We test the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3: “propulsive momentum at speed”
Standing still, they feel like pogo sticks. While in motion, they fly. Expert tester Ed Pickering reviews the carbon-plated Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3.
220 Triathlon Verdict
Fast, aggressive and innovative race shoe for toe and midsole strikers. Score: 90%
Pros
- Super speedy for a sure race PB
- Propulsive and energetic
- Good fit and comfortable
Cons
- For fast racing only, not so much training
- A little unstable when cornering
As soon as the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3s were unwrapped, I could tell that Mizuno were really thinking outside the box when they designed this run shoe.
They are striking in their look – the wedge cut-out at the back makes them look like they are itching to get moving and the 60mm stack at the heel is huge.
Turn the shoe over, and there’s a large cut-out in the sole. They’re also incredibly striking in their feel – that thick stack means that I felt a lot taller in these shoes, and the cut-out gave them the sensation of propulsive momentum at speed, even aggression. And they bounce.
How we test run shoes
Each running shoe we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous runs of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. This includes long, slow runs, plus faster tempo efforts or interval sessions. We test against a range of criteria including comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride, propulsion and value. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
Maximum stack height
This manifests itself in two ways. At speed, these shoes made me feel fast thanks to there being lots of energy return, and they’re obviously designed with racing in mind.
Standing still, they’re like being on a pogo stick – that bounce and spring is tangible and standing on a start line is going to be fun in these.
In between… it’s more complicated. The Wave Rebellion Pro 3s aren’t suited to jogging, or slow and steady runs – even jogging between efforts, it felt like they were fighting back. This is fine – a shoe that’s designed for speed needs to be used for speed.
The carbon plate
All that bounce and speed comes from the carbon plate and Mizuno’s Enerzy XP foam in the sole. The height took some getting used to – running in a straight line was great, however I had to get adjusted to the stability change of going around corners.
The ride was responsive and the springiness of the foam meant that sensation of bounce and spring never went away; however the carbon plate gives the soles a rigidity which makes them better suited to racing than general running.
And one personal issue, which will be pertinent to some readers and not others: I am a heel striker, and therefore the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is not quite perfect for my action.
For forefoot strikers
That cut-out and shaping favours toe and mid-foot strikers; I had quite tight calf muscles and sore soles at the end of my test runs.
I also pronate slightly, and though I’m fine with unsupported shoes, this may have contributed to the slight feeling of instability especially around corners.
More good news, however: the soles are grippy, the fit was comfortable and snug and at 225g (7.9oz) they’re not heavy. If you’re a forefoot striker who wants to run fast road races, the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a great shoe which looks like it means business.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 specs
| Price | $250 / £210 |
| Weight | 7.8oz / 225g |
| Sizing | Unisex: UK 4-12 ; 5M-13 / 6-13W |
| Features | Carbon plate, PEBAX foam, 61/57mm stack height, 4mm drop |
220 Triathlon Team
Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes 
