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Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review (2025): A Max Cushion Cruiser Tested by 3 Runners

Name: Men's Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Brand: Mizuno
Rating: 3.2 (1 reviews)

The Up & Runners

Posted Sep 10, 2025

The Up & Runners found the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 to be a plush, max-cushion cruiser built for easy miles and long runs. Smooth, stable, and comfy—though a bit heavy and warm—it’s a leg-saver, not a speed shoe.

Total

Form

Performance

Value

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Wave Sky 9

3.2/5

(1)

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Pros

Plush, leg-saving cushioning
Stable for a high stack shoe
Smooth, balanced ride
Comfortable, secure upper
Durable outsole grip
Good value for $180 (Blake)

Cons

Runs warm on hot days
Slightly heavy build (Blake)
Not for speedwork
Pointed/short toe box fit (Blake)
Slight firmness underfoot (Eric)
Expensive at $180 (Eric)

The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 is the brand’s plushest daily trainer — a max-cushion cruiser designed to keep legs fresh on easy miles and long runs. With a 44mm heel stack, dual-layer ENERZY foams, and Mizuno’s durable X10 outsole, it promises a smooth, stable ride that feels more like floating than grinding out mileage.

To see how it performs beyond the spec sheet, the Up & Runners trio — Cody, Blake, and Eric — each put the Wave Sky 9 through real-world testing:

Cody logged 33 miles of daily runs, recovery jogs, and double-digit long runs, focusing on how the shoe handled higher mileage weeks and easy paces.
Blake took the Sky 9 out for 36 miles, mainly on long runs and recovery days over concrete and gravel, evaluating its place as Mizuno’s dedicated max-cushion option.
Eric, not typically a fan of max-cushion shoes, still managed 30+ miles on road and treadmill, testing its bounce and stability on true recovery days.

Together, their feedback paints the Wave Sky 9 as a plush, protective option that excels when comfort comes first — though weight, warmth, and limited versatility kept it from being a do-it-all trainer.

First Impressions & Specs

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review (2025): A Max Cushion Cruiser Tested by 3 Runners

The Up & Runners all agreed that the Wave Sky 9 leans fully into its role as a max-cushion cruiser, prioritizing comfort and protection over speed.

Blake saw it as a plush, protective option that slots neatly into Mizuno’s lineup for long and easy runs.
Cody found it became his go-to for recovery days and double-digit outings, delivering reliable comfort every time.
Eric, who usually avoids max-cushion shoes, was pleasantly surprised by the bounce and stability underfoot.

Cody Jett

This shoe isn’t about speed—it’s about keeping your legs fresh and enjoying the miles.

In the end, the Wave Sky 9 sets the tone early: it’s not built for workouts or speed, but it shines as a plush daily trainer that helps your legs feel protected when mileage stacks up.

Related Video: Cody dives deep into the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 on his Youtube channel.

Upper & Fit

The Wave Sky 9’s Smooth Stretch Woven upper brought comfort and security, but breathability and fit quirks came up across the board.

Blake appreciated the plush step-in feel but found the pointed toe box a bit short, suggesting some runners may want to size up.
Cody praised the snug lockdown and secure feel, though he noticed the plush upper runs warm on hotter days.
Eric liked that the upper wasn’t as overwhelming as other max-cushion shoes, providing cushion and support without feeling bulky.

Blake Graf

The toe-box is a bit pointed, which sometimes made it feel a touch short for me.

Overall, the upper nails comfort and security for easy-day mileage, but runners in warm climates or with wider feet should pay attention to breathability and fit before locking in their size.

Related: If you're a runner with wide feet, check out Hollie's 9 Expert Picks for the Best Wide Running Shoes.

Midsole Ride

Mizuno’s dual-layer foam setup (nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT on top, standard ENERZY below) defines the Wave Sky 9. All three Up & Runners highlighted the balance of cushion, bounce, and stability.

Blake felt the ride was soft, cushioned, and springy, but still stable enough to stay balanced even at 44mm stack.
Cody loved how the foams worked together, calling them plush yet responsive—perfect for easy miles and long runs.
Eric noted that while firmer than some competitors, the midsole delivered surprising bounce and didn’t collapse underfoot, which can often happen with higher stack, max-cushion running shoes.

Eric McIntyre

I loved that the shoe didn’t just collapse underfoot and even provided a good amount of energy return.

The Wave Sky 9 midsole won’t deliver plated-shoe snap or workout-ready pop, but for runners chasing comfort, stability, and protection, it hits the sweet spot.

