product review
The Mizuno Wave Sky; Run with your head in the clouds
The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 is Mizuno’s most cushioned all-round running shoe. The redesigned upper combined with the innovative ENERZY CORE foam will keep you comfortable during your long distance runs. So comfortable that the thought of a post-run nap on the couch won’t even cross your mind. The Wave Sky 6 is suitable for any type of training. This all-rounder offers a healthy mix between cushioning and stability; its wide sole and double Wave foam layer know to achieve this. On top of that the latter also helps encourage the forward roll of the foot.
MIZUNO WAVE sky 5
MIZUNO WAVE sky 6
3 reasons why the Mizuno Wave Sky 6 is perfect for you
- You are looking for a running shoe for long distances
The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 offers a lot of cushioning and is designed for running distances such as half and full marathons. Thanks to the combination of Mizuno ENERZY CORE and Mizuno ENERZY foam the Sky 6 provides the most cushioning of all Mizuno shoes to date. Mizuno ENERZY CORE is 293% softer – no, this isn’t a typo – and provides 56% more energy return than the previous foam. Because of these characteristics the cushioning is highly comfortable all through your runs. - You have a wider foot or have a medium to heavy build
The new SMOOTH STRETCH woven upper provides a soft and comfortable fit. The Sky 6 is slightly wider and heavier when compared to Mizuno’s popular Wave Rider model. The base of the sole has a wider design which gives you a large landing platform. This provides a lot of stability and thereby makes the Mizuno Wave Sky 6 suitable for runners with a wider foot or a heavier build. - You land over your heels and are looking for a stable neutral running shoe
The Wave Sky 6 does not use Mizuno’s traditional Wave Plate, but instead employs the FOAM WAVE technology. This technology is reflected in a small wave, for extra stability, and a large Wave, which helps provide direction during heel-to-toe transition. The Mizuno ENERZY foam is placed on top of a layer of EVA foam. Thanks to this the shoe provides stability without surrendering cushioning. Last but not least, X10 carbon rubber has been added to the outside of the heel, and adds some additional wear-resistance to the outsole.
Menno Munster – Product expert
Did you know…
“Reach Beyond”: that is Mizuno’s slogan and the (cherry blossom) tree trunk around which the Japanese brands has formed its identity. From this stem grow five main branches. One for each of Mizuno’s brand values: reliability, innovation, performance, inspiration and passion. On these branches grow bountiful bouquets of blossoms, one for each of Mizuno’s achievements. With their “reach beyond” slogan, Mizuno hopes to motivate athletes to achieve what they not yet have. The brand wants to encourage and support all athletes on their journey to achieving the next goal, but also dares them to reach further than that. History is not written in a day. That’s why Mizuno continuously strives for excellence in supporting people to become a better version of themselves.
The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 in detail
Mizuno ENERZY CORE and Mizuno ENERZY
give the highest level of cushioning and energy return.
New SMOOTH STRETCH Woven upper
provides a soft and comfortable fit.
Wider outsole
at the heel and forefoot provides extra stability every step of the way.
FOAM WAVE – A unique Mizuno technology
A traditional ingredient to Mizuno shoes is the Wave Plate. This is a plastic plate found in the midsole of their shoes. The Wave Sky 6 breaks with this tradition. Instead of featuring a plastic plate it boasts two foam layers placed on top of each other that both have a Wave-like shape. These two foam layers are made of Mizuno ENERZY and Mizuno EVA. The small waves in this design provide extra stability while the large waves guide the feet through landing and transition. The roll to the midfoot is very smooth and you’ll experience less pressure at the heel.
3INNOVATIONS FOUND IN THE MIZUNO WAVE SKY 6
- New upper with more stretch
The SMOOTH STRETCH Woven upper provides a softer fit than that of the fifth edition of the model. This keeps you comfortable throughout your runs. The upper stretches with the foot at strategic points in the shoe. This ensures that you do not suffer from pressure points. While running, your foot is snugly wrapped, which gives great support and a “locked down feel”. - Softest Mizuno cushioning to date
In comparison with the Wave Sky 5, the midsole has not changed. The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 has a midsole that consists of three types of foam, namely Mizuno ENERZY, ENERZY CORE and Mizuno Wave. Mizuno ENERZY CORE has exceded all expectations and is the softest and most resilient material ever created by Mizuno. It is 293% softer and gives 56% more energy return than materials previously used in midsoles. - Wider base at the heel and forefoot
“The wider the shoe, the more stability you’ll experience”. This philosophy has been applied to several all-round as well as competition running shoes. The 6th version of the Sky has a wider base at the heel and forefoot. This provides for a larger landing platform and thereby extra stability. Additionally, the forefoot has flex grooves, allowing the foot to easily go through heel-to-toe transition.
