Men's Mizuno Wave Enigma 5

I'm not one to write reviews on trainers, however this is an exception. I'm so grateful that I made the decision to give the Enigma a try. I typically run in excess of 90 miles a week, and I'm thrilled thus far with the performance of the trainer. For the past five years I've primarily worn Nike Vomeros as I'm a big fan of a soft, cushioned, neutral ride. Each year I've found that the new Vomero has become firmer and firmer, and upon the release of the Vomero 10, I was disappointed with the realization that it may be time to try something new (or at least look for a new model to rotate between). I work part-time at a specialty running store, so I'm fortunate that I have the ability to try on and become familiar with nearly every reputable, neutral model on the market. Upon trying on the Enigma 5, I was hesitant to find that it felt the best to me among the many, many pairs I had tried on. Up until this time I had owned and split miles in every major running brand except for Mizuno. I had always felt as if many Mizuno models such as the Rider lacked the soft forefoot cushion that I prefer. I took the Engimas over 20 miles on a gravel path in my first run with them and was thoroughly pleased. The responsiveness and cushion in the forefoot is exceptional and the width and geometry are nearly a perfect fit. They will definitely continue to hold atop spot in my rotation of trainers.

I took these puppies for a run last night and can not believe how comfortable they are out of the box! It was like I didn't even need to break them in. My initial 10K was pretty slow due to the heat and humidity, but I'm looking forward to powering through my first race with them this weekend. Great shoes, great color and just enough cushioning to make them super comfortable!

Most cushioned mizuno shoe i have ever worn. Super comfortable and responsive when running.

I have a bit of a running shoe "issue" according to some folks. But, really, how can you have too many running shoes? Because of this, I have ran in many makes and models of shoes. My first impression when putting the shoes on was just how comfortable they are. Fantastic feel from the start. I have now ran in them several times and the first impression holds. These shoes feel great. The running experience is wonderful. Great shoes. Great ride.

the wave inspire is light with great support.....good value

I was excited to partner with Mizuno and Runner's World to try the new Wave Enigma 5. I was already a fan of the previous Wave Riders and the word on the street was these would follow the successful neutral formula we would expect from Mizuno, but add in some cushioning for longer-distance runners. Well, it lived up to the hype. Although they are a bit heavier than the Riders, the added cushioning make up for it allowing the runner to go further, more comfortably.

Nine years ago, I ran my first marathon in a pair of Mizuno Wave Riders. I didn’t know much about shoes at the time. I just remember trying on my first pair of “real� running shoes at a local running shop and being amazed by how good they felt compared to the cheap department store shoes I had been running in up to that point. My shoes were so light that it felt like I was running on air. I loved my Wave Riders so much that when they wore out a couple months later, I bought another pair…. and then another…. and then another…. until I realized that the mileage I was racking up at the time was causing me to burn through my Wave Riders at an alarming rate. I loved my shoes, but I couldn’t afford to replace them every 8 weeks. Over the years, I tried a number of other brands and some of them felt better than others but I never really found any that I liked as much as my original Mizunos. So when Runner’s World and Mizuno contacted me and asked if I would be interested in testing a pair of Enigma 5’s, I jumped at the chance. I figured that even if I wore them out quickly, I would still come out ahead. This was my first time wearing any Mizuno shoes in years and they’re just as comfortable as I remember them. The Enigma 5’s have plenty of cushioning but still feel light on my feet. They also have just the right amount of room in the toe box while still feeling secure at the same time. My Enigma 5’s seem to be a lot more durable than some of the older Mizuno models that I used to wear too. I’ve been running in them for just under a month and during that time I’ve logged close to 150 miles. I’ve also run in a variety of different conditions: On roads On trails In the rain (my feet never felt like they were slipping even when the shoes were wet) In the sun and humidity (these shoes breathe really well) At high altitudes At sea level Through dirt and puddles Multiple times in the same day I’ve also completed four races in my Enigmas: three 5Ks and a half marathon. Missoula Half - Mizuno Enigma 5 Even after all that, my Enigma 5’s are barely showing any signs of wear, and my feet still feel great after I finish running in them. These shoes also look awesome. Blue and white with yellow highlights is a great color scheme and I’ve gotten quite a few compliments on them from other runners. Bottom line, not only do these shoes look great and feel great to run in, but it seems like Mizuno has addressed all of my earlier concerns about their durability. When I’m finished with these, I’ll gladly replace them with another pair and if you run in neutral shoes, I’d recommend giving them a try. I’m looking forward to wearing Mizunos again after all these years. It feels like reconnecting with an old friend.

