10 Best Women’s Mizuno Running Shoes for 2018

In recent years, uptempo trainers like the Sayonara 4 have gained in popularity. Some runners enjoy a lighter shoe for all their daily runs (and at just 7.6 ounces in a women’s size 8, the Sayonara is barely heavier than some racing shoes). Other runners find them perfect for fast-paced road workouts or interval sessions, or even for racing, especially at longer distances. And for other runners, the firm and versatile Sayonara is just right for all of the above. Another great thing about the Sayonara is its price. Not surprising for a Runner’s World pick for [best buy](https://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/mizuno-wave-sayonara-4-womens), the best price on Mizuno running shoes belongs to uptempo trainers like the Sayonara and the Catalyst, the Sayonara’s stability sibling.

If you compare Mizuno running shoes to other brands, the differences quickly become apparent. Where other companies use more or less exotic foams to cushion the impact, Mizuno uses a mechanical wave plate inside the sole. This approach has proven to be exceptionally stable. While the Paradox and the Inspire are both support shoes, the Paradox is your choice if you prefer the firm and responsive ride that Mizuno is famous for.

Next up on the list of best Mizuno running shoes is the Creation 19, a daily trainer for neutral runners that still benefits from the inherent stability of the wave plate technology. Firmer and more responsive than the Sky, another neutral trainer from Mizuno, the Creation also provides the heel cushion you would expect in a premium trainer, but without the stratospheric price of Mizuno’s ultrapremium Prophecy.

The best Mizuno running shoes come in pairs. The Inspire and the Rider are both daily trainers, nearly the same weight and price, and both provide soft cushioning in the forefoot and heel. The Inspire also provides great stability for overpronators and other runners who prefer support shoes. If you’re considering the Paradox but prefer cushioning over a firm sole, take a close look at the Inspire.

If you like a stable feel in a neutral shoe but don’t need the extra weight and engineering that go into shoes designed for overpronators, try the Rider 21, the Inspire’s neutral sibling. It’s built a reputation for providing the right balance of firmness and cushioning that will reliably see you through the miles of daily running. With a notably soft heel in a neutral shoe, the Rider may be the best Mizuno for plantar fasciitis.

To help you answer the question, “Which Mizuno running shoe is best for me,” think of the following words: Light. Firm. Stable. Versatile. Fast. If you’re getting excited, take a look at the Catalyst, the Sayonara’s support twin in the uptempo trainer category. Another great feature it shares with the Sayonara is its affordable price.

The Horizon 2 is Mizuno’s premium support daily trainer. It combines exceptionally soft cushioning in the forefoot and heel with stability surpassing even the Paradox and Inspire. In the survey results of best Mizuno running shoes, men’s votes picked the Horizon as their top choice. The combination of exceptionally high stability and cushioning makes the Horizon a top candidate for the best Mizuno running shoes for flat feet.

The Sky replaces the highly popular Enigma in Mizuno’s line of neutral daily trainers, and runners seem to find the Sky just as much of a winning combination. Neutral runners might also consider the Creation, but where the Creation is firm, the Sky is much softer and more cushioned. Runners appreciate the Sky’s smooth and consistent ride, and have rewarded it with a top spot in the list of best Mizuno running shoes.

If Mizuno’s wave plate technology produces great running shoes, then the best Mizuno running shoe must be built around two wave plates. The Prophecy 7’s dual mechanical midsole outclasses even support shoes when it comes to stability. The only downsides to the best Mizuno neutral running shoe is that the two mechanical plates add some weight, making the Prophecy as heavy as the Creation. The other downside is that the price of Mizuno’s ultrapremium neutral daily trainer is unfortunately not a misprint.

Are Mizuno shoes good for racing? Look no farther than the Hitogami 4, a lightweight racing shoe with just enough heel to see you through every distance from 5K to the marathon. Another nice feature of racing shoes is that they tend to be inexpensive, and the Hitogami’s no exception—it’s even less expensive than the Sayonara/Catalyst duo. The Hitogami is especially flexible, as you would expect from a racing shoe, but the combination of flexibility and cushioning in a neutral shoe points to the Hitogami as the first model to consider if you’re looking for the best Mizuno running shoes for supination.

 Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men 

The premium (i.e pricey) stability model from the most popular brand sold in running stores, the Brooks Transcend is a cushioned daily trainer for big dudes who need cushion. Many heavier men wear stability shoes (defined by your feet rolling ever so slightly inward when you walk/run), and the Brooks Transcend is a great option: it has Brooks’ signature DNA Loft foam, seamless mesh upper (which feels snug without being too snug), and helpful guardrails to ensure you don’t overly pronate and suffer from any debilitating knee issues. If you’re looking for a lot of cushion—and are ok with a heavier shoe—the Transcend is a great workout shoe. 


