I was excited to try the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2. In the world of super shoes, where advancements in foam types and stack heights occur every year, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 emerges as better than ever. Following the path of the Rebellion Pro, the Rebellion Pro 2 introduces new geometries that reduce weight, facilitate a forward roll but also keep the shoe legal. Before trying the Rebellion Pro 2 I had a few questions:
- Is the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 good? Yes, it’s better than ever before.
- Why does the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 look like that? It’s designed to cut as much weight as possible.
- Does the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 pick up rocks? Yes, that cutout causes it to pick up a lot of rocks.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Quick Facts
- Price: $249.95
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Drop: 1.5 mm
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Upper and Fit
Mizuno has always fit on the more narrow side and the Wave Rebellion Pro 2. Word to the wise, either try them on or go up a half size. The tapered toe box can put pressure on the toe. In running shoes I tend to wear between a 10-11 wide. I found the size 11 to fit the best for the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2.
The upper features a very light engineered mesh that is thin and exceptionally well-ventilated. In fact, you can see the holes in the front. The non-gusseted, thin tongue requires careful lacing to avoid excessive pressure and movement, while the flexible heel counter features minimal padding. For me, I don’t love the almost nonexistent heal counter. The best running shoes tend to disappear off your feet and for the most part, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 does just that. I did find I needed to go up a half size and I wish it had a more padded heal counter, especially for running marathons.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Ride:
Mizuno introduces an aggressive geometry in the Wave Rebellion Pro 2’s midsole, featuring an exaggerated heel bevel and a forward-shifted apex that caters primarily to mid and forefoot strikers. The combination of Enerzy Lite+ and Enerzy Lite foam provides a resilient, bouncy ride that excels at tempo and half marathon paces. This design shifts the sensation from an initial awkwardness for rearfoot strikers to a trampoline-like feel for those who land farther forward, promoting a unique experience that may translate to faster times for the right runner.
Now, it’s not a secret the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 looks “weird,” and honestly it probably wouldn’t perform well for someone who is striking their heel first. (I am not saying there is a right or wrong way to run, I am saying this particular shoe would not feel fast to someone who is striking with their heel first). I am an awkward toe runner, and I have found it to be one of the faster shoes I’ve tried. I’ve taken it out for workouts and a couple of races and it’s felt good. I wouldn’t use it for easy runs because it’s not built for that, but if you are a toe runner, I think you’d appreciate the lack of heel and lack of weight.
Where does the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 fit into my rotation? It’s designed for races and workouts and that’s what I use it for. It feels faster than the previous version and I think Mizuno has made great strides to make it that way. If you land more on your heel, you may not notice the “magic” of the carbon plated shoe because it is really designed for forefoot runners (I cannot emphasize this enough?). Those who don’t land midfoot or forefoot are not going to feel this is a “fast” shoe. I appreciate that I can feel that extra spring for forefoot runners and do feel it propelling me forward.
Outsole
The outsole of the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 uses G3 rubber, offering good traction on both dry and wet surfaces. I’ve used the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 in inclement weather and haven’t had any issues with sliding around. I haven’t taken it out on trails because of the geometry and I just don’t want to waste the mileage. I suspect with the rubber, it will last about 100 miles and similar to other carbon plated footwear.
Something to keep in mind, is that the giant slit in the middle causes rocks and debris to get caught in the shoe. There is nothing more annoying than a clink clink clink, but I have yet to figure out how to fix that. If you do let me know, because it picks up a lot of debris.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Conclusion
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 stands out as a good choice for those who favor their midfoot or forefoot. It’s definitely a unique and good super shoe. I do think it’s a good update from the previous version and given the choice, I would choose the second one every time.
Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2? If you are someone who is looking for a super shoe for forefoot or midfoot runners, this is maybe the best option.
Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2? If you are someone who favors their heel, this isn’t the best option. It’s also not wide so those with a wider foot or those who run in areas with higher debris, will prefer something else.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast ,
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried Mizuno?
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