Mizuno Wave Universe 4 :: Shoe Preview

Update: Check out my first-impressions review of the Mizuno Wave Universe 4 here >>

The Mizuno Wave Universe 4 is, according to the the RunningWarehouse blog and other online sources, slated for release this July. Here's a nice photo of the Universe 4, because that's why you'd be looking at this post anyway. I like it.



Given my penchant for the fit and wider toe box of my previous Mizuno running shoes, especially the Ronin 2, I've been intrigued by the Mizuno Wave Universe ever since I transitioned to running in reduced shoes—"minimal shoes", if you prefer.

There are a handful of stellar reviews (such as this one or this one) touting the spacious toe box, low profile, and flexibility of the Universe 3. And, I would probably be doing most of my road runs in that shoe now if it weren't for one major flaw: I don't like pink.

Mizuno Universe 3 blurred: Looks pink to me

The Mizuno Universe 3

Sure, the Universe 3 looks red and white when standing still. But, add a little motion blur to mimic what it'd look like while running, and see what you get. So, I didn't want to spend around $100 for pink shoes. Thus, I've been really interested to know what the Universe 3's successor would look like.

[Roll your eyes at me if you will. This has nothing to do with perceived notions of masculinity. I just don't care for pink on me. Now, if the clearance prices for the Universe 3 are appealing enough once the Universe 4 is released...]

Anyway, back to the Universe 4. Here it is from the bottom so that you can get a good look at the outsole.

In correspondence with a Mizuno representative on the RunnersWorld.com forum, we are told that, aside from obvious design modifications, the Universe 4 will feature the same "guts (midsole and outsole)" that won so many people over to the Universe 3. The weight remains at 3.8 oz for a US size 9.

So, with the new rock-n-roll-comic-book (my description) look of the Universe 4, I'll definitely give this shoe some serious thought when it's released in July. My Ronin 2s will be nearing retirement by that time. So, I'll need something low, yet cushioned, for those long runs on pavement.

I'd be surprised if the Universe 4 didn't retail for $120 due to the popularity of the Universe 3. Why lower the price if people are paying it, right? So, if that's the only price for it, I'll look for something else. But, RunningWarehouse has a talent for offering shoes at really good prices, don't they?

Lastly, here's someone else's personal picture of the Universe 4. I snagged this from the RunnersWorld.com shoe forum. And, the person who posted it there didn't take the photo himself. So, if this is your photo, congrats on getting these before the rest of the running public!