Mizuno has been making the Wive Rider for a long time (as of this writing they’re on version number 23) and they’ve darn near perfected the art of a durable, well-priced neutral trainer. This shoe does not have a lot of cushion. But what it lacks in softness it more than makes up for in resiliency: regardless of your weight, you’re going to feel so much better running in this springy shoe after several miles than nearly any other shoe. The Wave Rider’s signature wave plate ensures the shoe takes a long time to break down, thus making the normal 100 miles and throw ‘em away shoe a thing of the past. Even if you consider yourself to be a heavy dude, you can get at least 400 miles in these trainers.

As the name suggests, this shoe is a freaking beast. Weighing a hearty 12 oz, this shoe is meant to be rock solid and designed for the runner who pronates a lot. The shoe’s GuideRails provide total dynamic support for someone who needs significant pronation support. It’s extraordinarily well cushioned, has a breathable upper, and Brooks’ BioMOGo DNA midsole, which helps the shoe last longer and feel springier. For those looking for a lightweight shoe to get you to qualify for Boston, this ain’t it. But if you want the best training shoe for heavy guys who need a ton of support, this is the top of the list. The only reason it isn’t higher is because the weight (and price) isn’t for everyone.

We’re transitioning from one chunky shoe to the next. But, besides the husky look, the Beast and the Clifton couldn’t be more different. Whereas the Beast is more of a tank, the Hoka One One Clifton is shockingly lightweight and airy. The Clifton is the bestselling, and flagship model, from the California-based Hoka One One, a fast growing upstart in the footwear space. The shoes have been seen on the feet of Milan models and on the feet of marathoners because it pairs on-trend design with an incredible feel. The shoe is jumpy, feels natural, and provides plenty of cushion between you and the pavement. The one drawback? It doesn’t last a long time, as the midsole can break down easier than many shoes—a major problem for heavy guys. 

Think of the Bondi as the Clifton but with tons more cushion. This shoe is thick in its midsole and comfy in its plushness. Hoka is known for their maximalist design (as in the opposite of those toe shoes) and the Bondi takes that to its inevitable extreme. But in fact, the design of the shoe is meant to make the foot feel and move more naturally: the shoe has a 4mm drop, meaning that it replicates the way the barefoot moves on the ground. You might want to replicate the sensation of barefoot walking or running, but as a bigger runner, running barefoot on concrete is a recipe for trouble. However, with the Bondi you get the best of both worlds: a beautifully constructed, impossibly cushioned shoe that lets the foot move naturally. Your knees will be happy. 

This neutral shoe is, like our number one choice, silly soft and decidedly durable. Asics has been making the Gel-Nimbus for over 20 years, and despite some major setbacks and flaws with previous models and production, their latest incarnation is certainly one of the best athletic shoes for heavy guys. Newer models have an extra dosages of Asics’ famous gel on the forefoot and heel, ensuring that even if you pack some heft into your morning jogs, the shoe won’t break down. The liner of the shoe is soft without being overly cushy. And if you’re looking for the best running shoe for big guys with wide feet, the Asics Gel-Nimbus comes in many different widths.  

Stability running shoes aren’t always known for having a quick jump. And, sadly, many sneakers that are great for bigger guys, aren’t always responsive and, as a result, fail to make you feel fast. The 880 thankfully strays from this sad pattern. The shoe is quite soft and has a solid midsole that can carry some heft from its occupant. But, despite its heavy looks, this shoe feels extremely fast: the shoe’s propulsion design and lighter weight makes every step feel like an easy transition to the next. If you’re big, a pronator, and want to qualify for Boston, get this shoe. Just recognize that you won’t get as many miles wearing the 880 than other shoes on this list. 

Recently redone in its 17th version and lauded by shoe critics globally, the Saucony Hurricane is, like the Transcend, a premium stability shoe that marries comfort and durability. The shoe is plushness embodied—your foot will simply rest on the footbed like a head on a pillow. The upper is comfortable, the sole durable, and the shoe will last for hundreds of miles with intense pounding. The shoe took a few steps back with previous ISO models, but with Saucony redesigning this shoe, few other models can match the Hurricane’s blend of comfort and durability. Just know that it’s a little heavy. 

