Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham
Mizuno's Wave Horizon series has always featured a really unique stability set-up that somewhat predicted the future of stability when it released. Moving away from medial posts, it used the kitchen sink of other stability mechanisms from dual (triple!?) density midsoles to unique geometry and width to create a highly stable ride that suited a large variety of runners. The one issue, however, with past models is that it wasn't exactly the most versatile piece, often being weighty and not very fun to take on the road. The Wave Horizon 8 is a major revamp, however, that amps up cushion and delivers a surprisingly fun ride that can do just a little bit more than its predecessors.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 8Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 11.4 oz, 323 g (men's size 9), 9.7 oz, 275 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 42 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Premium Stability Trainer
Pros: Very cushioned ride on top of a highly stable platform
Cons: A little weighty, but improved over past editions
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 is a highly cushioned premium stability trainer that utilizes dual densities and geometry to create a very stable platform. The latest Wave Horizon uses a new, lively ENERZY NXT on the top layer along with a bouncy ENERZY bottom layer midsole that combines to offer a soft landing and firmer, stable push-off. The shoe also has a rubber wall along the medial side of the midsole itself which provides a lot of structure and support. Mizuno's wave design helps provide ample firmness in key places to help provide support where you need it and extra comfort where you don't. The new midsole combination along with comfortable upper fit offers a really solid stability trainer for those who have especially medial stability needs and wants something for easy and long efforts.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Beast GTS 24
PAST MODEL: Mizuno Wave Horizon 7
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. A full-length jacquard air mesh runs the length of the upper, providing softer cushioning in the rear and a thinner but structured mesh up front. The fit is on the wider side yet still stays secure. The toe box is slightly tapered due to the toe guard. This transitions into a wider forefoot with a slightly higher volume for additional space. The midfoot is normal to slightly wide with a strongly gusseted, mildly thick tongue. The gusseted tongue adds to the solid security and despite the wider fit, I did not have to tighten down the laces much to get a secure fit. The heel fits normal in width with a mild amount of heel collar padding. There is a stiff heel counter in the rearfoot that is rounded, so it did not bother me. There is slight padding between the heel and the counter, but those sensitive to counters may not do well. Those who like stiff counters will find a large one that wraps far around both sides of the heel. The security is good thanks to the gusseted tongue and the laces respond well to being tightened. Like most running shoes that fit wider, quick turns can cause some sliding, so this shoe is meant more for slower or straight movements. While the upper is nice, the inner liner is a bit scratchy, so socks are highly recommended.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Bach: I found the fit to be similar to last year's Wave Horizon. The length and volume was good for my Men's US Size 9.5 feet. The midfoot locks down fairly well, but I did have to lacelock the shoe for a little extra security since there's a little more volume throughout. The laces are flat and easy to use. There is a classic amount of padding throughout the heel for this premium trainer.
The upper breathability has been good so far as the temps warm up here in South Carolina. Once you get a good lockdown of the shoe everything feels nicely dialed in for long miles. I didn't have any issues with the upper over the course of testing. For those with slightly wider feet, you may be okay in the normal model. There is a Wide 2E model available, but is both somewhat hard to find and only in black.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Bach well: Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Somewhat
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 is a premium stability daily training shoe. Like its predecessors, the weight is on the higher end at 11.4 oz (down 0.4 oz from previous in mens size 9). However, the top layer of bouncy ENERZY NXT combined with a bottom layer of ENERZY provides a highly bouncy but grounded ride. During walking, the underfoot feel is soft and stable. While running, the higher impact creates an initially soft ride that quickly transitions to responsive as you compress the ENERZY NXT and hit the ENERZY. This makes the cushioning feel bouncy but not mushy. This does offset the higher weight and makes the shoe feel lighter than the listed 11.4 oz. However, it is a heavier and larger shoe that is best only for easy and longer efforts.
There is only a small heel bevel which makes for an initially clunky heel transition. This is reduced by the softer midsole, which helps ease the transition. However, it is still a little clunky in the back. Fortunately, this transitions to a smooth midfoot and forefoot. The forefoot has two deeper flex grooves with the closer one breaking in to provide mild flexibility. Those with more severe toe mobility issues may find this shoe to have a bit too much flexibility, while others wanting just a touch of forefoot flex will like this. The forefoot rocker begins before the toe joints (MTPs), which combined with the mild flexibility create a smooth toe off.
The outsole traction is fairly good for a road shoe. I have not had any slippage issues and it is fine on wet road. The outsole is plenty thick to tolerate some off road ventures, although the large gap in the heel and midfoot may pick up larger rocks. The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 is a tank when it comes to durability and it always has been. Version 8 has a thick outsole that has no wear on the outsole despite 30 miles of running and several weeks of all day walking/standing use. The midsole also feels exactly the same as the first day I put them on. I therefore expect an extremely above-average number of miles out of these compared to other shoes.
