Mizuno Synchro MX

Editor rating: 6.5 / 10

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By Brad

All Mizuno Shoes

Mizuno Synchro MX Review Facts

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Mizuno is no stranger to putting in miles on the road less traveled. Offering high-quality neutral road shoes, Mizuno creates the proper support, cushion, and response to make sure you will be able to enjoy your run. It doesn’t matter if you are jogging with your little ones down the bike path or training for your next triathlon, a high-quality pair of running shoes can make all the difference. The Mizuno Synchro MX offers synchronized dual density foam to create a responsive and comfortable ride that will stand up to what you can throw at it. While both flexible and durable, this shoe is also one that works well in situations from the track to the grocery store. The Synchro MX creates a nice hybrid of Mizuno staples, such as AIRmesh and X10 carbon rubber, with a new midsole foam technology to create a more comfortable choice than some of their traditional (or non-traditional) options.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

The Synchro MX features X10 carbon rubber in high-impact areas to ensure durability.
The dual density foam midsole creates a plush ride while still offering responsiveness.
Mizuno’s AIRmesh provides superior breathability.
The outsole offers a high level of flexibility.

Cons

The price tag is a little more than what some runners would prefer.
For those used to low-to-no drop, the Synchro MX’s 12mm drop can take time to adjust to.
There is only a limited range of color options available.

Outsole

The Mizuno Synchro MX features a full-length outsole, composed of rubber, that delivers both superior durability and stability. Created with Mizuno’s X10 material, a carbon rubber compound, this will grip even the toughest asphalt and provide exceptional durability. The outsole also features the same type of flex grooves in the heel and forefoot that are used on other models that feature SmoothRide technology. This creates a flexible shoe that can adapt quickly to changing terrain while keeping you comfortable.

Midsole

The Synchro MX midsole is clearly the highlight of the shoe. This midsole uses a dual-density foam setup. What this means is that the lower foam is made of softer U4ic-X foam for responsive cushion while the upper foam is stiffer for enhanced stability and to offer a solid takeoff platform. These two foam cushions work together and are synchronized through the use of AP+ for more durability. Unlike many Mizuno models that utilize the Wave system for cushion, this shoe utilizes the SR Touch foam-based cushioning in the heel to absorb the shock of a heel strike as you move down the road.

Upper

The upper on the Mizuno Synchro MX provides maximum breathability because of the AIRmesh material. The material allows for air movement while still keeping the elements away from your feet. The overlays, made of synthetic material, extend to the heel and include the logo on the side, but they don’t limit the air movement. They overlays provide more security as they pull the mesh around the foot and keep it in place. This shoe utilizes a traditional lace-up closure that will keep it secured and safe.

Weight

For men, this shoe weighs 9.9 ounces and only 8.8 ounces for women. This is a good bit lighter than many other Mizuno road options such as the Wave Prophecy 2. For most road runners, this would be a reasonable weight, and much of it comes from the added cushion and protection. The AIRmesh keeps the shoe very light and airy. Although not as light as some minimalistic counterparts, this shoe offers enough in the way of protection to be worth a shot for many road warriors.

Breathability

The Mizuno Synchro MX doesn’t spare a bit when it comes to breathability. The upper of this shoe is made of lightweight AIRmesh. This material covers the majority of the shoe and offers superior air movement. Due to the air movement, your foot will stay cool and comfortable while you are running, which means the rest of you can continue to work up a sweat for a longer period of time.

Comfort

This Mizuno shoe creates a superior comfort when being worn as a day to day shoe or being put through the ringer on the track. The upper unit is breathable and keeps you cool. The midsole contributes to your comfort level by using the dual-density setup and the synchronization of the foam interaction to create both a responsive and cushioned ride. The upper and lower foam work together to best serve your foot with each stride.

Style

Mizuno’s Synchro MX offers a nice looking style that looks good both in daily wear and during the heat of a race. Available in multiple contrasting colors, including Chinese red with black, yellow with black, dark shadow with black, black with white, or royal and white. Most of these color combinations offer a nice contrast between the full shoe and the signature contrasting "Running Bird" logo. This shoe offers both superior style and comfort.

Durability

The durability of the Mizuno Synchro MX begins at ground level – literally. The outsole is created using the high-quality X10 carbon rubber mix. This was designed to hold up to even the toughest striking and keep gripping with just as much strength. Just above that, the dual-foam midsole creates both a cushion-filled and durable level that will last for much longer than your average running shoe. The upper is constructed of high-quality materials and was designed to hold up to the rigors of heavy use.

