Mizuno Wave Inspire
Every version of the Wave Inspire we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 75, and the Wave Inspire rates above 58% 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 | Rating | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 In stock | 2025 | 9.6 oz | 39/29mm stack · 10mm drop | 71 | -14 | 1 | $145 |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 | 2025 | 9.6 oz | 38/26mm stack · 12mm drop | 86 | -1 | 1 | $140 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 | 2024 | 9.7 oz | 38/26mm stack · 12mm drop | 86 | +10 | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 | 2023 | 9.6 oz | 36/24mm stack · 12mm drop | 77 | -7 | 5 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 | 2022 | 9.9 oz | 12mm drop | 84 | +19 | 1 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 | 2021 | 10.1 oz | — | 64 | -7 | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 | 2019 | 9.4 oz | 12mm drop | 71 | -11 | 1 | $135 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 15 | 2019 | 9.5 oz | 36/24mm stack · 12mm drop | 82 | +11 | 7 | $130 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 14 | 2018 | 9.7 oz | 37/25mm stack · 12mm drop | 72 | +10 | 6 | $130 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 13 | 2016 | 10.2 oz | 12mm drop | 62 | -12 | 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 | 9.9 oz | 32/20mm stack · 12mm drop | 73 | +6 | 4 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 | 2014 | — | — | 67 | +9 | 5 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 11 | 2014 | 9.1 oz | 27/15mm stack · 12mm drop | 58 | +7 | 7 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 | 2013 | 8.3 oz | 30/17mm stack · 13mm drop | 51 | -21 | 44 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 | 2012 | 10.1 oz (men's) | 29/17mm stack · 12mm drop | 72 | +1 | 19 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Inspire | — | — | — | 71 | — | 1 | — |
18 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 29.
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Mizuno
Inspire71 71 Decent Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 18 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
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 72Overall71Value74Cushioning72Durability72Comfort67Appearance63Confidence18Buy 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 2271 71 Decent Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 63
v22 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.6 oz · 39mm stack · 10mm drop
Durability 72$145 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 29, 8:34 AM UTCOverall71Durability72Value71Cushioning69Comfort66Appearance65Confidence63Cons
It is heavier than the typical daily trainer for sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 2186 86 Good Good Good 1 review Confidence 59
v21 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.6 oz · 12mm drop
A 38mm heel stack on a 12mm drop gives a tall, steep build.
Durability 78MSRP $140
Overall86Durability78Value75Cushioning72Comfort71Appearance67Confidence59Buy 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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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 2086 86 Good Good Good Confidence 46
v20 (2024) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.7 oz · 38mm stack · 12mm drop
Overall86Confidence46Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1977 77 Decent Decent Decent 8 reviews Confidence 39
v19 (2023) · Daily trainer · Stability (Moderate) · 9.6 oz · 36mm stack · 12mm drop
Two reviewers find it holds its cushioning longer than other trainers, and its eight reviewers rate durability 4.9 out of 5.
Durability 84Overall77Durability84Value83Appearance69Cushioning68Comfort66Confidence39Buy 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 for sale.
One reviewer went half a size up.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1884 84 Good Good Good 5 reviews Confidence 47
v18 (2022) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.9 oz · 12mm drop
Reviewers rate comfort 5.0 out of 5 across daily training and speed workouts.
Durability 89Overall84Durability89Value88Cushioning80Comfort78Appearance75Confidence47Buy 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 1764 64 Below average Below average Below average 1 review Confidence 33
v17 (2021) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.1 oz
Its one review so far rates every dimension 4 out of 5.
Durability 71Overall64Durability71Value70Cushioning68Comfort62Appearance62Confidence33Buy 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 1671 71 Decent Decent Decent 1 review Confidence 40
v16 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.4 oz · 12mm drop
It lists at $135, below the $150 median for daily trainers for sale.
Durability 77MSRP $135
Overall71Durability77Value77Cushioning72Appearance69Comfort68Confidence40Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
It lists at $135, below the $150 median for daily trainers for 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 for sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1582 82 Good Good Good 7 reviews Confidence 32
v15 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.5 oz · 36mm stack · 12mm drop
Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, including the fit around the Achilles.
Durability 82MSRP $130
Overall82Durability82Comfort78Value78Cushioning76Appearance67Confidence32Buy 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 1472 72 Decent Decent Decent 6 reviews Confidence 34
v14 (2018) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.7 oz · 37mm stack · 12mm drop
Two reviewers report long life, one at 700 miles or more per pair and one at 250 with no signs of breaking down.
Durability 82MSRP $130
Overall72Durability82Cushioning78Value73Comfort68Appearance66Confidence34Buy 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 for 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 for sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1362 62 Below average Below average Below average 7 reviews Confidence 42
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 79MSRP $120
Overall62Value81Durability79Cushioning71Comfort67Appearance61Confidence42Buy 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 for 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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Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
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MSRP $100
Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1273 73 Decent Decent Decent 4 reviews Confidence 34
v12 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.9 oz · 32mm stack · 12mm drop
Two reviewers say it feels supportive without adding weight or bulk.
Durability 79MSRP $120
Overall73Durability79Cushioning75Value74Appearance71Comfort69Confidence34Buy 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 for sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Inspire 1158 58 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier Bottom-tier 7 reviews Confidence 49
v11 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.1 oz · 27mm stack · 12mm drop
Two reviewers value it as a light stability trainer.
Durability 67MSRP $120
Overall58Cushioning68Durability67Value63Appearance60Comfort58Confidence49Buy 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 867 67 Below average Below average Below average 5 reviews Confidence 24
v8 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability
One reviewer at about 215 pounds finds it a lighter shoe that still has support.
Durability 73Overall67Value76Durability73Cushioning73Appearance64Comfort62Confidence24Buy 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 1051 51 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier Bottom-tier 44 reviews Confidence 84
v10 (2013) · Daily trainer · Stability · 8.3 oz · 30mm stack · 13mm drop
Averaging 8.3 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers for sale, and three reviewers call it light for a stability shoe.
Durability 58MSRP $115
Overall51Cushioning68Durability58Appearance57Value54Comfort50Confidence84Buy 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 for 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 972 72 Decent Decent Decent 19 reviews Confidence 63
v9 (2012) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.1 oz (men's) · 29mm stack · 12mm drop
Reviewers call it comfortable for easy days and long runs.
Durability 75MSRP $115
Overall72Value80Durability75Cushioning72Comfort69Appearance61Confidence63Buy 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.