The Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 is a daily trainer designed for runners with mild overpronation. It features a **12 mm drop**, making it ideal for heel strikers seeking improved stability.

The **Enerzy foam midsole** offers a firm yet responsive cushioning, translating to a stable platform during runs. This enhances comfort and support whether tackling an easy recovery run or a long-distance effort.

Additionally, the incorporation of a plant-based plate and a **90% recycled upper** underscores Mizuno's commitment to environmentally responsible design without compromising performance.


Pros

  • Reliable, stable ride
  • Gobbles up miles
  • Comfy and secure heel hold
  • Generously padded
  • Breathable and roomy toebox
  • Great traction even when wet
  • Can handle light trails
  • Works well as a walking shoe
  • Just as comfy in the winter
  • Durable and sustainably produced upper

Cons

  • 12.6 mm drop may not suit all runners
  • A little wide for narrow feet
  • Somewhat heavy
  • Lacks bounce

Key Features

  • MIZUNO WAVE Technology: This innovative plate disperses energy from impact over a larger area, resulting in superior cushioning and a stable platform.
  • MIZUNO ENERZY Midsole: Designed for optimal softness and responsiveness, enhancing energy return and overall performance.
  • Gusseted Tongue: The stretchy tongue lining secures your foot comfortably, reducing stress while maintaining a snug fit.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Incorporates recycled materials, supporting sustainability efforts.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Nylon
  • Inner Material: Jacquard air mesh, Nylon

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 Mizuno Wave Horizon 7 Brooks Launch GTS 10
Price $140 $140 $170 $110
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Stability Stability Stability Stability
Weight lab Weight brand 10.7 oz / 302g 10.1 oz / 286g 11.6 oz / 329g 8.5 oz / 241g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 12.6 mm 12.9 mm 7.2 mm 12.2 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Normal Normal
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Good Good Bad Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Wide Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Wide Medium
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Heel lab Heel brand 37.7 mm 38.0 mm 39.1 mm 35.4 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 25.1 mm 25.1 mm 31.9 mm 23.2 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 39% Top 46% Top 37% Bottom 35%
Popularity Bottom 41% Top 50% Bottom 19% Bottom 19%