Last updated: 07-Jan-20
Described as a “road to trail shoe”, the Mizuno Wave Daichi 2 offers cushioning for the tarmac and grippy soles for the trails. Since the shoe is meant to be an “all-round trail shoe for use in all conditions” I tested the trainers on a mixed-terrain route, including path, wet grass, mud, rocks, stony trails and tarmac.
Features
- Michelin rubber outsole for traction and grip on all surfaces
- Xta Ride technology features X lugs and Xta groove for soles that “adapt to their surroundings and work in perfect harmony with the body”
- Midfoot X groove allows foot to flex and grip terrain while absorbing forces from uneven ground
- Strong mesh for enhanced upper support without losing dynamic feel
- Wave Technology provides both cushioning and stability.
- Weight: Men: 320g and women: 270g per shoe
- Drop: 12mm
- Price: £110
Pros: What’s good about Mizuno Wave Daichi 2
The shoes feel comfortable to wear right from the start. The uppers have a generous cushioned feel, especially around the heel and upper tongue. There is a lot of cushioning actually and some people will love this while others will prefer a more minimalist design.
They are a medium to wide width fitting, which will suit you if you have average to wider feet.
The UK8 seemed to be an accurate fit and possibly even a bit generous in length. I am usually a UK8.5 and these fit me well in the length.
The shoes are not super lightweight but they feel light enough to offer easy running. If you prefer a slightly stiffer sole, you will also like the Mizunos.
When I took them out on a variety of terrain they coped quite well in general. The Mizunos are versatile and are good for running on both tarmac and some trails.
On tarmac, the sole cushioning is very welcomed, while on the trails you still feel secure on most terrain. I think the shoes are better for drier conditions and for stony trails rather than muddy paths and grass. (See notes below, too.)
I suffered no rubs or skin abrasions even on the first outing in the Mizunos and I like that the uppers seem robust and durable. These feel like a solid pair of running shoes.
The price is on a par with other similar shoes.
Photo credit: Mizuno.eu
Cons: What’s not so good about Mizuno Wave Daichi 2
While the shoes are versatile and allow you to run well on both trails and tarmac I found the lugs did not cope well in mud and wet. I slipped about when the terrain became too soft and muddy.
The Michelin sole grip is good on dry rock and trails but not so secure in the wet. I did not feel confident in them on a steep and wet rocky/stony hill descent.
The shoes ended up wet through because I was running in the Scottish hills after it had been raining. I found my foot slipped about inside the shoes because the insole seemed to be moving about.
The laces are not the type that stay tied unless you double knot them. This is a minor irritation but one that can be remedied by using a different style of laces.
I did not find the sole to be as flexible as it is claimed to be. I am really not sure that the “Midfoot X groove” works.
Conclusion
This is a versatile running shoe that allows you to take in a mix of terrain, from tarmac to trails. The shoes work best in dry or only mildly wet conditions. The Michelin sole and lugs are not the most grippy that I have experienced so they do not give confidence on steep and wet or muddy terrain. The shoes are best reserved for forest-type trails and tarmac as well as dry paths. They are well made and seem durable. The price of £110 can be reduced by shopping around.
| Score | |
| Design | 7/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 7/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 7.5/10 |
Other shoes you may want to consider:
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
La Sportiva Akasha
Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Inov-8 Trail Talon 275
About the writer: Fiona is a keen runner, preferring off-road and hilly to flat and road. She lives in Scotland where the weather is fickle so needs to be prepared for all conditions.
All images Fiona Outdoors except where stated.
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