Mizuno Wave Inspire
Every version of the Wave Inspire we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The score is the median Better Shoes Rating of the line's shoes, out of 100. The average product line scores 76, and the Wave Inspire scores above 23% of the lines we track.
Mizuno Wave Inspire vs. Other Shoes
Each dot is one rated shoe: the Wave Inspire in gold, all other shoes in gray.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the Wave Inspire, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Score | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 In stock | 2025 | — | — | 60 | -12 | 1 | $150 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 | 2025 | 10.3 oz (men's) | 38/26mm · 12mm drop | 72 | +3 | 1 | $140 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 | 2024 | 9.7 oz | 38/26mm · 12mm drop | — | — | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 | 2023 | 9.6 oz | 39/27mm · 12mm drop | 69 | -9 | 5 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 | 2022 | 10.5 oz | — | 78 | +14 | 1 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 | 2021 | — | — | 63 | -6 | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 | 2019 | 9.4 oz | — | 69 | -20 | 1 | $135 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 15 | 2019 | 9.3 oz | 36/24mm · 12mm drop | 88 | +20 | 7 | $130 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 14 | 2018 | 9.7 oz | 37/25mm · 12mm drop | 68 | +12 | 6 | $130 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 13 | 2016 | 10.2 oz | 12mm drop | 56 | -20 | 7 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 | 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 | 2016 | 11.2 oz (men's) | — | — | — | — | $100 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 12 | 2016 | 10.0 oz | 32/20mm · 12mm drop | 77 | +8 | 4 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 | 2014 | — | — | 68 | +14 | 5 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 11 | 2014 | 9.1 oz | 27/15mm · 12mm drop | 54 | +6 | 7 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 | 2013 | 8.3 oz | 30/17mm · 13mm drop | 49 | -31 | 44 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 | 2012 | 10.1 oz (men's) | 29/17mm · 12mm drop | 80 | +14 | 19 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Inspire | — | — | — | 66 | — | 1 | — |
18 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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Mizuno
Inspire66 Below average Below average · 2 reviews · Confidence 44/100
Daily trainer · Stability not rated
Both reviewers so far rate comfort 4.5 out of 5, and one says it fits their foot and delivers stability.
Durability 73Overall66Cushioning74Durability73Value73Comfort66Appearance58Confidence44Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort 4.5 out of 5, and one says it fits their foot and delivers stability.
Cons
Reviewers rate durability 4.0 out of 5, its lowest dimension.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 2260 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 2 reviews · Confidence 44/100
v22 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability
Both reviewers so far call it a comfortable stability shoe, one adding that it is lightweight and low to the ground.
Durability 72$145 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall60Durability72Cushioning67Value66Comfort64Appearance62Confidence44Pros
Both reviewers so far call it a comfortable stability shoe, one adding that it is lightweight and low to the ground.
One reviewer calls the nitrogen infused cushioning awesome.
Cons
One of two reviewers finds the heel too loose, takes a bad blister from the friction on a long run, and will not buy it again.
The Wave Inspire 21 before it scores 72 on one review, against 59 for this version.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 2172 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 55/100
v21 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.3 oz (men's) · 12mm drop
A 38mm heel stack on a 12mm drop gives a tall, steep build.
Durability 81MSRP $140
Overall72Durability81Value74Comfort72Cushioning71Appearance65Confidence55Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
A 38mm heel stack on a 12mm drop gives a tall, steep build.
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall, for comfort and for durability.
Cons
The one reviewer who rated cushioning gives it 3 out of 5, calling it not too soft.
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Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1969 Below average Below average · 8 reviews · Confidence 76/100
v19 (2023) · Daily trainer · Stability (Moderate) · 9.6 oz · 12mm drop · 39mm stack
Two reviewers find it holds its cushioning longer than other trainers, and its eight reviewers rate durability 4.9 out of 5.
Durability 89Overall69Durability89Value89Appearance68Cushioning67Comfort64Confidence76Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Two reviewers find it holds its cushioning longer than other trainers, and its eight reviewers rate durability 4.9 out of 5.
Reviewers use it as a daily trainer and for long easy runs.
Its eight reviewers rate value 4.6 out of 5.
Cons
Two reviewers say it is not cushy out of the box, and one finds it less comfortable than the HOKA Clifton.
Averaging 9.6 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
One reviewer went half a size up.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1878 Decent Decent · 5 reviews · Confidence 75/100
v18 (2022) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.5 oz
Reviewers rate comfort 5.0 out of 5 across daily training and speed workouts.
Durability 96Overall78Durability96Value93Cushioning85Comfort82Appearance75Confidence75Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers rate comfort 5.0 out of 5 across daily training and speed workouts.
One reviewer has gone through seven pairs and keeps two more on the shelf.
Cons
Scores across the Wave Inspire line have ranged from 48 to 79 before this version.
At an average of 10.5 oz it sits in the heavy weight band.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1763 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 49/100
v17 (2021) · Daily trainer · Stability
Its one review so far rates every dimension 4 out of 5.
Durability 76Overall63Durability76Value71Cushioning71Comfort62Appearance61Confidence49Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Its one review so far rates every dimension 4 out of 5.
Cons
The Wave Inspire 15 scores 89 on seven reviews and the 18 after it scores 78 on five.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1669 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 40/100
v16 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.4 oz
It lists at $135, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Durability 82MSRP $135
Overall69Durability82Value78Cushioning71Comfort67Appearance66Confidence40Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
It lists at $135, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
One reviewer with ankle and knee issues finds it suits them well.
Cons
The Wave Inspire 15 before it scores 89 on seven reviews.
