Mizuno Wave Creation 18 Review

The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 will offer all neutral runners the quality service and adequate performance. If you are searching for the faithful companion for running, the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 can be one of your options. With the active lifestyle, I highly appreciated its versatility as I can wear it in many different types of outdoor activities, in particular in the race. However, the unresponsive cushioning system for my underfoot is one of the weak points you should overcome when deciding to buy it.

Mizuno Wave Creation 18 - Highlight features & technologies

The durable material made of carbon rubber was placed in its forefoot and heel sections of the shoe’s outsole. From my personal perspective, it can help you to resist wear and abrasion. Also, it delivers the surface traction that is important in the case you run on the traction with lots of asphalt.

The flex grooves of its forefoot section ensure that its toe-off can be given the boost in its performance. So, its platform becomes indeed flexible. By this way, they are helpful because its toe joints bend during such phase of its gait cycle.

Midsole

We should not leave out the elastic material which has a particular shape as it adds extra cushioning during its stage of heel striking. Such Infinity Wave returns energy entirely to your foot when you land them on the ground. It is considered an effective way to prepare the feet for the energized toe-off. Furthermore, the lightweight U4ic material for the midsole can deliver the smooth ride, absorb shock as well as maintain the robust structure of the platform.

The shoe design named Smooth Ride uses a grooves network to assist your foot in reaching the smoother transition via its gait cycle. The rocking chair motion and shape are mimicked well by its platform as I land my heel directly on the ground. It also supports the transitions to my mid-foot as well as gears toward my toe-off. The torsional rigidity is particularly designed between the foot front and the rear with the name of the Extended Wave Plate.

The Intercool Ventilation System of Mizuno Wave Creation 18 permits air to come into the dedicated platform to prevent the stifling feeling. Such feeling may arise when you wear it for an extended period. With this structure, it keeps your underfoot dry and cool for most of the time. Last but not least, the Ortholite Sock Liner afford anti-moisture and antimicrobial support and add more cushioning directly to your underfoot.

Upper

Like other runners, I get benefits from the lateral and medial upper sides from its synthetic overlays. Frankly, they provide the adequate structure to this shoe, while providing it the appealing look. Furthermore, they help you much in providing the secure and snug fit. The Open Mesh with Double Layers makes up accurately most of its cover system. It is quite breathable and allows the air to go in and circulate through your foot.

The shoe features the Dynamotion Fit made of the stretchy material, which was placed in the forefoot and collar. That element causes its upper to go with the foot movements without sacrificing its durability. Mostly, the shoe does not make your coverage feel restrictive or stiff.

Mizuno Wave Creation 18 Review

It is considered one of the most common shoes belonged to the neutral line of Mizuno. Being featured the wave cushioning, the shoe is one flagship which is typically easy to realize on my feet as I go out or run at some local races. With the excellent stability, it is one good option dedicated for the training runs in the mid-range distance. However, several major flaws hold it back for some users, including me.

Comfort of Mizuno Wave Creation 18

Let’s cruise streets with its ultimate comfort. The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 use the Infinity Wave located in its heel to provide the maximum ability in absorbing shock and a fluid ride which is perfect for the high mileage running. The plush mesh upper helps you to create the secure wrap and superior breathability. So, you may be able to enjoy the enhanced fit perfectly for the future miles.

The shoe consists of the thermal and elastic plastic wave moving from the mid-foot to the heel, creating the incredibly well-cushioned and springy ride. Its upper is indeed comfortable and breathable while it is not porous to the water. So, your feet may feel fresh and cooled down with such upper in comparison to the Reebok ZigEnergy Ref.

At the first time I wore it, the shoe made me feel truly comfortable. However, it seems to lack its promised cushion compared to its previous precedent, the Mizuno Wave Creation 17 when I was on my first run with it.

Fit and size

The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 utilize the standard measurements for the primary sizing scheme. Both women and men can get their correct fit by trying out the model. The available width of the shoe ranges at the average level for me. The semi-curved shoe shape follows our natural foot shape. I was wondering the way its size and fit compares with the Nike Zoom Elite 7 and Nike Air Pegasus 31. The answers are equal results.

