Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 (RunRating Score)

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Review: A Test of Speed and Comfort with a Unique Twist

In a marketplace often dominated by incremental updates and aesthetic tweaks, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 stands out with its bold, unconventional design. Foregoing a traditional heel, this shoe caters specifically to forefoot runners, emphasizing a running style that feels both innovative and refreshingly effective.

When we test race shoes at RunRating.com, we adhere to a rigorous method to ensure consistency and fairness. Each shoe, including the Mizuno Pro 2, is put through its paces with about 50 miles of running at all speeds to truly understand its performance. Additionally, we run a local parkrun in each test shoe at an average heart rate of 162 bpm using the same HR monitor and watch brand, with all other metrics turned off. This approach is akin to a blind test typically conducted in labs, removing any "new shoe day" bias that might otherwise shave a mythical 15 minutes off your 5K time.

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is unusual not just in looks but in feel. Its design eliminates the heel entirely, which surprisingly adds to its comfort rather than detracts from it. The shoe is primarily targeted at those who favor a forefoot running style, and it does an excellent job at accommodating this technique. The lack of a heel has allowed Mizuno to cleverly incorporate more foam under the midfoot. While this design choice offers increased comfort, it also introduces a slight downfall in the shoe's performance by affecting its stability.

Despite its sporty, fast appearance, the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is not as quick as one might expect. It is exceptionally comfortable, however, and it performs best during easy runs or when pushing speeds faster than a six-minute mile. Interestingly, when attempting to run a 6:30 mile, the shoe feels unstable, but it finds its stride when the pace increases.

This shoe blurs the lines between dedicated racing flats and everyday trainers. It's not the fastest shoe out there, but it excels as a fast-paced training shoe. The lack of heel doesn’t trouble me personally since I don’t heel strike, and the reduced weight is a welcome feature. However, its high stack and design make it less ideal for routes with many turns or uneven surfaces. On a recent 31-mile training run, while it wasn’t the fastest, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute in them.

RunRating Score Breakdown for Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

Comfort (7/10):
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 offers a highly cushioned ride, emphasized by dual midsole foams that deliver both softness and responsiveness. This setup provides a plush landing and a springy toe-off, making it exceedingly comfortable for long runs and easy paces. Despite the shoe's unusual design with a significant cutaway at the heel, it maintains a commendable level of comfort, particularly noted for forefoot and midfoot strikers who will appreciate the innovative foam distribution and cushioning enhancements.

Speed (8/10):
Although the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 looks built for speed, it truly shines in specific conditions. It is fast and feels particularly agile at speeds faster than a 6-minute mile, yet it doesn't quite match the top speed performance of more traditional racing shoes. It's great for fast-paced training and long runs where maintaining a quick, efficient stride is more important than outright sprinting capabilities.

Stability (6/10):
The unique design of the shoe, which includes a midsole with large cutouts and a lack of a traditional heel, poses challenges for stability. This design causes instability on turns and uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for technical routes or sharp cornering during races. However, the shoe provides adequate stability on straight runs or minimally turning courses, making it viable for specific racing conditions or well-maintained paths.

Confidence (7/10):
The innovative design can affect runners' confidence, particularly when navigating turns or unstable terrains due to the midsole's cutouts and the unusual heel structure. However, the shoe performs well on flat surfaces and straight paths, where its unique features like the carbon-infused nylon plate provide effective propulsion without the harsh feel of stiffer plates found in some racing shoes.

Style (8/10):
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 scores high in style with its futuristic and bold design. It stands out significantly in a sea of more traditionally styled running shoes, appealing to those who value a modern look alongside functionality. Its sharp lines and dynamic form factor not only reflect advanced shoe technology but also serve as a fashion statement on the track.

Durability (7.5/10):
Durability sees a slight improvement in perception, with the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 showing a robust build that can handle reasonable wear and tear. While the innovative materials and design are crafted to last, the specialized features like the segmented sole may be slightly less durable under extreme or uneven terrain conditions than more conventional models.

Marketing Accuracy (7/10):
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is marketed towards runners targeting a pace around 6:30 per mile, suggesting it's designed for relatively fast running. However, in practice, while it can support quick paces, it tends to perform optimally at speeds faster than 6 minutes per mile or during easier efforts. This discrepancy between marketed expectations and actual optimal performance conditions results in a lower score for marketing accuracy. The marketing positions it for a specific pace that doesn't fully align with where the shoe performs best, based on user experiences that suggest instability at the marketed pace.

Cost (8/10):
The cost evaluation receives a higher rating. The shoe offers a commendable price-to-performance ratio. It's competitively priced considering the innovative technology and specific performance enhancements. This makes it an attractive option for runners seeking a high-performance shoe without the steep price tag often associated with super shoes. However, it's important to note that while it is more affordable, it may not deliver the same speed as its higher-priced competitors, positioning it as a budget-friendly yet slightly slower alternative in the high-performance category.

Value (8/10):
Maintaining a solid score in value, the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is recognized for providing good overall worth. It's particularly valuable to runners who are looking for a shoe that combines distinctive style with performance features tailored for forefoot runners or those who prefer a lightweight, responsive feel during faster efforts.

Conclusion

We give the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 a RunRating Score of 7.39

To arrive at this score, we meticulously evaluated the shoe across several key performance categories, calculating the average based on our detailed assessments. Here's the breakdown:

• Comfort:7

• Speed: 7.5

• Stability: 6

• Confidence: 7

• Style: 8

• Durability: 7.5

• Marketing Accuracy: 7

• Cost: 8

• Value: 8

Adding up each category's score and dividing by the number of categories resulted in an overall average score of 7.39.

This score reflects a balanced view of the shoe's capabilities and market position, highlighting its appeal to a niche segment of the running community. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 excels in providing a distinct running experience with its innovative heel-less design, making it especially suitable for runners who prioritize forefoot comfort and are looking for a shoe that supports fast-paced training on flat, even surfaces.

For those in search of a departure from traditional running shoes, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance that could enhance your running sessions, though it may not be the best fit for every runner's needs. Its specific design characteristics make it a noteworthy option for those looking to experiment with a new style of running footwear.

While the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is competitively priced and offers unique value in terms of design and comfort, it may not meet the performance expectations set by its marketing, particularly at the 6:30-minute mile pace where it feels less stable. However, for faster paces or easier runs, it performs remarkably well, making it a favored choice for training sessions that mix faster efforts with recovery.

For runners seeking a shoe that challenges traditional design and provides a comfortable, responsive ride, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 stands out as an innovative option. It's not just another shoe; it's a testament to Mizuno's commitment to pushing the boundaries of running technology and design, making it a top choice for runners who value innovation and are willing to embrace a different approach to enhance their performance.