Mizuno Wave Creation 19

7.3
7.3 score
(TheGearHunt) score (7.3)/10

Our TheGearHunt score is based on 3 different factors: Editor's rating after in-depth testing. User ratings submitted on this page Overall score from the "reviewmeter" based on reviews across the web the weight of each factor is: 40% editor rating 15% user ratings 45% reviewmeter.
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Editor rating: 6.0 / 10
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Mizuno Wave Creation 19 Review Facts

Not every running shoe, or shoe of any kind, is going to be a home run out of the park. Sometimes a shoe, especially an updated version of an old shoe, comes out not quite how it was intended. The Mizuno Wave Creation 19 was designed to be more comfortable, a smoother and softer ride than its predecessor. In this regard, it was a success. When it came time for someone to wear the shoes, however, there were reports that it was too soft, unsupportive, and that blisters were already forming inside of a few hours. Others attested to approving of the new release, but with such a mixed bag of results it is hard to do anything but handle with caution.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Smooth and incredibly cushioned
  • Very comfortable for short term use
  • Reinforced toe box
  • High drop
Cons
  • Blisters from tongue bunching
  • Blisters from too much cushion
  • Might run half a size small
See How
Reviews were analyzed here:
We read, analyze and sort reviews into positive & negative categories to give you the complete picture.
What are buyers saying?

We have spent 4 hours analyzing a total of 150 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive
  • These keep their shape and elasticity for a while. They are pricey but well worth it if you need a great shoe that lasts. I never get sore knees or feet with these and I am a big dude and run regularly. Looking into buying a backup pair.
  • These are great for walking or for running. They have great absorbency and they feel like they give you energy They fit well and I highly recommend them.
  • These are made for long wear. They are super cushioned and perfect for marathon training. They look great and feel even better.
  • These are some serious comfortable shoes. I am able to wear my orthotics for my flat feet. I do not run but need a really supportive shoe. These are great, best I've ever owned.
  • I have bought this shoe 3 times now and they are the best I have ever owned. They are great for supination. The Blue and black options come in looking the same. They are the same shoe. But I love it!
  • I went a half size up and they fit so perfect. The toe box fits good. I am able to wear them for long periods due to the support and epic cushioning. I never have pain in these. They are a great shoe and I am looking to get another pair soon.
  • When I put this shoe on, I could feel it adjusting my gait. I have a serious underpronation and these are a dream. They needed virtually no breaking in. Itis a bit stiffer but supports like no other shoe I own. Got these a half size up and it worked good.
  • I just got my second pair of these, order a half size u, you'll thank me.I always have to buy more supportive insoles with every shoe including. However, I wouldn’t use that to judge the shoe, it may be my foot.
  • I have bought these over 8 times and I am never disappointed. They have great toe space and they are sturdy but light. They also breathe really well. Well worth the price.
  • These do not hurt the tops of my feet like the Sky and Paragon. They have tons of cushioning and are mean comfortable. I usually run about 5 miles and they never hurt or get hot.
  • With these shoes and my orthotic, I no longer have pain. I have bought these for 12 years now an use them all day everyday and they last and feel great. I highly recommend them if you are like me an don your feet a lot.
  • I run A LOT and no other shoe feels the way these do. Mizuno is the best. These have so much cushioning, more than the previous model and I am really enjoying that. I love this. I highly recommend these shoes.
  • These are like the Bentleys of runners. This is my second pair and they are the best shoes I have ever bought for my feet. They are not cheap but neither is the fit and feel. Great shoe and worth every penny!
  • They look great, feel great, and fit like they are supposed to. I stand all day and these absorb any pain that may come along. I feel nothing but comfort. I have been buying these for 5 years an won’t buy anything else.
  • These always fit perfect right out of the box. I am on number 15 now and I won’t buy any other model or brand. They are stable and comfortable right away. Even when my weight fluctuate a lot it didn't affect the shoe fit. I am in love with these.
  • Super response to these shoes. They are so good on pavement and absorb all the impact. I am about 225 and they never go flat or cause pain. I love them.
  • Bought them a half size up and perfection. I read the reviews thank god. It is comfortable and cushioned really well. Like a light stability shoe. I would highly recommend if you like comfy feet.
  • The right shoe is a bit snug on the pinky toe but hoping that fades as I break them in. They are a really nice looking shoe and feel great otherwise. Go a half size up or you won't like them.
  • Super awesome support for the feet.I am surprised there is a shoe like this. The design is really nice. The front material can rub the little toe a bit so I suggest trying them on.
  • I wear these for work and for running and I am never mad about it. My feet always feel good. They breathe well and are really light.
Negative
  • I like Mizunos but these were a bust. They are not durable at all. They are really pricey but last usually less than a year. The pinky toes stresses to easy and rips. Not really happy with these.
  • These keep increasing in cost but not design.I am confused. I have been using Mizuno for years and itis slightly annoying. I got these and they are pricey and they started caving n a few months. I am not huge or on my feet rough all day. The shell is loose and they are not comfortable anymore. I am super disappointed. I hope this is not a sign of the times for Mizuno.
  • My previous Mizuno lasted well over a year. These however toe after 4 months. The heel fabric just disintegrated and tore the skin off my heel.
  • These gave me blisters. They have no toe room. The do not breath well and this makes the foot sweat and more prone to blisters. Next time I will pay attention to the reviews.
  • I got the worst shin splints form these. Very odd for Mizuno. I am going to move on, they hurt.
  • The stripes and rubber started to peel off. I have only had them for 4 months. They are not durable and I am so disappointed, they were expensive.
  • II think I got a defective shoe. The 18 and 15’s were great. These broke in and give me the worst foot pain. I cannot run in them or wear them for any time really. I am sad about it.
  • This is a huge downgrade. They made the toebox more narrow and it rubs the pinky toe causing blisters. Why did they do that!?
  • Super narrow instep and the heel is awkwardly narrow. I been wearing this model for 15 years and now I cannot. Try the Horizon if this doesn't work it is more like the previous models.
  • This is the worst version made yet. They are so narrow and the toes rub.No room actually to breathe up there. The left shoe has bumps in the toes now too. My knees hurt after a run. I am tossing them.
Reviewmeter
The Reviewmeter shows you an overall score that you can easily refer to. The highest rating is 10 (100% positive feedback)
Of the 150 reviews we found in total, 17% were negative, and 83% were positive.
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Outsole

