Kit & Gear

Discover the Mizuno Trail Collection 2023

Looking for a new trail shoe but not sure which to buy?

All shoes in the Mizuno Trail Running range are all-around performers. However, there are different models available depending on your goal. Consider the following factors when choosing a shoe to suit your needs;

1. What kind of trail runner are you?

If you are starting out on the trails and you’re used to running on the road, it would be good to start off with an entry-level shoe like the Mizuno Wave Ibuki 4. or the Mizuno Wave Rider TT.

If you are already confident on the trails and technical sections don’t scare you, the Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 could be the shoe for you. It's also the choice of many experienced trail runners, those who feel at home on the trails and enjoy running on narrow paths, overcoming natural obstacles such as mountains, rocks, and streams.

Mizuno Wave Mujin 9, is the best choice for expert trail runners who want to challenge themselves by looking for the most extreme conditions. The Wave Mujin 9 has it all, the best technologies to protect and assist you when things get rough.

ㅤ

2. What kind of running do you like?

If you prefer short runs at a faster pace and prioritise speed and propulsion above protection, we would recommend the Wave Rider TT or the Wave Ibuki 4.
If you spend hours on the trails you might require more protection and support. In this case, the Wave Daichi 7 and Wave Mujin 9 are the best. choice.

ㅤ

3. What kind of terrain are you going to run on?

We know that off-road routes vary in difficulty and that they often change depending on the weather and the season. The outsole pattern and lug depth you require can vary depending on the terrain on which you run.

Best for light trails: Wave Rider TT or the Wave Ibuki 4.

Best for average trails: Wave Ibuki 4 and the Wave Daichi 7

Best for hard trails: Wave Daichi 7 and the Wave Mujin 9

Best for extreme trails: Wave Mujin 9

ㅤ

ㅤ

Our SportsShoes Trail athlete, Sheila Hospital, explains the differences between all the models in the Mizuno Trail Running range, as well as highlighting the technologies and benefits of each;

ㅤ

ㅤ

1. MIZUNO WAVE RIDER TT

Enjoy smooth, comfortable runs that take you from easy trails to roads with the new Mizuno Wave Rider TT . These shoes are designed for comfort, grip and energy return.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

Similar to the Ibuki 4, if you are just starting out on the trails and are used to running on road, you might want to start with a shoe like the Wave Rider TT (inspired by the iconic Wave Rider road shoe).

If you prefer shorter runs at a faster pace and prioritise speed and propulsion over protection, the Wave Rider TT is the shoe for you. Ideal for runners transitioning from road to trail or looking for a versatile shoe suitable for mixed terrain, getting lightweight, cushioning, agility and energy return in every stride.

The new outsole pattern increases grip even on unpaved surfaces, while MIZUNO ENERZY increases cushioning and energy return. Finally, MIZUNO WAVE allows for smooth propulsion.

ㅤ

Pictured: Sheila switching from road-to-trail in the Mizuno Wave Rider TT

ㅤ

SUMMARY:

Create waves with the Mizuno Wave Rider TT!

Terrain: Best for light and easy trails.

Key Technology & Features: MIZUNO ENERZY FOAM in the heel wedge for excellent cushioning and energy return, and MIZUNO WAVE plate for smooth body movement.

Distance: A great option for beginner trail runners over shorter trail distances.

Feel of the shoe: Lightweight, medium cushioning and very agile.

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE RIDER TT TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

ㅤ

2. MIZUNO WAVE IBUKI 4

If you are just starting out in this discipline and you are used to running on roads, you might want to start with an entry-level shoe like the Mizuno Wave Ibuki 4. This trail running shoe is perfect for short runs at a faster pace where you prioritise speed and propulsion over protection.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

The Mizuno Ibuki 4 is ideal for trail runners of an average weight and beginners just starting out on the trails.

This is a trail running shoe that offers great protection and support, both at front and back of the shoe, without losing the comfort of the foot inside the shoe, also thanks to its padded tongue. It's optimized to provide cushioning, stability, and energy return.

Some of the most important technical features of the Mizuno Wave Ibuki 4 can be found in its midsole. Mizuno Enerzy foam provides you with improved cushioning, softness and comfort. A system combined, of course, with Mizuno Wave technology, to make the model more dynamic and reactive. The new version has 30mm in the heel and 22mm in the forefoot, reducing the drop to 8mm but increasing the profile by 3.5mm.

More than 90% of this trail running shoe is made of recycled material. A model that has been renewed providing more versatility and grip than the previous version.

ㅤ

Pictured: Sheila running in the Mizuno Wave Ibuki 4.

ㅤ

SUMMARY:

The perfect road-to-trail shoe. Fun and safe for beginner-intermediate trail runners.