Bach: I think runners who are stat fans will look at the weight and immediately be deterred. In past versions of the Wave Horizon, this would be a very good guess. The series is often more of a very slow day trainer that also was a really effective walking and standing shoe. These are still relatively true with the Wave Horizon 8, but this model features by far the peppiest midsole combination I've tested so far in the series. Besides being a mileage grinder, the shoe has fairly good responsiveness to it that lets you at bare minimum do strides or shorter workouts in. The midsole is a combination of soft landing and immediately firm response, providing both stability and quick push off. Due to the more bouncier ENERZY NXT (nitrogen-infused supercritical TPU) topsole and ENERZY bottom layer midsole here, miles don't feel plodding at all. I also tend to run more forward and found the shoe to transition well. I enjoyed the shoe for both daily miles, strides, and long runs. This is not a shoe to choose as your workout trainer or race day shoe, unless you are not worried about time and focused on comfort and distance.
The shoe has just a little flexibility in the forefoot and stiff mid-to-rearfoot. This combination always suits me well, and his was no exception. The outsole is very durable, thick, and great on wet roads. It does pick up the smallest of rocks in its grooves that you'll have to pick out, but also ran on grass and gravel decent enough if you had to. The shoe remains excellent at walking and all-day standing, especially thanks to the slightly higher volume fit.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Mizuno Horizon 8 is a moderate to high level stability shoe. There is a solid medial post along with several guidance features. The medial post is the most prevalent, providing well-integrated medial support from the heel through the beginning of the forefoot. It is not obtrusive but provides a comfortably high level of medial arch support. The other major guidance features include a wide shape, a midfoot that does not taper at all, and more medial than lateral flare. These further add to a highly stable, centered ride. The heel and midfoot are particularly stable, with the medial stability features become more present the harder you compress the ENERZY NXT. During walking, the stability is more moderate and evenly distributed in the heel and midfoot. During running, as I fatigued, the medial post and medial flare become more apparent. Like many shoes on the market, the stability adapts to how you are loading the shoe. The forefoot is also stable with a wider shape, additional outsole rubber on the medial side of the forefoot and mild flexibility off the front of the shoe. This provides a guided and non-obtrusive toe off, adding to the adaptable stability in this shoe.
Bach: This is one of the higher level stability shoes in the market right now, especially for medial stability. The combination of the wide geometry, wave design, medial sole flare and rubber wall along the medial side of the midsole creates a strong stability system that doesn't feel intrusive but is noticeably supportive. The forefoot has ample width that transitions really well. The shoe's generous width throughout is also very stable in every situation, including downhill running. The wave design also creates a forward-propelling feeling as you roll forward. This and the Brooks Beast GTS 24 remain two of the highest level of well-integrated medial stability available in the market. If you like some kind of medial resistance in your trainer and have high stability needs, these are two to check out.
Thoughts as a DPT: What Large Muscles Support The Medial Arch?
By Matthew Klein
While we often talk about the components of stability shoes, it is equally important to talk about the muscles that support the medial longitudinal arch, or the primary arch on the inner side of the foot. While the shape/height of different people's medial arch will vary, there are several muscles that support and control motion along its full length. The tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, flexor hallucix longus, flexor digitorum and several smaller intrinsic foot muscles all make up the active control of this area.
The tibialis posterior is a primary supporter of the arch, starting deep to the calf muscles, traveling down the inner side of the ankle (behind the medial malleolus, or the inner ankle bone) and inserting into the navicular bone and many other points along the arch. The anterior tibialis is another arch supporter, starting at the front lateral aspect of the lower leg, traveling in front of the medial malleolus and inserting on the medial cuneiform (medial bone in front of the navicular) and base of the first metatarsal (medial long proximal toe bones). Both the tibialis posterior and anterior control and lift the middle and to a degree the posterior part of the medial longitudinal arch and may be offloaded most with shoe arch support/stability in the midfoot and heel
The fibularis longus starts on the lateral (outside) part of the leg, travels down the side of the ankle, wraps through a bone called the cuboid and travels all the way to the inner side of the foot, attaching on the bottom of the medial cuneiform bone, the base of the first metatarsal and in some people continue further forward to the distal first metatarsal. It aids the tibialis posterior and anterior in stabilizing the midfoot and forefoot in certain people. Arch support/stability in the midfoot and forefoot in a shoe may offload this muscle.
The other larger muscles that support the arch as a secondary function include the flexor hallucis longus and the flexor digitorum longus. Both these muscles start near the tibialis posterior (deep to the calf) and wrap around the inner ankle (behind the medial malleolus) and continue either to the big toe (hallucis) or the small toes (digitorum longus). Although their primary function is to flex a variety of toes, their pathway along the medial arch also helps them raise the arch. The flexor hallucis longus has a strong medial pathway that supports the entire arch but especially the forefoot and midfoot and will be best offloaded by arch support/stability in that area. The flexor hallucis longus travels a similar direction but dives more centrally/laterally compared to the other muscles as it continues to the toes. Due to its longer and more central path, it may be more supported by central guidance at the forefoot and medial support at the midfoot and rearfoot.
