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.
How different are the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire?
Q: I have heard great things about Mizuno shoes from my running friends and have decided to get a pair. Everyone raves about the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire, but I don’t know which one to buy. Are they really different and if so what’s the most important difference? Jamie Shorty, Marana, Arizona
A: The Wave Rider and Wave Inspire are both great shoes and there is one very important difference: Support. The Rider is termed a neutral cushioned shoe which means it is designed for the runner with a flexible foot who doesn’t need a lot of medial (inner) support for the arch. The Inspire is just the opposite. It does offer plenty of support for the mild to moderate overpronator (ie., the runner who has excessive motion in the arch area and needs to have that motion reduced). How do you know which one is for you? The absolute best way is to try on both shoes and get properly fitted for the right one at a specialty running store. There are several good stores just down the freeway from you in the Tucson area. To get a listing, go to the “Find A Store” locator on this site.
Can’t find narrow Riders
Q: I am in desperate need of narrow running shoes. I tried on the new Wave Rider 18 and liked it, but they are just too wide for me. The guy at the store suggested I get them in a narrow, but his store doesn’t have them or any other shoes in a narrow. What should I do? Linda Guisti, Santa Maria, California
A: First of all, I’d go to a different store. The Wave Rider 18 is absolutely available in a narrow (AA) width for women. Although it’s true that not all stores carry all widths, it’s very easy for the store to special order you a pair without any risk and at no additional charge. The store guy should have known that and have been more than willing to get you the width you want. The Wave Rider 18 is getting great feedback from our customers and hopefully, the AA width should be narrow enough for you.
Need great support
Q: I am in my late 50s and a social runner with wide feet who overpronates. I used to wear Brooks Beasts, but switched to the Wave Alchemy and was reasonably satisfied with the fit and support. Since Mizuno stopped making the Alchemy, I switched to the Wave Inspire and even though I like them, feel as if I need more support. What would you suggest? Wayne Farmer, Canberra (ACT), Australia
A: G’day! I would definitely suggest you run to your nearest running store and try on a pair of the Wave Paradox in a wide (EE) width. The Paradox is lighter and much cushier than the Alchemy, has a better ride—and it’s just as supportive. All in all, the Wave Paradox is a much better shoe than the Alchemy and just what the doctor ordered.
Enigma issue
Q: After trying on a dozen different shoes, I found the perfect shoe for me in the Wave Enigma. I have been running in it since its launch and love it. My problem is I can’t find it anymore either online or at any of the mall stores. It’s a great shoe and I don’t want to switch, but what can I do? Mary Beth Calloway, Frisco, Texas
A: Mary Beth I understand your frustration. The Enigma is a terrific cushioned shoe, but it tends to fly under the radar. First, it is not available online. Nor is it available at sporting goods stores. The Wave Enigma is only available at specialty running stores. Even so, some may not carry it. But, a running store in your area such as Luke’s or Run On can always special order it for you at no extra charge—even if the store doesn’t ordinarily stock it.
Rider fan needs racing shoe
Q: My all-time favorite shoe is the Wave Rider. It’s the perfect training shoe for me, but I need a lighter shoe with good cushioning and flexibility for the marathon and shorter races. What’s the closest racing shoe to the Rider that Mizuno has? Rajesh Patel, Denver, Colorado
A: The Wave Hitogami. It’s two ounces lighter than the Wave Rider, has a slightly lower heel height, plenty of flexibility and cushioning. The Hitogami is a “quicker” shoe than the Rider and has a snug, racing-like fit and feel to it. In the year since it’s been out, the Hitogami has developed a substantial following among racers of all abilities. It definitely has what it takes to go the distance in the marathon.