Mostly seamless, some rigid overlays of the shoe may help to secure my feet into its upper. But the overlays are necessary because my shoe reached the wider and more comfortable fit than other similar shoes came from different brands. As a matter of fact, its upper still feels wide from toe to heel. Due to such wide feeling it brought, I pulled its laces tightly until I felt wholly locked in. By doing this way, there were many shoelaces remained. So, when my shoelaces loops went to my underfoot, I nearly fell a few of times.

Cushioning

The Infinity Wave of the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 uses the elastic material made of thermal plastic. Besides, its shape comprises of eight patterns to offer you the maximum energy return and cushioning during your heel strike. Such advantage made it to place at the head of the Mizuno running shoes for trainers. It is obviously one of many fashionable shoes Mizuno offer and the step down came from the Prophecy.

In fact, it competes directly and throughout with the Adidas Energy Boost, Brooks Glycerin, Nike LunarEpic, and ASICS Nimbus. Its Wave cushioning is made of the flexible plastic which produces the spring reaction if you compress it. So, this shoe helps me much during my toe-to-heel transition. Its firm foam which was located under my forefoot assists to push my foot forward. Being one of the larger runners, I got the energy return effortlessly from the Wave and foam technologies. However, my shoe seemed to be left lacking for running in double-digit miles or longer although it provided the firm ride.

Support

It is not hard to realize that Mizuno indeed listened carefully to all hardcore fans. To prove this, the company turns the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 into the lightweight, high mileage, and responsive machine. Its fit is incredibly ideal for me as I have the wide feet. The shoe can lock from my toe to my heel. Everything in its interior is comfortable and soft. Slip on the shoe so you may be able to notice its premium feel. But I felt a bit tight on its heel. After running for several miles, U4ic proved the role of the lightweight midsole which offers me the optimal durability, shock absorption as well as the resilient ride.

Just like the 16th version of Mizuno Wave Creation, the shoe features the Smooth Ride which is specifically designed for two genders. Its particular grooves network also minimizes the deceleration of your foot and the rapid acceleration in order to create the smooth ride from toe to heel. To compete with the Puma Ignite Ultimate 3D, the shoe changes the preferred platform from the relatively neutral shoe with the stripped-down feature, into something more substantial.

Stability

The shoe owns the excellent stability, so it is the right option dedicated for the training runs in the mid-range distance. The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 is the neutral trainer which advertises the high cushioning and uses all premium materials. The Synthetic Overlays located on the lateral and medial sides hold your foot in the right place. Also, the Dynamotion Fit can create the optimal fit along with the stretch material placed in your forefoot.

With the collar construction, it will prevent your heel from buckling and sink under load. For me, this shoe is the very first introduction launched to the wave technology of Mizuno. It indeed provides the tender yet firm heel cushioning as well as the smooth transition. Also, the neutral shoe also manages to offer the excellent road protection in the lightweight package. This characteristic is quite similar to Brooks Aduro 4.

Flexibility

The non-marking sole of the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 is made of carbon rubber. Just like the 16th iteration of this model, it is both tacky and durable as Mizuno did not change much here. Despite the flex grooves located in its sole, the shoe remains the least flexible training shoe which has the weight of 9 oz on the running shoe market. Unlike the Mizuno Wave Ultima 8, its primary changes came from its upper, and the shoe producer employs the simple upper with two pieces to create the flexible fit.

It means the shoe mesh feels just like it owns some unique features given and larger size of the feet. Compared to the Mizuno Wave Creations 17, this new version has a modern upper with the improved flexibility and durability. In this field, Mizuno is able to nail it for some past years so that it is somehow the most well-known fitting version. The shoe also offers the nicely padded tongue and collar for your hell, few overlays, well-ventilated and flexible dual mesh. All of them make it a fantastic trainer for running in the warm weather.

Quality and durability

The Mizuno AIRmesh can make the shoe breathable. But it also changes the upper thicker than the previous version, the Mizuno Creation 17. The shoe’s thick upper owns a particular advantage of being more water-resistant than the Reebok TripleHall 5.0. Despite raining, the shoe may keep all water out as well as the socks dry. But the Mizuno Wave Creations 18 is so heavy that it is typically designed for the cushioned shoes.

