This very first dawn of Horizon breaks into Mizuno’s line to fit somewhere between the lightly sportive Wave Inspire and Wave Paradox‘s premium stability.

The shoe delivers on providing moderate stability and reminds me a lot of ASICS’ Gel-Kayano and GT-2000.

Wave-Horizon’s drop height is 12mm which to me feels like the Kayano women’s 13mm (men’s 10mm), with Horizon offering similar stability to Kayano but with a ride that more closely resembles GT-2000’s more stiff transition and midsole.

This aspect of the shoe is what pulls in my comparison with the GT-2000 (which has a drop of 10mm for both gender designs).

The moderate cushioning and solid arch support of Horizon hold up pretty well throughout the long run, but the forefoot cushion does compress for me as I strike midfoot.

Mizuno Wave Horizon General Info

Mizuno Wave Horizon – Heel

Right out of the box, the traditional material of the upper rubbed uncomfortably at the seam along the base of the laces, just before the toe box, in one shoe for me.

This is the first time that I’ve really noticed a dramatic effect of a break-in period as the discomfort did go away after about 30 miles run in them. What is apparent is that this shoe delivers a snug fit by design, no matter how loose the laces are tied.

In this respect Horizon is similar to what I’ve experienced in ASICS Gel-Kayano, GT-2000, and Gel-Nimbus, but the fit is perhaps even more snug—and about the opposite of the roomy (yet narrow) fit offered by HOKA. I prefer snug-fitting shoes and so can appreciate Horizon in this respect…but it is borderline TOO snug, even for me.

Mizuno Wave Horizon Sole Unit

Mizuno debuted this shoe with a full-length Stability Wave Plate running through the midsole between two layers of U4ic foam, which together provide moderate support and cushioning that offers a softer ride than what I’ve experienced in their Wave-Inspire.

Mizuno Wave Horizon – Lateral Side

The cushion is pleasant yet firm enough to avoid energy loss. The outsole is made of durable rubber segments with a guidance line running from a hollowed-out heel up into the toe-off segment.

All together, Horizon’s sole unit lives up to Mizuno’s claim to provide a stable ride and comes close to its “plush cushioning” attempt. I’d call it “comfortable” but stop short of the brand’s “plush” and “supremely cushioned” claims.

Mizuno Wave Horizon Upper Info

Horizon’s highly breathable mesh upper hugs my foot, providing a secure, supportive, and responsive feel.

Mizuno Wave Horizon – Top

I’d like to loosen the fit just slightly at the start of the toe box as I find myself pushing off with my toes while running to release the pressure, causing a touch of numbness, in this area.

Initially the seam of the left shoe rubbed uncomfortably, but that has softened with wear.

Mizuno Wave Horizon Conclusions

Overall I appreciate the secure fit and stable ride offered by Wave-Horizon and am considering wearing it for my next marathon. (The lower drop height and fit of ASICS GT-2000 make it my other top option.)

Mizuno succeeded in creating a shoe with a bit more support than Wave-Inspire but without adding much weight or bulk.

My preference would be just a tad more material at the base of the laces to ease the pressure I feel in this area—but otherwise no change to the snug fit.

They got the colors right as I noticed that the sun rising on the horizon matched my shoes on my first long run in them!

It will be interesting to see how the market responds to this new shoe and where the brand takes this line from here. If you try Horizon out, let us know what you think!

We thank the nice people at Mizuno for sending us a pair of Wave Horizon to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.