Mizuno Shoe Guy Answers Your Footwear Questions - June 2012

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on June 12, 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.

Good long run shoe

Q: I like the Wave Precisions very much and use it as my daily training shoe. But I would like a shoe with a little more cushioning for my weekend long runs. What would you suggest? Alan Vance, Del Mar, California

A: I’d highly recommend the new Wave Enigma 2 (out in July) as an ideal long run shoe. The new Enigma is almost a full ounce lighter (11.6 ounces for men’s size 9) than the first version. Plus, it’s more responsive and offers even better cushioning. It does have a softer road feel than most Mizunos, but it is not mushy at all. I’ve been using the Enigma 2 on my long runs for the past two months and the cushioning has certainly held up well.

Shoe weights

Q: When you refer to shoe weights, is it for just one shoe or per pair? Also, which size are you referring to? And do bigger sizes (I wear size 12) weigh more? Steve Sanchez, Coral Springs, Florida

A: In therunning shoe industry, when shoe weights are listed it is the weight of just one shoe. And most brands, including Mizuno, use men’s size 9 and women’s size 7 as the size used to weigh a shoe because that’s the most common sample size. Yes, larger sizes weigh approximately an ounce more per size.

New runner shoe choices

Q: I’m a new runner who is 5-10 and weighs about 165 pounds and is a bit overwhelmed by the number of running shoe choices from Mizuno. All my friends say I should get a Mizuno shoe, but I have no idea which shoe would be the proper one for me. What should I do to make certain I get the best Mizuno? John Donaldson, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

A:  First off John, I like your friends who say you should buy a Mizuno shoe. All kidding aside, the best advice I can offer a new runner who wants the best shoe is to go to a great running store in your area. There are plenty of good running stores in suburban Philadelphia which will take the time to watch you run and properly fit you in the right shoe for you. Plan to spend at least a half hour in the store, try on a variety of shoes and go with the one which fits and feels the best. Hopefully, that shoe will be a Mizuno. I can’t tell you which Mizuno that is, but for starters make certain you try on the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 and the Mizuno Wave Rider 15. The Inspire is a support shoe, while the Rider is a more cushioned, neutral shoe for runners who don’t need much support.

Wave Rider 12 fan

Q: I loved the Wave Rider 12s for its comfort and cushioning. They were the best running shoes I have ever worn and carried me through several marathons. I missed that shoe so much and haven’t been able to find any for the past year. Can you help me find another pair? Carrie Coughlin, Wimberly, Texas

A: To be honest Carrie, I can’t help you find another pair of Wave Rider 12s. Sorry, but that version of the Wave Rider has not been produced for several years and I doubt you will be able to find any more pair. But, the Wave Rider 15—the current model--is an even better shoe than the Wave Rider 12. The WR 15 has improved flexibility and cushioning, has a smoother ride and has a snugger fit. Almost all loyal Wave Rider fans have successfully migrated to the WR 15 and have loved it. I suggest you give the Wave Rider 15 a try.

Racing options

Q: The Wave Elixir 7 has proven to be a great training shoe for me, but I want a lighter shoe for road racing. I am a fairly neutral runner (135 pounds) and need a very light, breathable shoe with some heel cushioning for summer racing. Any suggestions? Joseph Catalano, Hempstead, New York

A: We have two exceptional road-racing shoes that fit what you’re looking for: the Wave Ronin and the Wave Musha. Both are very light, flexible and have good cushioning. The Ronin is slightly lighter than the Musha (7 ounces versus 7.8 for the Musha) and has a better gripping outsole which works well on wet roads such as at aid stations. The Musha has a wider base of support and offers a bit of support, while the Ronin is strictly neutral. If you are strictly neutral, I would go with