Mizuno

Wave Inspire 9

Wave Inspire 9
Daily trainer · Stability · Road
Excellent (90%)

Shoe details

Weight
10.1 oz
Release
2012
MSRP
$115
Stack Height
29mm heel - 17mm toe
Drop Height
12mm

Ratings & Reviews

Excellent (90%)

Rated better overall than 90% of all shoes.
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This score rates better than 90% of other shoes we judged.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Percentile vs. all shoes. Shaded bars reflect our uncertainty.
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Rankings are based on real review data, but there is always some uncertainty.

The shaded bar shows a plausible range for this shoe’s rank based on the review data we have and normal variation in runner feedback. More reviews usually narrow the range.

Overall

Excellent (90%)

Value

Good (77%)

Cushioning

Good (70%)

Durability

Average (49%)

Comfort

Below average (37%)

Appearance

Bottom tier (3%)

All Running Shoes

Better than 90% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Excellent (90%)

Daily Trainers

Better than 90% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Excellent (90%)

Wave Inspire Family

Better than 79% of 10 wave inspire family ranked.

Good (79%)

Mizuno

Better than 84% of 101 Mizuno shoes ranked.

Very good (84%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Popular shoe among LetsRun.com readers.
  • Rated among the top 25% of shoes overall.
  • Rated above average on cushioning.

Cons

  • Rated below average on comfort.
  • Rated below average on durability.

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
Lightest
Newest / Best overall / Best comfort
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Stability
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
10.1 oz M Lightest
10.6 oz M
Stack
29/17mm
38/26mm
Drop
12mm
12mm
Release
2012
2024 Q1
2025 Q2 Newest
MSRP
$115
Best price
$129.95
Ratings
Overall
Very good (90%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Below average (37%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Above average (70%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Average (49%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom tier (3%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Good (77%)
Exceptional (100%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

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Better alternatives

Higher-rated shoes similar to this one

More from Mizuno

Reader Reviews

19 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 19 reviews

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Like many other big companies, Mizuno decided to fix what ain't broke and gave the Inspire 9 a complete make-over with the Inspire 10. They ruined the Inspire. The 10 was stiff, super firm and had a one-piece top overlay that was too tight for most feet. It also had a lower feel to it, turning off most Mizuno fans. In addition, the last was flat and stiff, unlike the somewhat curved and flexible lasts of previous models. Altogether, an American Motors Pacer of a shoe. Mizuno reverted back to some of its earlier features with the Inspire 11, but the cushioning in the bottom is still too firm or hard, especially in the ball of the foot. The Inspire 9 had just the right mix of support, flexibility and cushion. Mizuno has always tended on the narrow side, which I preferred because I have a narrow foot. The Inspire 11 is wider, especially in the toe box, giving a slightly sloppy feel. But as the American population increases in weight, so does the width of their feet. To appeal to the masses, Mizuno probably felt a need to widen the shoe or at least the toe box. I found two pairs of Mizuno Inspire 9's at a clearance center and am running in those. But when those are spent, I'll be forced to run in my New Balance 870s. They're as close to the old Inspire 9 as you can get.
Comfort
5/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

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

Reader review

D3Grinder · Sep 28, 2025

3/5

Overall

I have been wearing Mizuno Wave Inspires for 3 years until I finally decided to try something new. I always purchased the model that was a year old just to save money. Typically, I would not spend more than 70 dollars on a pair and certainly got my money worth. I would push these shoes to about 500 miles or so before they began to break down and rip (big toe area and pinky toe area). All in all, a great shoe for the price. A bit more lightweight type which is what I look for and a great feeling shoe.
Comfort
4/5
Durability
2/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
4/5

Reader review

WeHu · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

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

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

A solid go to shoe that provides a good ride and protection.
Comfort
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5