The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is a one-of-a-kind racing shoe that aims to enhance speed by encouraging a midfoot or forefoot strike. Although it falls short of being a top-tier racer because it lacks the springy feel of a heel cutoff, it still provides a decent level of speed. However, it is important to note that this shoe is best suited for shorter races and workouts, as it may pose some stability issues and require strong ankle support. The second version of this shoe features improvements in its upper fit, midsole stiffness, and overall cushioning, resulting in a more comfortable and responsive running experience.
Who should or shouldn't purchase Wave Rebellion Pro 2 ?
If you possess excellent running technique and prefer striking the ground with your midfoot or forefoot, the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is the ideal choice. Additionally, if you desire a racing shoe with a maximalist design and distinctive transitions, it is definitely worth considering.
If you tend to strike your heels forcefully or if your ankles are not very strong, it would be best to avoid the Wave Rebellion Pro 2. This shoe demands a particular running style, and if you don't adhere to it, you may find it uncomfortable.
Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Brief Review
In a market saturated with high-performance shoes featuring carbon plates, maximum stack height, and similar price ranges, it is incredibly challenging to distinguish oneself. However, Mizuno's Wave Rebellion Pro series defies the norm by offering a truly distinctive experience with an exhilarating ride and an innovative design.
After trying out the Wave Rebellion Pro for the first time last year, I found it so enjoyable that I decided to participate in a half marathon wearing it a few weeks later. Although I didn't achieve a personal best, the experience of racing in a shoe that is rarely seen at the starting line was both intriguing and entertaining. However, I did encounter some difficulties when navigating through twists and turns due to its narrow design. By the 18th kilometer of the half marathon, I noticed that my ankles were feeling unstable, which made me hesitant to use this shoe for future races.
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro has managed to break free from the typical expectations associated with the brand, and I say this in the most positive way. Mizuno has not traditionally been recognized for its groundbreaking advancements in running shoe technology, which is why the Rebellion Pro has been such a delightful revelation for me. In fact, I can confidently say that it is my preferred Mizuno model thus far.
Mizuno may have joined the super shoe market a bit later, but they impressed with their inaugural entry. However, acquiring a pair of the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 remains challenging, just like its predecessor. The shoe is not widely accessible, prompting me to import my first pair from Singapore and my second pair from Australia.
The weight of the Wave Rebellion Pro 2, a shoe designed for marathons, comes in at 7.6 ounces (215 grams). This weight is considered suitable for such a shoe. In comparison to its predecessor, the latest version is 0.3 ounces (8 grams) lighter for a men's US9.
Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Initial Impressions
My initial experience involved a challenging 35-kilometer run, maintaining a consistent pace for the first 27 kilometers and then picking up the tempo for the final 8 kilometers. One notable change I noticed was the increased stability of this updated version. This improvement was a result of filling in the gap on the inner side of the midsole. However, I still experienced instability when running downhill on steep terrain, requiring me to focus on my foot placement to prevent any potential ankle injuries.
It was a pleasant experience during the initial 20 kilometers when my socks remained free from moisture. However, once my socks absorbed the sweat, the sensation was far from pleasant. My foot started to glide inside the shoe, resembling a slippery fish. To exacerbate matters, the shoes' design caused my feet to constantly slide forward due to their angled position.
The padding provided a comfortable sensation, although I didn't experience the same level of speed boost as with other high-performance shoes. This is due to the heel's truncated design and the less pronounced or forceful forefoot rocker.
Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Upper/Vamp
Mizuno has simplified the design of the Rebellion Pro's upper for optimal racing performance. The key enhancement lies in the improved sizing, with a wider and more comfortable forefoot. This updated version now fits perfectly, eliminating the previous issue of being half a size too small.
The tongue of the shoe is very thin and lacks reinforcement, but it has a lace loop at its center to prevent excessive movement. The collar and heel of the shoe do not have much padding, yet I do not experience any discomfort or irritation.
Regrettably, there are no eyelets in the front row that are designed for double lacing, which means that a runner's knot cannot be utilized. In my experience, I do not encounter any slipping of the heel, however, the heel does have a slight looseness and lacks the desired level of security.
Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Sole Units
I find the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 to be most enjoyable when I engage in brief, rapid bursts such as intervals that cover a distance of 3 km or less. However, when I partake in longer, slower endeavors, I notice that I tend to land too far towards the rear of the outsole, resulting in a sensation akin to encountering a speed bump.
If you have ever experienced the jolt of stepping on a speed bump while running on the road, then you can easily relate to the sensation of running in the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 when moving at a slow pace or landing on your heels.