Protection

The midsole of the Mizuno Synchro MX is a high tech setup that is built to protect you from even the hardest roads. The outsole creates a tough portion of the shoe that grips the road with high-quality strength. The midsole creates a protective layer of cushioning that will hold up to the hardest surfaces. The dual-density foam works to protect you from even the toughest impacts. The upper surrounds your foot in a layer of secure mesh to keep the elements out.

Responsiveness

Mizuno has made a big splash with the wave series on both the road and the trail of cushioning as it provides a great response and padding system. With that system performing so well, one may not expect the other offerings to create such a responsive ride, but the Synchro MX creates a very good competitor to the Wave system. The synchronized dual foam works together to give you a softer ride but also responds to each shift in weight as you bound for miles at a time.

Support

neutral running shoes are built to offer a specific level and type of support. For runners that don’t quite fit in the minimalist fad or that wish to avoid the heavy maximalist choice, something in the middle just might be perfect. For training and competition, this style of shoe can offer supportive protection. The Synchro MX creates enough cushion to help you move forward. The neutral shoe, though, doesn’t just cushion your steps but also supports the arches to keep you free from injury and pain. This supportive layer will keep you comfortable and help you stay on the road instead of taking days off after running because of soreness.

Terrain

The Synchro MX is an example of designing something to do a job and actually doing it well. Built to stand up to the toughest asphalt you can put it on, this shoe will offer a quality running experience when you are looking to run on the road. The durable X10 outsole material, made out of a carbon rubber blend, will stand up to what it needs to. The outsole also features flex cuts that help connect your foot with the ground, which offers grip and traction control. The dual cushion midsole means that the road won’t feel nearly as rough, because every shock will be absorbed and distributed.

Price

The cost of the Mizuno Synchro MX is less than you might expect for a high-quality road shoe. One of the biggest factors to consider in running shoe price is the durability of the shoe, and the X10 material creates a durable outsole that is built to last. Another factor beyond durability is the how much you are willing to pay for a comfortable shoe. With the built-in dual-foam midsole offering comfort on any hard run, this shoe is well worth the price tag.

Traction

The Synchro MX offers a level of traction that is on par with what Mizuno is well known for. The outsole offers superior grip and even flexes to provide more surface area contact with the ground during each step. The midsole allows you to feel each step through the dual-foam system, which will help you stay connected with the terrain underneath you.

Flexibility

A shoe's ability to flex is important because each step requires multiple points of contact in order to effectively and efficiently move a runner down the road. The outsole features the SmoothRide system’s flex grooves, meaning that you can feel the flexibility as the sole bends in just to right places to maintain contact. The AIRmesh material in the upper creates more flexibility. With the midsole’s platform to help you launch off, the flexible upper will allow your foot to splay in the toe box and expand as necessary. The advantage to all this flex is that your foot is protected by the shoe, but you still get a natural movement as you put in your miles.

Stability

This shoe is engineered to be a neutral shoe. This means that it doesn’t offer the most padding and support possible, but for those that need a medium level of support it can fit the bill perfectly. As your foot rolls through each stride, the solid base of the Synchro MX works to support you at each point. From the first heel strike, the cushion system goes to work and starts to absorb the shock. As you move from heel to toe, the dual-density system continues absorption and prepares your foot for takeoff. The firmer upper foam will allow you to push down and move forward with a stable step. Throughout, the upper keeps you tightly connected to the lower portion of the shoe so that you can stay stable with each step.

Drop

The Mizuno Synchro MX offers a large amount of cushion in comparison to the minimalist trends, but when running on the tough asphalt, many runners find the padding to be extremely useful (and comfortable). The shoe features a 12mm drop in both the male and female version, which is enough to be noticeable as you run but can also be useful. This 12mm change means that the heel is overbuilt so that your steps start out on the right amount of shock absorption. As you get to the forefoot with each step, this drop leads to more connection with the ground below you and sets you to be ready to take off for the next step.

Key Features

• The Mizuno Synchro MX features high tech solutions to many problems that runners face on the road.
• Reliable traction even on the most uneven surfaces
• The midsole is built out of dual-density foam to create a comfortable ride and cushion against even the hardest runs.
• The AIRmesh upper features synthetic overlays and allows the show to be breathable as well as secure against the elements.

Bottom Line

The Mizuno Synchro MX is a high-quality road shoe that will provide you mile after mile of quality runs. The shoe features a durable outsole created with X10 carbon rubber just as many Mizuno running shoes do. The midsole is where the shoe really shines, though. Made out of dual-density foam, each layer works independently to do its job while synchronizing with the other to perform at a higher level. The higher level foam is stiffer and enhances stability while the bottom foam is softer for shock absorption. The upper of the shoe creates a unique but classic look while still allowing a high level of airflow and security.