This Bond-worthy shoe hides a secret weapon in its midsole: A springy thermoplastic plate—or wave—mechanism runs the length of the shoe, yielding consistent rebound and smooth transition at moderate and fast speeds. I cranked out a marathon-pace tempo run and felt like I was running downhill with the wind at my back. The most responsive cushioning is under the forefoot—so it excels at toe-off but acts sluggishly during slow, heel-strike plodding.
Bonus: Dual air conditioning—a mesh upper and ventilated footbed—make this a top choice for sizzling runs. It’s also good for high arches.
Bummer: Some testers complained of harsh heel impact on hard surfaces. 13 oz; www.mizunousa.com