ASICS GEL Evolution 5 vs. Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 review
ASICS Gel Evolution 5 provides exceptional stability to the severe overpronator as well as a comfortable ride. Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 is a favorite trainer among runners who require maximum stability in a comfortable and responsive motion control running shoe. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two ASICS and Mizuno motion control running shoes.
In two previous articles I wrote about the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 (of which the latest model is the ASICS Gel Evolution 6) and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 motion control running shoes.
The ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 are said to be each other’s counterparts or equivalents, so theoretically speaking they should stack up well against each other.
These two motion control running shoes are made by two different running shoe manufacturers, so naturally will be different. Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.
Looking at the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.
The ASICS Gel Evolution 5 has a Rollbar, which is a plate that is designed to keep your foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. However, the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 has something that is similar to a Rollbar in the midsole to control overpronation, but which is unique to Mizuno motion control running shoes.
The Mizuno Wave Renegade has a plate, which is called a Composite Double Fan Wave, that runs along the full length of the midsole and which offers excellent motion control and cushioning. As you touch the ground and roll inwards with your foot, the midsole does not collapse excessively, thereby providing superior motion control.
The inward rolling of the foot is supported by the location of the durable rubber on the outsoles of the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4. On the Mizuno Wave Renegade, durable rubber is located on the outsides of the heels and along the insides of the forefeet.
While durable rubber is located on the entire outsole of the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, the emphasis lies on providing the most support on the outsides of the forefoot and insides of the heel, so opposite to what the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 provides.
Another difference between the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 lies in the amount of flexibility provided in the forefoot and heel. The Mizuno Wave Renegade is expected to provide slightly more flexibility in the forefoot, while the ASICS Gel Evolution slightly more in the heel.
The outsoles of both motion control running shoes follow the shape of your feet nicely, so there aren’t many differences there and both are suitable to run in.
The Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 weighs approximately 323 grams (11.4 oz), while the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 weighs approximately 312 grams (11.0 oz). So the ASICS Gel Evolution is an 11 grams (0.4 oz) lighter running shoe when you compare motion control running shoes by weight.
Looking at the uppers of the two running shoes, you can see that both the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 have an equal amount of mesh and synthetic layers. While mesh is used primarily to give the feet more air (make breathable shoes), mesh tends to fit somewhat loose around the toes, but both running shoes offer an equal amount of mesh around the toes, so there won’t be many differences there.
The biggest difference will be in the line of the shoe following your feet upwards. ASICS tends to make running shoes that follow the upper line of your feet closely, so the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 might give you a more snug fit. But since the synthetic layers of both the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 are placed on similar locations, the difference might not be that large.
The main difference between the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 will be in how they feel on your feet.
If you’re looking for a lightweight motion control running shoe that provides good stability and control, the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 would be a better option.
If you’re looking for a flexible motion control running shoe that provides a comfortable ride and good stability, then the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 might be the running shoe for you.
Both the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 come at a suggested retail price of around $120 USD, so that should not be a decision-making point for you.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following motioncontrolrunningshoes.org articles:
Disclaimer: This running shoe review on www.motioncontrolrunningshoe.org is based on personal research and analysis, and is not claimed to be accurate and/or complete. While the information presented in this review is intended to help you better understand the differences between running shoes, we shall not be held liable for any purchasing decisions you make based on this information. Please use your own good judgment before making a purchase. The owner of this website receives a small compensation whenever you buy a product after clicking a product link on this website; that's how we keep this site online. Read our full disclaimer.