by the 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.
Wave Rider 18
Q: I’m dying to get the new Wave Rider 18. Before I pull the trigger, I want to be reassured that the new Rider isn’t hugely different. Is it? Kaitlyn Cash, Arlington, Virginia
A: Hugely different? No. But the Wave Rider 18 has a much better fit, especially in the arch and around the heel. The Rider 18 isn’t lighter than the 17, but its upper is so light and fits so snugly in the key areas, that it feels like the shoe is part of your foot and you hardly notice it’s even there. What still sets the Wave Rider apart from its competition is still its light, responsive ride and a great upper package which results in a better fit. Trust me on this one: The Wave Rider 18 is one great shoe.
Best Mizuno for Flat Feet
Q: I have very flat feet and have problems with shin splints. Which Mizuno do you think would be the best one for me? Rayzen Nozad, Dublin, Ireland
A: Runners who have flat feet and suffer from shin splints generally lack footwear support for their lower legs. When the shoes are not supportive enough, it can lead to torque on the lower legs and often results in shin splints. I would advise trying on Mizuno’s two best support shoes: the Wave Inspire and the Wave Paradox. The Inspire is moderately supportive and lighter than the Paradox which has better cushioning and the maximum amount of support. My guess is you would do better in the Paradox which—hopefully–will provide the right touch of medial (inner) support for your flat feet and gradually alleviate your shin splint symptoms. Until the shin soreness goes away, ice your shins after every run.
Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Shoes?
Q: Mr. Shoe Guy, is there any actual differences between the men’s and women’s models of the same Mizuno? Or are the women’s shoes just a scaled-down men’s shoe with prettier colors? Also, what’s the size difference between a men’s shoe and a women’s? Bridget Baylor, Sacramento, California
A: There are fit differences between men’s and women’s shoes, but from a technical standpoint, the shoes are identical. A women’s shoe isn’t inferior in any way whatsoever to a men’s model. The cushioning, support and outsole durability is the same. Is it OK for a women to wear a men’s model? Absolutely. If you choose to go with a men’s model, the corresponding women’s size is approximately 1.5 sizes larger. That is, a men’s size 9 is equivalent to a women’s 10.5. But, if you go with a men’s model (or vice versa), I advise you to try that size on first at a specialty running store.
Wave Kazan or Wave Hayate?
Q: I run on firm dirt trails nearly every day, but have to run a couple of miles from my house to get to the trails. I have worn the Wave Ascend for several years and it performed well enough on the roads to get me to the trails and then home again. Because I need to run on the roads for a bit, would you recommend the Kazan or the Hayate to replace my Ascends? Don Caldwell, Bend, Oregon
A: The Wave Kazan is the better shoe for you. Simply put, it’s a much more versatile, all-terrain shoe than the Hayate. The Kazan has conventional midsole cushioning and the same heel heights as the Ascend had, but it has better outsole traction than the Ascend. The Hayate is lighter, has lower heel heights and is more specific to fast trail running—even racing—than either the Ascend or Kazan. You could wear the Hayate for a little on the roads, but you’d be much more comfortable in the Kazan.
Racer-trainers
Q: I’m one of those weird runners who prefers to train and race in the same shoe. My favorite shoe of all time was the Wave Ronin, but now I’m confused whether I should race and train in the Wave Ekiden or Wave Hitogami. Can you advise which would be the best shoe for me to race and train in? Melody Jackson, Miami, Florida
A: Although the Wave Ekiden is terrific racing shoe, it is extremely light—too light for most runners to use as a daily training shoe. The Hitogami is much better as a lightweight, flexible, moderately cushioned shoe which works for training and racing . It’s about a half ounce heavier than the Ronin was, but the Hitogami has better cushioning and durability while still being flexible and responsive enough for racers who want to fly.