If you’re a stability runner and you’ve ever tried on running shoes in a running store, odds are you’ve tried on the famous Adrenaline. Brooks’ best-selling model has won countless awards for its quality, design, and sheer awesomeness. It has stability without being overbearing; it has one of the most comfortable uppers of any shoe; and it feels extremely responsive despite plenty of cushion. If you want an extremely reliable, fairly priced, and just darn good everyday stability trainer, you should look no further than the Adrenaline. This is certainly among the best stability shoes for heavy men. 

Let’s talk about durability. Too often, trainers are meant for skinny runners who barely touch the ground and certainly don’t dent the midsole of their sneaker. As a result, too many running shoes wear down quickly for bigger guys. Well, my friend, Mizuno Wave Creation is a neutral running shoe that is meant for you and meant to last. The Wave Creation is engineered to take on pounding, which is why its undulating Infinity Wave Plate is such a vital feature of the shoe’s design: it absorbs the shock then disperses it. That means that if you land heavy, your body and the shoe feel the step with less force. In addition to its fantastic longevity, this shoe is cushioned, surprisingly bouncy, and has a snug upper—coming in both traditional mesh or Mizuno’s new knit material. If you want the best neutral running shoe for heavy guys, grab the Wave Creation. 

27 versions. That’s a lot of different models of such an amazing shoe—a shoe that, somehow, continues to get closer to perfection and better suited to heavier men every season. The Asics Gel-Kayano is simply designed for us: it has a plethora of push, gobs of gel, and a sturdy structure. Bring in the shoe’s redesigned heel (which helps limit the shock absorption) and smooth heel-to-toe lift, and you’re talking about some footwear that blends the need for protection with the desire for speed. Plus, the shoe comes in 2E (wide) and 4E (extra wide), meaning that if you need some room to breathe you can just pick up a girthier size. Yes, like a lot of shoes on this list you’re paying for the comfort and the extra support. But the Gel-Kayano is simply a shoe that you can rely on, from the road, to the gym, to wearing it walking the dog. This shoe just packs it all, making it the best stability running shoe for heavy men. Give it a buy, try it out, and if you hate it… well don’t blame us. The Gel-Kayano is simply the best.   

The 11 Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men

Best Running Shoes for Plus Size Women

For years, Saucony has made it’s pricey, top of the line Triumph (and the Triumph ISO) into an incredibly plush, award winning neutral running shoe. More recently, the company dropped the ISO moniker of the Saucony Triumph and focused on rebuilding an amazing daily trainer that works—and especially for those who consider themselves overweight. The shoe has a low heel-to-toe drop, is incredibly durable and, most importantly, is super cushioned: you feel like you’re running on top padded seats with every step taken. For those looking for a reliable running or walking shoe for plus size women, the Triumph is a wonderful option. 

Like the Saucony Triumph, the Brooks Transcend fits within the premium running category: it has added plushness, loads of comfort, and more durability than a cheaper trainer. But unlike the neutral Saucony Triumph, the Transcend is for stability runners—those who pronate when they walk or run. The latest Transcend has its cushiest midsole yet (thanks to an upgraded DNA Loft foam), meaning that despite the wear and tear of a Clydesdale’s run, the shoe feels as springy as the first step. If you want a premium stability shoe that comes with a soft ride, this is as good as any workout sneaker on the list.

The Japanese-based sneaker maker has made high quality shoes for generations—and the latest iteration of its flagship Mizuno Wave Rider is no different. What makes the Mizuno Wave Rider so special is its durability: the lighter weight sneaker, thanks to its undulating wave plate, can last about 100 more miles than most other reasonably priced products on this list. Designed for a neutral runner (i.e someone who doesn’t pronate inward), the Wave Rider has a great cushion, a soft heel, and comes in multiple variations for its upper—you can go for a traditional mesh or a more flexible knit. If you want a shoe that won’t break the bank but will provide durable comfort for heavyweight female runners, this is a perfect choice. 

The Clifton from Hoka One One is, like the Wave Rider, a flagship, neutral shoe at a reasonable price point. But that’s where the similarities in the shoe’s end. Whereas the Rider is firm and more plasticky, the Clifton is cushioned and foamy. The Hoka One One Clifton is the most popular shoe from the fastest growing running shoe brand, and there’s a reason for it: despite its thick look, the shoe is incredibly lightweight and its midsole provides a remarkable bounce with every step. That means that no matter your weight and the hard surfaces of pavement, the Clifton’s cushion, coupled with a soft forefoot and relatively firm heel, makes every step not feel like a burden. And the latest versions improves the model’s durability: while past models had a midsole break down sooner, heavy or even obese ladies can ensure that, step after step, you’ll feel jumpy and your legs will be singing.  Like the Rider, it also comes in multiple widths.