The outsole of the Wave Creation 19 is not smooth, but at first glance of the bottom of the shoe you may mistake it as such. There are dots of rubber material impressed into the center of several other surrounding sections of the outsole made of another rubber component, the job of the two of them being to bring you home safely. While they are not completely flat, the outsole area of the Wave Creation 19 should be considered a street running shoe for the safety of all users; the grooves are simply not deep enough for safer trail running, leaving these resigned to the sidewalk, the street, or in some indoor cases, the treadmill. Just be careful and test them on a lower speed setting first to be sure they do not slip on the treadmill, and to make sure that the treadmill does not slip on its own machinery.

Midsole

The Mizuno Wave Creation 19 was designed to include a full length U4icX strobel lining. That particular feature means that the Mizuno Wave Creation 19 is designed to be smoother, softer, and more flexible than its predecessors. With plenty of padding beneath and a removable insole to maximize comfort, you will feel like you are running on a cloud while you run down the sidewalk and around the neighborhood to train.

Upper

Mizuno has developed an upper design called the Dynamotion Fit. This development is a three panel air mesh upper with seamless overlays. Combined they form a superior level of support and fit for your comfort. The Mizuno wave icon is, as expected, printed on the side of the shoe as more support for the upper, which is predominantly mesh. The laces do not have a tongue-loop to slip through, so the tongue is not anchored by the laces any more than an average non-athletic shoe. To some people this may be a good thing, but others may wish for it if the tongue begins to bunch on them during their run. Try testing out the shoes in store if possible and walk around; see if the test drive sheds any light.

Weight

With the men’s version of the shoe weighing in at 12.7 ounces, the Wave Creation 19 packs all of the Infinity Wave geometry and shape into a manageable, light shoe. This is always important for runners, because every ounce can slow you down and whether you are racing the clock, racing your opponents beside you, or just racing yourself for improvement, you do not want to be weighed down by a clumsy, heavy shoe. The general rule of thumb is that the women’s shoe will weigh an ounce or so less than the men’s, so women have it just that little bit simpler when it comes time.

