by Mizuno Shoe Guy
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.
Wet Feet
Q: Shoe Guy, this is an embarrassing question, but here goes. I sweat when I run. Not a little, but a lot. I’m a 6-0, 170-pound guy who runs in Cincinnati and my problem is that I have “sloshy” feet on my hot summer runs. I stay well-hydrated and love my Wave Riders and Sayonaras, but on a two-hour run my shoes get very heavy and squishywith all the sweating I do. What can I do about this swamp thing when I’m running? And is it OK to wring out my insoles? Kelly Read, Cincinnati, Ohio
A: Kelly, I share your pain of “sloshy” feet during long, hot summer runs. I also run in extremely hot, humid conditions and after an hour, all the sweat has dripped down my legs into my shoes and socks. There really isn’t a great deal you can do to prevent this, but a few tricks of the trade might reduce the extent of it. First, you should absolutely wear lightweight specially designed, blister-free socks with high tech fibers that will help keep your feet a little bit dry. (Never wear cotton socks.) Before any long runs I do in the summer, I sprinkle some foot powder (or baby powder) into my socks and a little more into the shoe. This helps to keep my feet dry a bit longer. Another thing I do is wear compression sleeves on my calf muscles. In addition to sparing my calf muscles, the sleeves actually soak up a lot of the lower leg sweat from running down into my socks and shoes. Following your sweaty run, remove the insoles from your shoes—it’s fine to wring them out—and then allow the shoes to dry out completely in the sun. One more thing: Pray for fall.
Levitas Alternative
Q: Hi MSG. Was I wrong to fall in love with the Mizuno Evo Levitas? I’ve run in it for well over a year and it has coped with all the distance and terrain that I’ve thrown at it. Now that it’s time to replace the Levitas, I can’t find it anymore. What’s up with that? Is there an alternative from Mizuno I should consider for my minimal forefoot needs? Martin Ramsey, Blacksburg, Virginia
A: I agree: The Evo Levitas and Cursoris were terrific, minimal shoes for forefoot strikers. But unfortunately, both shoes have been discontinued. Don’t despair though. The Mizuno Wave Universe is a somewhat similar shoe to the Levitas. Although the Universe is primarily a racing shoe, it has found a niche with runners who prefer the minimalist style, fit and feel. The Universe is even lighter than the Levitas was. In fact, at 2.8 ounces (men’s size 9) the Universe is the lightest shoe on the market and it only has a 3 mm heel to toe ramp. For runners who get up on their toes, the Universe won’t slow you down one iota.
Creation Lover
Q: I am a bigger runner, weighing over 200 pounds, but I still put in 30-40 miles per week on my Creation 14s. My last six pair of shoes have all been Creations and each pair has lasted 3-400 miles. I have no complaints whatsoever about the Creation, but I am looking for another Mizuno that is lighter and I can work into my rotation. I still want that great Mizuno feel, but I want a slightly different feel than the Creation. Robert Terry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
A: Great to hear that the Creation has worked so well for you. I would highly recommend the Wave Enigma to rotate with your Creations. Just like the Creation, the Enigma is a neutral cushioned shoe with exceptional cushioning. But the Enigma is lighter than the Creation and, in my opinion, it is more responsive and has a smoother ride. Even so, going back and forth between the two shoes should not present any problems. FYI: The new Creation—the Wave Creation 16—will be out in early November.
Renegade Replacement
Q: Mr. Shoe Guy, I’ve been with you guys for a long time. I loved the Wave Renegade for many years until I switched to the Alchemy which also worked great. But when I went to my local store to pick up a new pair of Alchemy, I found out it wasn’t sold anymore. The Renegade and Alchemy worked so well for me that I’m hesitant to try another shoe, but I want to stick with Mizuno. Do you have something just as good for me? Matthew Melendez, Chandler, Arizona
A: We don’t have a shoe which is just as good as the long-lamented Renegade or the Alchemy—we have a shoe which is vastly better. It’s called the Wave Paradox and it’s much lighter than either the Renegade or Alchemy was, has greatly enhanced cushioning—and it’s just as supportive. I liked the Alchemy too (not so much the Renegade), but the Paradox has a much better ride, it’s more comfortable and it isn’t bulky like the earlier two models were. I can’t recommend the Paradox highly enough for former Alchemy, Nirvana (or Renegade) wearers.
Inspire Fan
Q: I have been wearing the Wave Inspire since the days when it was called the Mercury. It’s the only shoe I will wear. It’s light enough for me to wear in marathons, but has the support and durability I need. The Inspire 10 was my all-time favorite and I know it must be time for another one to come out. Can you give me an approximate date when it will be available? Kenny Fox, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
A: I’m with you Kenny. I’ve been wearing the Inspire about as long as you have. I don’t marathon in it, but the Inspire is an exceptional day-in, day-out trainer for folks like you and I who want lightness in a moderately supportive, durable shoe. Good news: The Inspire 11 will be available as of November 5th. Even better news: The Inspire 11 is an even better shoe than the 10 was. I’ve been wearing a wear-test sample for about a couple of months and can’t seem to wear any other shoe because I’ve enjoyed the Inspire 11s lightweight ride so much. Hope you like it too.