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. (Include your address.) If we pick your question for the Mizuno Shoe Guy to answer, we’ll send you a beautiful Mizuno DryScience T-shirt.
Wave Rider for Support?
Q: Hi. I’m a heavy (180 pounds) guy who overpronates and wear orthotics. I have been wearing the Wave Riders for two years, but I am wondering whether it’s the best shoe for me. I get shin splints and thinking I need more support than the Wave Rider provides. Any suggestions? Ram Kutty, New York City
A: Yes, I have several suggestions. First, even though the Wave Rider is a great shoe, it’s a neutral shoe. That means it is designed for runners who have efficient gaits and don’t need added support. That isn’t you. Shin splints can be caused by a variety of problems, but lack of medial support is certainly a frequent cause. I would strongly recommend you try on both the Wave Inspire and Wave Paradox. Both are support shoes that are much more suited for you than the Wave Rider. The difference between the Inspire and the Paradox is the Inspire is lighter and more flexible than the Paradox which has better cushioning and much more support. Both shoes work well with orthotics. If I was a betting man, I would bet the Paradox would work perfectly for you.
Elixir Lover Needs Replacement
Q: The Wave Elixir was my nirvana. I have been wearing them for several years and through four marathons. Now that I’m all out of my beloved Elixir, I can’t find them anymore and need a replacement. I didn’t like the Wave Sayonara and I’m thinking of trying the Wave Hitogami. What do you think? Samantha Sanders, Mobile, Alabama
A: The Wave Hitogami is a sweet shoe, but it’s primarily a racing shoe and doesn’t have the same level of support or cushioning the Elixir had. Instead, I would suggest trying the Wave Inspire 10. It’s slightly heavier than the Elixir was, but it’s more flexible and has better cushioning and much better support. Like the Elixir, it has a smooth ride, a comfortable upper and is appropriate for training and racing.
Divorcee Needs New Shoes
Q: After two years of running in Saucony, I am seeking to divorce those shoes and start courting Mizuno. What I need is a lightweight, neutral shoe I can fall in love with and take me through a half marathon summer and then hopefully, a Boston Marathon qualifier. Can you suggest a shoe that might become my new love? Valerie Hogue, Milton, Ontario
A: You bet I can. Hopefully, the shoe which you can fall in love with is none other than the Wave Rider. It is a great lightweight, neutral shoe with an efficient ride from heel to toe, good flexibility and a very comfy upper. The Wave Rider can certainly carry you through a marathon and maybe even to the Boston starting line. Divorces won’t be necessary.
Wave Rider 18?
Q: I have been wearing the Wave Riders since the 12s first came out and I love them. I wear the Rider exclusively and it’s proven to be the best shoe for me. I know there is a new model coming out in the fall when I have a half marathon and then a full coming up in November. Any chance you can give me a hint when the Wave Rider 18 will hit the shelves? Steph Leonard, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
A: Hi Steph. Glad you love the Wave Rider series of shoes. I’d rather not give you any specific details of the Wave Rider 18—it’s still too early—but it will be out October 15. There will be plenty of improvements, while still retaining all the exceptional qualities that make it such a popular neutral shoe. Hope you like it and it carries you to the finish line of your half and marathon.
Marathoners Needs Lightweight Trainer-Racer
Q: I am experienced marathoner who usually runs just under three hours. I want a lightweight shoe, but I simply can’t wear racing flats. They are just too light for me. In the past, I have done well training and racing in the Mizuno Wave Precision which was light, but not too light. What would you recommend? Dick Perry, Walnut Creek, California
A: I would strongly recommend the Mizuno Wave Sayonara 2. It is a versatile trainer-racer (just like the Precison), but it’s lighter and yet has the cushioning and durability of a daily trainer. If you’re one of those guys who likes to race in the same shoes he trains in, the Sayonara is ideal. It isn’t the exact same shoe as the Precision; it’s better.