It is added cushioning also make the shoe perfect for all heavy runners, including you. Being a neutral runner, I am looking for the durable shoe to serve the long runs, so I chose the Mizuno Wave Creation 18. You can benefit from the maximum cushioning it constructed. The shoe offers the stable ride which is consistent from the zero miles to the final line.

Breathability

The Open Mesh with Double Layers covers its upper, providing you maximum breathability. I am also impressed with its Intercool system for the ventilation. Such system was located in its midsole to inhibit the humidity buildup in order to keep your feet dry and cool. OrthoLite Sockliner of the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 is the moisture wicking and anti-microbial insole which promotes the healthy environment to serve your feet.

Another thing you saw on your runs can be that these shoes turned out to be tricky when running in the wet concrete. They do not have the excellent grip placed on the natural surfaces when I start my first runs. However, its overall grip sometimes become a plus point if you make a comparison with the Reebok ZigEnergy Ref.

Grip and traction

The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 which was located in your shoe forefoot and heel is made of the durable material of carbon rubber to enhance the traction. It is the premium cushioned running shoe of Mizuno, which is designed and built for anyone who desires the runs in high mileage distance. These are considered great shoes if you want to train for the ultramarathons and marathons. Similar to the previous model of Wave Creation, it has the Infinity Wave placed on its heel as well as the U4ic midsole to provide the incredible and smooth ride.

Previously I used the Mizuno Elixir 4 which owns the lightweight support and has no cushioning. Other running shoes with the brand name of Precision 11, Precision 12, and Ascend 6 did not satisfy me either. I think the shoe is quite familiar to my favorite Mizuno Ronin 3 which is the neutral shoe. With the rubber outsole, it fits my own wider forefoot but is not a clunky and wide – slow shoe. After 3 months of running, it looks like new even I do not use it often. I have the same feeling for its cushioning and its heel, but its forefoot can be fantastically responsive.

Use

In the shoe mid-foot, the Extended Wave Plate is the extension of Mizuno Wave to increase the torsional rigidity between its forefoot and heel. Gender Engineering uses the gender-specific elements and attributes. In more details, the base of the men version is wider while the women version adds the flex grooves. The shoe transition from toe-off to heel is indeed fantastic as the Wave Creation appeals to the heel strikers. So, if you already like its 16th version, you can also enjoy the responsive and firm ride with the Mizuno Wave Creation 18.

The main difference between it and the Brooks Aduro 4 is the material for the midsole in its forefoot. With this shoe, it remains firm and quite suitable for me as I land forefoot or mid-foot with the plush cushioning of the heel. So, I do not get utilized the shoe appropriately and only feel bulky and stiff.

Weight

On some of my quick runs, the Mizuno Wave Creation 18 weighed a bit higher than the Puma Ignite Ultimate 3D and felt heavy for the quick turnover. They performed pretty well until you hit the runs of double digits. At that time, its firm cushioning was too much to make my feet feel painless on long runs. The Weight of 12.6 oz is measured for this shoe with the width D of Medium in size 9. As its measurements vary much by size, the latest shoe of popular Mizuno models can be summed up to serve the supportive yet semi-neutral ride. It is also decently lightweight and roomy upper. If you have not yet ben into any pair of Mizuno shoes, then take one. Hope this review will make sense for you.

Look

The Mizuno Wave Creation 18 has a fantastic color scheme as well as the aggressive look. Its wave cushioning is under its heel to help much with its look. This shoe looks indeed fierce and beautiful. I chose the black and bright neon yellow. It is perfect for your night run as it has the superior visibility directly on all roads. Also, it has the reflectorized prints right on two sides at the shoe heel and front. I cannot deny that Mizuno running shoes still have one important place in the rotation yet I somehow choose other shoes such as New Balance 890, Asics Gel Nimbus, Kinvara 5, New Balance 1210, etc. more often.