The distinctive design of the Wave Rebellion Pro promotes faster transitions by encouraging midfoot or forefoot striking. However, this design feels most comfortable and natural during high-speed running when landing on the forefoot.
In the Wave Rebellion Pro 2, a significant modification lies in the increased rigidity of the carbon infused plate compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the absence of a midsole gap has eliminated its flexibility, resulting in a more forceful ride that imparts a heightened sensation of speed.
While the Rebellion Pro 2 may appear speedy and fierce, it lacks the same level of speed support as other high-performance shoes in my opinion. This is due to the elevated heel and absence of a spring-like effect. The front of the shoe's plate is firmly connected to the ground, but the heel remains suspended, preventing the foot from properly engaging the rear of the plate. Consequently, the plate is unable to function as a propulsive force to propel you forward.
The forefoot rocker doesn't give me the same intense feeling as other racing shoes. I don't experience a strong sensation of leaning forward during toe-offs, so it lacks that powerful kick. This could be because the plate contains carbon-infused material instead of being made entirely of carbon, which allows for more flexibility.
The second significant modification in this update involves widening, deepening, and centralizing the separate groove beneath the shoe. As a result, the overall experience of wearing the shoe is more cushioned and springy. This is because the middle part of the sole can expand further when pressure is applied.
The midsole of the Rebellion Pro 2 is composed of two layers: Enerzy Lite+ on top and Enerzy Lite at the bottom. These foams share a similar density and do not give a particularly soft or cushioned feel. The ride of the Rebellion Pro 2 can be best described as medium-soft, akin to the Adios Pro 3 and Metaspeed Sky+.
In v2, the ride is enhanced for individuals who overpronate, resulting in better stability. Unlike the previous version, the midsole now lacks any gaps, providing increased support on the inner side of the shoe.
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 remains one of the least steady running shoes I've tried. This is mainly because its outsole is noticeably shorter than that of other running shoes, resulting in less contact between your foot and the ground. Surprisingly, I find the Adidas Prime X 2 to be even more stable than the Wave Rebellion Pro 2.
I managed to cover a distance of 35 km during my run in the Rebellion Pro 2. However, I don't think I'll attempt another long run with these shoes. They require a lot of focus on how your feet land, and they put a significant strain on your ankles and calves since your heels never make contact with the ground.
The traction provided by the Wave Rebellion Pro’s G3 rubber on its outsole is unparalleled. Its small teeth effectively grip the ground, even in wet conditions. Not only does it offer exceptional traction, but it also boasts enhanced durability. Unlike the previous version, the outer heel section shows minimal signs of wear even after covering a distance of 80 kilometers.
Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Summary
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 remains a highly inventive super shoe that stands out in the current market. Mizuno successfully increased the stack height of its heel to over 40 mm, while maintaining its compliance with racing regulations by reducing the length of the outsole. However, this modification has introduced challenges for specific runners.
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is not suitable for individuals who strike their heels heavily and have overpronation issues. To fully utilize its capabilities, one must possess a specific level of proficiency and adopt a particular running style. As a light heel striker with mild overpronation, I personally find this shoe excessively forceful and lacking stability for completing a full marathon. My ankles and calves would undoubtedly suffer significant damage by the conclusion of the race.
I find it quite pleasing to use for brief periods and quick-paced runs. However, I would not rely on it for any significant short-distance race, as I believe it does not offer as much speed support as other racers do. The main reason for this is the less aggressive forefoot rocker and the absence of a heel, which means the rear of the plate cannot be utilized as a launching pad.
Version 2 of the product is without a doubt better than version 1. It not only weighs less but also offers greater stability and enhanced bounce, all thanks to the innovative midsole design. Additionally, the upper part fits much more snugly, resulting in a heightened level of comfort.
The price of $360 for the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 seems excessive given its limited versatility. There are several other super shoes available at the same price that excel in maneuverability and provide greater assistance in terms of speed. Nevertheless, the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 stands unrivaled in terms of its exceptional traction capabilities.
- Price: $360
- Style: U1GD2417 (Mizuno)
- Color: White Cayenne
- Usage:
- racing
- road running
- daily training
- speed training
- Constructions & Features:
- true to size
- Carbon-Fibre infused Wave Plate
- Midsole foam: MIZUNO ENERZY Lite +, MIZUNO ENERZY Lite
- G3 rubber outsole
- engineered mesh upper
- heel's truncated design / forceful forefoot rocker
- Weight: 215g
- stack height: 40 mm
- heel drop: 1.5 mm