Mizuno Catalyst 2 Shoe Review

During the launch of the Mizuno Squad Run 2018: Road to 42K on the July, the Japanese sports brand also introduced two new running shoes in the Philippine market- the Mizuno Catalyst 2 and the Mizuno Wave Shadow.

Takbo.ph was lucky to receive a pair of the Mizuno Catalyst 2, a stability shoe which you can wear on your daily runs and even on the race day itself. It’s been two months since I have it and had used it for about 160 kilometers in total since then. Finally, I can share with you my experience with this pair of unique shoes.

Mizuno Catalyst 2 Design

The Mizuno Catalyst 2 is a performance support shoe that is fast and responsive enough to be your go to everyday trainer. Runners who are looking for a bit of extra stability come race day can also rely on this shoe to carry them to the finish line.

My first impression about the Catalyst 2 was it was quite a looker especially with the afterburner like graphics on the side and midsole that matched the Mizuno logo. The color combination of the shoe we received was also quite an eye catcher with the familiar blue, white and red combination.

The shoe also has a really breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays on top. Inside, there’s a comfortable fabric lining with plenty of cushioning. The U4ic midsole is soft and lightweight, but has plenty of shock absorption and rebound. The heel cups are also rigid and provides ample of support and comfort especially on the collar area with ample of soft foam. Moreover, the X10 outsole is made of durable carbon rubber which can help keep your feet steady.

Weighing at 280 grams, the shoe is definitely lightweight, at least for the category it is in. The shoe also has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is OK for me. However, heel drops are a matter of preference and can vary from one runner to another.

Mizuno Catalyst 2 Best Features

Much like almost every Mizuno shoe, the Catalyst 2 comes with the brand’s signature Wave plate. It’s this shank shaped waveform plastic that gives the shoe its added stability and extra cushioning. The Wave plate runs from under the heel up to the midfoot and protects your feet from rolling unnaturally. Runners who are slight pronators will surely appreciate the longitudinal stability that this shoe brings.

I generally appreciate the shoe’s fit especially on how snuggly it is around the rear and mid foot. The shoe also has a wider toe box that helps a lot on toe splay and breathability. However, the upper of the forefoot section feels a bit narrow which results to awkward toe offs when running.

The shoes midsole is also quite responsive and has a decent bounce when running. I also give props that it has a well-cushioned rear which gives softer landing especially for heel strikers like me. I only wish that it has the same level of comfort for the forefoot. Furthermore, I wish they could improve the arch support on the Catalyst’s next release.

Running Experience with the Mizuno Catalyst 2

Most of these observations I have drawn from different runs I have run with the Catalyst 2. Under my care, it’s gone from easy 5K short runs mostly on flat terrain, to a 10K-ish hilly route, weekend LSDs and a couple of half marathon.

However, it does take some time to get used to it given that I have been running with shoes that doesn’t follow the same midsole structure as that of the Catalyst 2. Give it three to four sessions though and you will be able to get used through its motions. I was also surprised that it has a bit of a fast ride given that it has lots of cushioning and extra materials on the midsole.

The shoe is well designed and can compete with other performance trainers out there. While it’s true that there is a shorter list in this category, the Catalyst 2 is easily one of its top contenders. If there is one flaw on its design, it would be the outdated upper and tongue.

Pros and Cons of the Mizuno Catalyst 2

Pros

• Colorful and sleek design
• Lots of updates from the prior Catalyst model
• Impressive cushioning and stability
• Comfortable and fast ride

Cons

• Lacks arch support
• Narrow upper on the forefoot

Verdict

Overall, I am quite satisfied with the shoe with just some minor concerns. The shoe is well cushioned and I haven’t felt any major pains while running in it. I haven’t had any blisters or irritations during the total 100 mile distance that I have logged in the shoe.

The shoe can still improve, but it’s a good thing Mizuno is the one handling the updates. After all, the Japanese sportswear company seemed obsessed with constantly redesigning and refreshing their products as attested by some of its long line of impressive shoes such as the Wave Rider 21 and the Wave Inspire 14.

In case you are wondering, the number in each shoe name is the edition or how many times the model has been tweaked. I just hope that the Catalyst 2 can also reach the same success of its brethren.

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Image Credit: Mizuno PH