I’m just not that into them. Or maybe they’re not that into me. Mizuno Wave Creations have been my jam for my entire life as a marathoner. That’s since 2007 in case you were wondering. All 50+ halfs and 8 fulls, all in Mizuno. So much history.
Things started unraveling last year. Something changed, causing small blisters on my left foot. It culminated in a blood blister the size of Asia after NYCM last November.
I had a brief flirtation with the Wave Prophecy but honestly? Not true love. Plus who wants a $200 shoe? Before I left on vacation, I ordered up something new. Well not entirely new. Actually I ran back into the arms of an old love.
Before Mizuno was ever in the picture, I wore the Asics Gel-Nimbus. After slipping and spraining my ankle in them at mile 5 of the Soldier Field 10-miler back in 2006, I kicked them to the curb.
The Nimbus was waiting on my doorstep when I returned from Europe. Two 5-milers and a 13 and so far so good. I’ll stick with the Mizuno Wave Sayonara for shorter distances, but this may just be my new marathon shoe.
What shoe do you wear? Do you switch shoe brands/models often?
I’m Linking up with Erika, Patty and April for Tuesdays on the Run.
Aw, your poor Mizunos… 😉 I was a Mizuno loyalist for YEARS and I’ve just recently added Newtons to the rotation. I like them both now. 🙂
Ditto what Rachel said. I actually was a Brooks loyalist until a new model killed my feet. Though. Mizuno keeps changing models like people change underwear and the last change wasn’t ideal for me. But I’ve been too lazy to go hunt for a replacement. I alternate my Mizuno with Newtons, using newtons for long runs.
I rotate between different versions of the Brooks Pure line, but Im thinking about trying something with a little more support for some of my long runs. Not sure though- Ive been happy enough with the Pure line but I would like to have another go-tom option since they keep changing the models so much!
It’s odd that what once worked changes like that. It’s good you like the new shoes 😉 The hunt for what’s comfy is tough.
Welcome back, says the runner who has been running in Asics Gel Nimbus for more years than she can count….
The back of the new Nimbus (where you heel rests, I guess?) is so soft! Hope they work out! I don’t switch brands unless something is wrong. The last time I switched was 2010, to Asics.
I feel your pain with a shoe break-up, literally and figuratively! Blood blisters are the WORST. I am sorry you had to go through one the size of Asia – YIKES. It seems like shoe manufacturers cannot leave well enough alone. I LOVED the ASICS Gel Cumulus 13, but was much less enamored with the 15. Similarly, I loved the Mizuno Wave Rider 16, but have been less enamored with the 18. These days the Saucony Ride has become my new jam. I am glad that the Nimbus has been working out well for you!!!
I ran in Asics for a short time. Not really a fan. Yes, I’m always trying to find the “one” and have been through quite a few different bramds/shoes.
Still looking for the ideal shoe. Have run in them all. Broke my foot in Newtons so never wore those again. Now I am wearing Hokas for long runs and Mizuno waver rider 18s fr 5ks.
It’s so hard to find the right shoe. You find something that works for a while and then the company decides to tweak it and it just doesn’t work for you any more. Makes it hard to be loyal.
I’ve never been a Mizuno girl. I had a bad case of ITBS when training for a marathon using Mizunos and I had to switch back to old Asics for race day. I’ve tried many brands. Right now I like Altras for my treadmill work and Pearl Izumis for racing. Good luck!
I have such bad feet that I always had to try on shoes every time I bought them.. now the Hokas have worked for me for years so happy right now! 🙂
I’m so used to Mizunos, I switch between styles, but other shoes just don’t feel too different!
OOoooooo, Louise, my ex-boss (and coach) is going to not like you – he’s now a Mizuno rep! You’ll get to meet him at Twin Cities :).
Personally, I don’t think a seasoned runner needs a beefed-up shoe, like the Cumulus. Have you tried the Rider? And nothing wrong with the Sayonara for your long runs….I will either wear it or the Hitogami for TC.
I’m always looking for a great shoe but I don’t get too attached to any one model, because the companies are always tinkering. My current fave is The North Face Ultra Kilowatt, surprisingly, a semi-minimalist shoe that has really made running more fun again.
That’s so hard, but I’m glad you’ve found a new/old love! Sounds like Mizuno made some changes that didn’t work for you. I’ve been wearing Brooks for years, but have favored many different models – I tried several times with Pure Project but we were never compatible – and admittedly flirted with Newton during the relationship. Such a shoe whore!!! Good luck with the new relationship!
I am with Kovas on this one… hard to stay with the same shoe as new models come out because they are often so different. Hope this new shoe is JUST right for you! Blood blisters! I am short about 4 toenails right now because of them.
I love my Asics and it is time for a new pair!
It’s funny, I was a Mizuno girl too and switched Asics Gel Nimbus and I love them!! I was hesitant to try Mizuno’s again but I got the chance to the the Enigma 5’s which I now LOVE. I’m not kicking my Nimbus’ to the curb but I do like that I’ve added the Enigma’s in the rotation!!