Mizuno Shoe Guy Answers Your Footwear Questions — September, 2012

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 24, 2012

Do you have a shoe-related question? Or a running shoe question, specific to Mizuno for the Mizuno Shoe Guy? If you have a question you’d like him to answer, send it to Shoeguy@Mizunousa.com. He'll pick five questions a month to answer and if he picks your question, we'll send you a beautiful Mizuno tech T-shirt.

Inspire Fan

Q: Hi Shoe Guy.I absolutely love my Wave Inspire 5. I will never run in any other shoe, but they are worn out and I need a new pair. Unfortunately, I can’t find them anywhere. What is the closest model you currently have to the Inspire 5? Pia Ahn, New York City

A: You’re right: The Wave Inspire 5 was a great shoe and I’m glad you did so well in it. But we haven’t made the Inspire 5 for nearly five years. Fortunately, the Wave Inspire 8 and the soon-to-be 9 are even better versions. What about them are better? The 8 (and 9 when it is released in November) are lighter, have better flexibility and fit than the 5 ever did. The support is approximately the same and so is the cushioning, but the ride and overall comfort of the 8 are improved. I doubt you’ll find the Inspire 5 anymore, but I’m pretty certain you will like the Inspire 8 (or 9) just as much—if not more.

Rider for Marathon Training

Q: I am training for my fourth marathon which I will run in Philadelphia in November. I’m 57 years old and running 40-50 miles a week and have been using the Asics Cumulus, but want to switch. My son ran in college and swears by your shoes. I am looking for a good, lightweight, cushioned Mizuno. Can you help with a good suggestion for me? Karen O’Connor, Poughkeepsie, New York

A: You bet I can. I think we have exactly the shoe you’re looking for: The Mizuno Wave Rider 15. It’s lighter than the Cumulus, has better cushioning and, in my opinion, a smoother ride. One of the great aspects to the Rider is its fit. It practically wraps around your foot with such a comfortable upper, you tend to forget you even have a shoe on. Good luck in Philly. It’s a terrific race.

Mizuno Control Shoe

Q: All my running friends say Mizuno shoes are the best. I have never worn a pair, but need a good support shoe to correct for my overpronation. Which Mizuno would you suggest? Diane Vanasse, Mountain View, California

A: I like what your running friends have to say about Mizuno!I couldn’t agreemore.Mizuno has three exceptional support shoes: the Wave Inspire, Wave Alchemy and Wave Nirvana. Of the three, the Inspire is the lightest but it’s only moderately supportive. The Alchemy and Nirvana are both extremely supportive shoes (more supportive than the Inspire) and recommended for severe overpronators. The differences between the Alchemy and Nirvana are the Nirvana has better full-length support, a more cushioned rearfoot and, in my opinion, the upper is more stream-lined and comfortable. I would suggest you try all three on and go with the one that fits and feels the best. My guess is it will be the Wave Nirvana.

Love Struck

Q: I emailed you a few months ago about getting another pair of Wave Creations and since I’ve been running in them, I am love struck. Not a day goes by that I don’t rave about them to another runner. Right now, I’m looking to add another pair of Mizuno trail shoes for my runs on state park trails in the middle of North Carolina. If possible, I’d also like to use this shoe for cross-training in the gym so it can’t be too heavy. Do you have a versatile trail shoe for me? Molly McKinley, Raleigh, North Carolina

A: I’m so glad the Wave Creation has worked out so well for you and appreciate all the comments you can send along to your fellow runners. That always helps. As for a good trail shoe, I would definitely suggest the Mizuno Wave Ascend. It has the comfort, cushioning and feel of a road shoe, yet has added outsole traction which grips the trail well. Although the Ascend isn’t designed specifically for cross training, it’s so comfortable and light that I often wear it to my gym for my bi-weekly strength training. Plus, the Ascend simply looks nice.

Returning Runner

Q: I am finally returning to running after being injured. Last year, I wore the Brooks Adrenaline ended up with a tear in my posterior tibial tendon. Even though I liked the Adrenaline, they wore out quickly and I feel like I need better support. I wear orthotics and heard they fit well in Mizunos. True? I don’t overpronate too badly so which shoe would you recommend for me? Ann White, Novi, Michigan

A: Yes, that’s true. Although orthotics tend to differ a great deal, they generally fit well in Mizuno shoes (once the insole has been removed) due to the snug heel counter. I’ve worn orthotics most of my adult running life and have never experienced any heel slippage in Mizuno shoes. Which shoe would work best for you? My best bet is the Wave Inspire. It’s similar to the Adrenaline in terms of support, but it’s lighter and more flexible. But, in my opinion, the Inspire has a better, smoother ride than the Adrenaline.