light, responsive ride in their everyday shoes. The moderately firm, perky midsole remains the same; though the upper has lost its internal stability strap to simplify it and reduce the cost. (Review of previous version follows:)Mizuno Wave Rider 2001

this. Mizuno has taken a great shoe and improved its fit, feel and forefoot cushioning. If you’re one of those runners who liked the Rider but wanted better cushioning, this new version was made for you.Try it on if you liked Mizuno Wave Rider 5 (£70

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Weight 335gEvaluation The Wave Rider was our shoe of the year for 2000, and with good reason. It’s light and responsive, and yet well

Mizuno substantially upgraded the Wave Rider last summer and ended up with a fantastic shoe. Wisely, it has changed little on the Rider other than the upper materials. That said, by using a lighter, more breathable mesh, the Rider's fit now feels

MIZUNOMizuno House, 612 Reading Road, Winnersh, Berks RG11 5HR;0118-936 2100; www.mizunoeurope.com2005 MODELSCUSHIONEDWave Creation 6 Wave Rider 8 STABILITYWave Inspire Wave Exodus 2004 MODELSCUSHIONEDWave Creation Wave Rider STABILITYWave

.(A review of the previous shoe follows:)Weight 340gEvaluation Like the Wave Rider, the Mercury benefits from a working over by Mizuno’s new Sozo design studio. And, like the Rider, the upgrade has been a positive one. Carbon fibre has been added to key areas

Rider. In short The Wave Rider is one of the best cushioning shoes on the market. The Creation is its plusher upgrade. Need we say more?Try it if you liked Mizuno Wave Creation (£85) and Wave Rider (£70); Adidas Equipment Exigence (£85, discontinued

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Mizuno’s key stability shoe isn’t in the premier league of its Wave Rider, Wave Precision and racing shoes, but it’s a nicely protective

of smooth ride and excellent rearfoot cushioning is hard to beat. Try it on if you liked Mizuno Wave Rider (£75); Asics GT-2060 (£70); Saucony GRID Omni (£70); Nike Air Pegasus (£60)

runners and mild overpronators. It’s also one of the best-looking shoes you can buy under £60 – in fact, it’s very easy to mistake it for the £75 Wave Rider.In short The Wave Phoenix is a reassuring constant at the £50 mark. It’s a perfect beginner’s shoe