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1 to 7 of 7 reviews.

Mizuno Wave Rider 12 (M)

Posted: 04/12/09

'Comfortable: they should have called them Easy Rider.'

Strengths:
Some makes add more and more padding in the sole in order to cushion the impacts. Mizuno cleverly manage it by engineered springs in the form of the wave plate. That way they can use more air: which is both cheap and light. In this particular shoe the balance is focussed on comfort, resulting in a shoe that invites you out for those long runs, and leaves you cheerful.

Weaknesses:
Errrrrrrrrrrr

Can't think of any.

Overall:
I did a major comparison exercise with all sorts of different shoes recently. These were comparable with some carrying £120 price tickets for the comfort level, yet were lighter than the opposition. They are mile eaters and are calling me out for a run right now.

Fit		100%
Responsiveness		80%
Cushioning		80%
Comfort		100%
Breathability		100%
Durability		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

89%

Mizuno Wave Elixir 2

Posted: 10/01/08

'THESE ARE THE CAT'S WHISKERS'

Strengths:
Light, supportive, responsive, good road holding, and long lasting. For a mile eating shoe you forget that you're wearing them.

Weaknesses:
They don't charge enough, so people think that they are cheap. Shhh and keep the secret, especially about the deals that are available.

Overall:
Mizuno shoes have a unique wave plate embedded in the sole. "Gimmick" you cry! But no, the wave plate really does work. It means that the EVA heel doesn't collapse, and it provides a controlled roll to the forward motion. Engineering in action.

Performance		100%
Comfort		80%
Value		100%

Overall Rating

93%

Maxim Gel

Posted: 16/05/07

'MY GEL OF CHOICE'

Strengths:
The right consistency, good flavours, and a good boost of energy when you flag.

Weaknesses:
The pack size, being generous, means that there is a bit more than one needs for a half marathon, and one needs to plan how to carry it.

Overall:
I shall continue to use it as my preferred choice.

Palatability		80%
Performance		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

80%

Asics GEL Nimbus 8

Posted: 01/04/07
Updated: 18/06/07

'COMFY AND CUSHIONED, MEDIUM WEIGHT.'

Strengths:
Comfort. Breathable. They even grip in the wet. My lower limb aches and spinal compression dissipated within a week or two.

Weaknesses:
HOW MUCH?

I very very very nearly said "stuff that" except my old shoes were torn up and rotten. Even with the nominal discount they were almost twice what I was used to paying.

[Update 18/06/07] Cushioning is still great, but I've started to wear holes inside the lining after a mere 300 miles. I normally get twice that. In fact my Mizunos lasted 1500 miles.

Overall:
They don't profess to have directional motion control, and sure enough they feel even more neutral than DS trainers or DS racers.

I was expecting tto use racers for FLM, but am now even considering these.

[Update 18/06/07] I've bought another pair, but at an excellent price in the USA.

Performance		60%
Comfort		100%
Value		20%

Overall Rating

60%

Inov-8 Roclite 315

Posted: 23/01/07

'IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS ON THE BOX'

Strengths:
Cushioned sole allows use on road and hard stony trails. Stud pattern gives great confidence when descending wet grass. Grip is quite good in mud.

Weaknesses:
The stiff protection extends all around the shoe, which has the potential to rub on my toes. Maybe I bought the wrong shoe from this regard - after all it says "rock" implying tough.

Overall:
For cross country racing grip in deep mud, I'd stick with xc spikes. For long runs I'd look for a lighter upper. But for a compromise shoe when the route will take in mud, grass, track, road, streams, and rocky descents, these are the babes to choose. They have taken everything I've thrown at them so far, let's try snow next!

Performance		80%
Comfort		80%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

73%

Mizuno Wave Elixir

Posted: 02/05/06
Updated: 28/12/06

'LIGHT, BOUNCY FEEL - A MILE EATER'

Strengths:
Soft & light uppers
Light and airy heel zone that feels responsive without being hard.
The transfer of weight from heel to toe is smooth.

[Update 28/12/06] The arch support bedded down over time to be "just right". The soles have worn evenly, and the outers although they are indeed light are in fact quite tough.

Weaknesses:
The arch supports may be just too supportive for some feet.

[Update 28/12/06] er
er
?

Overall:
I'm only seeing the good points at the moment!

[Update 28/12/06] OK then, I've had these shoes forever now, nearly 8 months. That's got to be well over 1000 miles and they are still going strong. Did my 20+ miler in them this morning and I feel great.

Performance		80%
Comfort		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

80%

Asics Gel-DS Trainer X

Posted: 22/11/05

'BETTER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR?'

Overall:
I've just done 700 plus miles in the DS Trainer IX, and think that they are a fab pair of shoes without a fault to their name. Have they been able to improve upon perfection?

Just don't pay the asking price for any Asics product.

Performance		100%
Comfort		100%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

87%

See entire review section


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