I got a pair of these almost immediately after I could find this new model. It fits awesome and has a super silky smooth ride. My only real complaint is I wish it were a bit lighter, which I am sure will happen with future models.

Got this shoe a couple weeks ago and not only does it feel amazing, I also have gotten so many compliments! Thanks Mizuno for such a super shoe!

The Enigma 5 feels much softer than other Mizuno shoes. I don't feel the road in this shoe. There's a lot of cushion here.

If you are looking for a cushioned shoe that keeps you from feeling too much of the ground underneath, this is it. Soft underfoot feel, with a good amount of stability from the full length wave plate. The fit of the upper is much improved from the previous model and the toe box was wide and accommodating. Great for larger runners or someone wanting a bit more support and cushioning from the Wave Rider

I tried the shoes for a few weeks and overall they are great. They appear to run a little short but other than that are a great ride!! Thanks for the smart update. Sorry to see they aren't a specialty shoe anymore, but it is a much broader appealing shoe!

overall, great fit and ride. I like the width and heel counter fit of the shoe. A little to soft for me on short runs, but for my 10 mile plus runs I really enjoy that soft ride. Nice update!

Mizuno shoes have a reputation for their glove-like fit, and firm, responsive ride. The Enigma5 maintains that Mizuno fit, and responsive ride, but has added a much more cushioned feel than any other Mizuno I have worn. I really liked it! The only negative: when I wore the shoe several days in a row, or on a longer run, the collar of the shoe really pressured and aggravated my ankle/ankle bone on the lateral side.

When walking in the shoe, it felt very soft. It was one of the better high cushion shoes walking in. While running, it felt good as well. Did not feel like it was heavy when running. It had a good bounce to it.

The shoe has an immediately better slip on feel when compared to previous models. The tongue, laces, and cushion can all be felt and appreciated right away. After taking a few steps, you feel a softer heel cushion that you typically don't find on Mizuno shoes. While it is a neutral shoe, I felt a bit of heel posting on the medial side of the shoe which gives the impression of some added stability (if only as a feeling, not as a design). The upper is a bit "meshy" still and I would like to see this go with the trend of seamless and smooth design. Feels grainy almost. The toe box gives adequate space, although I would not say it fits a wide foot. Overall, a great shoe! Maybe less bold on the colors, or find a more attractive color palate if you are going bold. I know the Golden State Warriors just won the title, but I don't want to wear their colors.

I’ve always been a Nike guy, and because of injuries I was forced to try (and ended up liking) Hoka’s Clifton runner, but given the chance to try a Mizuno shoe for the first time since high school, I was quite excited! These ended up being a perfect shoe for my maintenance run today. 3 total miles that included 10x100 meter sprint strides, plyometrics, warm-up and cool down. It felt good to just focus on form and running light. I’d recommend this particular model to anyone needing a light, neutral ride. I was pretty amazed how you get a surprisingly cushioned insole, but a rigid outer. At first I thought I wasn’t going to prefer that, but as I started to break them in, I noticed it was just the right amount of cushion, while the rigidness allowed my to have more control with each stride.

Mizuno's full wave technology in the shoe guarantees the responsiveness I love in the Enigma. The heel feels more cushioned than the previous version. Like the previous version the Enigma seems to "come alive" when fully engaged in the run. Full wave plate and a great price point make this a winning shoe!

I was given this shoe about a month ago to wear and subsequently review. It has a much better feel than other Mizuno shoes I have worn. Normally, the Wave Plate adds a stiffness to the shoe I don't like. This model imparts a more cushioned feel I appreciate in a training shoe and yet seems sufficiently responsive. The upper is conformable to my foot, the tongue is comfortable, but on my shoes there is way too much shoe lace remaining after I tie my shoes. The sole seems durable, but I haven't worn them long enough to render a true verdict.

I got a new pair of these just last week. Usually, all mizuno shoes have a distinct heel to them. Only these enigmas felt like i had nothing on but a big giant pillow evenly dispersed on my foot. In other words, i felt stable and leveled.

I really like the new upper and the overall shoe has a great, lightweight, cushioned ride to it with just enough responsiveness. Big thumbs up on a already great high cushion, lightweight, neutral shoe!

Anytime I talk to a runner shoes seem to be a main topic of conversation. Shoes are obviously the most important piece of equipment for any runner. Even now with heart rate monitors, and GPS watches, and all the synthetic fibers, a good pair of shoes is all that you really need to start a running journey. Bride admits that I have too many pairs of running shoes and I would have to agree that to the average person I probably do. Currently I am rotating four pairs of running shoes (from four different brands), although all will be retired before my next marathon in October. Knowing my loving relationship with shoes you can imagine how excited I was when I was selected to test out Mizuno's newest Wave Enigma 5. I have not worn Mizuno shoes before to run in and I was excited to see what this company had to offer. I have heard great reviews of the strides they have made in their construction and presentation in recent years but have never had the opportunity to feel for myself what advances they have made. First Impression: I waited eagerly for the shoes to arrive because I knew that I was going out of town and I wanted them before I left. I had read and seen the first reports of the shoes and was excited to get my hands on my pair. Asteically the shoes are great. Their blue color pops and although I like bright running outfits as much as the next runner, I appreciate them creating an attention getting shoe without neon colors. Fit and Feel: I first wore these shoes the same way I wear all of my running shoes...like regular shoes. I wore them while I traveled on Friday. I have found this is a great way to see how they fit, you can feel any hot spots that could cause havoc if they weren't found until out on a run, and you can get a feel for the foot strike without having a big chance for blisters. The shoe fit is great. They hugged my foot like a sock and I could tell that they would be able to expand my my foot did while I ran. The toe box provided plenty of room for movement to cut down on the chances I would get any black toenails during long runs. There were no hot spots and I was confident that in the next couple of days, when I first would run with them, I would have no problems. Structure: I almost always run in a neutral shoe and have never had any real issues with my feet. These shoes provide a lot of support that I don't always feel in other neutral shoes and I believe that support, while not feeling significantly heavier, allowed less fatigue while getting in my miles. As with most new shoes they had a lot of pop but the sole of these shoes was thicker than other shoes I wear and will continue to provide pop well after other shoes would have stopped. The bones of this shoe are meant to withstand the pounding that it will take from the ground and will allow your foot to have more comfort because of its support. The Run: I ran three times in the shoe for a total of almost 17 miles over the last five days. I tried to vary the terrain I ran on, the road, some hills, and around a track, so I could get a complete feel for how the shoe will react to conditions. I found that the shoe performs very well. I landed naturally and was able to run at high speeds, slow jogs and marathon pace without feeling the shoe was causing me to change my landing position. The weight of the shoe was not an issue and I don't believe that its weight would effect anyone else who wears standard running shoes in the market. It is heavier than some of the light weight racers but most of the popular shoes fit into the middle weight category like I would put this one in. Overall: CONS: Let me start with some of the few cons that I found. -Oddly I found the shoe strings that came with the shoe to be too long. I put some of my own shoe strings in them because when I would tie the standard stings the loops would come up and hit my leg when I ran. I worked to adjust the length of the bows, and even double knot it (which I never do) and still had the problem. -I felt that the thicker sole on the bottom of the shoe effected how high I had to pick up my foot when I ran. Specifically when I would run up hill there were multiple times that I would scuff the ground because I felt like I had to lift my foot just a little bit higher than I was used to. -I never ran with the shoes in very wet conditions, but feeling and working with the fabric, I do not think it would hold up very well in wet conditions. If I used these in wet conditions I would be prepared to have wet feet. PROS: -Comfort is key to any shoe that you will be wearing for hours and hours on a marathon course. These shoes provide that in droves. The Wave Enigma fit my foot like a glove yet I felt the shoe provided plenty of room for my foot to move around throughout the run. -When your foot hits the ground the shoe that you are wearing should react and the Wave Enigma does exactly that. The structure allows for a great push off and landing without taking much extra energy. Final Word: From a runner who has not worn Mizunos before, I was impressed with these shoes and will definitely continue to wear them as I train in the weeks ahead. They are a great pair of shoes that balance the needs of a runner's comfort with his/her need to increase endurance and speed. A shoe can effect how well you run and the Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 does just that, it makes you run better. -Runner

