I just had a running gait analysis conducted and discovered that I should be using neutral shoes rather than stability shoes as I have been doing for the past several years. In the past I have primarily used Asics Kayanos with one or two runs a week much lighter Mizuno Elixirs. I have begun researching possible choices of neutral running shoes and it is pretty apparent that most of the shoes out there are not designed for midfoot strikers (the same can be said for the Kayanos and to a lesser extent the Elixirs).
I am going to check out the New Balance MR800s which are neutral shoes designed for midfoot strikers. I have thought about the Newtons, however, the price is more than a bit of a turnoff, as is the fact that I would have to purchase them sight unseen. What are some other neutral running shoes designed for midfoot strikers that are relatively lightweight? I should also point out that I have flat feet with very low arches.
The Wave Riders don’t seem to be built for midfoot strikers as the heel area seems to be quite built-up. Having said that, I will look into them as I like Mizuno shoes in general. Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Precision? They are a lighter neutral shoe than the Wave Riders.
If you like Mizuno shoes for whatever reason, the Wave Precision as mentioned is a very nice shoe - except for “true” forefoot runners as it won’t last long at all as it is not a very durable shoe in the forefoot.
from what you describe, I run about the same way as you do. Fit and form wise, my Saucony fastwitch’s are the most comfortable shoes I own. I can’t run in a shoe with a stiff beam or it tears up my feet.
A few weeks back, the Mizuno reps were out at one of my runs and I got to try on some of their lightweight trainers. I think I tried on the Wave rider and wave precision and found them to have a good amount of cushion but a fairly flexible sole. Currently I run in Nike Pegasus, but once these are worn out, I will be in one of those two Mizunos.
X2 for the Wave Rider. I just purchased my second pair of WR’s after trying on every other brand’s neutral trainer in the store. I was kind of disappointed because I wanted to try a different brand but the Mizunos just felt better. I couldn’t talk myself into switching out of a comfortable shoe.
BTW, this was at Fleet Feet and they video’d my feet while running on a treadmill. They confirmed my neutrality and foot strike.
I will check out the Mizuno Waver Rider and Wave Precision, however, their built up heels would seem to promote heel striking rather than midfoot striking. Would the fact that I have flat feet change the suggestions for the Wave Rider and/or Wave Precision?
The description of the Grid Sinister sounds intriguing in that it has been designed to promoter the transition to the forefoot. Will have to check these out as well.
The description of the Grid Sinister sounds intriguing in that it has been designed to promoter the transition to the forefoot. Will have to check these out as well.
As long as you are not a forefoot runner and truely a mid foot striker. I’m a forefoot and tried the Grid sinisters. I think I got about a 100 miles out of them before I wore through to the foam on the forefoot area!
Ouch. That could get costly having to replace shoes every 2 or 3 weeks. I doubt I would have the same problem as I am more of a midfoot runner than a forefoot runner. Aside from longevity issues, how did you find the Grid Sinisters?
I tried the Precisions last winter and they did not fit my feet well. My big toe rubbed against the side of the shoe while there was a lot of room in front of my middle toes.
Also, as well as being neutral, they didn’t apear to have enough arch support (I don’t mean anti-roll support) for me.
Mizunos aren’t generally as built up as you seem to think. That’s one of the main reasons I like this brand: there is no huge drop from heel to toe. They just feel very … neutral. I believe that’s good.
Ouch. That could get costly having to replace shoes every 2 or 3 weeks. I doubt I would have the same problem as I am more of a midfoot runner than a forefoot runner. Aside from longevity issues, how did you find the Grid Sinisters?
You should be OK on the Grid Sinisters then. Actually, I really liked them but for me they were basically became a racing shoe once I saw how bad the toes were wearing out. Certainly not a flat but decent light weight trainers. I’m currently running in PI and they wear much better.
Can’t just look at the heel. You need to take into consideration the stack differential between the heel and forefoot. Wave Riders are 24mm/12mm, so a 12mm diff. That seems typical in most shoes. Heck, look at Zoots and Newtons. They claim to promote midfoot striking and they seem to have a huge heel/forefoot differential (couldn’t find the numbers, though).
IMO, It really comes down to how one promotes the foot strike. If you have good leg recovery and get your foot under your CoG then you can mid-strike in almost any shoe.
BTW, I’m not affiliated w/ Mizuno in any way. Just like the shoes.
I’m a mid-forefoot striker and went to Mizuno inspire this year. I really liked the shoe, light, comfortable for sockless running. Here’s the BUT. They really did not wear well. The front sole wore down to the foam in under 300 miles. I’m not a shoe dragger that would scuff the sole off. Miles are about 50/50 aspahlt/trail, so not an overly high amount of hard ground running.
Very disappointed, coming off Saucony hurricane’s. I didn’t like Saucony’s last change to the hurricane, so I decided to try something different. For me the Inspire’s were not worth it.
good luck in your search, I’ll be in the shops too looking for new ones.