Outsole & Durability

The Wave Sky 9 uses Mizuno’s durable X10 carbon rubber, a feature all three Up & Runners found reliable for grip and longevity.

Blake reported solid traction on roads and even light trail, though he noted the outsole contributes to the shoe’s overall weight.
Cody found the outsole durable and steady in light rain, with minimal wear even after multiple runs.
Eric praised Mizuno’s outsole compounds as underrated, saying grip and durability were standouts with no early signs of breakdown.

Cody Jett

The outsole is durable and performed well in lightly wet conditions… showing minimal wear and tear even after multiple runs.

The outsole doesn’t try to be flashy, but it does its job well—providing grip and lasting durability that match the Wave Sky 9’s comfort-first, high-mileage design.

Runners shopping for max-cushion daily trainers often cross-shop models like the New Balance More v6, Hoka Bondi 9, or ASICS Gel Nimbus. The Up & Runners compared the Wave Sky 9 against each, plus Mizuno’s own Neo Vista.

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs. New Balance More v6:
Cody felt both shoes excel at recovery miles and long runs, but the Wave Sky 9 has a slightly more responsive midsole. The More v6 leans softer and pillowy, while the Sky 9 balances cushion with stability.

Related: Eric's Youtube comparison of the Wave Sky 9 vs New Balance Freshfoam X More v6

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs. Hoka Bondi 9:
Similar in purpose as high-stack, comfort-focused trainers, the Bondi 9 is lighter but can feel less lively. Cody found the Wave Sky 9 smoother and more responsive, while still protecting legs just as well.

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs. ASICS Gel Nimbus:
Eric compared the two directly, noting the Wave Sky 9 is more responsive and energetic underfoot. The Nimbus feels plush but flatter, while Mizuno’s dual-foam system gives a bouncier ride.

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs. Mizuno Neo Vista:
Blake pointed out that the Neo Vista is Mizuno’s super-trainer: softer foams, more rocker, and a plate for pop. The Wave Sky 9 skips the plate and rocker for a more traditional, stable max-cushion experience.

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs. ASICS Superblast 2:
Blake also compared it to the Superblast, which is much lighter and more versatile at faster paces. The Wave Sky 9, however, is plusher and better suited for long, easy efforts.

The consensus? The Wave Sky 9 sits comfortably in the max-cushion recovery trainer category, carving out its place as a stable, plush alternative for runners who value comfort over speed.

Who Should Buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 9

✔ Best For:

Runners who prioritize plush comfort and leg-saving cushioning
Easy miles, recovery runs, and relaxed long runs
Neutral runners who want stability without a plate or rocker
High-mileage trainers seeking durability and reliable outsole grip

❌ Not Ideal For:

Runners in hot climates (upper runs warm)
Those who want lightweight, nimble trainers
Speedwork, tempos, or race-day use
Wide-footed runners who may struggle with the pointed toe box

Blake Graf

This shoe is for someone who is looking for a more traditional high cushion trainer. It doesn’t need a crazy rocker, or fancy plate. Just good foam and overall comfort.

The Up & Runners agreed that the Wave Sky 9 is a comfort-first shoe — perfect for piling on easy mileage and protecting tired legs, but not the choice if you’re chasing fast paces.

Final Verdict

The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 stays true to its identity as a comfort-first max cushion trainer. Across more than 100 collective miles, the Up & Runners agreed that it’s a shoe built for recovery runs, easy cruising, and long days where pace doesn’t matter.

The strengths are clear:

Plush dual-foam cushioning that doesn’t bottom out
A stable platform despite the towering stack
Mizuno’s always-reliable outsole durability
The upper locks down securely and feels cozy, even if it runs warm in summer conditions.

Downsides? It’s on the heavier side for a daily trainer, the pointed toe box may feel snug for some, and breathability is limited. Value also split opinions: Blake thought $180 was fair for the cushion on offer, while Eric flagged it as expensive.

Blake Graf

The shoe is now more cushioned, more plush, and a great addition to the Mizuno lineup filling the spot for a max cushion/long run shoe.

For runners chasing comfort, the Wave Sky 9 delivers a smooth, reliable ride that makes recovery miles more enjoyable. It won’t win any speed contests, but if you want a durable cruiser that keeps legs fresh, this Mizuno earns its place in the rotation.

Share Your Thoughts!

Have you logged miles in the Mizuno Wave Sky 9? The Up & Runners found it a plush, leg-saving cruiser, but how does it compare to your go-to max cushion trainer? Drop a comment or add your own WeeView—we’d love to hear your take!