Foam is soft. Springs are bouncy. Right? For several years, Mizuno has charted a unique course toward the Eldorado of running shoes—a sole that provides both soft cushioning and springy energy return—by combining foam and a midsole mechanical Wave plate. Now start-ups like Newton and multinational corporations like Nike are exploring their own mechanical solutions. If you want to try Mizuno’s best running shoes, neutral pronation suggests you should start with the Rider 21 (runners looking for a stability shoe may do better with the Inspire 14). The Wave Rider is a daily trainer with a smooth transition from its soft heel to slightly firmer forefoot cushioning, plus it’s tied for the least expensive shoe on this list.