Running Shoe Reviews
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Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 Review
Updated: February 22, 2024
The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is the Super Racer You Didn't Know You Needed
Likes
- Comfortable and light on foot
- Trampoline-like rebound
- Elite race-day efficiency with great protection
Dislikes
- A bit unstable
- Some may choose to size up a half size
What's New
Building off of version one and refining the shoe from head to toe, the Mizuno's Wave Rebellion Pro 2 will deliver fast speeds, efficient strides, and PRs on race day.
At the heart of the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is the shoe's high-octane midsole, which is engineered with an ENERZY LITE+, ENERZY LITE dual-layer foam midsole, and a more aggressive carbon-reinforced Wave Plate, offering new levels of responsiveness and speed. The shoe's eye-catching midsole geometry features Mizuno's SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST technology, a groundbreaking design that promises to optimize the efficiency of heel-to-toe transitions, reduce muscle tension through the stride, and promote a natural mid-to-forefoot strike. This unique feature sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind running experience almost guaranteed to help you break through to new personal bests.
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 does not just feature an updated midsole but an enhanced upper and outsole as well. The engineered mesh upper optimizes breathability and durability, while the internal support strap securely holds the mid-foot area for added stability. Speaking of stability, version one received some criticism for being slightly unstable, so Mizuno widened the shoe's base and removed the medial cutout to offer all the support runners need to power through to the finish line.
The Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro emerged as a standout in the realm of high-performance running shoes last year, largely due to its cutting-edge midsole technology and distinctive look. It was a shoe that got our attention here at Running Warehouse, not only capturing us with its geometry but proving itself out on the run. Version two has taken everything to the next level, delivering more speed, more efficiency, and more PBs thanks to a host of updates, and our tester had a lot of good things to say after trying this super marathon racer.
What got our team's attention most was the Wave Rebellion Pro 2's updated midsole. With the addition of ENERZY LITE+ foam and more stack, the Rebellion Pro 2 provides an incredibly responsive underfoot feel and elite heel-to-toe transition, which pairs just as well with long training runs as it does with race-day efforts. It was immediately clear that this is a faster, more powerful Rebellion Pro. That said, the Rebellion Pro 2 is also a more aggressive Rebellion, and the shoe's unique design and explosive plate might not work for every level of runner.
The shoe's level of stability may also be a point of concern for those who need additional support from their running shoes, and even though the wider base and updated design have helped improve the inherent stability, the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 still may be a bit too unstable for some. Our tester did not have many issues in this department throughout testing, but more stability still would have been appreciated when on tired legs.
The Rebellion Pro 2's engineered upper was highlighted for its light on-foot feel, and our team did not have any issues with security, hot spots, or blisters. Again, we recommend getting this shoe on foot before tackling any marathon races, as the snug, race-ready upper may be too aggressive for the everyday runner, but with a half size up, you will get all the space you need to stay comfortable well past the marathon finish line.
At the end of the day, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is an excellent racing option that the RW team believes should receive more attention from the running community than it has been given. It is not the fastest marathon racing shoe, and the stability and comfort could still be improved moving forward, but the Rebellion Pro 2 is undoubtedly elite, and if you have yet to find that perfect race-day shoe, then the Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 might be exactly what you are missing.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 7.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.5 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 48 mm (Heel), 46 mm (Forefoot) | 2 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size: .5 size up for those who want more space |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "The Wave Rebellions Pro 2's engineered mesh upper is very lightweight on foot and provides a secure, race-like wrap around my foot, perfect for longer runs at faster paces. The men's size 8 fit my foot very well, though I could see some runners wanting to size up a half size to give themselves a little more room for toe splay. When testing a marathon racing shoe, it is paramount that it does not cause blisters or hot spots, and I was delighted that the Mizuno Rebellion kept my feet feeling good and problem-free throughout testing."
Midsole
Kaleb: "This is where the Rebellion Pro 2 needs to be receiving more hype, in my opinion. We hear a lot about ZOOM X and PWRRUN PB, but the Rebel Pro 2's ENERZY LITE+ and ENERZY LITE dual-layer foam midsole with full-length Wave plate should get more attention from the running community.
I loved testing out this shoe. It delivered an incredibly responsive underfoot experience that made all testing runs really fun, regardless of distance or pace. Furthermore, each time I laced up in this shoe, I felt like my times were getting faster without any extra perceived effort, telling me that the shoe was incredibly efficient. The sweet spot for me was a 10- to 12-mile strong effort or uptempo run. I could get up to speed and maintain that speed without issue, all thanks to the awesome midsole.
The only negative I have regarding the midsole is the stability. It has improved over version one, but there is still room for improvement. When I was fresh and ready to go, stability was not a problem, but late in runs, as my form broke down, things got a little (and only a little) squirrely. So if you are a runner who needs additional pronation support, then the Mizuno Rebel Pro 2 might not be for you. Everyone else—go forth and enjoy!"
Outsole
Kaleb: "The Wave Rebellion Pro 2's G3 rubber outsole did its job. It was very grippy on the roads, and even in wet conditions, I did not feel like I had any problems with traction. There is also full outsole coverage, so I predict this super shoe will have relatively good durability compared to other shoes in the category. After 30+ miles, the midsole resilience and outsole durability have held up really, really well. There is a cutout that runs the length of the shoe, much like many other elite racers, so be mindful that you may catch some rocks along your journey."
Comparable Shoes
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 vs. HOKA Cielo X1
Kaleb: "These two marathon racing shoes are very similar, in my opinion. Both have a responsive and bouncy underfoot feel with excellent efficiency. Even better for a runner like me is how protective both models are, and I had no issues completing hard workouts and easier ones in both shoes. The Mizuno has the edge in terms of speed, but the X1 beats out the Rebel Pro when it comes to comfort. For racing, I am currently leaning toward the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2, but both are great options for the more intermediate runner. What is best for you will come down to personal preference."
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 vs. Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
Kaleb: "Though I think the Mizuno Rebellion Pro should receive more attention, the Nike Vaporfly still takes the cake if you are looking for all-out speed. That said, the Rebellion Pro 2 delivers a lot of comfort and protection that is not only good for race day but for a variety of longer or faster training runs as well. If you are a more intermediate runner like myself, my recommendation is the Rebellion Pro 2. You are going to get a lot of value out of the shoe while also improving your race-day PR. Furthermore, you will remain comfortable every time this shoe is on foot."
Mizuno Men's Wave Rebellion Pro
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is a uniquely designed road running shoe built to elevate performance in any race distance.
Mizuno Women's Wave Rebellion Pro
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is a uniquely designed road running shoe built to elevate performance in any race distance.
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 8.5/10
Honestly, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 took me by surprise and really blew me away on the run. The engineered mesh upper felt impressively lightweight, offering a secure, race-like wrap around my foot that kept me locked in for all my testing runs, even at fast paces. But what really got my attention was the midsole.
I hold the opinion that the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 deserves more recognition. Testing this shoe, I experienced an incredibly responsive midsole with super smooth heel-to-toe transitions that made all runs, regardless of distance or pace, genuinely enjoyable. While stability has notably improved, this is an area I would still like to see the Rebellion Pro build on, as I had some difficulty late into my strong efforts. Because of this, I would not recommend the Rebellion Pro 2 to runners with significant pronation support needs.
Furthermore, the Pro 2 is aggressive, so less experienced runners may want to find a different race-day option, but those familiar with modern marathon racing shoes will have no issues crushing PBs in this shoe. It may not be the fastest or most comfortable super shoe, but the Rebellion Pro 2 has definitely proven itself to me, and I think this shoe more than deserves a seat at the table among the other elite racers.
