Mizuno Zero Drop – Wave Evo Levitas and Evo Cursoris
Many of the big running shoe brands have a more “minimal” shoe line – think Nike Free, New Balance Minimus and Adidas Adipure. So does that mean Mizuno is late to the game with the new Evo collection you see here, coming January 2013? We don’t think so at all.
Mizuno spent their product development time wisely. They crafted two different shoes that maintain key elements of the Mizuno brand identity while also offering a more stripped-down experience focused on midfoot striking and connection with the ground. We think zero drop with a bit more protection and increased comfort is set to be a big story in 2013.
The model you see above is the new Wave Evo Levitas, with more info and pics below. Further down are some pics and product info on the new Wave Evo Cursoris.
Wave Evo Levitas
Wave Evo Levitas Outsole View and Women's Model
What to Watch For
- Zero drop (15mm stack height as measured by Running Warehouse)
- 6.5 oz (Men’s) 5.2 oz (Women’s)
- Wide forefoot with narrower midfoot to maintain low weight
- Forefoot Wave technology to provide added spring on toe-off
MSRP
$110.00
Men’s Colors
Grape/Blue/Orange Wave Evo Levitas (January 2013)
Black/Yellow/Green Wave Evo Levitas (March 2013)
Women’s Colors
Blue/Yellow/Pink Wave Evo Levitas (January 2013)
Black/Lime/Blue Wave Evo Levitas (March 2013)
Wave Evo Cursoris
Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris Men's and Women's Running Shoes
What to Watch For
- Zero drop (18mm stack height as measured by Running Warehouse)
- 7.5 oz (Men’s) 6.2 oz (Women’s)
- Wider forefoot base to accommodate toe splay
- Forefoot Wave technology to provide added spring on toe-off
MSRP
$120.00
Men’s Colors
Orange/Silver/Black Wave Evo Cursoris (January 2013)
Green/Blue/Black Wave Evo Cursoris (March 2013)
Women’s Colors
Pink/Yellow/Black Wave Evo Cursoris (January 2013)
Light Blue/Lime/Purple Evo Cursoris (March 2013)
I very much like these shoes. I very much dislike the price tag
Curious that they are 18mm tall. Maybe I’ll just buy a pair of Hokas…
Great comment, Kyle. For the record, the Evo Cursoris slots in more with a Brooks PureConnect/Nike Free type shoe (and products like the upcoming PureDrift and Saucony Virrata) than a near-barefoot shoe with a stack height under 10mm.
Let me guess; only up to size 13?
The cool thing about this line from Mizuno, is that they didnt stray from what they believe in… both shoes still have WAVE technology, just in the midfoot/forefoot vs. the heel.
Not a “minimal shoe” per se… just an efficient shoe designed for MIDFOOT runners!
@Kyle Kranz
Most Hoka’s have a stack height of at least 30mm. One of the more popular “minimal” shoes, the Saucony Kinvara, has a forefoot stack height of 19mm in the forefoot, 23mm in the heel; the Cursoris at its thickest is less than that. Not sure what you’re talking about.
Very much looking forward to these.
Hi Blaze, we’ll be stocking up to a size 14 in the Evo shoes, and our information is that a size 15 also will be produced though we do not plan to carry it.
Thanks for the comment BJ. I think Kyle was being sarcastic in comparing the new Evo line to Hokas. The new Mizuno shoes really aren’t comparable in any way to Hoka products.
@Matt
I’ll be happy to give these a try.
Awesome. I wear a 14, but all of Mizuno’s racing shoes only go to 13
I’ve been seeing photos of these orange Evo Cursoris online and was so excited to try them, they are super cute and I am 100% loyal to Mizuno but you’re telling me the orange shoe is a men’s style? Boo, I don’t need another pair of pink shoes.
Toni! I bet you can find a men’s Evo to fit well! If not, head to your local paint store
@Matt
Hey Matt. Just curious, since it’s closer to the release date, have you guys measured the forefoot width? Is it as wide as the Mizuno Universe 4? The 4′s are great but I’m looking forward to the Cursoris since they have that extra 4mm in the forefoot. For me, the 4′s are perfect up to a half. Hopefully with the added cushion, I’ll be able to make the Cursoris my go to marathon shoe – that is, if they’re wide up front.
@BJ
Kyle Kranz works for Skora as their “social media coordinator”. I guess he’s just dissing their competition.
Thanks for the question, Jay. The Universe 4 is about 3.75 inches at its widest point in the forefoot (by the first lace). The Cursoris is just about 1/8th of an inch wider, and has a bit more width in the toebox due to its more rounded shape. We haven’t tried the shoes on side by side but we’d expect if you’re comfortable with the width in the Universe, you should be good to go in the Cursoris.
I really like the Levitas but want a shoe with a little bit more protection for longer runs. Which would you recommend? I’d like to stay with a zero drop shoe.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the question. A couple zero drop options with additional underfoot cushioning are the Saucony Virrata and the Altra Torin.