Comments on: Mizuno Wave Universe 4: A Near Perfect Racing Flat

By: Kā tad īsti ir ar tiem minimālajiem apaviem? – Bannijs Skrien

Kā tad īsti ir ar tiem minimālajiem apaviem? – Bannijs Skrien — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:31:23 +0000

[…] jau divus gadus un vienīgais sliktais kas pa šo laiku ir noticis – kaķis piečurāja manus pirmos apavus (mans kaķis ir sātana izdzimums, bet tā arī ir cita tēma). Pēc tam es nomainīju vēl divus […]

By: flokon

flokon — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:35:27 +0000

Hi there,
late to the party but I HAD to chime in regarding the Universe 4. I got this shoe end of August in a clearance sale (50€), and thought what the heck, try it. Turns out this is my absolute favourite shoe! I usually run in Nike Streak LT2, and NewBalance MR00(v2), and this Mizuno seems like the perfect marriage of both. Not as soft as the LT2s, while offering a much roomier fit than the Minimus. I’ve clocked 100km so far on mine, the longest run being 15km, and I always feel great after each session.
Being not new to Mizuno’s, a few very nasty abrasions have taught me to wear them with socks ALL THE TIME, so I cannot comment on the collar lining.
Durability seems so-so. The exposed black EVA part of the sole in the middle where the Mizuno bird is, and the two smaller patches lateral, showed wear right after my first run (~10k). The carbon parts however seem quite durable. No noticeable wear so far.

Anyway, I really want to get another pair of the 4s in reserve. However, as soon as the newer models are coming down in price, I need to try those too. I think I found “my” shoe.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:12:32 +0000

In reply to Shoetastic. Sure, but very thin sole with not a lot of cushion, and durability would not be great for walking I don't think.

By: Shoetastic

Shoetastic — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:59:24 +0000

Could you use these as walking shoes?

By: Keeperece

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

Hey I just purchased these and will begin working them in. Hopefully full time soon. One question though. Do you think these shoes can handle 50+ miles a week? I weigh about 135 and midfoot strike.

By: Paul Mahan

Paul Mahan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Emilie Reas.

Great Shoe! I love everything about them. The fit, the feel, the look (though I didn't like it at first, it has grown on me).
These are my favorite shoes . . . and I have 8 other pairs.

By: nathan118

nathan118 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Pete. I've been running solely in Vibram Sprint's for a while now, but looking for something with slightly more comfort. It's not really the lack of padding in the Vibram's that bothers me, but the fit in the toes. (My last two are really curved, and a pain to even get on).

So I'm looking at "shoes" with as thin a sole as possible to mimic the sprints, but hopefully more comfortable to run in. What do you suggest? Waves or the Merrell Road Glove? What's the biggest difference between the two?

Thanks again and love your blog.

By: Errez

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

Sorry to keep you busy Pete :)
But what is your size for the Universe? Same as Kinvara 3?

By: Pete G

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

These look absolutely awesome - my next purchase for sure. Nice review

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to nathan118.

Glad to hear that they're working out for you!

By: Kyle Rickert

Kyle Rickert — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Can you break down the firmness of these shoes in comparison with a couple others? Specifically compared to the Newton MV2, Asics Piranha? Also, is there any arch support? I'm a fan of a flat arch.

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Scott Whitacre.

I think so, but I'm not particularly sensitive to a bit of arch. There is no removable insole in these so the arch is just formed by a rise of the medial midsole.