Kit & Gear

REVIEW: Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

Introducing the new Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra, the brand's most cushioned and sustainable running shoe ever.

Offering unprecedented comfort that allows you to get even more enjoyment out of your runs. The Wave Neo Ultra is suited to neutral runners who want a running shoe with ultimate cushioning for a unique floating sensation.

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Our Sportsshoes Ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra to the test;

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SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE NEO ULTRA SHOES HERE

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Are you looking for a running shoe with ultimate levels comfort and cushioning?

If so, then look further than the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra ! Because this is THE shoe for you.

From the high-stack platform - to the big bubbly soft foam midsole - to the feel-good sockliner fit - it simply screams comfort and cushioning! And I'm delighted to tell you that it feels just as incredible to wear as it looks.

Most importantly, this shoe has been designed with our planet in mind and is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly model that Mizuno has ever produced.

Let me explain more...

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THE UPPER

Without doubt, the key story with this shoe is sustainability. Over 70% of the shoe has been sourced from eco-friendly materials and it is completely carbon neutral from the offset.

The upper of the Wave Neo Ultra is made from a recycled PET knit, an ultra-lightweight material that allows for a high-level of breathability and comfort whilst being a better choice for the planet. This knitted upper also provides a sock-like fit for additional comfort throughout wear and features extra padding around the heel and at the laces.

By using an undyed upper material, Mizuno have been able to reduce their use of water by 100% in comparison to standard dying processes. It features than 90% recycled content on upper body lining textile and more than 90% recycled content on the sockliner lining. The shoelaces and TPU badge are both 100% recycled.

This shoe uses Bloom™, an algae-based material for the midsole and sockliner, along with Pebax® Rnew® into parts of the midsole. The process of sourcing Bloom™ cleans water, lessens CO2 emissions, and most importantly, is derived from naturally occurring organic material. Pebax® Rnew® is made from Castor beans and is a plant-based material.

In my opinion, any shoe that can boast such impressive numbers in terms of sustainability* deserves a mention. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the Neo Ultra is perfect in this respect, but Mizuno should certainly be praised for taking some big steps in the right direction. Plus, for every pair sold, the National Forest Foundation, is planting two trees to guarantee their carbon neutrality. These trees will in turn capture carbon from our atmosphere and will also be an integral part of the ecosystem. So, every time you run in the shoes, you can be confident they are helping the ultimate goal, to protect our planet Earth.

*To verify the research, Mizuno asked DNV to ensure that their numbers are verified. You can view the DNV verification report here

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THE MIDSOLE

The Wave Neo Ultra contains a triple combination of midsole materials to provide the most cushioning ever. It features Mizuno ENERZY for long lasting cushioning and durability, Mizuno ENERZY CORE, which is a highly responsive material integrated into the rearfoot and forefoot of the shoe and Mizuno ENERZY LITE for incredible lightness and energy return. This is the first time that all three ENERZY materials have featured in just one shoe, therefore providing maximum cushioning and ultimate energy return. It boasts a 293% softer feel whilst providing 56% more energy return than previously used midsole materials. This shoe also features MIZUNO WAVE foam from heel to toe, which boosts stability without sacrificing cushioning and enhances the smooth feeling whilst running.

The result? Without doubt, this is one of the most cushioned running shoes I've ever worn - hence the 5/5 rating I've awarded in this particular category. It feels like running with big fluffy clouds under your feet and for me it really puts the joy and pleasure back into training. For all those days when I'm lacking motivation, or when I simply want to enjoy a run rather than focus on speed (which is most of the time!), then they are the perfect choice. I don't wear these shoes to break any land speed records, but they always put a smile on my face and for that very reason I wear them...a lot!

In summary, the Wave Neo Ultra has been specifically designed for eco-conscious runners seeking a maximum stack daily trainer with unrivalled levels of softness and bounce. They are most suitable for long, easy and recovery runs where comfort and cushioning are both the key priorities.

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SUMMARY OF KEY FEATURES:

• Mizuno's most sustainable running shoe ever.

• The upper is made from a recycled PET knit - ultra-lightweight, breathable, comfortable and better for the planet.

• A triple combination of midsole materials to provide the most cushioning ever.

• Mizuno WAVE foam from heel to toe, which boosts stability without sacrificing cushioning.

• A lightweight G3 outsole reduces weight and increases traction for a grippy and efficient ride.

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SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE NEO ULTRA SHOES HERE

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