The Mizuno Wave Kuryu looks more like a pair of racing shoes than running shoes.

When I first unboxed the shoes, the Automobile Lamborghini shield on the shoes' tongue was what caught my eye first.

Inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador supercar, the Wave Kuryu's mid-foot straps are designed according to air-flow pattern that runs across the supercar's body and through its air-flow ducts.

But this design is just not for show. It helps with the air flow across the upper of the shoe, while providing an optimal fit to hold the foot in place.

The upper is made of a polyester fabric for breathability and to keep its weight down.

The Wave Kuryu uses Mizuno's proprietary SmoothRide sole technology - which combines strategically-placed flex grooves at the heel and forefoot area and the use of a lightweight mid-sole - to help dissipate impact and find the right flexion angle in each foot strike.

The rear part of the sole is made of a rubber and carbon fibre mix to provide greater resistance in hi-impact zones as well as better traction for the heel area.

There is a hexagonal reflective piece on the heel counter for visibility at night. But it is also a homage to the supercar's tail lights.

The review unit comes in all black, with the Mizuno motif almost invisible on the upper where your pinky toe is. I find it to be a great looking shoe, despite its stealthy looks.

The shoes were very comfortable right from the start.

They felt lightweight, "breathy" and there are no hot spots or blisters to report.

The Wave Kuryu is really built for speed and not distance. Lift off of the foot is enhanced if you run with mid-foot strikes, but less so for heel strikes.

In a short 2.4km run, they were excellent in helping me maintain a fast pace. But when I took them out for a 5km run, the lack of a hefty heel counter made my injury-prone ankles ache.

Not to mention, I can feel my car's pedals much better when wearing the Wave Kuryu.

•Verdict: For supercar enthusiasts, the Mizuno Wave Kuryu is a great pair of running shoes to own. Just don't take it for long runs.