Weight 356g
Evaluation The new Wave Conviction combines the characteristics of the highly stable
Wave Alchemy and the super-smooth
Wave Rider. Even though the Conviction keeps the name and price of last year’s shoe, it’s far superior, with a lighter mesh upper of the sort that’s becoming Mizuno’s signature, plus improved rearfoot stability, and a smoother, more responsive ride.
Two things have improved the Conviction’s stability: the foot sits lower in the shoe, and the Conviction now uses a similar double fan-shaped Wave plate to the Wave Alchemy (it’s the blue, rippled part in the midsole). Because of the way the waves are arranged, the double fan-shaped plate acts as a medial post to slow overpronation. The plate also extends through to the midfoot to support the arch and stop the shoe twisting.
The only down side of the shoe is that the softer forefoot ride means that the stability isn’t as great on toe-off as it was in the old version. In reality that simply means that the forefoot stability is now average, where before it was very good. As a whole, though, the Wave Conviction is a fantastic shoe and extraordinarily well priced.
In short The Wave Conviction is one of the best £70 stability shoes on the market – except it’s £60. Its blend of smooth ride and excellent rearfoot cushioning is hard to beat.
Try it on if you liked Mizuno Wave Rider (£75); Asics GT-2060 (£70);
Saucony GRID Omni (£70);
Nike Air Pegasus (£60)
