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The Wave Sky has been one of my favorite easy run shoes for years. The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 is a major update, and it feels like it. Max-cushion shoes can sometimes feel heavy or bulky, but this one doesn’t. It’s a daily trainer made for easy miles and long days. As mentioned, I’ve run in the Wave Sky line for years, starting back with the Wave Sky 3, and this is the biggest shift yet.
At first look, the Wave Sky 9 is a lot of shoe. You're like is that going to feel like cinderblocks on my feet? The 44mm heel height puts it into true max-cushion territory, but it surprisingly doesn’t feel bulky. To honest, Mizuno is a fairly traditional brand so I was surprised they went with a 40 mm+ stack height shoe.
As mentioned, the mesh upper has a structured feel. It holds the foot well and has enough support that it can work for neutral runners who need a little guidance. The heel padding is comfortable and secure. The tongue is gusseted and stays put. Lacing is straightforward, but the laces run short if you prefer a heel lock.
The toe box is more narrow than my preference. It’s low and slightly tapered, which won’t work for everyone. Mizuno shoes tend to fit long and narrow, and the Wave Sky continues that trend. If you have a wide foot or bunions, the wide version is the safer option. Combined with the lack of give in the upper, you may need to go into a larger size than ever before.
Once you’re in the right size, it’s a very comfortable shoe. I’ve had no rubbing or hot spots, and it’s comfortable before, during, and after runs. That’s all I really want in an easy-day shoe.
I usually wear a women’s 11, and that's been ok for me but if you generally wear wider shoes, try the wide or go up at least half a size.
The midsole update is the star here. Mizuno added Enerzy NXT foam on top, and it makes a noticeable difference. It’s nitrogen-infused EVA with a livelier feel than past versions. Under it is a traditional EVA layer sculpted into a foam-based Wave shape, which adds guidance and keeps the shoe from feeling unstable.
The transitions are smooth. The shoe doesn’t bottom out and doesn’t feel overly soft either. It rolls nicely from heel to toe and feels controlled at all paces. Some max-cushion shoes feel awkward at slower speeds, but this one stays consistent throughout the run.
In my rotation, the Wave Sky 9 is still an easy run and recovery day shoe. It’s comfortable and protective. You can pick up the pace if you absolutely want to, but it’s not designed for fast running. That’s fine. Not every shoe needs to handle workouts. You need daily trainers more than you need "fast" shoes.
Mizuno continues to excel in outsole durability. Every Mizuno trainer I’ve owned (minus plated options) has lasted well above 400 miles, and this one feels similar. The outsole is mostly full rubber with deep flex grooves. Even with the higher stack, the shoe moves better than expected.
Traction has been solid on pavement, light rain, and packed dirt. I wouldn’t take it onto technical trails, but it can handle light trails with no issues. It's just a good all around daily trainer.
The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 doesn’t try to do everything. It’s a max-cushion trainer built for comfort, smooth miles, and long-term durability. The Enerzy NXT foam gives it more responsiveness than previous versions, and the midsole design creates a steady, grounded ride.
The only real drawback is the more narrow toe box. If that works for your foot shape, or you grab the wide, you’ll get a reliable, cushioned daily trainer that performs exactly how an easy-day shoe should.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Mizuno Wave Sky 9
I was paid to write an honest shoe review of my choice.
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