Mizuno Wave Sky 9 vs Saucony Paramount Max
We haven't tested Mizuno Wave Sky 9 or Saucony Paramount Max yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
Mizuno
Wave Sky 9
Check priceReview Pulse · Mixed · 70/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and grip and split on the ride and upper.
Saucony
Paramount Max
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 80/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the grip and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- Saucony Paramount Max is 18 g lighter.
- Mizuno Wave Sky 9 costs $20 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Divisive
A soft, rockered max-cushion ride that feels light and springy for some testers, but stiff, clunky and dull for others.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
A very soft, springy ride makes easy and long runs its strong suit, but the tall shoe feels less nimble when pace changes.
Cushioning
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Praised
The tall Enerzy NXT stack provides plush, protective cushioning for easy runs, long runs and all-day wear.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
Reviewers agree the deep, responsive foam offers substantial protection and rebound for long mileage.
Upper
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Divisive
A soft woven upper with a gusseted tongue, but the fit is narrow and low-volume and ventilation is poor.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The padded mesh and broad fit feel comfortable to many, but reviewers also report low toe volume, heel movement, a minimally padded collar and heat retention.
Durability
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Praised
The X10 outsole and dense foam show little wear, with testers expecting a long lifespan.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
Lab and retailer assessments are optimistic about outsole life, while one runner noticed early wear in exposed midsole foam.
Grip
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Praised
X10 carbon rubber grips wet and dry roads reliably, with no slipping reported in rain.
Saucony Paramount Max
Criticised
Grip is average on roads and can be unreliable on loose gravel, so it is best kept to smooth surfaces.
Stability
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Praised
A wide base and firm lower foam layer keep the tall stack surprisingly stable for neutral runners.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
A very broad base and sidewalls help some runners feel stable, but the soft, bouncy platform feels unpredictable to others.
Value
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Divisive
At $180 it is expensive for a daily trainer, though its durability and max-cushion comfort justify some of the cost.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The $200 price is steep, though reviewers see a case for it in the unusual foam, protection and orthotic accommodation.
Which one to choose
Choose Mizuno Wave Sky 9 if…
- price matters
- its grip is what you care about most
- its stability is what you care about most
- its durability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs
- Walking and standing
Choose Saucony Paramount Max if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- its ride is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs and high-mileage weeks
- Runners seeking very soft, bouncy cushioning
Specifications
- Category
- Max-cushion trainer
- Max-cushion trainer
- Price
- $180$20 less
- $200
- Weight
- 290 g
- 272 g18 g lighter
- Drop
- 6 mm
- 6 mm
- Stack
- 44 / 38 mm1 mm more stack
- 43 / 37 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- MIZUNO ENERZY NXT / MIZUNO ENERZY
- incrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE