The Mizuno Wave Rebellion is a brand new and long-awaited shoe from Mizuno. Until recently, Mizuno hasn’t had the “plated shoe” in US markets. While the Mizuno Wave Rebellion doesn’t have a carbon plate, the glass plate is designed for workouts and to run fast.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Quick Stats:
Weight: 7.4 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Cost: $180
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Fit:
Like many running shoes, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion uses a thin mesh upper. As far as faster workout and racing shoes go, it’s a no-frills type of racer. The upper is smooth and soft with a gusseted tongue. There is a nice padded heal that I’ve noticed several brands have taken away lately.
In my opinion, the best uppers are lightweight and breathable, and they disappear off your feet. The Wave Rebellion does just that, and I haven’t had an issue.
In most running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. It seems over the last few years; size 11 Mizunos have fit me the best. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion is no different, and I find the size 11 to fit the best. It is more narrow than many brands but not too narrow.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Ride:
As mentioned, the Wave Rebellion is the brand new “fast” shoe from Mizuno. As most people know, Mizuno is known for its “wave plate” technology. The Wave plate found in both the Wave Inspire and Wave Rider is made from Pebax. The wave plate is one of the firmest and responsive types of running shoe technology. It’s a reason people either love or hate Mizuno.
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion features a new type of technology with a glass fiber reinforced plate. According to Mizuno, it’s over 1000% snappier than their other models. The glass fiber plate begins in the heel of the Wave Rebellion and forks at the forefoot. This makes the transition smooth.
Sitting on top of the glass fiber plate is the MIZUNO ENERZY LITE foam. This keeps the Wave Rebellion cushioned and but also doesn’t add a lot of extra weight.
Durability and Traction: Mizuno is known to be durable, and most of their models have decent traction. The Wave Rebellion uses a GU PU resin outsole. Most plated footwear lasts between 100-200 miles, and I feel the Wave Rebellion will last closer to 200. Partially because the Wave Rebellion uses a glass plate and partly because the durability is just good.
For my first run in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion, I opted for a short easy run. I usually try and take a workout shoe out on something low-key before diving into a fast-paced workout. The easy run felt good. I went slightly faster than my usual 8:30-9 min pace. Since I’ve run a few workouts and long runs in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion, it definitely performs well at faster speeds. For me, it fits best in a tempo or faster work shoe. It’s quickly become one of my more favorite workout shoes. I prefer something lighter for the track and shorter sessions.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Conclusion:
I’m pleasantly surprised with the Mizuno Wave Rebellion. I expected it to be their fastest shoe yet, but I did not expect it to be as smooth and fast as it is. It’s quickly become one of my more favorite long-run and workout shoes. Plus, $180 for a glass plated shoe isn’t too bad. Saucony uses a Nylon plate, and the Endorphin Speed is $200. I hope Mizuno comes out with a true carbon plated shoe in the United States market soon.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Brooks Levitate 5
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Mizuno Wave Rebellion, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Rebellion?
What is your current favorite running shoe?