Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Shoe Review

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Shoe Review

As most people know, I tend to prefer a neutral shoe, but from time to time on recovery runs, I like a stable shoe. Recently I decided to try the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4.  Recently, Mizuno has done a lot of great things with their shoes. Before 2019, it wasn’t my first brand of choice but lately, I’ve liked a lot of their shoes, including one of my all-time favorites, the Mizuno Wave Sky.

The difference between the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 and The Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is the Wave Horizon 4 is a stable shoe. Both have a lot of cushion.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Quick Facts:

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Weight: 11.3 oz
Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Drop: 10mm

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Fit:

As a brand, Mizuno runs slightly more narrow than most brands.  Many Mizuno models come in wides, but the brand itself is more narrow.

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is plush.  Everything from the heel collar to the tongue is padded. When you step into the shoe, you have the feeling of a high cushion shoe. The is a lot going on with the upper and it feels soft. The heel collar is padded, although the heel fits regular to slightly wide.

With the fit, Mizuno uses what they call “Aerohug” to lock down the middle of the shoe. Mizuno also uses an “Airmesh Upper,” which provides a superior feel, breathability, and comfort.  Like most running shoes, it’s a reinforced jacquard mesh upper and keeps its structure.

As you would assume, the midfoot of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 feels locked down but not compressive.  There is plenty of room in the toebox. Typically I wear a woman size 10-11 wide in running shoes and the women’s size 11 fits well.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Ride:

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is a high cushion, stable trainer. Most high cushion shoes weigh a little more.  As a brand, Mizuno is well known for it’s “wave plate,” but in both the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 and Wave Sky 3, the full-length Mizuno Wave Foam has replaced the “Wave Plate.”

This makes the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 much softer than shoes such as the Mizuno Wave Inspire. If you’ve thought, Mizuno is too firm for me; then the softer Mizuno Wave Horizon is a good option.

As far as technology goes: Mizuno uses a combination of:

• U4ic Midsole: This is what absorbs most of the shock and makes Mizuno shoes lighter yet responsive than most brands. 
• U4icX Midsole: This plays a role in creating a soft and smooth transition.
• X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.

Mizuno has a lot of technology packed into the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4. Not that you need to know all of that, but if you’re a shoe nerd like me, you like the technology.

During my first few runs, it was slightly more stiff than I hoped.  After a few miles, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 felt smooth and less clunky. One thing that I do appreciate about the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is the cushioning goes the length of the shoe. Wherever you strike, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is going to provide cushion.

I’ve run twice in the rain and found the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 traction to be fine. In fact, it stays grounded more than most shoes I’ve tried.  For me, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 fits perfectly into an easy run day that I would prefer more cushion and support.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 Conclusion:

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is a great high cushion and stable shoe. Mizuno has updated a lot of their shoes (outside of the traditional Mizuno Wave Rider and Wave Inspire 16), so if you need a softer shoe with more cushion, there are more options. If you find yourself needing more cushion and during long or easier runs, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is a great option. I appreciate that it’s smooth and I don’t feel like I’m running on a brick.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Wave Horizon 4, Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Hoka One One Elevon 2, Brooks Glycerin 18,  Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Vomero 14, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5,  Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Atreyu Running Shoe, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka One One Cavu 3 Shoe Review

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook I talk about why you need a good running shoe, the anatomy of a shoe, neutral vs stable, and even myths of running shoes. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried a Mizuno shoe?

What is your current favorite running shoe?