The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 is a big update and when I say big, I mean BIG!!! When it comes to max-cushioned running shoes, it’s easy to assume they’ll feel bulky or like bricks on your feet. The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 is a pleasant surprise…soft without being mushy, stable without overcorrecting, and high stacked without feeling like you’re wearing platform shoes. It’s a daily trainer that’s built to last, especially for easy runs and long miles. I’ve used the Wave Sky for a long since. My first review was Mizuno Wave Sky 3.
Before trying the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 I had a few questions:
What is the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 good for?
The Wave Sky 9 is ideal for easy runs, long runs, and recovery days. It’s not built for speed but really shines when you’re looking for comfort, durability, and a stable ride you don’t have to think about.
Is the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 a neutral or stability shoe?
It’s technically a neutral shoe, but the geometry and dual-layer foam construction give it inherent stability. If you need a little extra support without a full-on stability shoe, it’s a great in-between option.
How does the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 fit?
It fits true to size in length but runs narrow and low in the toe box. If you have a wide forefoot or are in between sizes, you may want to try the wide (2E) version or go up half a size.
What’s the difference between Mizuno Wave Sky 8 and 9?
As mentiond, thje Wave Sky 9 is a huge update. The Wave Sky 9 features Mizuno’s new Enerzy NXT foam, which is more responsive and softer than the previous version. It also has a slightly higher stack height (44 mm vs. 42 mm) and a smoother ride overall.
Is the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 good for marathon training?
It’s a great option for long, easy miles during marathon buildup and recovery runs. If you’re looking for a lightweight tempo shoe, Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion or Neo Vista might be a better fit for speed days.
Now let’s get into an honest Mizuno Wave Sky 9 review.
Quick Facts
- Weight: Men’s 10.25 oz (290g) / Women’s 8.5 oz (241g)
- Stack Height: 44 mm heel / 38 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
- Category: Max-cushioned neutral trainer
- Best for: Recovery runs, long runs, easy efforts
At first glance, the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 looks like a lot of shoe. And it is. The 44mm heel height puts it into “super max” territory, but surprisingly, it doesn’t feel clunky. The shoe fits fairly true to size, although the toe box is on the low and narrow side.
The upper is a tightly woven mesh that’s dense but breathable. It doesn’t have a lot of give, which is both good and bad: great for lockdown, but not so forgiving up front. It does break in after a few runs, but you’ll notice that tightness in the toe box on day one.
Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Fit
As mentioned, the engineered mesh upper offers a snugger fit. It’s highly structured and provides enough support that this shoe could work for neutral runners who need just a touch of stability. The heel is well-padded and secure without overdoing it. There’s also a gusseted tongue that stays in place and doesn’t cause any issues. Lace-up is smooth, though the laces are short…so if you rely on heel lock lacing, you might need to refeed with new shoelaces.
The biggest issue is the toe box. It’s low and tapered. Not a deal-breaker for me, but it might be for someone with a high instep or wider forefoot. Mizuno is known for its long and lean fit, so those with wider feet or bunions will probably need a wide. Once you find the right fit for you, it is a very comfortable shoe. I haven’t had any hot spots or blisters…it feels good before, during, and after a run. And I mean, what more do you need in an easy run shoe?
As far as fit, I’ve usually worn a women’s size 11 in running shoes, and the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 is the same. I can’t emphasize this enough but if you tend to wear wider shoes, I would at least try them on beforehand, but your safer bet is the wide version.
Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, and you can expect a big midsole update. Mizuno’s move to incorporate their Enerzy NXT foam as the top layer of the midsole was a smart one. It’s a nitrogen-infused EVA that feels lively underfoot, especially when you’re cruising at easy to moderate paces. Underneath that is a more traditional EVA foam, shaped into a foam-based “Wave” design, which offers stability and helps guide your foot forward.
What I appreciated most is how smooth the transitions feel. You don’t get a harsh landing or an overly soft sink; instead, you get a controlled roll from heel to toe. There’s enough bounce to keep things engaging, but not so much that it messes with your form. Sometimes easy run shoes feel super clunky or not smooth when you are logging the miles, but I haven’t had that issue with the Mizuno Wave Sky 9.
Where does the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 fit into my rotation? Previous versions were an easy run or recovery run shoe, and the Wave Sky 9 is no different. It feels comfortable for those daily miles and when I want to protect my feet. It’s tough to pick up the pace…you can do it, but it doesn’t feel as smooth as a shoe designed to run fast—and that’s okay.
Outsole
Mizuno continues to nail outsole durability. I’ve never had a Mizuno running shoe that isn’t durable. Almost all (except carbon-plated models) have lasted above 400 miles, and I expect the Wave Sky 9 to follow suit. The Wave Sky 9 has full-length rubber coverage with deep grooves that help the shoe flex naturally. Despite the high stack, it doesn’t feel overly stiff or rigid. I wouldn’t call it a flexible shoe by any means, but it moves well for how much foam you’re carrying.
Grip has been solid across pavement and packed dirt. I haven’t had any issues in light rain, either. I wouldn’t take it out to climb a mountain, but it can handle light trails or inclement weather.
Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Conclusion
The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s a max-cushioned workhorse with a smart blend of softness and structure. The Enerzy NXT foam gives it just enough pep to keep things enjoyable, and the geometry of the midsole delivers a fluid, grounded ride.
The biggest drawback is the fit up front…it’s just not going to work for everyone. But if you can get past the pointy toe box (or grab a wide), you’ll find a highly dependable, well-cushioned daily trainer that shines on recovery days and long runs.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 9?
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Runners who want a max-cushioned, neutral trainer for daily miles
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Runners looking for a smooth ride with durable construction
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Mizuno fans who want more bounce and updated foam tech
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 9?
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Forefoot strikers who need lots of flex and toe space
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Runners who prefer low-stack or more minimal shoes
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Speed-focused athletes looking for a versatile tempo trainer (look to the Wave Rebellion or Neo Vista instead)
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Altra Experience Flow 2, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Sky 9?