Mizuno Wave Musha 4 First Impressions:
Last year I reviewed the Mizuno Wave Musha 3 and was impressed by how fast and comfortably it ran. In fact, I set a new personal best in the 5K with the Wave Musha 3. So I had big expectations for the Wave Musha 4 when I learned that Mizuno did a complete update for the shoe.
Immediately noticeable to me was that the Wave Musha 4 has a considerably more curved last than the Wave Musha 3. A curved last is usually found on neutral shoes and I was a bit apprehensive about it. Nevertheless, I took the Wave Musha 4 to a 5K held on the same race course that I ran the Wave Musha 3 on. The results were not exactly what I’d expected.
But first, let’s review the changes made to the Wave Musha 4 in more detail.
Mizuno Wave Musha 4 Upper:
The Wave Musha 4 has a very similar overlay pattern to the Wave Musha 3 but closer inspection reveals some key changes to address fit. Previously the heel overlay wrapped around the entire shoe but now it ends right past the mid foot on the lateral aspect and right under the arch medially. This serves to free up flexibility in the upper where the forefoot bends and reduces a potential spot of irritation. To help ensure that the foot doesn’t slide off the platform, Mizuno slightly beefed up the toe box overlay and there are now two more robust overlays connecting the eyelet row to the toe box overlay.
The only carryover design I could find is the tongue and laces. The iconic Runbird logo is now of the same material both medially and laterally. On the Wave Musha 3, the Runbird was fashioned from a very light material on the medial side and a heavier, more decorative material laterally.
The colorway on the Wave Musha 4 is still electrifying in a dazzling lime green, blood red and black. If anything, the shoe makes an even brasher visual statement than before. Mizuno is still using highly breathable mesh for the upper albeit in a slightly different weave.
Mizuno Wave Musha 4 Sole Unit:
The Wave Musha 4 also gets a completely re-engineered midsole beginning with an all-new design for the wave plate. Mizuno is unique in that they are the only company to engineer their shoes around a plastic plate sandwiched into the midsole foam. These wave plates act as a “suspension system” and can be configured to deliver varying amounts of support and shock attenuation. The Wave Musha 4 gets a plate that extends farther forward than before both medially and laterally. In fact, on the medial side the plate stops right at the forefoot flex point-doubtless a design to provide a bit more rigidity through foot strike.
Mizuno has now introduced their AP+ foam formulation to the Wave Musha series. According to Mizuno, AP+ improves cushioning, energy return and durability over previous AP foam designs.
The last has undergone a dramatic change from semi-curved to a full on curved last. While this does improve transition in a shoe it also makes it more narrow in the mid foot and can compromise stability. Countering this is a new AP foam sock liner featuring a higher arch profile than before.
Mizuno’s X10 carbon rubber is still found in the heel while blown rubber is located in the forefoot. Additionally, the Wave Musha 4 is now available in a women’s specific model.
Mizuno Wave Musha 4 Opinion:
Previously I said that my first race in the Wave Musha 4 yielded some unexpected results. Well, not only did the Wave Musha 4 meet my expectations-it shattered them! I cut almost 30 seconds off of my previous best 5K time during my testing of the Wave Musha 4. Needless to say, I was thrilled. I finished fourth overall in that race and I expect that the sheer speed and thrill of the Musha 4 helped me along. It is an excellent shoe for 5-10K distances for a runner like myself. I have very flexible feet and I need built in support in any shoe I run in but I still want to enjoy the feel and good looks of a fast racing flat.
Runners without support issues could very well make this a marathon distance shoe. Also, the Wave Musha 4 could find a spot in a minimalist runner’s shoe rotation.
The Wave Musha 4 is slightly heavier than before. I can only attribute this to the new sock liner and it’s also possible that the AP+ foam is denser but I can’t say for sure. The new curved last could have some runners feet sitting too far in medially. Otherwise the fit remains close in the heel, snug in the mid foot while opening up slightly in the toe box.
At any rate, the shoe still moves hot and fast and is at its best when run aggressively. The ride is textbook Mizuno; powerful and explosive. The shoe lets you put all your energy into the ground while providing enough protection to get you through the race and on to your new personal best.