Depending on where you are having issues, it may be helpful to work on strengthening and rehabilitating the group of muscles that support the area you are having issues. These muscles do not work in isolation and a complex interaction of forces from them help control movement at the medial longitudinal arch (and elsewhere). Arch lifting exercises (like the short foot), toe flexion exercises (towel curls), foot intrinsic exercises (yoga toes), inversion based exercises (heel lifts with heel ball squeezes) are among many that can help during the beginning phases of rehabilitation and arch control. The above guide may should hopefully help you identify where you may need some arch support as you rehab or if you have had a prior history of pathology in the area, as those with a prior history of pronation related injuries are the most likely to benefit from a stability/guidance shoe (Willems et al., 2021)
Willems, T. M., Ley, C., Goetghebeur, E., Theisen, D., & Malisoux, L. (2021). Motion-control shoes reduce the risk of pronation-related pathologies in recreational runners: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(3), 135-143.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 improves almost everything I could have asked for. The fit is a little wider and more comfortable, the ENERZY NXT provides a nice bounce and makes the shoe feel far lighter than its listed weight and the stability has been maintained despite the softening of the midsole. My only suggestions are to continue to try to get the weight down a little and to bevel the heel a little more. With larger stability shoes like this, there is a lower limit to how light you can get them. I still challenge Mizuno to try to get this to 11 oz to get closer to the other premium stability shoes, although the midsole makes it feel similar weight wise thanks to its responsiveness. My other possible suggestion is to bevel the heel a little more. This is my favorite of the premium stability shoes for longer standing because of the wider shape and softer underfoot feel. While standing, the small bevel is fine and makes the shoe feel more stable. While running, it is a bit clunky until the midsole breaks in. While not losing its overall stable feel, a slightly larger posteriolateral heel would be beneficial to ease the heel transition. Outside of that, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 is an improvement in every way from the prior version.
Bach: Despite Mizuno fulfilling a lot of my hopes with this latest Horizon, the goal post keeps moving as far as weight goes. The midsole updates continue to improve on weight. While it doesn't need to be significantly lighter as a premium stability trainer, getting into the 10 oz range would make the shoe even better for longer efforts. This is especially true for those with larger feet sizes.
I do like that this shoe has versatility as both a running and standing shoe. One of the inherit benefits of stability shoes is that they are often excellent for all-day use, which is why I actually prefer the bevel to stay as is (sorry Matt). I would actually recommend Mizuno to take a big step further and produce a new really dynamic, runner-focused premium trainer that can be an exciting longer training, perhaps even race day option for stability users using this wave design. There is a real lack of high stack stability shoes that are light and fun for long distance racing and I think Mizuno has what it takes design-wise to make a really interesting option.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 is a premium stability shoe for those who want a slightly wider fit, a bouncier midsole, medial arch support and a highly stable overall shoe. The fit will work best for those who have normal to wider feet thanks to the slighlty wider fit and additional volume. The ride will work best for those who want a responsive midsole that somewhat offsets the heavier but solid ride. The stability will work best for those who want an overall stable ride but prefer medial stability especially in the midfoot and heel. While a bit pricey at $170, the high durability, premium bouncy ride and great stability make it worth the price tag for those looking for something with those features. While not as versatile as the Inspire series in regards to pace, the Horizon series continues to be a solid option for runners, walkers and those standing for long periods in need of higher stability to trust their feet in.
Bach: The Wave Horizon 8 is the best update in the series in a long time. The weight and responsiveness of the shoe is a big improvement. In tandem with the shoe's stability design, this is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a stability trainer with strong medial support. It is still on the higher end of weight, but the ride moves along well and the shoe is just a comfortable option for anyone looking for a durable shoe to log tons of miles in. The shoe is also one of my favorite all-day shoes for those needing a super stable standing and walking option.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Wider fit and slightly higher volume provides plenty of room. Slight taper at toe box breaks in with time)
Performance: B+ (Bouncy top layer of ENERZY NXT offsets higher weight creating a responsive ride that still is best for daily training and long runs. Slightly clunky heel)
Stability: A [Moderate to High Stability] (Wide shape, strong medial post provides great medial stability and overall guidance in the heel and midfoot)
Value: A- (High durability and comfort for standing, walking and running but limited ability into faster efforts compared to Wave Inspire)
Personal: A- (A favorite for standing and walking. Heel a bit clunky during running until it breaks in. Wish it was a little lighter.)
Overall Design: A-
Bach
Fit: A- (Good width and ample volume. Did need lace locking to get full security)
Performance: B+ (Not the absolute do-it-all, but a highly cushioned, responsive ride gets most of your mileage done with ease)
Stability: A (I'm a big fan of Mizuno's unique stability design and it still provides one of the higher amount of stability in the market today)
Value: B (Highly durable, but pricey and not as versatile as maybe even a Wave Inspire)
Personal: A- (Just for all-around running and daily use, it's a pleasure and a constant favorite for me. This being the best edition yet only furthers my enthusiasm for it)
Overall Design: B+/A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORMizuno Wave Horizon 8Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
Asics long running stability flagship.
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