Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review: Bounce on a Cloud, Run With Ease
TL;DR: Mizuno made a pretty stellar shoe in the Wave Sky 9. This isn't a forgettable chunky running shoe—it's a complete game-changer that finally puts Mizuno in the max-cushion big leagues. If you want to feel like you're in control while enjoying a bouncy, responsive ride, this may be a great shoe to add into your rotation.
The Bottom Line Up Front
The Wave Sky 9 is Mizuno's love letter to runners who refuse to choose between comfort and performance. After years of playing it safe, Mizuno said "hold my beer" and completely reimagined their flagship cushioned trainer. The result? A shoe that's soft enough for your longest recovery runs but responsive enough to handle whatever pace your inner badass demands.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Makes This Shoe a Total Boss
The Midsole Magic ✨
Let's talk about what really matters here—the ride. Mizuno packed this beauty with their nitrogen-infused MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam on top, paired with a firmer foam layer underneath. Translation? You get that bouncy, responsive feel that makes every step feel effortless, while still having enough structure to keep you stable when you're crushing those miles.
The 44mm heel / 38mm forefoot stack (with a 6mm drop) puts this firmly in max-cushion territory, but unlike some chunky competitors, the Wave Sky 9 doesn't feel like you're running in platform shoes or like you may roll your ankle on unstable ground. The dual-foam setup is pure genius—soft where you need it, stable where it counts.
Weight That Won't Weigh You Down
At 10.0 oz for men's size 9 and 8.4 oz for women's size 8, this shoe is surprisingly light for all that cushioning. Mizuno managed to pack maximum comfort without the maximum bulk, which means your legs won't feel like lead halfway through your run.
The Comfort Revolution
The Smooth Stretch Woven upper is supportive without being restrictive. The gusseted tongue keeps everything locked in place, while the breathable mesh actually lets your feet breathe (revolutionary concept, right?).
The toe box is roomy enough for your feet to do their thing without feeling sloppy, and the overall fit is accommodating for a variety of foot shapes. Plus, if you need extra room, they offer wide sizes because Mizuno gets it.
The Honest Truth About Performance
Where It Absolutely Kills It 🔥
Long runs and recovery days: This is where the Wave Sky 9 truly shines. Those easy miles that used to beat up your legs? These shoes are here to help. The foam is incredibly responsive—every step has a lively bounce that keeps you moving forward effortlessly.
Versatility: Unlike some max-cushion shoes that only work at one pace, the Wave Sky 9 adapts. Whether you're fighting off shuffling through a recovery run or picking up the pace for some tempo work, the shoe responds beautifully.
Durability: The X10 carbon rubber outsole is built to last. Those deep flex grooves aren't just for show—they provide flexibility while maintaining traction across different surfaces.
All-day comfort: This isn't just a running shoe. The comfort level is so high, you'll want to wear these for everything. Perfect for those long days when you're on your feet constantly.
The Real Talk
Not for speed demons: If you're looking to PR your 5K, there are faster options. The Wave Sky 9 is built for comfort and endurance, not pure speed.
Takes some adjustment: If you're coming from a firmer, lower-stack shoe, give yourself time to adapt. The 44mm stack height is substantial, and your body needs time to adjust to the different mechanics.
Price point: At $180 USD, this isn't cheap. But considering the technology and comfort level, it's competitive with other premium trainers in this category.
Who This Shoe Is Perfect For
✅ Marathon runners who need serious cushioning for those long weekend runs
✅ Recovery run queens who want maximum comfort on easy days
✅ Injury-comeback warriors who need extra protection while rebuilding
✅ Everyday badasses who want one shoe that handles everything from running to all-day adventures
✅ Heel strikers who need that extra cushioning (though the shoe works for all strike patterns)
Who Should Look Elsewhere
❌ Speed seekers focused on racing and fast workouts
❌ Minimalist lovers who prefer ground feel and low profiles
❌ Budget-conscious runners looking for under $120 options
❌ Stability seekers who need motion control (this is a neutral shoe)
The Comparison Game
vs. ASICS Nimbus 27: Similar comfort level, but the Wave Sky 9 feels more responsive and stable
vs. Hoka Clifton 10: Wave Sky 9 offers better energy return and durability
vs. New Balance 1080v14: Mizuno wins on responsiveness, NB wins on plushness
vs. Nike Vomero 18: Very similar dual-foam concept, but they fit very different. Vomero is $25 cheaper with a more accommodating upper but isn’t for all feet.
The Verdict
The Wave Sky 9 represents everything great about modern running shoe design. Mizuno took their sweet time perfecting this formula, and it shows. This isn't just an incremental update—it's a complete reimagining that puts the Wave Sky series back on the map as a serious contender in the max-cushion space.
If you're ready to experience what "floating on air" actually feels like while still maintaining your badass running goals, the Mizuno Wave Sky 9 delivers. It's comfortable enough for your longest runs, responsive enough for your everyday training, and durable enough to be your go-to shoe for months to come.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Coach Kelly’s Review
As someone who really only ever runs in lower stacks and smaller heel to toe drops, I was SHOCKED by how much I liked running in the Mizuno Wave Sky 9’s. After struggling through runs in the Vomero 18’s, I thought I was going to hate them. WRONG. I really love the foam in this shoe. They felt heavy walking around in but the second I started running, they didn’t feel heavy at all. They provided great turnover without an aggressive rocker. I can see the appeal of having these for long runs or recovery runs when you’re feeling a little more beat up. Surprisingly, I will be adding these shoes to my rotation.
The Wave Sky 9 is available now for $180 USD at mizunousa.com and major running retailers.
Have you tried the Wave Sky 9? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how it's working for your badass running goals!