One reviewer describes it as not heavily padded, and found the fit ran small.
Averaging 9.3 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1588 Good Good · 7 reviews · Confidence 74/100
v15 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.3 oz · 12mm drop · 36mm stack
Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, including the fit around the Achilles.
Durability 87MSRP $130
Overall88Durability87Comfort83Value79Cushioning79Appearance64Confidence74Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, including the fit around the Achilles.
Reviewers report it holding up well through marathon and cross country training.
Two reviewers describe a firm, quick ride light enough for speedwork.
Cons
One reviewer finds it bulky and another a bit stiff through the upper.
Appearance is its lowest-rated dimension, and one reviewer finds the recent women's colorways drab.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1468 Below average Below average · 6 reviews · Confidence 77/100
v14 (2018) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.7 oz · 12mm drop · 37mm stack
Two reviewers report long life, one at 700 miles or more per pair and one at 250 with no signs of breaking down.
Durability 87MSRP $130
Overall68Durability87Cushioning83Value68Comfort65Appearance61Confidence77Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Two reviewers report long life, one at 700 miles or more per pair and one at 250 with no signs of breaking down.
Its six reviewers rate cushioning 4.8 out of 5, and one uses it for marathon running.
It lists at $130, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
Value and appearance are its lowest-rated dimensions, both at 3.7 out of 5.
One reviewer found it clunky and loud, and stopped at 100 miles, attributing IT band and knee pain to the shoe.
Averaging 9.7 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1356 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 7 reviews · Confidence 81/100
v13 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.2 oz · 12mm drop
Value averages 4.7 out of 5 and durability 4.6 across seven reviews, with comfort at 4.4.
Durability 82MSRP $120
Overall56Value84Durability82Cushioning70Comfort65Appearance55Confidence81Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Value averages 4.7 out of 5 and durability 4.6 across seven reviews, with comfort at 4.4.
Three reviewers use it for long runs and steady cruising mileage.
One reviewer gets 475 to 500 miles from a pair.
Cons
Averaging 10.2 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and three reviewers call it bulky for faster work.
Appearance averages 3.7 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions, and two reviewers call it dorky or not much to look at.
One reviewer gets about 300 miles from a pair, fewer than they hoped for.
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MSRP $100
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1277 Decent Decent · 4 reviews · Confidence 71/100
v12 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.0 oz · 12mm drop · 32mm stack
Two reviewers say it feels supportive without adding weight or bulk.
Durability 82MSRP $120
Overall77Durability82Cushioning75Value71Appearance69Comfort68Confidence71Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Two reviewers say it feels supportive without adding weight or bulk.
One reviewer running 70 miles a week splits road and trail in it and calls it durable enough for both.
One reviewer uses it to give their legs a break through big training blocks.
Cons
Value is its lowest-rated dimension, at 4.0 out of 5.
Averaging 9.9 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is well above the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1154 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 7 reviews · Confidence 88/100
v11 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.1 oz · 12mm drop · 27mm stack
Two reviewers value it as a light stability trainer.
Durability 65MSRP $120
Overall54Cushioning65Durability65Value57Appearance55Comfort53Confidence88Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Two reviewers value it as a light stability trainer.
One of seven reviewers so far praises the roll-off through the stride.
Cons
Reviewers rate durability 3.6 out of 5, and two report the upper holing before 300 miles.
Two reviewers find it firmer on the legs than the Wave Inspires they came from.
One of seven reviewers so far, with narrow feet, finds the toe box too wide.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 868 Below average Below average · 5 reviews · Confidence 72/100
v8 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability
One reviewer at about 215 pounds finds it a lighter shoe that still has support.
Durability 75Overall68Value77Durability75Cushioning75Appearance61Comfort58Confidence72Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer at about 215 pounds finds it a lighter shoe that still has support.
One reviewer who switched from the Brooks Adrenaline says a pair lasted thousands of miles.
One reviewer finds it flexible like a Nike Free with good forefoot cushioning, and uses it for daily runs and intervals.
Cons
Durability is its lowest-rated dimension at 3.8 out of 5.
One reviewer stopped running in it after regularly getting niggles and discomfort, and moved to a less corrective shoe.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1049 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 44 reviews · Confidence 97/100
v10 (2013) · Daily trainer · Stability · 8.3 oz · 13mm drop · 30mm stack
Averaging 8.3 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and three reviewers call it light for a stability shoe.
Durability 54MSRP $115
Overall49Cushioning66Appearance55Durability54Value52Comfort50Confidence97Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Averaging 8.3 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and three reviewers call it light for a stability shoe.
Six reviewers have run the Inspire line for years and keep coming back to it.
Three reviewers describe a firm, low-profile ride with a connected feel.
Cons
Reviewers rate durability 3.7 out of 5, and three report holes in the mesh upper by about 100 miles.
Two reviewers say the grip is poor in the wet.
Ten of forty-four reviewers who answered report an injury, and three report stiffness, blisters or the high collar rubbing.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 980 Decent Decent · 19 reviews · Confidence 87/100
v9 (2012) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.1 oz (men's) · 12mm drop · 29mm stack
Reviewers call it comfortable for easy days and long runs.
Durability 79MSRP $115
Overall80Value84Durability79Cushioning72Comfort72Appearance58Confidence87Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers call it comfortable for easy days and long runs.
Reviewers like the firm, responsive ride with enough cushion for mileage.
Several reviewers say it keeps their overpronation in check, one on six pairs since 2012.
Cons
Several runners report the cushioning and upper wearing out around 300 miles.
Reviewers often describe the fit as narrow and snug.
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 3.7 out of 5.