Type a shoe name, like Pegasus, Clifton or Kayano.

Mizuno Wave Inspire

Every version of the Wave Inspire we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.

Wave Inspire
77Decent
vs. Median Line
+1

The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 76, and the Wave Inspire rates above 57% 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.

Wave Inspire shoes as gold dots among every rated shoe we track, on the Better Shoes Rating scale

Rating by version, oldest first

Each dot is one version of the Wave Inspire, placed by its rating and release year.

Rating

Release year

See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.

Mizuno Wave Inspire versions with ratings, specs and prices
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 85 -1 1 $140 MSRP
Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 2024 9.7 oz 38/26mm stack · 12mm drop 86 +9 — —
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 — 65 -7 — —
Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 2019 9.4 oz 12mm drop 72 -11 1 $135 MSRP
Mizuno Wave Inspire 15 2019 9.5 oz 36/24mm stack · 12mm drop 83 +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 -11 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 22.

  1. Mizuno

    Inspire

    71 Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 78

    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.

    Inspire
    Durability 73
    Overall
    71
    Value
    74
    Durability
    73
    Cushioning
    72
    Comfort
    67
    Appearance
    63
    Confidence
    78

    Buy 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.

  2. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 22

    71 Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 76

    v22 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.6 oz · 39mm stack · 10mm drop

    Wave Inspire 22
    Durability 71
    $145 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 22, 8:34 AM UTC
    Overall
    71
    Durability
    71
    Value
    70
    Cushioning
    68
    Comfort
    66
    Appearance
    65
    Confidence
    76

    Buy it now

    Amazon

    $145 $150 3% off

    Best price

    As of Oct 22, 8:34 AM UTC

    Buy at Amazon ↗

    Other retailers

    Running Warehouse $150

    MSRP $150

    We share affiliate links. Learn more.

    Cons

    It is heavier than the typical daily trainer for sale.

  3. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 21

    85 Good Good 1 review Confidence 71

    v21 (2025) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.6 oz · 12mm drop

    A 38mm heel stack on a 12mm drop gives a tall, steep build.

    Wave Inspire 21
    Durability 78

    MSRP $140

    Overall
    85
    Durability
    78
    Value
    75
    Cushioning
    72
    Comfort
    70
    Appearance
    68
    Confidence
    71

    Buy 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.

  4. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 20

    86 Good Good Confidence 77

    v20 (2024) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.7 oz · 38mm stack · 12mm drop

    Wave Inspire 20
    Overall
    86
    Confidence
    77

    Buy it now

    Not available at tracked retailers right now.

  5. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 19

    77 Decent Decent 8 reviews Confidence 85

    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.

    Wave Inspire 19
    Durability 84
    Overall
    77
    Value
    84
    Durability
    84
    Appearance
    69
    Cushioning
    68
    Comfort
    66
    Confidence
    85

    Buy 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.

  6. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 18

    84 Good Good 5 reviews Confidence 82

    v18 (2022) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.9 oz · 12mm drop

    Reviewers rate comfort 5.0 out of 5 across daily training and speed workouts.

    Wave Inspire 18
    Durability 89
    Overall
    84
    Durability
    89
    Value
    87
    Cushioning
    79
    Comfort
    78
    Appearance
    75
    Confidence
    82

    Buy 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.

  7. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 17

    65 Below average Below average 1 review Confidence 71

    v17 (2021) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.1 oz

    Its one review so far rates every dimension 4 out of 5.

    Wave Inspire 17
    Durability 71
    Overall
    65
    Durability
    71
    Value
    70
    Cushioning
    68
    Comfort
    63
    Appearance
    62
    Confidence
    71

    Buy 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.

  8. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 16

    72 Decent Decent 1 review Confidence 83

    v16 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.4 oz · 12mm drop

    It lists at $135, below the $150 median for daily trainers for sale.

    Wave Inspire 16
    Durability 78

    MSRP $135

    Overall
    72
    Durability
    78
    Value
    77
    Cushioning
    71
    Appearance
    69
    Comfort
    68
    Confidence
    83

    Buy 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.

  9. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 15

    83 Good Good 7 reviews Confidence 81

    v15 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.5 oz · 36mm stack · 12mm drop

    Reviewers consistently praise the comfort, including the fit around the Achilles.

    Wave Inspire 15
    Durability 82

    MSRP $130

    Overall
    83
    Durability
    82
    Value
    78
    Comfort
    78
    Cushioning
    76
    Appearance
    67
    Confidence
    81

    Buy 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.

  10. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 14

    72 Decent Decent 6 reviews Confidence 88

    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.

    Wave Inspire 14
    Durability 82

    MSRP $130

    Overall
    72
    Durability
    82
    Cushioning
    78
    Value
    73
    Comfort
    68
    Appearance
    66
    Confidence
    88

    Buy 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.

  11. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 13

    62 Below average Below average 7 reviews Confidence 85

    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.

    Wave Inspire 13
    Durability 79

    MSRP $120

    Overall
    62
    Value
    81
    Durability
    79
    Cushioning
    70
    Comfort
    68
    Appearance
    62
    Confidence
    85

    Buy 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.

  12. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 6

    v6 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability

    Wave Inspire 6

    Buy it now

    Not available at tracked retailers right now.

  13. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 7

    v7 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability · 11.2 oz (men's)

    Wave Inspire 7

    MSRP $100

    Buy it now

    Not available at tracked retailers right now.

  14. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 12

    73 Decent Decent 4 reviews Confidence 81

    v12 (2016) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.9 oz · 32mm stack · 12mm drop

    Two reviewers say it feels supportive without adding weight or bulk.

    Wave Inspire 12
    Durability 79

    MSRP $120

    Overall
    73
    Durability
    79
    Cushioning
    75
    Value
    74
    Appearance
    71
    Comfort
    69
    Confidence
    81

    Buy 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.

  15. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 11

    58 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier 7 reviews Confidence 90

    v11 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability · 9.1 oz · 27mm stack · 12mm drop

    Two reviewers value it as a light stability trainer.

    Wave Inspire 11
    Durability 67

    MSRP $120

    Overall
    58
    Cushioning
    68
    Durability
    67
    Value
    64
    Appearance
    60
    Comfort
    58
    Confidence
    90

    Buy 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.

  16. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 8

    67 Below average Below average 5 reviews Confidence 80

    v8 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability

    One reviewer at about 215 pounds finds it a lighter shoe that still has support.

    Wave Inspire 8
    Durability 73
    Overall
    67
    Value
    76
    Cushioning
    74
    Durability
    73
    Appearance
    64
    Comfort
    63
    Confidence
    80

    Buy 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.

  17. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 10

    51 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier 44 reviews Confidence 96

    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.

    Wave Inspire 10
    Durability 58

    MSRP $115

    Overall
    51
    Cushioning
    68
    Durability
    58
    Appearance
    57
    Value
    55
    Comfort
    50
    Confidence
    96

    Buy 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.

  18. Mizuno

    Wave Inspire 9

    72 Decent Decent 19 reviews Confidence 92

    v9 (2012) · Daily trainer · Stability · 10.1 oz (men's) · 29mm stack · 12mm drop

    Reviewers call it comfortable for easy days and long runs.

    Wave Inspire 9
    Durability 76

    MSRP $115

    Overall
    72
    Value
    80
    Durability
    76
    Cushioning
    72
    Comfort
    68
    Appearance
    61
    Confidence
    92

    Buy 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.