By: The Mizuno Shoe Guy
Road-racing shoes are the sports cars of running: Light, fast, highly responsive and built close to the ground, road flats can make a difference in how fast you race. One of the very best racing shoes on the market is Mizuno’s Wave Hitogami 2, and unlike some of the extreme flyweight racing shoes that are designed primarily for elite runners, the Hitogami 2 is suitable for a much wider range of runners.
That is, the Wave Hitogami 2 has the level of cushioning and comfort recreational racers demand, but without the added weight of a training shoe. That’s not to suggest that Hitogami 2 has the same amount of cushioning as, say the Wave Rider, but it’s close.
Sound good?
The sleek Hitogami 2 combines the best elements of a trainer with the lightness and quickness of a racing shoe to provide a real weight savings when you need it most—in races—and don’t want any extraneous weight to slow you down.
If you wore the first version of the Hitogami, the new one is just as light (7.6 ounces for men’s size 9/6.3 ounces for women’s size 8) and quick under foot. The cushioning from the U4ic midsole is also the same and so is its superior flexibility.
What has changed for 2015 is its fit and toe spring. First, the fit. Mizuno went with a new 3D upper fit and modified its internal strap pattern. What that means for you is a snugger fit through the midfoot to give it more of a racing feel.
Toe spring is very important for a road racer, particularly at the end of a race, when many racers get up on their toes as they head to the finish. The toe spring in the Hitogami 2 has been increased which will make it more efficient at top speeds.
The Hitogami 2 also has a new, premium sockliner (insole) for more comfort, especially in the always stressful final miles of a marathon. That, along with the new upper, make the Hitogami 2 extremely comfortable, comparable to the best lightweight trainers.
If you have shied away from wearing racing shoes because of the lack of cushioning, the Wave Hitogami 2 is definitely worth a try. It provides a real weight savings, but its cushioning won’t let you down in races or fast-paced workouts.