I got a question for anyone who has run in different Mizuno styles. I have been using Waveriders for a few years but I wanted some opinions on the lighter shoes like the Precision, Phantom, Aero or Revolver. Especially from anyone who has used them for longer distances (IM, HIM).
Not any of the models you’ve mentioned, but the Nirvanas are GREAT. I’ve been very comfy in long runs (17-19mi) in them.
I’ve tried the other lighter models - the Aeros - and they didn’t have enough support. Very light, but I have high arches and my feet would hurt.
i’ve been using the precision 5’s (6’s this year - they are a very fugly colour i have to say). my feet hurt way less than before (they have issues) and fewer blisters too. i’ve used them all summer up to 1/2 im, and for my longest training run for im (2:50) with fewer issues then before.
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I second the Nirvana…nice high arch…wide in the toe box narrower in the heel…love 'em!
Yup, Wave Precisions are a great shoe - must be popular as my local shop is always sold out of them (I’m a common size). Very light and pretty stable too. Doesn’t last long though - I probably only got 350 miles out of my last 2 pair (each)
Ya those orange sole Precisions are pretty damn ugly. No shops around me have them to try on. I have found a shop that has the Phantoms and I’m gonna give them a feel. Any opinions on the Phantoms?
Hi, I’m in Waveriders right now, actually my second pair of the VIIIs. I haven’t really worn the lighter shoes much but I sell them. Precisions are really really popular, have a great mesh upper, really responsive and the only downside is that the midfoot is very very flexible so you need to have a pretty rigid arch to wear these. I’ve run in them once for a photo shoot and they were awesome. The Revolvers and Phantoms are nice as well. The Revolvers are WIDE, like a 2E or greater racing flat, very weird for a flat but if you have wide feet they may work. They are wide heel to toe so you really need to try them out first, lower arch than most of the other mizunos if I remember right. The Phantom is pretty sweet too, more fitted than the Revolver but still pretty wide. Aero’s were cool but we dont’ carry them and I only wore them around the store a bit last year.
i love my revolvers - super light weight and i feel like i fly in them - up to 1/2marathon … not sure i’d use them for a marathon - they are definately a racing flat
Can’t comment on the Phantoms. I have a moderately flat foot and there is plenty of support in the Precision’s midfoot (they even put a stiff, medial plastic wedge there - unusual for a shoe in this weight category). I am also a Podiatrist - I don’t think you must have any “shaped” foot to try one shoe vs. another (within reason - severe PT tendon dysfunction you probably wouldn’t be running anyway, and certainly not on this board).
I generally try to steer people away from the overdone stability shoes (i.e. Brooks Beast) unless really necessary (250 lb guy w/ chronic pain, weekend jogger). However, racing flats, while they feel great to wear (I race in them) are asking for trouble if you try to train in them (foot/calf strengthening B.S. ends up in my office all the time). The Precision, DS Trainer and like shoes are about right for most runners here (say 6 min to 8 min milers) for just about any distance. My spring marathon was in DS trainers. 10 K races in custom made Nike flames. 1/2 iron depends on route. Need help on long runs when tired, the Kayanos are nice as are the Waveriders.
Still love my Vitruvians. He still has the older models for $30, shipping included. Worth the experiment. Email Chuck with your running style, show size and what shoes you do and don’t do well in.
I wore wave creation for 3 years, love them, trying the precision now, quite like it so far. I have high stiff arches and am a slight supinator. But I also have tough feet and ankles, and do a lot of trail running. I wore the new precisions in a recent 1/2IM, no issues on the feet there.
Did you manage to peel them off after such a long time?
well, it was tough, I used a big ole pry bar and a tub of margarine.
They must’ve had a lot of miles on them at that point… mine are good for about 300 miles, which is a month and a half when I’m running seriously.
I usually run in Asics (Nimbus, Kayano, DS Racer) but tried a pair of Creation 6. Really light, but a little lacking for my high arches.
It wasn’t one pair for three years, probably about 5 pairs in that time… I would say I averaged about 500-700km per pair, but I do run a lot on the trails.
Precisions are the best running shoe I’ve ever worn. Light and the right amount of cusion. I train and race in them.
Thats a good endorsment.
Disclaimer: I used to own a runnning store so my opnions are biased slightly by what I liked and what my customers liked.
Personally I love the way the Japanese shoes fit. I am a big fan of both ASICS and Mizuno. The WaveRider has been thru many incarnations and is built a little “high” for my liking. I prefer the feel of “built-up” racing flats/lightweight trainers. I liked the first generation Precision but found the toe box a little “angular” as opposed to the Wave Maverick which has a slightly fuller toebox. I think for a 1/2 I’d lean towards the Precision or Maverick as the Phantom and Aero are both true racing flats.
While I enjoy the fit and feel of the Phantom, I’ve never cracked 1:28 for a 1/2 after getting off the bike so I think the benefit the cushioning of the trainers provides is more than enough to offset the fact that they are heavier. That’s why ASICS’s DS-Trainers are seen at so many IM races, they fit and feel like flats but have just a bit of support and much more cushioning that the Gel-Magic Racers. Cushioning is much more important than you may realize if you’re someone who does the bulk of your training on dirt/grass/trails but then go and race on pavement and/or concrete. FWIW, I did a tri yesterday with a 10 mile run on pavement and was kicking myself in the a** for wearing flats and not lightweight trainers. OUCH!!!