The Wave Creation, Mizuno’s high end tribute to premium cushioning and a plush ride has metamorphosed throughout the years but has always stayed true to its roots.  The latest version does not disappoint combining great durable Mizuno construction with their ultimate conception of wave technology.

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Upper

I’ve come to expect a good fitting upper when testing Mizuno shoes and the Creation 13′s upper does not disappoint.  A breathable mesh covers most of the upper reinforced by synthetic overlays which kept my foot feeling supported and locked down.  The mesh throughout the upper has some elastic properties, but especially in the toe box giving the wearer a customized fit.  

The lacing system is simple, yet effective, and the tongue is sewn into the upper which keeps it in place.  The fit hits that sweet spot for me between being too tight and too loose hugging the mid foot but allowing plenty of toe box room typical for Japanese shoe companies.

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Midsole

The upper of the Creation 13 sits immediately on a bed of soft and responsive EVA foam which runs the length of the shoe.  Mizuno uses their AP+ copolymer midsole material (think of a denser EVA foam) throughout the forefoot of the shoe providing a firm but responsive ride.  

Heel cushioning is mostly provided by the extended Wave Plate technology which runs from the heel through the arch of the shoe.  I would describe the heel cushioning as very plush and responsive with a firmer forefoot feel.  The Wave pattern in this shoe consists of a plastic base structure underneath the softer EVA foam and upper which is reinforced by four pillars of EVA foam connected to a lower wave plate.  The overall effect is very plush heel cushioning that is also rigid and inflexible.

The shoe features an 11mm heel to toe drop which is 1mm lower than the industry standard.

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Outsole

Mizuno uses its X10 carbon rubber throughout the outsole.  In the heel area of the shoe it is used sparingly to save weight and the forefoot is given a bit more liberal coating of carbon rubber.

Overall Impressions and Performance

I have to think that if you were to dismantle the Mizuno Wave Creation 13 piece by piece it would amass the largest pile of gadgetry in the world in a single shoe.  Is that a bad thing?   Not necessarily as long as the shoe functions.  

I tested this shoe  primarily on easy days hoping to get the most out of the maximal cushioning for my beat up legs.  While the plush upper feels great the shoe is simply overbuilt in my opinion.  At 12.3 oz it is nearly one ounce heavier than its competitors and the the extended wave plate makes for a very stiff neutral shoe.  Any running on cambered (slanted or crowned roads) left me sliding off the platform of the shoe or feeling like I would turn my ankle due to the hard edges of the outsole.

For heel strikers this shoe delivers fantastic, responsive cushioning and a smooth transition into toe off.  Mid foot or forefoot strikers will likely find that the heel structures of the Creation 13 simply gets in the way.  I think that big guys and gals will love this shoe as the cushioning is firm and durable and will likely take all the beating that can be dished out.