Comments on: Shoe Reviews: Mizuno Wave Universe and Mizuno Wave Ronin

By: Janpaulh

Janpaulh — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Do both shoes fit the same when you only look at the size?

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Drew.

You're right on in that comparison - the Kinvara is much cushier than the
Universe. The Wave Universe is more comparable to the Saucony Grid Type A4,
but lighter and a bit more flexible. Both of the latter two feel firmer
underfoot.

Pete

By: Greg Strosaker

Greg Strosaker — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete, your impressions of Mizuno’s jive with my own (though I’ve only used the Riders and Precisions to date) and others; the toebox is roomy, the soles are an odd combination of stiff/hard and flexible. I have been really pleased with the way mine have shown only minimal wear on the sole after 400+ miles, so I suspect you would see the same thing with more miles on yours. I do think the Ronin’s may be my next step, as I honestly have found that most other shoes now feel too “cushy” compared to the hard soles of the Mizuno’s – I’ve gotten to like the way you can really feel the road in them.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to RunningPT12.

I would suspect the soft midsole in the heel combined with lack of any kind
of medial heel flare. Doesn't take much to tip a shoe over when it has that
configuration, even if you aren't normally an overpronator when barefoot.
Had a guy write a post about this awhile back - he saw the same thing in the
Adidas Adios:
https://runblogger.com/2010...

Pete

By: RunningPT12

RunningPT12 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Charlie.

The plastic keel may well be part of the problem, although I'm more suspicious that its the durometer of the midsole material. Runners who I've examined in Ronins have all shown so much rearfoot eversion that their heels were practically rolling out of the medial rearfoot - a great way to develop an achilles injury. Surprisingly, another shoe I've seen recently that has the same problem is the ASICS Tarther.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Nick Fusco.

I feel the same way - prefer the Hattoris to the A4. I need to give the Mizunos another try.

By: AshwynGray

AshwynGray — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's great to see how you compare the Universe to the Ronin. I've been wanting to try the Universe. But, the price is too high for almost-pink shoes, imho. ;-) I really like my Ronin's for longer road runs, though. And, with a little more practice, I'm confident that you can manage an easy mid-foot strike in them.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

I remember that post now. Thanks for making the connection for me Pete. So trying to bring all of this together the best shoe would be a very low to the ground firm shoe that has a wide base. Am I missing anything? Are there any shoes on the market right now or are coming soon that have these features ? Can anyone think of any examples besides going barefoot?

By: Nick Fusco

Nick Fusco — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I know exactly what you mean when you say, "the Wave Universe seems to cause my legs to tire faster in these shoes – again, I’m not
sure why, but it’s similar to the feeling I get running in the Saucony
Grid Type A4." When I wear my A4's my feet feel like they're working so much harder than, say, in my Kinvara's. I love the minimalist feeling in my A4's, but my feet and legs just feet beat up in them. I can run the same distance in my Hattori's and not have the same feeling, probably due to their soft outsole.

By: Janpaulh

Janpaulh — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

thnx. got the ronins. think i'm also gonna get the universe.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Charlie.

Yeah, I keep wavering on the cushion vs. firm preference. I had such a good
experience running my BQ in the Kinvaras that I have developed a fondness
for their cushier feel, whereas the firmer A4 didn't work out as well. That
being said, for a 5K I would probably opt for a firmer shoe.

Regarding the Minimus Road, it's an interesting shoe. Very firm and a very
comfortable fit for me. It almost feels flat, though I know there is a small
lift. Can't wait to hear what others think about it.

Pete

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Janpaulh.

Yes, both are true to size for me.
Pete

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