a nice cool version in blue of this shoe. I fell in love with it the second I tried it on again. I still do not feel home in the 7. Great shoe.
I’ve enjoyed running in the Inspires for years…but, the arch in the 7 is too high for my liking … how does the arch in the 8 compare?? I also run in the Elixirs and they work well for me in races.
Hi Mike,
I’m the author and I really prefer the arch of the 8 to the 7 because it is more stable and a little longer. I think I know what you mean about the 7 as it had a “spike” kinda feel to it. It did not bother me at all though. In my opinion, the 8 is the best Inspire since the 2. Thanks for reading!
The Inspire went up $15, as did the Wave Rider. Kind of a joke really.
Colin, you’re right! It is a $15 increase and I can’t say exactly why. I do know that most shoes have or will be increasing in price due to a number of factors. Petroleum is still very expensive and is utilized in most every phase of shoe production and shipping. Secondly, the Chinese standard of living is increasing and so are their wages. Thanks for the comment!
Snug, foot hugging feel in heel and arch area, a bit roomy in the toebox.
I don’t know why but expected them to be less bulky. To be honest, the last period I was running in the DS Trainers so I am a little prejudiced maybe. Anyway, after some meters you forget about their volume since they feel lighter than they are.
Until now I was running in really soft shoes. Even the DS trainers are very cushy for their category. So I had my doubts if I would like the firmer Mizuno ride…
What I was missing until now..!! Simply awesome!
The perfect blend between cushioning and responsiveness.
You land smoothly on the heel or middle (I haven’t decided yet what striker I am) and you feel immediately that you are ready to take off. No waste of energy or effort, like the shoe does the transition for you. Maybe I would like the forefoot a bit more cushioned but again that’s something I notice only in slower pace.
The arch sits a little high but it’s something I notice only when walking.
I cannot describe/explain their level of support but all I can say is that I felt no pain or discomfort, being a moderate overpronator who does fine in GTS 11 or 2160. For what it’s worth, looking at my feet while running, they were landing in an almost neutral position.
Good flexibility, breathable and awesome looking (the Osakas, not the others).
Excellent job, Mizuno!
I have always been a fan of the Wave Inspire’s, and really liked the Wave Inspire 4 and 6 in particular, however I ran into issues with the 8. The outside midsole seems to be lacking some of the support I’ve grown accustomed to. Any recommendations on other brand/models?
The Asics 2170, Nike Structure, Brooks Adrenaline and Ravenna, New Balance 860 V2 and Saucony Guide would be what you should look at.
These were great for a few days and since then I cannot even jog my ankles hurt too much. Im new to jogging/running and have been wearing neutral cheap runners up until now (a few months).
In these I cannot even run 20m as my ankles feel as if they will snap. Any suggestions? With the cost I want them to work as I really cannot afford another $200 odd pair of runners right now, but I also need to keep up my training.
Anastasia, it sounds as though you should make a trip to your local running store and have someone evaluate your gait. The Inspire may not be the correct choice for your foot type. Keep us updated on what happens!
These have been disastrous for me. I had previously run in ASICS GT2160 and Brooks Adrenalines. These felt like running on concrete to me. I have never loved my ASICS more than when I put them on after these Mizunos.
Carolyn, not all shoes work for every runner. Sounds like you’ve already found your shoe in the Asics 2000 series. I wouldn’t mess with something that’s working. Thanks for reading!
I have got a pair of these and ran the Paris marathon with them and have to say these are the best shoes I’ve had for long distance running. I wonder how does this compare to Wave Rider 15 though, I tried those on but they felt a bit tight on the sides hence I opted for Inspire 8 which I am glad to say enabled me to get below 3 hours in the Marathon for the first time which was fantastic!
Thanks
Nick
Congrats Nick! Breaking 3 hours is a true milestone and one I haven’t been able to do yet. Cheers!
The Inspire is the stability counterpart to the Rider. The Rider is a neutral shoe and since you’ve had such good fortune with the Inspire, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I am a new runner and have a definite heel-strike running pattern. I’ve been running in Brooks Adrenaline and tried out the Puma Ventis as well. As a moderate over-pronator, I’m trying to decide between the Mizuno Wave Inspire and the Mizuno Wave Elixir. I’m working up to my first 5k (after doing Warrior Dash last weekend). Which shoe do you recommend? Thanks,
Bre
Bre, I would go with the Inspire or Nirvana for a daily trainer and use the Elixir for racing/speedwork/tempo runs. Congrats on the Warrior Dash, I just did my first one two weeks ago. Most fun I’ve ever had at a race.
I am just wearing out my second pair of Wave Inspire 7s. I love the ride! As I have gotten into better shape, I’ve noticed my foot strike migrating a bit from heel to mid-foot. The Wave Inspire 7s seem to be too snug in the forefoot, causing a few blisters on the tips of my toes. Has the forefoot changed any in the Wave Inspire 8s? Thanks,
Cory
Blisters on the toe tip almost sounds like you need to go up 1/2 size. However, I have never seen your feet so that’s quite difficult to judge-your best bet is to head to your local running store and compare sizes.
I found the forefoot width to be similar in the Inspire 7 and 8 but the 8 rides and performs much better. Thanks for reading and let us know what happens.
I have found the review very informative, but it has also left me with a problem – do i go for the Inspire 8, Nirvana 8 or Alchemy 11? I over-pronate and need arch support as well as a slighty wider forefoot fit. Am currently using NB 1226 which are ok, but not great. I am looking for a multi purpose trainer that can be used for training and up to half marathon distance – any suggestions??
Barry, I have worn the 1226 and if you need that level of support plus a roomier toebox I would look at the Nirvana 8. The Nirvana 8 will go any distance without worry.
I live in Japan so I am looking at buying a pair of these. I am i the Air Force, and they only sell one pair of shoes for those with flat feet, the Asics Gel Foundation 9 (http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/gel-foundation-9). They seem to be heavy, and the review states for heavier set people, or people or overly pronate. I run maybe 25 – 30 miles a week, so I’m hoping these will feel like they give my flat feet a little more freedom as I run the Japanese countryside.
As far as the Asics go, when I do run I do find my the underside of first metatarsel does ache a little. I’m not sure if that’s because of the shoe, or me adjusting to running outside. It’s like my back has a lot of support but not so much in the front.