For decades, Asics has designed some of the top sneakers for plus size women. The Asics Gel-Nimbus, a neutral, heavy shoe that is among the plushest shoes you’ll ever wear, is no different. The reason this shoe is designed for joggers on the bigger side is threefold: 1) its gel heel makes the shoe feel incredibly responsive and limits the wear and tear of the shoe’s midsole; 2) the cushion of the shoe makes every step feel stable and comfortable—not pelvis pounding and shin shattering 3) the shoe’s upper is more rigid than in past models, making it feel secure and sturdy. The latest models of the Gel-Nimbus truly work, but the only thing not making this higher is some past versions have had some defects. But if you’re a neutral plus size runner looking for the ultimate in cushioned sneakers, try out the Asics Gel-Nimbus. 

The Glycerin is the neutral (and better selling) counterpart of the Brooks Transcend. That means it’s heavily cushioned, has a springy/durable DNA Loft midsole, and is as well constructed as any shoe on the market. Seriously: nobody complains about the defects or inconsistencies of Brooks shoes. But the Brooks Glycerin gets even more glowing reviews due to its responsiveness. Few shoes match the Glycerin’s softness coupled with responsiveness, and even fewer shoes have such a comfortable upper. There’s a reason it wins so many awards, year after year.

Yes, a third Brooks shoe on the list. There’s a reason that Brooks is the top selling brand in running stores: when runners try this shoe on they feel a sense of wonder with its near perfect fit and last ride. The Brooks Adrenaline is the Seattle-based company’s best-selling shoe of them all—and is the best-selling stability shoe on the market. There’s a reason for that: uncomplicated yet precise in design, a dependable midsole coupled with a soft upper, and a bouncy propulsion that leads even the beginner heavier runner to feel like they can take an easy step forward. The reason it’s not higher? This shoe comes with plenty of support but isn’t particularly plush or sturdy enough for some heavier runners. 

The 1080 has a been a staple of New Balance’s premium running line for a while, but the most recent versions are by far the best yet. The shoe is incredibly soft and plush—something that makes it among the best waking shoe for obese women or among the most comfortable running shoes for bigger women. But what makes this shoe so special is that it feels fast. Whether you’re a newbie just starting out or a Boston Marathon qualifier, having a shoe that’s heavy, soft and propels you forward is important. The 1080, which also has an incredibly comfortable upper, does just that. The only downside is that, for the price, you don’t get as many miles as some shoes. 

Looking for one of the sturdiest running shoes on the market? Want something that has maximum durability? The Mizuno Wave Creation has both. Like its sister model, the Mizuno Wave Rider, the Wave Creation is meant to last. But it takes the wave plate of the Wave Rider and puts it on steroids. The resulting Infinity Wave Plate makes the Creation feel unbelievably powerful and meant for a bigger-bone jogger. The shoe is grippy (if you’re ever worried about traction), has a soft and responsive midsole, and an upper that feels secure. Most testers feel that the shoe is designed for bigger runners and Runner’s World says it “supports heavier runners and high mileage especially well.” The only reason it’s not higher is that we wish it was cuter! 

The Hoka One One Bondi is the most cushioned running shoe from the brand made famous for cushioned running shoes. What does that mean? You get total comfort in a padded (yet shockingly featherweight) sneaker. If you’re a lady looking for maximum cushioning from a neutral shoe. Bondi is simply your choice. The shoe’s upper is snug without being tight, and the neutral trainer’s midsole is bouncy—meaning heavier or obese walkers won’t have that terrible sinking step. And what also makes the cushion so magical is that, even after wearing it for a long walk or long run, the shoe will be recharged and ready to go quickly after you finish up. No more waiting for the shoe to recover while you’re charged up and ready to go on that next run!

If you want a stability shoe that’s soft and perfect for plus size women runners, this is your shoe. Full stop. It’s as if the Kayano was designed not for the teeny, tiny 55 lbs high school runner, but real runners who need a real shoe. Like the Nimbus in the neutral category, the Kayano is uber soft, meaning every step is like a step on a fat sheep yet to be sheered. The shoe is springy like a jumpy mattress, yet exceedingly long-lasting: Asics, known for their gel, added more to the midsole and heel to make the shoe even more durable and comfortable on mile 25 of a marathon. The latest version is lighter weight than past models has a secured upper that nicely cradles the foot. If you want a tough shoe that feels great, you’ll thank your body for grabbing the Kayano—the best shoe for plus size women!

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