Last year, Mizuno released the Wave Enigma, which provides more cushion than the Wave Rider but is more conventional than the Wave Creation. It was that premium cushion trainer missing from Mizuno’s neutral lineup. Now, Mizuno comes out with the second version of the Enigma—let’s see what improvements were made!
Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 First Impressions
Mizuno did not change the Enigma very much in the second version. It is very reminiscent of the first Enigma. Mizuno did change up the overlay patterns, and though it’s difficult to be certain, it looks like the amount of overlays were reduced. The profile on the ankle collar looks lower, especially in the heel area. The upper on the Enigma 2 is still mostly breathable mesh, which is a feature I liked about the previous version.
The Enigma 2 is a big shoe, and so it is not as flexible as traditional or performance neutral trainers, like the Wave Rider or Wave Precision. But it does flex more than other shoes in the premium cushion class. The flexibility might be limited by the Flex Controllers, which are two bands of reinforced carbon rubber Mizuno puts in the outsole. They connect the two sides of a deep flex groove, and are designed to limit the amount of flex in the forefoot. To be honest, they did not seem to add anything to the ride quality, and I question their value.
The Enigma 2 also has Mizuno’s patented cushioning system, the Wave plate, running the entire length of the shoe. The Wave plate is flexible toe-to-heel, but it is very rigid side-to-side. That, combined with a firm heel counter, should give you some pretty significant medial support through the gait cycle. I can see runners with a neutral gait or who overpronate slightly running comfortably in this shoe.
Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 Sole Unit
The midsole is a full length Wave plate embedded in a generous amount of AP+, Mizuno’s EVA compound. This combination provided substantial impact protection throughout any distance I ran. Every company’s proprietary EVA foam has a unique feel, and I would describe AP+ as firm yet fairly bouncy. And so, while I felt well-protected, I did not feel like I had to sacrifice performance. The shoe may feel inflexible in my hands, but it sure had a flexible and smooth ride on the run! I would even say the Enigma 2 delivered the best ride of any shoe I’ve tried in the premium neutral class. I think the Enigma 2 would be a great option for anyone looking for cushion but still wanting a high performance-type feel.
I have run in most of Mizuno’s neutral line-up, and I have found the Enigma provides the most protection for forefoot and midfoot strikers. I attribute this to the generous amounts of rubber found in the outsole, especially in the two sections behind the Flex Controllers.
The one concern I have is the way Mizuno decouples the forefoot and the heel. I know this design makes the Enigma look sleeker than shoes without it, like the Nike Vomero 7 or Saucony Triumph 9. But I also know that my shoes take a lot of pounding in the midfoot section. Without material connecting and supporting the two sections, I’m worried the front part of heel will breakdown quicker. I have put about 75 miles on the Enigma 2, and that section of the heel is already showing significant wear.
Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 Upper
The first version of the Enigma had some minor fit issues. One was the slightly short toe box, and another was the upper eyelets, which tended to cut off circulation if the laces were tied too tightly. I’m satisfied with the way Mizuno addressed these issues. The toe box is a touch longer, which I think makes the Enigma 2 true to size. Mizuno reworked the eyelets so they no longer stick out. Combine the reworked eyelets with the lowered ankle collar, and the Enigma wraps the foot nicely without causing any circulation issues.
The entire upper is made of mesh, which makes the shoe very breathable, especially in the toe box. Mizuno placed a minimal amount of overlays to try and create a secure fit.
While I love the comfort and breathability of this upper, my foot tended to slide to the lateral side (outside) of the shoe. I’m not sure if that happened because there are not enough overlays or because the Enigma 2 has a slightly curved shape. But whatever the reason, sometimes my foot would sit on the edge of the shoe’s platform, creating a painful hotspot on the edge of my foot and pinky toe. I do not have a wide foot, but this sliding was already a problem. Runners with a slightly wider foot may have similar, if not worse, issues.
Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 Opinion
The Enigma 2 is highly cushioned trainer with a smooth ride. It is a great option for runners with either a neutral gait or with slight overpronation, who are looking for big time protection, but who do not want to sacrifice performance.
That said, the Enigma 2 is also a big shoe period. Mizuno claims to have dropped nearly one once of weight, but I couldn’t feel the difference on the run. I think part of the reason the Enigma feels so big is that it is chalk full of technologies. Runners who prefer simplicity in their shoes might be turned off by all the technologies the Enigma 2 boasts. I don’t mind technology, but even I felt like the Enigma 2 had one too many things going on. I don’t think the shoe would be hurt if Mizuno decided to drop one feature (like the Flex Controllers, which I didn’t think added anything), and might even reach a wider audience.
With the second version, Mizuno addresses some of the fit issues found in the first version. But now I found my foot sliding off the platform of the shoe, which caused me a lot of problems. I can understand wanting to keep the all mesh upper design, as I benefited from the breathability. But I think the issue needs to be addressed in future versions, and I wonder if it couldn’t be easily corrected with a straighter shape or a well placed overlay.
price comparison
 | Mizuno - Wave Enigma 2 (white/red Plum/electric) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $94.99 |
 | Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 Men Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ | $109.95 |
 | Mens Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 Running Shoe RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $134.95 |
Written by Daniel Cho
Daniel Cho lives, works, and runs in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and three children.
UPDATE: I now have over a hundred miles, and counting, on the Enigma 2, and I think I can safely say I no longer have any concerns over the durability of the heel. I have taken the Enigma 2 on some 10+ mile runs, and it is still providing sufficient, if not substantial, impact protection. Looking back, I think what I was responding to were the creases that appeared in the midsole foam in the heel portion of the shoe. But that creasing has not effected the shoe’s cushioning properties. With over 100 miles, the Enigma is still delivering a highly cushioned ride!
Thanks for the review, as far the fit if you’ve wore the Enigma 1 should I go down 1/2 size with the new model?
Hi Andrea,
In my view, the Enigma 2 is true to size. I wear a size 10 in everything, and size 10 in the Enigma 2 fit perfectly. But I also didn’t go up a half-size in the Enigma 1. So, if you went up a half-size in the Enigma 1 because of fit, then I think you are safe to return to your normal size with the Enigma 2. But if you, like me, didn’t fiddle with sizing in the Enigma 1, then I’d recommend staying with your regular size with the Enigma 2. I hope that helps!
I think the main issue to improve in this shoe is to make it springy. I won’t say “more springy” because it’s not springy at all.
Pat, the Enigma line is NOT intended for flat arched feet at all (given you don’t use orthotics), who said you that?
My question is I have the first pair of the Enigma’s and they were for flat arches I like them but they causeed shin splint problems cause i have high arches. Are the Enigma 2 for flat arches also.
Hi Pat,
The Enigma 2 fits very similarly to the first version. That said, I wouldn’t say the Enigma is built for any particular arch type. I myself have fairly high arches, and I wear the Enigma without any problems.
In my experience, shin splints have been caused by muscle weakness, and not shoes.
I hope that helps!
Hi, compared to other premium cushioned shoes (like Vomero 7, NImbus 14), how do you compare the midsole soft or stiff like Mizuno is used to?
Hi Andrea,
Mizuno’s AP+ midsole is firmer and bouncier than either the Vomero or the Nimbus.
Daniel Cho, I must disagree with you. The AP+ does feel firmer but not bouncier than the Nimbus 14. It’s confusing because it does seem logical that a firmer midsole would perform as bouncy as well, sadly I didn’t feel that at all with the Enigma 2.
I have no experience with the Vomero 7, but the Nimbus 14 definitely felt bouncier than the Enigma 2 to me.
