Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

Looking for a running shoe for race days or demanding high-pace training with a carbon plate? The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is a strong contender to be your next trainer. This new creation from the Japanese brand positions Mizuno as a high-quality alternative in the realm of competition shoes designed for maximum performance.

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First impressions of the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

Undoubtedly, on a personal level, this is an aesthetically different running shoe. Its colour, white with blue and orange details, leaves no one indifferent and its aggressive lines make an impact at first sight. The Rebellion Pro incorporates very innovative technologies along with other more classic ones that have worked over the years in the world of running. The upper is composed of a knitted fabric (elastic thread) that offers a perfect fit in combination with a classic tongue that is attached to the foot by a traditional lacing system and provides the necessary support to avoid excessive movement of the foot. In the heel area we find a very comfortable inner padding that fixes the heel very well to the fastening area and a harder material that provides support.

Once you put them on, the first thing that stands out is the comfort. From the first stride you find a very pleasant feeling of softness under your feet. The composition of the trainer offers a rocking sensation if, while static, you oscillate the pressure from the toes to the heels. When you speed up and you run under 3:45 minutes per kilometre or so, the feeling of comfort joins that of speed, as the carbon plate (30%) combined with nylon (70%) comes into action.

Despite not incorporating a full carbon plate, the sensations are very similar once you start running.

What kind of runners are the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro for?

This model is intended for runners of low to medium weight, up to approximately 75 kilograms. It is an ideal trainer for fast race paces, for training at high paces or long runs at controlled paces, but always under 3:45 minutes per kilometre. I think that for heavier users there are options that will better suit their needs. As we have already mentioned, it is a very stable and pleasant running shoe at paces under 4:00 minutes per kilometre approximately, although we will need to increase the speed a bit to get the most out of its performance.

In addition, the user's running technique needs to be somewhat refined, since its shape invites you to enter with the mid and forefoot to gain in the transition of the stride.

For what distances do we recommend the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro?

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is undoubtedly geared towards 10k races, half marathons, and marathons. Its strengths lie in stability and speed combined with added reactivity. I've used this model for short and highly explosive intervals, although that's not its strong suit. It also performed well in controlled 5-kilometre runs and long workouts at paces within the mentioned range. I even competed in a 10-kilometere road race with them, and the experience closely matched that of competing models.

What we liked most about the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

If there's one thing that sets this Mizuno model apart from its competition, it's the outsole. I have always been very demanding with the grip in all kinds of situations and terrains and without a doubt this Wave Rebellion Pro from Mizuno sneaks right into the podium. Its outsole, with an aggressive pattern and a small lug pattern feels like it sticks to the ground. Whether it's raining, the terrain is challenging, or you're on a running track, these running shoes perform exceptionally. Only those who've tried them understand what I mean.

As I've emphasised before, comfort, stability, and speed are the standout features of this model. In these areas, it can make a significant difference compared to its competitors, all while providing a firm grip and durability through the outsole. The rocker sensation also adds an interesting dimension when transitioning from a heel strike to a midfoot strike.

Room for improvement of the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

Honestly, there are very few drawbacks to be found in this model. It performs very well, considering its target audience, and excels when used in its ideal context. Perhaps, for some users, the midsole could be made slightly more pleasant to the touch, but it's essential to understand that this is a shoe designed to break records.

With which models can we compare the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro?

The competition of this model are the fastest models on the market:

Nike Vaporfly 3

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

ASICS Metaspeed Sky

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

HOKA Rocket X 2

Final thoughts on the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro

After testing the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro in fast intervals and races, it's clear that they are designed to set world records. The sensations are excellent, and the results achieved with them are similar to what I've accomplished with the Nike Vaporfly 3 and New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3, which are models known for their exceptional performance. These Mizuno trainers are highly recommended for those looking to chase personal records. It's important not to be deterred by the lack of a 100% carbon fibre plate; the performance is sublime.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightness: 8.
• Responsiveness: 9.
• Cushioning: 9.
• Stability: 9.
• Flexibility: 8.
• Grip: 10.