Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 first impressions:
With the demise of the Wave Renegade a couple of years ago, the Wave Alchemy series has since served as the lone carrier of the motion control battle flag for Mizuno. I reviewed the Wave Alchemy 10 and 11 and was pleased with both editions. Naturally, I was excited to see if Mizuno would radically overhaul their motion control flagship for it’s 12th edition.
At first glance the Wave Alchemy 12 looks almost like a color up from the Wave Alchemy 11 but close inspection reveals that Mizuno focused all their attention on creating a new, and hopefully, better upper for the Alchemy.
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 upper:
The upper in the Wave Alchemy 12 has undergone a ground up overhaul. Clearly, weight reduction was at the top of the drawing board for the Wave Alchemy 12. The only thing that remains the same is the mesh that Mizuno uses for the bulk of the shoe. All the overlays have been redone in a much lighter, more flexible material. The 12th edition of the Wave Alchemy sees the removal of the Dynamotion Fit tab from the lateral aspect of the shoe and the heel collar has also been lowered.
The mid foot saddle has been redesigned in the same lightweight material used throughout the shoe and reaches even farther back to the heel area than before. The tongue now employs a woven nameplate tag in place of the previous plastic design. Even the Runbird logo has been rendered in a lightweight material with the medial logo being almost flat and the lateral logo sporting an embossed design to add visual flair.
Speaking of visual flair, the Wave Alchemy 12 shuns traditional motion control conservatism with its striking colorway executed in silver, black and lime green. Mizuno is still using their proven Ortholite design sock liner to finish out the upper.
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 sole unit:
Except for color, the Wave Alchemy 12 midsole is identical to that used in the Wave Alchemy 11 which could be a relief for Alchemy runners who rely on the shoe to provide a familiar ride from year to year. Mizuno uses their most medially supportive wave plate design in the Wave Alchemy 12. This design slows the inward roll of an over pronating foot and helps guide the runner from strike to toe off. Mizuno’s VS-1 cushioning compound is still in the heel and AP+ foam continues to provide the bounce and shock attenuation.
The outsole of the Wave Alchemy 12 retains the same design and materials as before. Being that this is a control shoe, Mizuno opts to use heavy duty carbon rubber for 75% of the outsole with the lateral forefoot being rendered in softer blown rubber. This design places extra stability under the medial side of the foot, just where over pronators need it most. Men’s and women’s versions still get specific outsole designs via Mizuno’s Gender Engineering design with the men’s getting a wider forefoot and the women’s utilizing a more segmented heel.
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 opinion:
It’s no secret that I am a fan of the entire line of Mizuno stability shoes. The wave plate design has met my needs as a runner for many years now. Since my arches are very flexible they demand a shoe that provides firm support. I tend to quickly break down shoes comprised entirely of foam and my feet appreciate the design execution of the Mizuno wave plate. It simply outperforms anything else I’ve tried. I prefer the arch in all my shoes to be located closer to the heel than the forefoot and Mizuno delivers every time in this regard. In my personal and professional opinion the wave plate is the most biomechanically correct footwear design I’ve encountered.
With this in mind I always have high expectations when it comes to a Mizuno update. The Wave Alchemy 12 certainly continues to deliver in the stability department, its rock solid support gives much needed relief to my feet. In the control category, the Wave Alchemy 12 takes light to another level as my test shoes weighed only 12 ounces! I’ve tested regular stability trainers that weigh that much. 12 ounces is pretty much unheard of in a shoe category where the words ‘concrete’, ‘bricks’, and ‘blocky’ are the norm.
The upper is noticeably lighter and still quite breezy, my feet never got hot even in the merciless Mississippi summer. The Wave Alchemy 12 runs smooth and quick for a control class shoe and Mizuno did a great job at making this edition feel and look unlike any of its competition. The fit of the shoe is more shallow and slightly narrower than in the Wave Alchemy 11.
The ride of the Wave Alchemy 12 is best described as smooth and solid. It definitely moves through foot strike faster than other control shoes I’ve tested. I was hoping that Mizuno might go all the way and debut a new midsole and wave plate configuration for this shoe. The Alchemy series has utilized the same wave plate since the 9th edition which some runners undoubtedly appreciate. However, I was left with the feeling that Mizuno held back on this one as they rarely keep a wave plate design unchanged for this long. I can only imagine how light and fast this shoe could become in future editions once Mizuno revamps the midsole. Nevertheless, the design still delivers exactly what it promises; smooth transition combined with ultimate support.
For $115 I don’t believe you can find a shoe that offers this much support, cushioning and a sporty ride all in a light package.
We thank the nice people at Mizuno for sending us a pair of Wave Alchemy 12 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
 | Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 Men Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ | $114.99 |
 | Mizuno - Wave Alchemy 12 (white/anthracite/lime Punch) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $114.99 |
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,
You mention that the fit of the Alchemy 12 is slightly narrower than that of the 11, how much of a difference is there and does it have any impact on the support the shoe offers? I enjoy the wider toe-box Mizuno has to offer and would not want anything less than the width of the Nirvana 8.
I am a fairly recent convert to Mizuno (run in Nirvana 8 and Alchemy 11) and really like the fit and feel they have, however I require a fair bit of support and was wondering how the Brooks Trance and Brooks Beast compare in terms of fit and performance to the Nirvana and Alchemy?
