Why I Love Mizuno Running Shoes

As a novice runner at best, I need a shoe that will offer support and comfort as well as keep me from falling on my face. The Mizuno Wave achieved this beautifully. What sets the Mizuno Wave apart from other running shoes is the aptly named Wave technology. This consists of a piece of undulated or "wavy" plastic material that runs the length of the mid-sole. It provides shock absorption and bounce while giving structure and stability to the shoe. All good things.

To be more specific, I own the Mizuno Wave Rider 14, the latest addition to the Mizuno Wave family. What sets the Mizuno Wave Rider 14 apart from older versions of the shoe is the Dynamotion Fit. It consists of the padding and fabric surrounding the heel cup. In essence, this helps keep your foot in place in the shoe while running, helping keep the heel from coming out of the shoe which can sometimes cause blisters, and those are never fun. It has a well-ventilated mesh upper, which keeps your foot nice and cool while running for long periods of time. However, the mesh makes this shoe less than ideal when running in the rain or snow.

Another positive for the Mizuno Wave Rider 14 is that is it an ounce lighter than the previous model, which is a big deal for avid runners. It seems to make a big difference for me as well, though I do not train nearly as hard as some of my friends. Some fellow runners have complained that the toe box is narrower than in other models, so if you have wide feet, you may want to look out for that. I find these shoes fit me perfectly, but to each his, or her, own.

The soles are thick and sturdy and should stand the test of time. Another positive is that the price is very reasonable when comparing them to other running shoes of their caliber. They offer comfort, durability, support and traction at a lower price than its competitors. You would be hard-pressed to find a running shoe of this quality for a better price.

I have seen a big difference in my endurance since I started running in this shoe. My feet do not hurt like they used to, and I can run faster, further and longer than with my previous pair. I have lost eight pounds since buying my Mizunos. They just make running more fun.

My LOVE of Vibram

I love to walk. For errands or for pleasure walking is my preferred mode of transportation. 

Shoes often leave my feet feeling tired and sore at the end of the day. Not even the most expensive shoes on the market solved this problem. No matter how well a pair of shoes fit, my feet were still sore, aching and dying to get out of them the minute I arrived home. 

I didn’t think there was a perfect to solution to finding a comfortable pair of shoes that left my feet feeling great. Then one day I noticed someone wearing a pair of Vibram 5 fingers. He initially purchased them for running but they felt so wonderful that he wore them everywhere. 

They were definitely weird looking but I was ready to try anything. Curious, I decided to get a pair of these Five Finger Vibram shoes. 

It was a revelation.

My life changed the moment I slipped my first pair of Five finger Vibrams on. 

I wear them constantly, on my daily walks and at work as well. These have been the best shoes I have ever owned—hands down. Vibram 5 fingers feel like I have on nothing at all. At the end of the day my feet are no longer sore. The moment I arrive home I am not looking to kick off my shoes to let my feet relax; sometimes I even forget that I have them on. 

My feet are no longer forced to adapt to the shape of whatever shoe I decide to wear for the day. Vibram 5 fingers are the comfort equivalent of being barefoot. The design of the five fingers Vibram shoes allows your feet to move naturally. This is healthier for your feet, and actually your entire body. The lower back pain that I often experience after being on my feet disappeared completely after just a week of wearing these shoes. Think of all the pressure you place on your feet everyday just by moving around. Now add to that the fact that you are forcing them to support your weight while at the same time being forced to conform to the shape of your shoe. Five fingers Vibram shoes eliminate this problem because they form to the shape of your foot. 

Why not make your shoe conform to you?