Mizuno TS 01 Review | Good Option for Those On a Budget?

I’m going to be real: if you had told me last year that Mizuno would have one of the stronger budget cross-training shoes on the market in 2024, I wouldn’t have believed you.

The Mizuno TS 01 has been a shockingly strong training shoe in the gym and it has a decent price point for what it is. Forever ago, I reviewed the Mizuno TS 01 and 02, and they were so-so shoes, so I think going into this model, I was expecting the same.

This model has an athletic fit and utilizes Mizuno’s proprietary Center of Balance (COB) technology, which is also used in some of their other training shoes from Mizuno.

If you’ve been pondering the Mizuno TS 01s whether it’s for the price or the love for Mizuno, this review should help paint the full picture about these shoe’s performance and sizing so you can better decide if they’re right for you.

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TS 01 Specs to Know

• Price: $105
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 10.15 oz (size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: No
• Width: Narrow to Medium
• Narrower Feet Sizing: True to Size
• Wider Feet Sizing: Pass on these.
• Good Alternative: Inov8 F-Lite G 300

Pros and Cons

What I Like

1. Versatile Training Shoe: Excels in lifting, cross-training, and athletic-focused workouts. Stable midsole suitable for heavy lifting and responsive for HIIT workouts and plyometrics.
2. Affordable Pricing: Priced at $105, a great value compared to the industry norm of $150. Often available at discounts or with coupons.
3. Arch Support: Offers good arch support, suitable for those who prefer more arch in their training shoes.

What I Don’t Like

1. Aggressive Midfoot Fit: Narrow midfoot may not be suitable for those with flat feet or who prefer less arch.
2. Durability Concerns for CrossFit: Foam heel and forefoot may scuff or wear down with high friction activities like handstand push-ups or outdoor workouts.

Who Should Buy This Shoe?

1. Athletes needing a versatile shoe for lifting, cross-training, and short runs.
2. Those preferring a flexible training shoe with good arch support.
3. Budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded shoe at a reasonable price.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?

1. Individuals with flat feet or those who dislike arch support.
2. CrossFit-focused athletes needing highly durable shoes for intense workouts.
3. General trainers seeking a shoe suitable for both long-distance running and strength training.

Mizuno TS 01

4.3

Stability

4.5

Versatility

4.4

Durability

4.2

Quality

4.3

Best For

• Strength Training
• Cross-Training
• Athletic Workouts
• Narrower Feet
• Arch Support

Falls Short

• For Longer Runs
• For CrossFit
• For Wide and Flat Feet

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Performance Assessment of the TS-01

I’ve put into a lot of sessions in the TS 01, most of them being sessions blended with heavy strength work and explosive movements. I made a point to push this shoe from an “athletic” lens and below are some of my tests.

What I’ve Found Lifting In This Shoe

The midsole of the Mizuno TS01 offers a good level of stability, making it suitable for my heavier lifting. The medium-density foam does not compress significantly when working with bigger weights which was something that plagued the TS 01 and 02.

The heaviest weight I’ve lifted in this shoe was a 5-rep deadlift set with 455 lbs, and this shoe did surprisingly well for that context. For my barbell-focused friends, the TS 01’s midsole should be plenty fine for your free weight needs.

The outsole tread of the Mizuno TS 01 is also solid, and I never had issues on different surfaces including turf, rubber gym floors, and wooden platforms. I also like this shoe’s traction on machines like the leg press and hack squat.

Another aspect to like with the TS 01 for lifting is the COB tech used in this shoe. This feature is used to increase your proprioception and ground feel and it gives the forefoot a highly flexible feeling.

I found that this material and feature gave the forefoot a super mobile feeling when doing lunges, split squats, and exercises like power cleans. Basically, any movement where you’re flexing a lot through the forefoot, this shoe gives you a lot of flexibility.

The higher boot and arch support are also nice features for giving you an additional “locked-down” feeling when lifting. For my gen pop lifters who like support, this will resonate well with your needs.

Thoughts On This for Cross-Training

For cross-training, there are three features that I’ve enjoyed with this shoe. First, the mesh upper on this model has a more “athletic” feel to it so it locks the foot down well when doing explosive and multi-directional work.

I pushed this shoe in multiple HIIT workouts where I did things like broad jumps, skater strides, and box jumps and never had issues with spillover or sliding into the toe box. To be honest, the security of this shoe surprised the heck out of me when hitting these sessions.

The second aspect to note is the’s flared sole and supportive design make it ideal for multi-directional training. I found these features support lateral movements and quick changes in direction really well.