Breathability

Not every running shoe is created equally when it comes to breathability. Some rely upon a full mesh upper to do all the work; others have vent panels on the sides. The Wave Creation 19 by Mizuno has an air mesh upper as well as a removable insole for adjustable comfort, ensuring your feet will be able to breathe. There is also an anatomical sock liner in the upper to improve fit and feel, but doubtless it will also help you feel free and breezy as you roll along down the road, gobbling up the asphalt and carrying on.

Comfort

The phrase ‘fits like a glove’ implies that a form-fitting feel is a good thing to strive for. With that in mind, the Wave Creation 19 sports an anatomical sock liner, providing a superior fit and feel as you slide your foot in and with every step you take. Surprisingly enough, there were actually some negative comments from users about there being too much emphasis on comfort. An excess of foam or other plushness led to blisters as the foot moved around the interior and sank into the padding and foam rather than being held in place with any level of support. Other complaints mentioned the tongue bunching up and causing blisters, due to being sewn in and therefore could only be minimally adjusted for any relief.

Style

Every running shoe has a quieter color combination and a brighter one – at least. In this case, the Wave Creation 19 comes in red, bright blue, dark blue, black, or grey. Colors may vary in availability or combination from men to women sizing, but you will have options regardless of which side of the aisle you find yourself browsing. The appearance of the outsole is almost like a flat-bottomed modified soccer cleat, with a pronounced divot in the heel and two smaller divots in the toes. Looking at the shoe from the side, the white rubber layer of outsole clearly draws the eye to seeing the shoe’s heel drop as you progress from heel toward the toe of the shoe. The stitching along the logo adds a little flare to the color combinations already in place.

Durability

With so much cushioning going into the making of this shoe, there will always be a question of how long they will last. Will they hold up for a normal running shoe duration, or will they disappear never to be seen or heard from again within six months? It is a question many runners always have when buying new shoes, not wanting to have to pay out $120 twice per year for something that is supposed to last longer than such a short time frame. For the most part, user reports maintained either liking the shoe as an update to previous versions or returned theirs within a week, which is a startling disconnect.

Protection

The Mizuno Wave Creation 19 has a decent amount of average shoe protection. The thick rubber sidewalls going most of the way around protect the lower portion of the shoe from the road and any wear and tear that may appear on that horizon. The sides and ankle support seem minimal, but not nonexistent, and the tongue being sewn-in means that small debris like sand will avoid getting pulled into your shoe and grating against the top of your foot. Unfortunately, the tongue being sewn in can also backfire, as the tongue had reports of bunching up and causing blistering.

Responsiveness

With a 12 millimeter difference from heel height to toe height, the Wave Creation 19 is well adept at being responsive. This shoe’s angle of operation will keep you propelled forward with every heel strike and toe push off, no questions asked, and help you reach your new finish lines every time you move them a bit further out. Having a responsive shoe can sometimes make up for other imperfections, but do not hold on to an unhappy fit just because of responsiveness, either. Keep an open mind when you try these running shoes, and they might just surprise you.

Support

Support is largely where the Wave Creation 19 falls apart. There was an unfortunate amount of negative reports from users who said they had blisters from the bunched up tongues, or from the shoe fitting half a size smaller than true to size. Another complaint that was rampant throughout the user reports was that there was too much cushioning at the cost of a functional shoe. By making everything about cushion and softness, the Mizuno team failed to design any support into the shoe. Some even found blisters were happening due to their foot sinking into all of that cushioning and then rubbing against the inside of the top of the shoe where there should not have been a gap at all. There can be such a thing as “too soft” when it comes to a running shoe, as many can attest. Others may find they need all of that cushioning to break down impact of landing, their heel strike and gait being very harsh in general, but okay.

