Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

In 2020 I was lucky enough to test the Mizuno Wave Horizon version 4. Two years later "new horizons" and it's my turn to test the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 That is to say that runners with pronator tread are in luck.

From the outset, and compared to previous versions, this renewed running shoe from the Osaka company stands out for its eye-catching design. A wave gives relief to the junction of the two parts of the midsole and the side fabric has an embroidery in the form of a wave from the heel to the toe. With this model we can say that the slightly "monotonous" design of the Mizuno is a thing of the past!

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Key features of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

The Wave Horizon 6 is a shoe that does not have a rigid plate in the form of Wave, as it is the case for several models of the Japanese brand. But it has at the heart of its midsole the new Enerzy Core compound, this foam can be seen in a small opening under the shoe. This compound gives exceptional results achieving a balance between cushioning, stability and response. Not surprisingly, other of its best-selling models also incorporate this foam, as is the case of the Mizuno Wave Skyrise 3. The latter, a prodigy of maximum comfort for neutral runners.

Being totally objective, it does not have the response of a carbon plateshoes, or a flying shoes, but within the cushioned shoes it offers a very interesting response that allows it to be used in long distances, but also in short workouts that require a more lively pace.

• During the test I used them for long runs on asphalt and non-technical dirt trails, at a pace of between 5 min and 6 min per kilometer depending on the distance and elevation gain. In these quiet outings the comfort and stability were irreproachable.
• But I also used them for 5 x 2000 series at 4:15 pace, or 40-minute Fartlek, alternating 4:00 pace and recovery time at 5 I was delighted with their response and stability. For me, as a heavy runner, those paces are very fast and it goes without saying that my already poor running technique is degrading even more, I need at those paces an extra stability to run safely.

I understand that fast runners may see my paces as very modest, they are. But I share them in order to give the public an idea of the versatility of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 for heavy runners. You can use them for long runs and long runs at easy paces. At the time of the test I weighed between 77kg and 80kg.

For shorter runs I would opt for other shoes, comfort and cushioning always pay off at a higher weight. And this is the case of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6, about 320 gr

I did this test in the middle of summer 2022, with a lot of heat, and my feet appreciated the good breathability of the shoe, as well as the extra ventilation offered by the holes in the upper.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Runner Profile

Mizuno 's Wave Horizon 6 is a pronator running shoe for all intents and purposes, and they assure you the level of support and stability they need in every stride.

It is a shoe for heavy runners from 70 kg to run at paces between 4:30 and 5:30 min/km, or more.

It can also give good results for slightly faster paces in series or changes of pace, around 4:00 min/km.

Cheapest Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Prices

What I liked most about the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

Mizuno s Wave Horizon 6 is built to last, and its materials provide superior comfort over long distances. Its wear outsole didn't show any scuffs after putting 200 into them in 5 weeks.

The upper material provides excellent breathability, which is guaranteed to keep your feet cool, even in hot weather. I also really liked the overall design of the shoe, they are nice. It may seem futile as an argument, and not very relevant when it comes to choosing the ideal shoe, but they are nice and it is not a sin to comment on it.

Anyway, the midsole, which offers an optimal result between cushioning, support, stability and response, should make many heavy runners happier. It did mine, and I will certainly continue to run with them. In fact I will surely wear them in the next race I am preparing. Detail that gives you an indication of my level of satisfaction with the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

All the features of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

What are the opportunities for improvement in the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6?

Not much, to be honest. But for example the holes in the upper, although they provide ventilation, I think they weaken the upper. Time will tell, but I think it is the weak link in the design of this model. Therefore, Mizuno has a way to investigate how to continue to offer a high level of ventilation and make this part more robust.

Direct rivals of the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

ASICS Gel Kayano 29

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

PUMA Eternity Nitro

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v12

On Cloudace

Final conclusion on the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a very reliable, durable and efficient pronator running shoe that can be used over a variety of training distances. It is a great choice for heavy runners. Ideal for training and competing in marathons and half marathons. Could also be worn on trails on wide, non-technical trails with gravel or dirt surfaces.

RUNNEA tester rating

• Lightweight: 7
• Flexibility: 9
• Stability: 10.
• Cushioning: 10.
• Responsiveness: 9.
• Grip: 9.