*Author’s note*
I also found another use for the Wave Musha 4. As an exercise physiologist I am always aware of the need for runners to strengthen their lower limbs through various exercises. Because of its highly proprioceptive feel, the Wave Musha 4 is equally at home in the gym when performing foot and ankle stability exercises such as on a wobble board. See photo.
price comparison
 | Mizuno Men's Wave Musha 4 Running Shoe endless.com FREE overnight shipping, FREE return shipping (for 365 days). Ships internationally (FREE over 100$) | $89.95 |
 | Mizuno Wave Musha 4 - Men's - Shoes - Yellow Onlineshoes Free shippings, free exchanges, 365 days returns. | $89.95 |
 | Mizuno - Wave Musha 4 (lime Punch/prism Violet/ Chinese Red) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $89.99 |
 | Mizuno Wave Musha 4 Shoes (lime/anthracite/blue) - Men's Shoes - 8.5 M shoes.com Free shippings, Free returns | $90.00 |
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.
Hi Theo,
Thanks for the great review.
You mentioned you have very flexible feet, but that the Musha still provided enough stability for you. I am not an overpronator, but I do have a fairly flexible forefoot. And so, if a shoe is too flexible, at toe off, I really feel it in my foot. How did you find the Musha’s forefoot? Flexible/stiff?
Good question Daniel. As the Musha is designed primarily for racing it is more flexible in the forefoot than other Mizunos I’ve tested. However, it is still a Mizuno and will provide for a more rigid, in touch feel than other shoes. When I refer to my foot as flexible I’m speaking about my arch. I think you’ll be just fine with the Musha 4.
Hi Theo,
Great review here.
I’m a slight overpronator on the right (shop fitting says mild), neutral on the left, midfoot strike.
Also a late starter (lost 20kg in last 5 months, loving the run!), having recent success with Pure Flows (seems to have stopped my PF and AT issues). I’d like something slightly firmer in feel, similar toe box width and forefoot flexibility. . Do you consider the Mushas similar?
Also, what would you consider a perfect partner in crime with the Mushas for higher miles?, as I’ve read your reviews on the Elixir, nirvana etc, but you don’t make comparisons.
Congratulations on your weight loss Paul! That’s awesome. Unfortunately I can’t compare the Flow to the Musha as I have never tried on the Flow. I can recommend the Elixir as a companion shoe to the Musha-especially since you are only a mild over pronator. These aren’t shoes I can use for every run because my feet require a higher level of support such as the Nirvana. Keep rockin’ on brother!
Hi Theo,
Thanks for the quick response.
I also find the brooks Ravenna 3 a comfortable shoe, especially forefoot, but it doesn’t feel fast for its weight.
I’ll pick up the Elixir/Musha combo, and give them a whirl.
Are the Inspires a step up from the Elixirs then?
I’m only looking upto HM distances to start…
Paul, the Inspire is considerably more stable than the Elixir. If you are only a mild over pronator they might be too much. That’s hard for me to gauge though seeing as I have never observed your gait. Your best bet is to head to your local running store and try them out. I’m betting that you’ll find a home in the Elixir as your daily trainer. And, in my opinion, no shoes transition faster than Mizuno. Trust me, I’ve tested a lot of shoes!
Theo, Oh I can see you’ve tried a few
Great job IMO.
The brooks comparison chart has the Ravenna 3 opposite to be the Inspire, but the Ravenna certainly is flexible and cush up front.
I’ll buy the Elixir/Musha tomorrow and let you know how I get along.
Sweet. I would say the competitor for the Elixir in the Brooks line would be the Ravenna. Musha vs ST Racer, Inspire vs. Adrenaline and Nirvana vs Trance.
Hi Theo. Seems I needed more stability than I thought!
Had the gait analysis which showed pronation on the left foot, right neutral.
They hooked me up with the Inspire 8, and this straightened me right up. Fit is brilliant, ultra smooth transition. Way better than the Ravenna, certainly not in the Adrenaline range of stiffness, but great forefoot flexibility.