Terrain: Best for light-average trails, gravel paths and roads.

Technology and key features: New MIZUNO ENERZY Foam in the outsole for a softer feel and increased energy return when landing on the heel. The outsole incorporates Wgrip rubber for improved grip, especially on gravel roads.

Distance: Short-medium distances on mixed terrain and light trails.

Feel of the shoe: Polyvalent and versatile. The outsole prioritises grip, making it a shoe easy to get used to for beginner trail runners.

SHOP ALL WAVE IBUKI 4 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

ㅤ

3. MIZUNO WAVE DAICHI 7

A shoe to match the adventurous spirit of the trail runner.

The Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 trail running shoe features a MIZUNO WAVE for increased structure with EVA for increased stability without sacrificing cushioning. The lightweight Michelin rubber outsole provides unmatched grip in the wild, and the adjustable fit system secures your foot and offers unbeatable adjustability.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

If you're already confident on the trail and technical surfaces don't scare you, the Wave Daichi 7 may be the ideal trail running shoe for you. The Wave Daichi 7 is also the choice for many experienced trail runners, those who feel at home on the trails and enjoy running on narrow paths, overcoming natural obstacles such as mountains, rocks and streams.

When spending hours on the trails you may need extra protection and support. In this case, the Wave Daichi 7 is the best one thanks to its versatility, good grip, cushioning and medium stability.

From a technical point of view, there are new features in the midsole if we compare it to its predecessor. The Wave Daichi 7 incorporates the Mizuno Wave technology which, together with the EVA foam, guarantees greater stability without neglecting its cushioning capabilities.

This shoe comes with AP+ and U4icX technologies to offer you more safety while running and provide perfect shock absorption, whatever the terrain you run on!

As for the upper, these Daichi 7 have a breathable and elastic fabric, reinforced with thermo-seals that offer protection and safety to the mountain runner.

Finally, the outsole features Michelin technology to provide excellent traction and safety even on the rockiest surfaces.

ㅤ

ㅤ

SUMMARY:

Terrain: Technical surfaces, narrow paths with natural obstacles such as mountains, rocks and streams.

Technology & key features: MIZUNO WAVE is present to enhance the structure along with EVA for stability. Michelin rubber outsole provides unmatched grip on outdoor terrain.

Distance: Longer distances on technical trails and mixed off-road terrain.

Feel of the shoe: Combines comfort, incredible grip and durability for safe and enjoyable trail running.

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE DAICHI 7 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

ㅤ

4. MIZUNO WAVE MUJIN 9

The Mizuno Wave Mujin 9 is the best choice for expert trail runners who want to challenge themselves in the most extreme conditions. The Wave Mujin 9 has it all, the best technologies to protect you and help support you when the going gets tough.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

Maintaining its core protective elements through the mesh upper and PU sockliner, the Wave Mujin 9 has reduced its weight from 355 grams to 340 grams compared to the previous version. The Michelin rubber in the outsole uses a lighter OC rubber compound for exceptional grip and traction. The outsole platform is also much wider for improved stability on uneven terrain.

For long-distance trail runners of average to slightly heavy weight and those who run in harsh environments such as on rocks rather than gravel roads. This shoe is fully loaded with Mizuno's signature features to keep you comfortable on even the harshest terrain. The shoes are fully equipped with MIZUNO ENERZY and MIZUNO WAVE Foam from heel to toe, providing excellent cushioning, energy return, and stability. Support panels on the sides of the midfoot also keep the foot securely in place even on tough trails.

In terms of sustainability, you will be pleased to know that more than 90% of the upper body lining textile is recycled content.

ㅤ

Pictured: Sheila putting the Mizuno Wave Mujin 9 to the test.

ㅤ

SUMMARY:

A cushioned and protective trail running shoe.

Terrain: Tough, extreme terrain such as rocks, gravel paths and forest tracks.

Technology & key features: MIZUNO ENERZY and MIZUNO WAVE foam from heel to toe with EVA wave structure in two levels of hardness for improved stability. Michelin rubber in the outsole, utilising a lighter OC rubber compound for exceptional grip and traction. A wider outsole platform for extra stability.

Distance: For experienced long-distance trail runners.

Feel of the shoe: Provides excellent stability, cushioning and energy return.

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE MUJIN 9 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

ㅤ

ㅤ

The all-encompassing Mizuno trail shoes are really versatile. Just remember, Mizuno offers a different model depending on your goal.

Now all you need to do is choose the right Mizuno shoe for you...then get ready, get set and GO!

ㅤ

You can follow all of Sheila's trail adventures here.

ㅤ

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.