I was excited to try the Mizuno Wave Sky 5. I ran in Mizuno Wave Sky 3 and loved it. Sadly, the Wave Sky usually takes a backseat behind the Wave Rider. The Wave Rider is cushioned but lighter than the Sky, so more people prefer the rider. I prefer more cushion, so preferred the Wave Sky. Some years the Rider is just too firm for me.
Mizuno Wave Sky Quick Stats:
Weight: 9.8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Cost: $170
Mizuno Wave Sky 5 Introduction:
The Wave Sky 5 has several updates, including to the upper and outsole. While it’s similar to previous versions, you’ll find some stark differences. I think it’s been updated well, and I’m already happy with it. The Sky is now lower in stack height, lower heel-to-toe drop, and no plastic plate. Mizuno’s signature “wave effect” is created by how the two layers join. Mizuno without a wave plate is just weird, but it works.
The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is much flatter, and there are no massive lugs anymore. It also just feels more flexible.
Mizuno Wave Sky 5 Fit:
Mizuno usually fits longer and more narrow than many brands. The Wave Sky 5 is no different. You can tell the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is a premium shoe, and everything “feels plush.” It should be because $170 is not cheap for a running shoe.
The Wave Sky 4 fit relatively narrow, and many people felt uncomfortable in the toe box. I was one of those people, which is one of the many reasons I didn’t run consistently in the Wave Sky 4. Mizuno has made the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 toe box wider. Is it perfect? No. Does it fit more feet again? Yes.
I’m a firm believer that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet. The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 does pretty much do that, and I couldn’t say that about the Wave Sky 4.
The gusseted tongue stays in place. Both the heel and upper are plush, and nothing rubs that shouldn’t—the stretch-woven upper makes for a secure fit. The upper is now smoother than in the past but also breathes well. Sometimes a stretch upper gets too hot and doesn’t breathe well, but that hasn’t been the case for the Wave Sky 5. I am surprised because, at first glance, it would appear this shoe gets hot.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. Size 11 has fit me the best in Mizuno running shoes, and I’ve found the size 11 in the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 to do well.
Mizuno Wave Sky 5 Ride:
The ride for the Wave Sky 5 has seen some more drastic updates. This was a good thing, and generally, the Wave Sky 4 was not one of the more popular models for the Wave Sky. The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 now has three layers of foam. Instead of the traditional firm wave plate, the geometry of the foams meeting is what creates the midsole ride. Not having the signature Mizuno wave plate already makes this shoe different.
Underneath the foot, we have a layer of “U4ic X”. Besides a bunch of letters, this is Mizuno’s traditional performance foam. It’s relatively light and keeping to Mizuno’s brand, still firm. The U4ic X has four flex grooves on top of the foot. On the Wave Sky 4, U4ic X was above the outsole, but now it’s at the bottom.
Next up is the Mizuno Enerzy core. This is the critical piece to the Mizuno Wave Sky 5. Enerzy Core is 293% softer and 56% more responsive than the U4ic X foam. Adding this makes the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 much softer than less clunky than the Wave Sky 45 (which had been a common problem).
Finally, you have the Enerzy Foam, which is the light white layer you see. It’s now the bottom midsole layer instead of the top.
What do all of these changes mean? The Wave Sky 5 is now softer and less clunky than previous versions. It’s also much smoother again, and it rolls easily from heel to toe. No one wants their shoe to feel choppy or clunky from heel to toe. As someone who liked the Wave Sky 3 and felt the Wave Sky 4 was too much shoe, you’ll be happy to know the ride is similar to the Wave Sky 3 again.
Durability and Traction: The Wave Sky 5 has a thick rubber outsole with plenty of traction and durability. I’ve found Mizuno does not skimp on their rubber bottoms, and while adding weight, it also increases durability. The Mizuno Wave Sky 5 is no different. I’ve put about 100 miles on it, and it has no signs of wearing it down.
I’ve taken the Wave Sky 5 out for several types of runs, including easy runs, sandy trail runs, and faster long runs. It’s been best for easy and recovery days. It’s one of my favorite soft, easy-run shoes, and I’ve had no issues with it. I wouldn’t take it for a speed workout, but it’s not designed for that. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Shoe is a great companion to take for speed workouts and races.
Mizuno Wave Sky 5 Conclusion:
I am glad Mizuno made big updates to the Wave Sky 5. The Wave Sky 3 was great, and I was hoping the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 would get back to a similar experience. If you are looking for a high cushioned trainer, the Wave Sky 5 is a good option. It’s definitely not the cheapest option, but I do think it’s one of the more durable trainers out there.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Mizuno Wave Sky 5
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: 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
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Sky 5?
What is your favorite high cushioned trainer?