Mizuno - Gear - Runner's World

shin splints

05/08/2002 at 14:32

Hi there

Despite all the great reviews the Mizuno range has been receiving I for one have had it with them.

I have now had 4 pairs of the Mizuno Wave Creation and i am really disappointed at the length of time they have lasted. On the last pair i saved them specifically for racing in and i reckon they have given up the ghost at about 200 - 250 miles. That's not good for a £90 shoe.

I bought some Asic Kayano's, trained in them raced in them (a bit heavy) marathoned in them. They are still going strong after 3 sets of the Wave Creation have given up.

I even sent the last pair of Creations back due to the VS1 becoming detatched from the sole. 3 weeks later i am still waiting for Mizuno to finish their assessment.

Not impressed !! Anyone else

Mizuno Running

05/08/2002 at 17:33

Kent,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Wave Creation and I agree with you that they shouldn't be 'giving up the ghost' after 200-250 miles. Without being able to see the shoes in question to pass a more informed response, all I can say at the moment is that the major difference between the Kayano and the Wave Creation is that the Creation is a neutral shoe and the Kayano is a stability shoe,I would therefore expect slightly greater midsole durability from a stability shoe due to the firmer midsole density. Have you had the chance to have your gait analyzed to ensure the Wave Creation is the correct shoe for you ?

With regard to your returned Wave Creations I can only apologise for the fact that you have not had a response, and can fully understand that you are not impressed. I will personally investigate this with our customer services department and ensure a response is sent back to you immediately.

I am sorry that we have lost you as a customer for the time being, hopefully you will one day try out our products again.

Best Regards
Simon Ash
European Product Development Manager

Mizuno Running

06/08/2002 at 09:19

Kent,

It's Simon from Mizuno again, a quick question on your returned Wave Creations. Did you return them directly to Mizuno, or via your retailer? If you returned via your retailer can you let us know who that was so we can trace the returned product.

Many thanks
Simon Ash

WildWill..... pirate

pirate

06/08/2002 at 10:09

Kent

My experience with the Wave Creation was the total opposite I am a big heavy (15stone) neutral runner and the Mizuno saw me over 700 miles of running and racing, the only reason I’ve changed this time is that my local shop did not have my size in, but I intend buying a pair as a second shoe so I can alternate my runners.

I think its all about getting the shoe that is right for you – did you have your running style analysed in the shop to ensure that you were getting the shoe that was right for you?

Will

shin splints

06/08/2002 at 10:32

Hi Simon

Firstly, many thanks for the response I'm most impressed at the forum and the fact that you responded.

Having re-read my post i feel the need to back of it a little. I did have 4 pairs of the shoes and with the exception of the last pair they were OK. I really like the fit and the ride but question their last ability. Don't be put off trying them yourself - which is why i asked anyone else?

You're right that by comparing them against the Kayano is not comparing apples with apples. What i was trying to highlight is a comparison of flagship shoes across brands.

I contacted Mizuno about sending them back directly but was told that it had to be done via the retailer. Anyone can have product problems but the real test of a Company is how quickly and efficiently they deal with these. I've been without the shoes for three weeks now and not heard a word from Mizuno. This is being left in limbo - which is my main gripe.

Mizuno Running

06/08/2002 at 12:00

Hi again Kent,

Can you let me know which retailer you have sent them back through, as until we hear from the retailer we can not give you the response you require to hopefully sort out this problem.

Please contact us on running@mizuno.co.uk if you do not want to continue this particular discussion on the forum and we can hopefully bring a close to this problem.

Thanks again
Simon

slug

06/08/2002 at 21:17

I must admit that I`m pleased with the lattest creation but wish they were a little more stable, like the previous editions.I know companies have to develop their products, but to change the type of shoe from stability to cushioning seems slightly odd. I`m a mild pronator and can get away with cushioning, particually because of the forefoot.

Mizuno Running

07/08/2002 at 08:46

Slug,

FYI the Wave Creation has always been in the 'cushion' category although I have noticed that some retailers originally positioned it in 'stability' due to the Wave plate. The 2002 Wave Creation was (and still is) actually more stable than the 2001 Creation due to the double wave plate, well that is what our internal testing told us anyway. I am personally very neutral in my footstrike so it's a little difficult to tell and I would therefore be interested to hear if anybody feels that compared to last year the shoe is less stable.

Best Regards
Simon Ash
Mizuno

Don Minquez

07/08/2002 at 11:41

Hi Simon, Cheeky Jon here! I seem to remember RW saying in their new shoe review at the start of this year that the new Creation was LESS stable. Might be worth fighting with 'em... y'know, get a bit of action going on the forum!

PS. Haven't tried the Legend yet, although I will naturally let you know what I think of them when I do. Is there any likelihood of creating a stability shoe that compares to the Asics Kayano, say, a grade above the Merc?

shin splints

07/08/2002 at 11:49

Put me down for a pair, if they can do it.

Rider, same "last ability" as a diesel Merc - 200K miles, but obviously less cost.

Mizuno Running

07/08/2002 at 11:53

I obviously can't tell you exactly what we are planning as you never know who reads these forums. But that sounds like a good idea, something I'm sure we'll look at.

Thanks for the feedback !
Simon

Free_Running

07/08/2002 at 14:04

I have a pair of Wave Creation and my last 2 pairs of this shoe lasted me around 600 miles. I would still run in them over a short distance, say up to 8 miles, as they are a really fast feeling shoe and have only lost cusioning to a point where I get a bit achey after 8 miles. I even bought a spare pair a few weeks ago as manufacturers have a habit of changing your perfect shoe. I am 10 stone and run 50 miles a week anything from 3 - 15 miles.

slug

07/08/2002 at 19:45

It was runnersworld shoe review that stated that the creation 1 & 2 were stability. I did like the feel of the midfoot shank of creation 1, perhaps it was this that gave me the feeling of a stability shoe.

Barkles

07/08/2002 at 23:35

Sorry for a simplistic contribution here folks, but my nre Creations are without dobt the most comfy shoes I've had, athough much publicised injury prevents high mileage yet. Also damned sexy. Lets see how long they last.
Free rewards accepted.

Don Minquez

08/08/2002 at 09:43

I think they look ok, but not really sexy! Sexy is the Kayano VIII!!! (?)

I'm going mad! How can I sit here and call a shoe sexy? Surely stilettoes are the only REALLY sexy shoe around?

Sorry... Ignore me... Its easier that way!

Don Minquez

08/08/2002 at 09:54

Simon, IF you create a new stability shoe, you could always market it as the Wave Jon?! Just an idea!

the lamb

08/08/2002 at 12:11

Simon, just a quick question. Does the Creation have any pronounced stability features? I have been tempted to try it for its massive forefoot cushioning, but can't have a shoe with any stabilit/motion control features as they give me knee pain... I had been put off the Creation before due to the grey area of whether it was neutral or stability - hope I can get the answer straight from the horse's mouth!

Don Minquez

08/08/2002 at 12:35

I'm not Simon, but it is neutral! promise!

Mizuno Running

08/08/2002 at 14:09

Jon is right, it's a neutral shoe...

Don Minquez

08/08/2002 at 15:19

Thanks! You're the first person ever to have said that to me!

So.... What do you think of the Mizuno Wave Jon idea!?!?!