By Paul Freary
The Mizuno Wave Inspire has been a cornerstone of the Japanese manufacturer's stability running shoe range for more than two decades. Developed for runners who require a moderate level of support without compromising cushioning or responsiveness, the Inspire has built a reputation as a dependable daily training shoe suitable for a wide range of abilities, from beginners through to experienced marathon runners.
Now in its 22nd iteration, the Mizuno Inspire has, for many years, been one of the best support-category running shoes on the market, but perhaps one of the least recognized.
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Stats
Mizuno | Inspire 22 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily Trainer |
Support | Support/Control shoe for overpronators |
Cushion | Mid-High level, responsive cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm/28mm |
Drop | 10mm |
Weight | Men 294g (10.4oz) Women 250g (8.8oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/ 10 |
Design
Cushioning comes from the Mizuno Enerzy NXT Nitrogen Infused foam, running the full length of the foot. This sits on top of the Mizuno Wave plate, with more EVA-based Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam under the plate in the heel area. This slightly firmer layer enhances the overall stability of the ride.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Midsole, Wave Plate
The familiar Mizuno Wave plate helps take care of control and pronation, providing both cushioning and stability. The Wave’s unique shape absorbs and disperses the impact at foot strike and is shape to offer more cushioning on the lateral side of the shoe and more support, thanks to its great height and strength, on the medial side of the foot.
The Mizuno Wave plate is a dynamic and effective method of reducing the rate of overpronation. The Wave also gives the shoe a little more natural shape and structure internally, fitting the arch of the foot well.
Inspire 22
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Fit
Mizuno is one of the best brands around for consistency of fit, and the Inspire is no different. The fit of the Mizuno Inspire 22 is true-to-size in terms of both length and width and fits the same as other shoes from the brand.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Toe Box
The toe box has a little more volume and width than many competitors, but you should stick with your usual size.
The upper quality is excellent, and there is neat padding in the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles heel tab, which gently flares away from the foot to avoid any potential irritation.
Performance
The ride of the new Inspire 22 is instantly softer and more welcoming than that of the Inspire 21. The Inspire 21 was an excellent shoe and proved to be very effective in terms of cushioning and control, but the step-up in terms of comfort is instantly apparent.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Heel Collar
This is thanks to the full-length Nitrogen-Infused Mizuno Enerzy NXT midsole, which is on par with all of the best Nitrogen-Infused midsoles on the market right now.
The support continues to be highly effective in controlling and reducing excessive over-pronation and goes about its job in a natural manner, being unintrusive.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Upper
Toe-off is now improved, again thanks to the new midsole set-up running the full-length of the shoe, with a nice responsive feel giving the model a real ‘spring in its step’.
Inspire 22 v Inspire 21
The main difference between the Inspire 22 and the previous generation Inspire 21 is the cushioning setup.
Mizuno Inspire 22 vs 21
In the Inspire 21, the Mizuno ENERZY NXT midsole foam made up just the lower part of the shoe’s midsole in the rearfoot area.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 vs 21 - Heel Rear
In the new Inspire 22, the ENERZY NXT foam moves to the top layer of the midsole, above the Wave plate and directly under the foot, running the full-length of the shoe. This greatly improves the cushioning and performance of the ride, adding comfort and a more responsive feel.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 vs 21 - Heel Stack
The heel-to-toe drop is now reduced to 10mm, down from 12mm in the previous model, but the change is hardly noticeable when on the move.
The upper part of the new model is neater with a new engineered mesh upper that gives the shoe a modern new look and style.
My Verdict
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 represents one of the most comprehensive updates to the Inspire range in recent years. While retaining its reputation as a dependable daily training shoe for runners requiring moderate stability, the latest version introduces a completely redesigned midsole that delivers a noticeably softer, more responsive ride than its predecessor.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Tongue and Lacing
The most significant change is the adoption of Nitrogen Infused Mizuno ENERZY NXT foam throughout the midsole. This new construction provides greater shock absorption and improved energy return while maintaining the stable platform that Inspire runners have come to expect.
Stability continues to be provided by Mizuno's updated Wave Plate, which has been reshaped to guide the foot rather than relying on the firmer medial posts traditionally found in many support shoes. This creates a less intrusive feel underfoot while still offering reassurance for runners who exhibit mild to moderate overpronation. The redesigned engineered mesh upper also improves breathability and comfort, providing a secure fit while accommodating a broader range of foot shapes.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Outsole
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 can be a good option for people with plantar fasciitis because it combines stability provided by the Wave Plate, cushioning, and a smooth heel-to-toe transition with the 10mm drop.
Overall, the Wave Inspire 22 feels less like a conventional stability shoe and more like a modern daily trainer with integrated support. It will appeal to runners looking for a reliable shoe capable of handling everything from easy recovery runs to longer training sessions, combining comfort, durability and subtle guidance in a package that reflects the continued evolution of the Inspire series.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Top View
The latest Mizuno Inspire 22: smooth, balanced control in a versatile daily trainer.
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