Mizuno bets on the Vibram compound and its trail running shoes give the leap in quality you were waiting for.

Mizuno bets on the Vibram compound and its trail running shoes give the leap in quality you were waiting for.
Gorka Sedano
Gorka Sedano
Journalist and popular runner
Posted on 02-04-2024

Changes were predicted and expected, and they have been confirmed. The launch of the new updates of the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Mizuno Wave Daichi 8 mean that the Japanese brand have made a leap in quality and regain their position as one of the best balanced options for running in mountain terrain with all the guarantees you need in terms of performance, confidence and security.

One of the main novelties of these Mizunoshoes is their outsole with the famous Vibram Megagrip compound, with all that this means. A detail that confirms that the Japanese brand has attended to the main demands of its loyal fans, and makes it clear that both the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and the Mizuno Wave Daichi 8 should be included in the recurring list of the best trail running shoes 2024 We assure you that they will give a lot to talk about!

But not only the Vibram compound. These trail running shoes from Mizuno also include other outstanding innovations that we at RUNNEA also detail in the next lines of this article in the RUNNEA Magazine trail section

What is it and what are the benefits of the Vibram Megagrip compound?

What is and what are the benefits of the Vibram Megagrip compound?

If you are a mountain running enthusiast, you don't need us to tell you what the Vibram Megagrip compound is. But if only to contextualize its arguments in favor, it is a special rubber developed by the leading brand in mountain soles. It is very resistant, flexible and offers excellent traction on all types of terrain, from rock to mud. It is designed to grip as much as possible and give you a lot of security in the most complicated slopes. In addition, its specific texture helps to deflect water and dirt, maintaining optimal control.

It is true that until now, Mizuno has been using specific and exclusive compounds developed by Michelin for the soles of its trail runningshoes. These compounds, while offering good performance, had room for improvement especially on more technical terrain.

Mizuno bets on the Vibram Megagrip compound

The key to the Vibram Megagrip compound lies in the texture of its bi-directional pattern, composed of rotating blades and fine projections that improve contact with the ground. This allows for exceptional grip during the support phase of the foot strike cycle, providing a high degree of safety, even on the steepest slopes.

In addition, it has a synthetic rubber compound with internal reinforcements that make it exceptionally flexible and durable. They elongate and contract with the natural movement of the foot, cushioning impacts and returning much of the energy used.

For all these reasons, Vibram Megagrip soles have revolutionized performance and safety in trail running. Undoubtedly the reference compound today. This bet Mizuno gives a leap in its trail running models, such as the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Mizuno Wave Daichi 8, to offer maximum control and comfort.

Also, for the avoidance of doubt, and if you are new to trail running, RUNNEA will point out some of the main benefits of using the Vibram Megagrip compound:

  • Maximum traction on all types of terrain, whether rocky, grassy, muddy or snowy. Bi-directional pattern provides excellent grip.
  • Great flexibility that adapts to all foot movements. Enhances the most natural foot support while absorbing shock.
  • Resistant to wear, they retain their grip after many kilometers and washings. They are significantly more durable than other types of compounds.
  • Waterproof, the rubber formula repels water and dirt does not adhere, so they maintain their grip in the wet.
  • Safe, they prevent slipping even on unstable or wet surfaces thanks to their adherent texture.
  • Lightweight, despite their robustness they are surprisingly light and flexible.

Other highlights of the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Wave Daichi 8

Other notable innovations of the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Wave Daichi 8

But it is not only their soles that change, both the Wave Mujin 10 and the Wave Daichi 8 have several other improvements. In terms of the technologies employed, both models use similar materials, but under a new concept of evolution.

The reconfiguration of the midsoles of both trail running shoes involves a combination of the exclusive full-length Mizuno Enerzy Foam to provide an optimal balance between cushioning and energy return. While Mizuno s signature Wave system features that wave-shaped EVA structure, and with 2 levels of hardness to ensure stability and cushioning, giving you the feeling of running fluidly, but also safely.

In the more concrete and specific details of each model, the renewed Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 brings with it a series of support panels, from the midfoot area to the side of the heel, with the purpose of keeping the foot in the place where it belongs, and regardless of the type of terrain where you run. Regarding the Mizuno Wave Daichi 8, this model integrates the so-called Rock Plate (anti-rock EVA plate), being able to disperse the impacts in the forefoot area.

Finally, an interesting fact provided by the Japanese brand regarding the new inclusion of the high-performance Vibram Megagrip compound. In percentages, this compound translates into 30% more vertical grip and 20% more lateral grip than the more conventional Vibram soles.

Why you should buy the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and/or Wave Daichi 8

Why should you buy the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and/or Wave Daichi 8?

The argument in favor of the Mizuno Wave Daichi 8 is that we are talking about a very versatile trail runningshoe, and whose design is designed to cover everything you need when running on trails. Its balance between cushioning, stability, lightness and grip is of superior category, and there are few models on the market that can match it today.

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If we refer to the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 it is necessary to emphasize that it is the all-terrain shoe of the Japanese brand to run in all types of mountain environments, ensuring a perfect balance between cushioning and stability. Running with confidence and security is synonymous with putting on these Wave Mujin 10.

Profiles of trail runners and distances of Mizuno trail shoes

Trail runner profiles and distances of Mizuno trail shoes

When it comes to identifying the trail runner profile of each of these Mizuno trailshoes, we will tell you that the Wave Daichi 8 are an ideal choice for all types of runners, as well as in multiple distances and on different surfaces. As a multi-purpose shoe for training and/or racing, this eighth edition of the Wave Daichi moves well over medium distances up to 50 kilometers.

As a Wave Mujin 10, it will be the right choice for runners of intermediate to heavy weights who want a shoe with optimal stability for long distances, including ultras. As a daily trainingshoe, this tenth edition of the Wave Mujin shoe excels with the right combination of cushioning, comfort and support for covering high volumes of miles in mountain terrain.

Prices of the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Wave Daichi 8

Prices of the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and Wave Daichi 8

Finally, and how could it be otherwise, in RUNNEA we also talk about the prices of these renewed Mizuno models. The Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 are 10⬠more expensive than the Mizuno Wave Daichi 8. That is, 160⬠of the first against 150⬠of the second. Now, whichever option you choose from Mizuno, Mujin or Daichi, their quality and price ratio is more than justified for them to become your next allies for any of your outdoor adventures.

However, we cannot close this article without inviting you to use the RUNNEA price comparator as the perfect tool to find the best discount and the cheapest price for these Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 and/or Mizuno Wave Daichi 8

It is clear that with the addition of the Vibram compound, Mizuno raises the quality of its trail shoes to another level. Both the Wave Mujin and the Wave Daichi are now more complete and stable on any trail. Versatility and reliability are the two adjectives that are attached to these renewed proposals from the Japanese brand. They are perfectly complementary to show your best version according to your different objectives in the mountains.

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Gorka Sedano

Gorka Sedano

Journalist and popular runner

Graduate in information sciences from the University of the Basque Country. Journalist by vocation and profession. They say that dreaming is free, but without perseverance, those dreams do not materialize. I am a popular runner, one of those who looks at the heart rate monitor to see the kilometers run rather than the time invested in running them. I am passionate about sports equipment.