That’s also why I’ve referred to this shoe as a good “athlete’s shoe” on my YouTube channel. The wider platform on this model blended with the COB tech gives you a nice base to train, explode, and absorb landings on.

Third and lastly, I like the blend of flexibility and weight of this shoe. If you’re like me and you enjoy rotating between training in barefoot shoes and training shoes then you’ll appreciate these aspects.

For $105, I figured this model would feel heavy and clunky with sub-par materials, but alas, this shoe has held its own for my toughest cross-training sessions — why I’ve been impressed with.

Can You Run and Walk In These?

For my running tests, I only pushed the TS 01 for intervals, sprints, and short running bouts capping my mileage to 1.5 miles. In these running sessions, this shoe did an okay job and it wasn’t overly uncomfortable.

The fact of the matter is is this won’t be your perfect hybrid training shoe, but you can hit some short runs in them here and there. Just keep in mind that the midsole runs pretty dense and it has a more rigid heel so it won’t be the most plush ride.

When it comes to walking and comfort, I’ve liked the TS 01 for short periods of daily wear. Since it’s a narrower model, I don’t love this shoe for all-day wear, but if I’m running errands pre or post-gym they’re comfortable enough to play the part.

I will say, the appearance of this shoe could be a little better. For example, these wouldn’t be my first pick if I’m traveling and only want to bring a single shoe for comfort, style, and training.

Construction Details

Upper Construction

• Material: The upper part of the Mizuno TS01 is made from a mesh blend material, which ensures breathability and flexibility. This helps keep the feet cool during intense workouts.
• Synthetic Overlays: There are synthetic overlays in the midfoot area, providing additional support and durability. These overlays help lock the foot in place during lateral and dynamic movements, enhancing overall stability.
• Ventilation: While the upper material is lightweight, it could benefit from improved ventilation. Future models might consider adding more ventilation features to enhance breathability.

Toe Guard and Forefoot

• Toe Guard: The shoe includes a toe guard, offering extra protection and structure in the toe box area. This feature is particularly useful during exercises that involve a lot of forward movement or impact.
• Extended Outsole Layer: The forefoot has an extended outsole layer that wraps up, providing additional support and durability. This design element helps protect the shoe from wear and tear, especially during high-intensity activities.

Midsole and COB Tech

• Midsole Material: The midsole is made from a medium-density foam, which strikes a balance between cushioning and firmness. This material provides stability for heavy lifting while remaining responsive enough for dynamic workouts.
• COB Tech: This innovative technology features a bumpier texture under the forefoot, enhancing proprioception and stability. The COB Tech design aims to improve the user’s balance and responsiveness during training sessions.

Heel and Sidewalls

• Foam Heel: The heel area uses a foam material that offers cushioning and support. However, it is worth noting that this foam is exposed and may scuff or wear down more quickly during activities involving high friction, such as handstand push-ups.
• Rigid Sidewalls: The sidewalls of the shoe are relatively rigid, providing substantial support for lateral movements. Despite their rigidity, they include some flexibility to prevent excessive pressure on the feet.

Outsole and Tread

• Outsole Material: The outsole is constructed from durable rubber, designed to withstand extensive use on various surfaces. This material ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
• Tread Pattern: The tread pattern is optimized for grip and traction, making the shoe suitable for lifting on different surfaces like turf, rubber gym floors, and wooden platforms. The tread has held up well against concrete use, indicating good durability.

Insole

• Non-Removable Insole: The Mizuno TS 01 comes with a non-removable insole that integrates with the COB Tech platform. This design contributes to the shoe’s overall stability and support.

Final Thoughts, Would I Buy Them Again?

I would absolutely buy these again.

Maybe it’s because this shoe exceeded my expectations, or maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for more flexible training shoes, but for $105, the Mizuno TS 01 is an exceptional trainer.

I acknowledge that this shoe won’t be for everyone as their fit is fairly specific, but if you align with their last and sizing and want to stay on a budget, these hit. If these don’t align with you, then see below.

Here’s What I’d Buy Instead

• For CrossFit: I’d grab the Inov8 F-Lite G 300. These have a wider toe box and deliver a similar level of arch support if that’s something you’re after and were turned off by the TS 01’s CrossFit durability.
• For Wider Feet: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 or 3. This model is built wider through the toe box, has a tad wider mid foot, and it’s exceptional for lifting and cross-training.

If you have additional questions about this model, drop a comment below or hit me personally on Instagram!