Was given this shoe to try out and review. I have no complaints. The upper fits well, and the midsole feels very cushiony. It is a very comfortable shoe all around. It is what it was designed to be- a highly cushioned neutral shoe.

I ran in this shoe this morning to test it out, and after 7 miles I have to say it is a great shoe. It fits incredibly true to size, I typically wear an 11.5 and this fit like a glove (if extra toe room is a must for you, then I'd recommend sizing up 1/2 size). The plush feeling underfoot is great and lead me to believe that this shoe would begin to feel heavy on my run, but it stayed lightweight and breathable the entire time; which is honestly the most one can ask for in a premium shoe. The heel-to-toe wave plate and the 12mm differential are a great combination, and despite initially looking at the platform and thinking it would feel like "a lot of shoe," after I put it on it held to my foot and for all that's there it's well put together and holds the foot quite well. The only thing that made it less than excellent for me was the banding in the toe box caused a little pressure over my foot, but I believe a few lower mileage runs will allow it to conform to my foot a little more and it will not be a long term annoyance once I have broken it in more. The comfort level is tops, but for all the cushioning the U4icX provides the X10 blown rubber maintains a responsive level of shock absorption that still allowed for me to feel the ground under my feet - which I like very much and look for in a shoe. The upper is a great open mesh that allows plenty of airflow and I'm certain is responsible for the lack of weight in this shoe. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this shoe and look forward to running in it some more. Aesthetically it appears as though Mizuno has taken the best features of the Enigma 3 and 4 and combined them to make the 5 a great running shoe.

I love this shoe. I like the high cushion feel. My previous shoe was the Adidas Boost so the Enigma is my second official running shoe and at this moment I would pick this over the Boost.

I normally run in the Kinvara, a super light weight low drop shoe. The Enigma is overall a good shoe, however, just not for me. With the huge drop my forefoot was always in pain from just walking around in, as well as my body was not ready for the extra weight. The wave plate did take me a second to forget about. I felt I had to grip it with my toes when I was toeing off. On the plus side. The shoe fit true, slightly wide in the toe box which I like but I also have a narrow ish foot. The fabric and construction looks and feels really nice. Even though it is such a high cushion shoe it still has a bit of response from the ground.

These shoes have the great Mizuno fit and feel, and are well cushioned. They feel like Wave Riders with a touch of extra softness.

The new Wave Enigma is an excellent neutral running shoe. It has a firm feel in the mid foot, is very supportive and has an excellent feel in the arch.

Very pleased w/ the forefoot cushion & the overlays of the Enigma 5.

This shoe definitely got a great update. Fit is much improved and feels more cushioned without seeming to add weight. Only thing I would change would be the colors but definitely a great feel on the foot.