Terrain

As was touched upon when discussing the outsole, this running shoe is definitely designed for running on paved roads. The shape of the outsole alone would be enough to assume this, but taking it one step further, the outsole has an impressive but finicky design feature that becomes a flaw if you take to the trails. Due to the multi-layer outsole’s design, the outsole has strategically placed gaps in it at the heel. While this may help, hinder, or remain neutral to the kind of terrain in and of itself, those spaces are a place for pebbles, dirt, foliage, and general garbage to hide away and be brought inside the house against your will. The safest thing to do to avoid that would be to remain on the streets for running.

Price

Depending upon your retailer, this shoe runs anywhere from $100 to $170. If you have the opportunity to try on this shoe, it is recommended that you do based on the multiple reports of blistering. Try them on and walk around the store for a minute or two, to get more than a few feet out of your test strides. If you think you need more time in order to really discover if these shoes are right for you, learn the store’s returns and exchanges policy first. Buying running shoes that do not fit properly is bad enough; you do not also want to be the person who tries to return shoes and then sees the ‘all sales final’ sign behind the register. This in no way implies the norm will be an all sales final scenario, but it is an urge to be aware of your pending purchases and keep a level head.

Traction

Rubber has always been a good material for traction. The deeper grooves in the heel than the forefoot and toe area of this running shoe mean that it will grip a dry road nicely. Rubber on a wet road, however, is just as dangerous as car tires on a wet road. Tread carefully if you are not in ideal conditions. Even the best running shoes have limitations and cannot adapt to all kinds of weather for peak performance. Also try to mind dirt or unpacked gravel as you run, as these shoes have a lot of grooves and pockets in the outsole that debris can hide in. Finding you have tracked in dirt is bad enough, but if you pick up a large enough rock and step down onto it the wrong way while running, your reaction is going to be to remove the weight from that foot immediately and down you will go. Take care to monitor your surroundings at all times and be aware of what is going on around you and what you are passing under your feet as you run.

Flexibility

With a decent mid-foot arch height, a mesh upper, and a high heel drop of twelve millimeters, the Wave Creation 19 bears a decent amount of flexibility. Some of the same users that reported too much cushioning also reported a lack of flexibility, but those who did not mind the level of padding had nothing bad to say about the level of flexibility, either. In cases like this where a shoe’s feedback is split down the middle, all that can really be said is to hope for the best, expect less, and try for yourself to see if this shoe will suit your purposes.

Stability

Being considered similar to support makes the stability of this shoe rather iffy. The form of the silhouette, the reinforced toe box, the anatomical sock liner, and the three panel seamless overlays are all supposed to make it easy to sing the praises of this shoe, and at first glance they seem to. Once the shoe is on your foot is when you will be able to make the call and decide if you truly feel stable enough to run. This running shoe could be perfect for you, or you could feel as though your foot is being pulled into a large jar of marshmallow fluff, caught up like Goldilocks in Mama Bear’s bed. Your best bet is still going to be to find the shoe in a retail location, try the shoe on, and give a light jog around the store to see how it really feels. No one can tell you what your comfort level is until you feel it for yourself.

Drop

A 12 millimeter drop makes this a high-drop shoe, which means you will feel a higher level of responsiveness as you run. Having a higher heel means that once your heel strike occurs, the natural flow of your weight toward the forefoot is encouraged and enhanced, leaving you done with each gait before you can fully analyze what is happening to you. If you have never experienced this before it might be hard to imagine, but there is a simple way to remedy that. Try on the shoe and have a jog around the store. When shopping for a running shoe, it is advice that never wears out.

Key Features

• Infinity Wave geometry and shape
• Anatomical sock liner
• Dynamotion Fit
• Blisters reports

Bottom Line

When a shoe has such mixed reviews, it can have the unfortunate side effect of putting people off of even trying the shoe. The Mizuno Wave Creation line has been around for 18 previous versions; to suddenly mess something up so spectacularly as to lose the entirety of the public’s interest is not possible with something as simple as too much cushioning. There are plenty of runners out there who find this plush, cloud-like ride to be wonderful. Just in case you are one of them, you are urged to at least give this shoe a try and see if it suits you. You never know what you might discover unless you take the first step and give it an attempt. You may find that the Mizuno Wave Creation 19 is the perfect street running footwear for your needs, comfort, support, and purposes, and you may never look back. Running is not one size fits all, and neither is the gear you wear to do it.