Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra ($250)
Introduction
The Wave Neo Ultra is a max cushion 39mm heel / 31 mm forefoot road trainer with among the strongest if not the strongest sustainability component we have seen to date in a true performance running shoe. The Neo Ultra and its companion tempo daily trainer Neo Wind seek to prove that a performance running shoe can be made that delivers significantly less impact on the planet.
Its claimed sustainability creds include 70% by weight recycled/sustainable materials, 10% reduction in CO2 vs conventional production, and a 100% reduction in water use to dye the sockliner.
To achieve its leading sustainability stats the Neo Ultra uses a top layer of mostly blue Enerzy Lite foam layer derived from Castor beans, a lower BloomEnerzy Foam layer (thinner and white above) derived from algae with the sockliner also Bloom derived. Mizuno then tops it with an entirely recycled materials un dyed stretch knit upper.
In addition to its praiseworthy effort to reduce the impact of running shoes on the planet, how does it perform? Read on to find out!
Pros:
Very secure, comfortable, all of a piece fitting stretch knit upper that is breathable in heat, a rarity for knits: Sam/Matt/Beto/Jana/Jeff
Lively, bouncy, easy flowing at any pace “big shoe” ride with tons of protection . Sam/ Beto/Jana/Jeff
Very strong sustainability focus with by weight 70% sustainable or recycled materials: 100% dyeing water reduction, 13% CO2 reduction compared to standard production, Sam/ Matt/Beto/Jana/Jeff
No compromises in performance or even shoe weight at approx. 10.35 oz / 293g with a 39/31 stack height due to the use of sustainable materials Sam/Jeff
Highly cushioned, stable and pleasing midsole Sam/Jana/Jeff
Quality! To the gram left and right shoes the same weight: Sam/Jeff
Decent weight for 39/31 stack height at approx. 10.35 oz / 293g US9 and sustainable materials: Sam/Jeff/Matt
This white knit upper does not get as dirty as some other mesh or knit uppers and gets white again with an easy wash. Beto/Jeff/Matt
Incredible successor to Wave Sky Neo, two ounces lighter and higher stacked! Jeff
Cons:
Steep pricing even for the sustainability and deluxe ride, fit and feel: Sam/ Matt/ Beto/Jana/Jeff
Knit upper lacking some medial structure, even though there is overlays around the medial and lateral heel: Matt
A bit heavy but balanced on the run when midfoot striking. Beto
Noisy midsole on some surfaces Jeff
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.35 oz / 293g (US9)
Samples: men’s 10.12 oz / 287g (US8.5)
men’s 10.68 oz / 303g (US10.5)
men’s 11.8 oz / 337g (US12.5)
women's 10.51 oz / 298g (US10.5)
Stack Height: men’s 39mm heel / 31mm forefoot
Available September 2022. $250
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