Barry,
The upper in the Alchemy 12 is lower profile than the 11 but still has a roomy toe box. The mid foot and heel seem to be more fitted in the new version and the fit is a touch shallower. The support remains superb and is unchanged. I haven’t worn the Trance in a couple of versions and I’ve never worn the Beast so I’d be hard pressed to compare them but I don’t think you can lose as far as stability is concerned when it comes to the Nirvana and Alchemy. Thanks for reading.
Barry,
The upper in the Alchemy 12 is lower profile than the 11 but still has a roomy toe box. The mid foot and heel seem to be more fitted in the new version and the fit is a touch shallower. The support remains superb and is unchanged. I haven’t worn the Trance in a couple of versions and I’ve never worn the Beast so I’d be hard pressed to compare them but I don’t think you can lose as far as stability is concerned when it comes to the Nirvana and Alchemy. Thanks for reading.
Hi Theo,
thanks for the info on the Alchemy 12. In your opinion, is the 12 an improvment on the 11? I have racked up a fair bit of mileage in the 11´s and have been very satisfied with them, however as i will soon be looking for a replacement i am unsure whether to get another pait of 11´s or go for the 12´s instead?
Barry,
I liked the 12 better because it fit my foot more closely. The ride is the same as before. Thanks for the question.
How would you compare the Alchemy 12 to the Nirvana 8??
Jeremy, the Alchemy fits a bit wider and runs a little slower than the Nirvana. Both are superior support shoes for those with flexible arches.
Hi Theo –
The guys in the Mizuno fan thread at RW forum suggested I check with you. Great site! Hoping you can help with some more details on this shoe.
I’m thinking about trying the men’s Alchemy 12. Can you tell me if the insole is removable so that I can use my custom orthotics? Also, can you explain what you mean when you say the fit is “shallower” – what does that affect, when is that good/bad?
Background:
I’m Masters female, currently wearing Brooks Ariel (aka Beast in mens) 10EE w/ orthotics (severe overpronator), some injury history). This last trainig cycle, started having bunion/top of foot issues. Ariel seems to be only womens shoes wide or controlling enough for me (miss my Hurricanes!) so I’m branching into mens to find alternatives. I’m 5’8″ and slender, but my big, wide flat feet and the overpronation control needed always seems to push me to heavier shoes, so lighter – like Mizuno – might be a nice change. The Mizuno shoe guy (“Wish”) on their site thought Alchemy would be a good one for me to try. (also, anybody know the size conversion wmns 10EE – mens? I think 8.5 but unsure reg mens width or wide)
Thanks much!
MJ, the insole in the Alchemy is removable. When I say shallower it is in regard to the fit of the upper of the Alchemy 12 vs 11. Meaning that the fit is closer to the foot in the 12 and not as deep. The Alchemy 11 would probably work better with your orthotic because the upper is higher in volume but the 12 should do fine as well. Even in regular width the Alchemy last has always been a bit wider than its sister Mizuno shoes. It’s difficult for me to say whether or not you’ll like the fit of the Alchemy and I’m usually hesitant to do so since fit is so personal. I will say this though, do not be surprised if you don’t need your orthotics with the Alchemy-it has a colossal dose of stability.
In closing, I would advise you to try on the women’s Alchemy first and only progress to the men’s version if necessary. Great question and keep us updated.
Tell them Hello for me at RW!
Thanks Theo!
I’ll be interested to see how the shallow/deep plays out. One problem I have had in this last cycle (c/b related to bunion or to hard speedwork) is the tendon that runs on top of big toe up to ankle very sensitive – I changed to bar lacing on that shoe instead of traditional x, which has helped a lot.
May try women’s first as you suggest (since I know as soon as I put it on if it fits width or not, it’s just shipping it back).
Will let you know – thanks again!
I’m sorry to have to write this bad review on this shoe but I wasn’t impressed the 12′s. I wore several pair of shoes prior to this one…the 10′s & 11′s. I had no problem with either of these shoes….cushion and stability was a great fit & the run was comfortable. I purchased a pair of the 12′s & I couldn’t hardly finish my 5 mile run. My feet, ankles and shins were killing me!! I was in pain for several days afterwards. I pulled out my old 11′s again and wore them with no problem at all. I’m scared to put the 12′s back on for the pain I had experienced. I would like to get another pair of the 11′s because they are the best shoe ever!!!!! Thanks for hearing me out!! Brenda
I left my faithful and trusty old Alchemy’s for the newer model – The Alchemy 12. I was left with severe shin splints, an injury that I’ve never had in years of running. While there was plenty of width at the front these shoes really pinched my heels – very narrow. Anyway I persevered for a good few months but plagued with sore shins and calf muscles. I have just left the Mizuno’s for the brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 and will see how they compare..
I have run in the Alchemys for more than 6 years, but I could not wear the 12s. These caused almost immediate pain on the insides of my shins. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 13s.
Why didn’t the 12 work for you? The midsole stayed the same. Was the fit throwing your stride off?
I’m flat-footed as all get out, and often motion-control shoes give my incredibly painful blisters at the front of my arch. I used to love the Mizuno Wave Renegades because they were an awesome lightweight motion-control shoe that didn’t rub me right there. Can I expect the same thing from the Alchemy 12s?
Hi there. I’m looking for new running shoes. I’m over pronating quite much and have patellar tendonitis on both of my knees. Now my thoughts went out to the new Asics GT-2000, but i’ve read they are slightly narrow at the front. Now I’ve been playing volleyball for 12 years and played the last 7 years of them on Mizuno, because they provide more room in the front and because of their cushioning. The Mizuno Wave Alchemy 12 looks like the best running shoe for over pronating runners like me, but is it more supporting than the Asics GT-2000? And how about the cushioning? Thanks.