Editor rating:
8/10 on
JON OBER
User's rating:

PROS

  • Incredibly durable. Built to last.
  • Plush and lightweight ride.

CONS

  • High heel drop.
  • Tight fit.

OUR VERDICT

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 is for runners seeking a high amount of stability but desire a soft, cushy ride. The construction of the sole makes you forget how heavy it feels and allows you to roll through miles with ease.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Wave Horizon 2
Model
Type
12.10 oz. (343 gr.)
Weight
160 US$
MSRP
12 mm
Heel Drop
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
This is a max level stability shoe for those who need a high amount of support and protection against over pronation. It excels in longer mileage runs; perfect for the half marathon and up.

Mizuno returns with the sophomore edition of the Wave Horizon. It is a daily trainer offering a high amount of support a snug fit.

There have been slight modifications to increase durability and comfort, but nothing major. There is a slight weight increase making it feel like a tank.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 General Info

In terms of support, the Wave Horizon bridges the gap between the Wave Inspire and Wave Paradox. It is a flagship shoe, and the high price point definitely reflects it.

It competes against max level stability shoes like the ASICS Kayano, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS and Saucony’s Hurricane ISO.

Out of the box, they looked and felt bulky. Heavy in my hands and very tight on the top of my feet. Once I hit the pavement, they surprisingly felt smooth. I liked the colorway; subtle with a bit of a pop with orange accents.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 Sole Unit

The midsole is 3 parts: soft U4ic foam, wave plate in the middle, and another layer of plush U4icX foam. The wave plate is Mizuno’s signature; a hard piece of plastic with a wave design in the heel. It spans nearly the whole length of the sole.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 - Heel

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 – Heel

The combination of hard and soft material provides shock absorption on impact and a nice energy return. The wave plate stopping right around the toe box had me lifting off on my forefoot which gave me a nice boost. It really shined on long run day.

The 12 mm heel drop is cumbersome as it caused me to heel strike. I had a bad habit of doing this for years and it was frustrating.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 - Sole

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 – Sole

Thankfully it absorbed shock well and geometry of the shoe had my feet rolling to the my forefoot on lift off.

One thing I have grown to adore with Mizuno is the durability of the outsole. Even after putting around 75 miles in, there is minimal wear.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 Upper Info

The upper is standard breathable mesh. The Tongue is semi attached to the sole, wrapping to my feet giving a semi booty feel.

The fit is very true to size. Tight on the top of my feet and there isn’t much wiggle room in the toe box. The heel at least locks me in nicely and I do not feel like I am slipping out. Thankfully no hot spots either.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 - Lateral Side

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 – Lateral Side

While it breathed well, the mesh was not flexible. It felt tight on top of my feet and it did not stretch very much over testing.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 Conclusions

I have a love hate relationship with Mizuno. I wore Wave Inspires for a couple years, but stopped after they caused me to DNF in a marathon.

I loved the debut edition of the Paradox, but had a negative experience when reviewing the 4th editions. Naturally, I was skeptical.

The shoe is a workhorse; making long runs and recovery days enjoyable. The combination of soft and hard material made me almost forget I heel strike in them.

Its durability ensures a long life ahead and justifies the higher price. The high amount of tread even gave me the confidence to take these out in a snow storm. No falls! It had its flaws, but overall I enjoyed them.

We purchased a pair of Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 2 Price Comparison

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