I bought the Musha but haven’t run in those yet. Gait showed I pronate in them more than the Inspire, but they said this was normal as its a race flat.
I also ordered the Elixir which I’m hoping will be good enough support.
Good deal. It’s always best to have an expert look at your gait. The Inspire is a wonderful shoe as well. I’ve had some brilliant 1/2 marathons in the Inspire. Enjoy, my friend!
Narrower forefoot? Sounds great, as the Musha 3 was way too wide for me.
What a great shoe! They are so light and comfortable they just make you want to run, and run, and run. Fantastic, comfy fit and great cushion for such a low-to-the-ground shoe. To me they feel quite unstable at slow speeds, but once up to tempo pace the stability kicks in. I assume the wave targets the stability towards the midfoot rather than the heel? Great flexibility and I also like how they encourage a midfoot strike.
I was quite surprised how accessible the Musha is given I usually wear Inspire & Nirvana. I also have a pair of New Balance Minimus MR00s and simply cannot run at all in them. However, I can run comfortably in the Mushas over shorter distances.
In my opinion these are a great transition shoe for someone wishing to move towards a more minimalist direction.
As far as sizing, I wear a size 10 in the Inspire 8 (with a thumbs width of space to the toe wall). Would it be recommended to size the Musha’s the same, or is 9.5 safe for shorter distances (5k, 10k)?
Go with the same size.
I have run in the Wave Precison 11′s for the last 1000 miles, trading off with two pairs. I liked them from the moment I put them on. Three marathons no problem. All of a sudden blisters, and a sore hip, got me looking for replacements. Just finished a 12 mile breakin run with the Musha 4. I’m 6’1″ 175 pounds, slightly pronate. The Musha 4 are much less shoe than the Precision 11. I was concerned about support and cushion with such a light shoe. The heel height seemed to help me run faster. The heels on the Precison 11′s were worn quite a bit. I was conscience of making an effort to get more of a mid foot strike, being worried a bit about the lesser amount of heel cushion. My feeling is that I like the Musha 4 a lot. No issues with my first run on them. I have some concern about buying a second pair and running with them exclusively. I tried a pair of Precision 12′s today. Short run, hate them. Any suggestions on a shoe more Precision 11 like would really be appreciated. Thanks for the spot on review of the Musha 4.
Wayne, I think you should give the Elixir a shot. Thanks for reading!
Great review! It really made me consider this shoe as my next purchase but i haven’t decided yet.
I’m looking for a lightweight stability shoe that I could use for 10k races and some occasional half marathons. I have a low arch (my right foot is nearing flat). I’m currently using Nike Lunarglide3 for both training and races but now I’m considering buying a shoe just for race days.
I’m torn between Mizuno Wave Musha 4 and Wave Elixir 6 (tiger stripes on Elixir 7 is too much for me but if you say it’s better than the 6 then I might just get it). What shoe would you suggest? Thanks!
Ben, I would go with the Elixir for the half marathon distance. For most of us, the Musha is best suited for 5-10K distance unless you have pretty neutral foot mechanics. Also take a look at the Inspire for your daily trainer. Good luck!
I’m fairly new to running and trying to find a good shoe. I have a neutral foot and looking for a 5 to 10k race shoe. Would the Musha 4 be good for me or possibly something else? I don’t understand the difference between race and trainer shoes either. Thanks for replying
I’m fairly new to running and looking for good shoes to run 5 and 10k races. I have neutral feet. Would the Musha 4 be good for me or possibly something else? I also don’t know the difference between trainer and race shoes. Thanks for the reply.
Jason, Congratulations on your new running career! I would recommend that you visit your local running specialty store and have the staff evaluate your gait. Since you are new to running I would suggest that you get a training shoe and us it for your workouts and racing. Your body will need time to adapt to the stresses of running and a trainer will provide more cushioning and protection as you evolve. Racing shoes sacrifice cushioning and support in order to shed weight and I would recommend that you get at least a year of racing under your belt before you consider a racing shoe. Thanks for reading.