Previous version of Mizuno Wave Creation 18

Mizuno Wave Creation 17

The Mizuno Wave Creation 17 indeed offers you impressive updates in the support, cushioning, and durability. This running shoe can be reliable for runs on high mileage distance and fantastic for daily running. Its design is so contemporary that it is able to catch your attention. The reflectivity of the shoe is heightened, and it brings the slightly shinier appearance to its upper material. Furthermore, its color schemes are available, uniformly appealing and fantastic to your eyes. In short, it is the visual treat.

Mizuno Wave Creation 16

The Mizuno Wave Creation 16 can work for many heavier runners, including you. But you may not feel the energy return because of the wave stiffness of its platform. Such neutral trainer indeed misses its mark due to the ridiculous price, unresponsive cushioning, and lack of flexibility. Its midsole comprised of the Wave technology that uses thermoplastic pieces in order to create the wave without the traditional midsole material made of EVA foam. Previously, the Creation featured the wave technology directly bolstered by the EVA. However, the 16th iteration of the Mizuno Wave Creation has considerably less traditional material around its solid unit made of plastic.

Mizuno Wave Creation 15

It is the fantastic shoe for all neutral runners, including me. I wanted one good daily training shoe, so I chose the Mizuno Wave Creation 15. The shoe adds the most lightweight materials to improve its performance as well as offers the soft ride. It also provides the efficient run so is the fantastic treat for a daily trainer. The Infinity Wave, Dynamotion Fit technology, and the molded foam insole offers the light cushioning, and the perfect harmonious combination of support and cushioning.

Similar running shoes to Mizuno Wave Creation

We would like to refer to following running shoes which are quite similar to Mizuno Wave Creation 18. They are Reebok ZigEnergy Ref, Puma Ignite Ultimate 3D, Brooks Aduro 4, Mizuno Wave Ultima 8, and Reebok TripleHall 5.0.

Reebok ZigEnergy Ref

The widespread consensus which is indicated for the Reebok ZigEnergy Ref related to its excellent daily use. As a matter of fact, it can work pretty well for you if you use the shoe casually or work as sports officials and athletes. I was impressed by the cushioning system and comfortable coverage. The durability does not sound incredible because various shoe parts may come apart. Apart from this, it still offers the quality service. Its platform is placed externally, so it serves well as the outsole and the midsole. The zigzag design may be employed in its shoe unit, which gives the additional cushioning to all phases of its gait cycle.

Puma Ignite Ultimate 3D

Puma adds a new fantastic option for all runners in its Ignite Ultimate series by just adding the 3D printed upper and the solid reflective materials. However, running in the low-visibility area might be the cinch with this shoe. Also, it offers the exceptional comfort, excellent flexibility, beautiful aesthetic appeal, and superb breathability. Designed for recovery runs, the Puma Ignite Ultimate 3D is considered the reliable trainer for you to enjoy. Being found in its midsole is the responsive yet, softer proprietary foam. So, it makes your run comfortable with such cushioning.

Brooks Aduro 4

Made with the high quality and adequate materials, the Brooks Aduro 4 is the running shoe for me. Being a neutral runner, I can move efficiently through my running sessions. Furthermore, the comfortable construction can make the shoe perfect for daily use and athletic activities. The 4th iteration of the Brooks Aduro offers the new look which is visually modern and appealing. Its use of the striking colors may allow the shoe to stand out. As the aesthetics make you feel endearing, the functionality should not be dismissed. This shoe is made from the durable materials and can carry you through your activities with comfort and ease.

Mizuno Wave Ultima 8

The Mizuno Wave Ultima 8 could deliver the solid performance to you. Even though you are doubt about its functionality and components, the final result of its performance is positive. It gained my favor as I considered the shoe as the true running shoe dedicated for neutral gaits. Also, the proprietary unit with the wave shape in its midsole can be used in it. These shoes add the springiness to every step while attenuating its impact forces which were brought by your foot strike.

Reebok TripleHall 5.0

You might be impressed by its performance. The Reebok TripleHall 5.0 could appreciate the comfortable coverage, lightweight nature, and soft cushioning of the underfoot. Despite the fact that the durability is not its advantage, it 5.0 is the nice-looking running shoe which makes good use of technologies and quality fabrics to provide the secure and comfortable running experience. Also, the various color schemes can make the shoe more appealing, especially when you can choose your preferred color.