Putting the Mizuno Wave Sky 6 to the test
Our experts don’t just get a sneak peek of new shoes, but also secretly put them to the test before they become available. This time, our own Menno Munster has laced up the Wave Sky 6 and under the cover of darkness went for a test ride.
Menno Munster
Type of Runner
Neutral Forefoot Runner
Training
5 Times a Week
Terrain
Various
PBs
10 km – 33:10
21,1 km – 1:18:19
His Verdict
Comfort
“The Wave Sky 6’s cushioning is really soft. The midsole shape, however, guides your foot excellently and knows to give the shoe a firm feel. While running, I notice that more energy is returned to me than I beforehand expected. Because of the softness of the shoe, I expected a more soggy feel. The shoe, however, has a surprisingly light spring, even when running at a faster pace. Thanks to its comfy ride, the shoe is perfectly suited to putting in a lot of kilometres. I would use this shoe mainly for endurance runs on roads, but you could also employ them for your tempo training.”
Fit
“The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 feels perfectly comfortable straight off the bat. The upper is comfortably stretchy and envelops my feet really well. The SMOOTH STRETCH Woven upper also makes the Wave Sky suitable for runners with a slightly wider foot. The heel cap is firm and high, thereby keeping my foot firmly in place in the shoe. The shoe also boasts a fairly high sockliner, which makes for an even firmer feel. If you have somewhat wider ankles, this might well become a nuisance after a while. The Wave Sky 6 has a regular shoe size.”
Stride
“It’s not just the upper that’s comfy. The sole of the Wave Sky 6 also knows to provide a lot of coziness. When running, I don’t really notice that the sole is made of three different layers. The shoe has a pretty wide sole. It feels like your foot sinks right into the middle of them. This makes for a very stable feel when running. The sole is quite flat so there is a lot of feel for the underground. This makes the shoe a good option for runners who need some extra stability. Also, the sole has a slight rocker that makes me feel a little push at the start of every new stride.”
The Mizuno All-round Family
The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 is part of Mizuno’s all-round running shoe family. All-round running shoes are excellent for all types of training and any type of distance.
Mizuno Wave Sky 6
The Wave Sky 6 is the big brother of the Wave Rider 26 . Because of the extra Mizuno ENERZY CORE foam the Sky 6 provides additional cushioning, thereby making it a bit softer than the Rider 26. Thanks to this extra cushioning the shoe is also very suitable for longer distances, such as half and full marathons.
Mizuno Wave Rider Neo 2
Fans of the Wave Rider, might also consider trying the Wave Rider Neo 2. This lighter and softer version offers a premium feel and is ideal for tempo and interval training.
Explore now – Mizuno Wave Rider Neo 2
Mizuno Wave Rider 26
The Mizuno Wave Rider now offers even more cushioning than ever before. The shoe however cleverly knows to also remain true to its stable character. With this all-rounder, you are optimally equipped for your daily training – no matter the distance. Slip them on and experience your ultimate Runner’s High.
Explore now – Mizuno Wave Rider 26
Mizunio Wave Inspire 18
MIZUNO WAVE INSPIRE 18
Yet another interesting model for ‘Riders’ is the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18. The WAVE PLATE in this model is made a bit higher on the inside which helps prevent overpronation.
Explore now – Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is an all-round running shoe for overpronators. The Horizon is the stable version of the Mizuno Wave Sky. The cushioning and stability offered by this shoe, makes it particularly suitable for taller or stronger runners.
Explore now – Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
The finishing lines
The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 is Mizuno’s most cushioned all-round running shoe. With its updated SMOOTH STRETCH Woven upper, the shoe boasts a premium fit. The Wave ENERZY CORE foam in the midsole gives plenty of cushioning and energy return, while the carbon rubber on the heel ensures that you get plenty of mileage out of these shoes.
Excited about this model? Then check out the Mizuno Wave Sky 6 in our webshop. Still have some questions to ask? Don’t hesitate to contact our team of product expert at 21RUN’s customer service.