I discovered Mizuno a year ago and first felt like it changed my life, and I’ll never go back. I like their stiffness but overall, the Nimbus\Vomero\Glycerin just feet better to human’s leg IMO. I think Mizuno will become a major actor within 20 years or so, they have something good in their hands (the wave technology), but the implementation is still lacking IMO.
I LOVE these shoes!!! After working out w/ Brooks, Nike, and Adidas comparatives, my first pair of Mizuno’s exceedingly decreases foot pain after my daily, 12 minutes/mile, 10 mile walk. Buy a pair!!!!!!!!
Would these be recommended for an under pronator?
Hi KR,
Yes, I would recommend the Enigma for an underpronator. The reason being: the body is not absorping as much shock with each footfall due to the lack of pronation. In that case, you will want a shoe that provides more cushion, and the Enigma certainly does that.
Hi, I have been a Brooks runner for 2 yrs and can no longer wear there shoes since they changed the Adrenalines and came out with the 12′s. The soles are to hard. I am looking at getting my first pair of Mizunos and not sure which to choose from. I am stuck between the new wave riders (16′s) and the wave enigma 2′s. I have recently found out I have plantar fasciatis (sp) more in my left than right foot. I’m also coming off a 6 month foot injury (severe midfoot sprain) and need something supportive and good cushion. Sounds like the Enigma is a big shoe, not sure I want that as I am 5’4 112 lbs. Any help choosing would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! April
Hi April,
The Adrenaline is a very supportive shoe. Assuming you need that support, the Enigma might not have enough stability. You might try the Wave Inspire (moderate stability) or the Wave Nirvana (maximum stability). The Nirvana is very similarly built as the Enigma, but with a stabilized wave plate. I wouldn’t be too worried about the bigness of the Enigma. You might be on the petite side, but you may enjoy having more protection under foot.
I bought this shoe to help me run longer distances on pavement. I had been trail running and switched to city running after a fall. At first I was running 30 miles a week in Mizuno Precision 13s and like their speed, especially on race days, but found my feet were taking a beating on the streets. The running store owner suggested these and they are great – very supportive, comfortable ride, supportive, and my bruised feet are recovering. A good trainer for daily mileage. A tad stiff in the foot plate, but responsive and comfortable – especially on longer runs.
HI I have been a devoted Nimbus girl. However the 14 seemed ‘sloppy’ this year. I have server post tibial tendonitis (in recovery) and have a neutral foot. Was recommend the Enigma 2 do to its impact protection- feeling a little stiff and narrow. Will this soften up? So use to the soft Nimbus!
Hi Liz,
I can’t say it will soften up, especially if you are using ASICS Nimbus as your frame of reference. I think the only shoe that matches the Nimbus is softness is Nike Pegasus. But I think you may become acclimated to the feel of the Enigma. And if you do, you’ll find it has a more responsive ride. As far as impact protection, the Enigma should suit your needs. If you find that the Enigma is just too firm, then you might give the Pegasus a try.
I bought these as a daily trainer. At first they seemed stiff in the sole. They gradually became less stiff, but only after about 60 miles or so. They have a good cushion on the heel. The toe to heel “wave” plate provides protection for trail running. Slightly heavy overall and not my race day shoe by any means, but a comfortable training shoe.
I just bought these shoes the other day and I really like them. I have a really narrow foot and I supinate when I run. I do not feel my feet supinating when I run in these.
I like that the heel is tight and supportive, as my foot is especially narrow in the heel.
HOWEVER. I also sell running shoes in a sporting goods store and wore them to work for 8+ hours and my ankles were SO sore, much like the soreness that i’ve experienced after wearing ice skates or roller skates that haven’t been broken in. Is this something that will break in as I wear them? Is there a way I can prevent this?
Thanks
Rachel,
I can’t say that I shared your experience, so I’m not sure if I can help. I’ve worn my retired Enigmas just to walk around town, and I didn’t experience any discomfort. My hunch is that it is related to breaking in the shoe, or with lacing too tightly. Sorry, if that’s not much help.