Mizuno Wave Universe 5

Name: Mizuno Wave Universe 5
Brand: Mizuno

Daily trainer · Neutral · Road · 13/11mm stack · 2mm drop

Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock.

How it ranks

The Mizuno Wave Universe 5’s rating is an early estimate. We’ve collected 3 runner reviews so far, with product line history also informing the score.

Current estimate: Decent

Overall

Decent 73

Comfort

Good 81

Value

Decent 75

Durability

Below average 67

Appearance

Below average 62

Cushioning

Below average 61

Confidence

How settled the rating is against every other rated shoe. A shoe can rate high on confidence with relatively few reviews of its own when its product line has a long record and external ratings from retailer sites agree. Confidence is low when we have few ratings or when runners disagree.

See the product line's history

Confidence

62 Low

Low 62

Based on

The bars show roughly how much each source contributes to this shoe’s rating. Their influence depends on how many reviews we’ve collected, how many earlier versions are in the product line, and the external ratings available.

Product line track record
Our ratings
External ratings

What runners say

“These shoes last about 5 weeks or 300 miles.”

4/5 Full review 60 mpw came from the New Balance RC5000v1

“After 500+ miles on my current pair I still use them 3-4 times per week.”

4/5 Full review 20 mpw training for a marathon came from the Brooks T6 Racer

“This shoe is incredibly light weight and very comfortable barefoot.”

5/5 Full review 50 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Newton MV3

“The lack of motion control or cushioning is a positive, not a negative.”

4/5 Full review 20 mpw training for a marathon came from the Brooks T6 Racer

“I have worn the grip fairly slick.”

4/5 Full review 20 mpw training for a marathon came from the Brooks T6 Racer

“Only downside is durability.”

4/5 Full review 60 mpw came from the New Balance RC5000v1

Prefer this shoe over another

40% 2/5

Where to buy

No offers available

Affiliate links included. They never affect our ratings.

Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.

Pros

At 2.8 oz it is exceptionally light.
All three reviewers rate comfort 5 out of 5, one calling it very comfortable barefoot.
Value rates 4.7 out of 5, and one reviewer calls it their top recommendation for a minimalist flat.

Cons

One reviewer running 55 to 60 miles a week gets about 300 miles, or five weeks, per pair.
Appearance is its lowest-rated dimension, and one reviewer calls them ugly.

Wave Universe 5 rates 73. This shoe has low confidence. See how we rate shoes.

Better Shoes Rating of prior versions of the Mizuno Wave Universe

Each dot is one version of the Wave Universe, placed by its rating and release year. The gold dot is this shoe.

Rating

40 60 80 100

71 2014 73 2015

Release year

We use the reviews of past versions to inform this shoe’s rating. See why.

Wave Universe 5 This shoe

2015 · 3 reviews

73 Decent

62 Confidence
Wave Universe 4

2014 · 1 review

71 Decent

20 Confidence

Runner Ratings

3 ratings

5/5 1

4/5 2

3/5 0

2/5 0

1/5 0

See written reviews Write a review

Specs & fit

Sizing and ride details at a glance.

Release: 2015
MSRP: $125
Stack: 13/11mm
Drop: 2mm

Runner reviews

Write a review

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 - minimalist friendly flats

4/5

Overall

As a minimalist shoe loving, mid/fore foot striking runner the Mizuno Wave Universe 5 has been one of my all-time favorite shoes. The way I run the lack of motion control or cushioning is a positive, not a negative. Not needing any of this from the shoe, the life of the shoe is determined by how long the uppers last and how long before the sole wears too thin. After 500+ miles on my current pair I still use them 3-4 times per week and only change into heavier shoes if I'm going on a trail or need some grip as I have worn the grip fairly slick. They are ugly but if you are looking for a light, flat no-cushion, no-motion control shoe, this is my top recommendation.

Anonymous runner · Feb 6, 2018

20 mpw training for a marathon came from the Brooks T6 Racer

Comfort: 5/5
Cushioning: 1/5
Durability: 4/5
Appearance: 2/5
Value: 5/5

4/5

Overall

This is my normal training shoe. You could describe me as a minimalist. I believe in power and efficiency by using the muscles in your feet and lower legs. I run 55-60 /week and these shoes last about 5 weeks or 300 miles. overall I'm satisfied with the tread and fit. Only downside is durability.

Anonymous runner · Aug 1, 2015

60 mpw came from the New Balance RC5000v1

Comfort: 5/5
Durability: 3/5
Appearance: 3/5
Value: 4/5

5/5

Overall

This shoe is incredibly light weight and very comfortable barefoot. I have ran a couple of races in the shoe and about ten training runs and I have had zero problems. This is a great light weight, minimalist show if that is what you desire.

paulteini · Mar 22, 2015

50 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Newton MV3