I have been wearing Mizuno Shoes for at least the last 6-7 years exclusively, and then off and on for the last 17 yrs prior to that. When the Mizuno Wave Rider was in it’s 2nd or 3rd generation, I remember having to order them from a store in Vancouver B.C as they were not available in Ontario. The one thing I have always loved and come back to in the Mizuno is the “ground feel” of the shoes. As I have written in previous posts, I am not one who likes to squish around in a shoe or feel like I’m running on pillows. However, the trade off for me has been that my feet always craved more cushion. I stayed loyal to Mizuno knowing that running felt easier and more enjoyable with that style of shoe.

Enter Wave Sky!!!! Now all my dreams and wishes have come true. Mizuno made a neutral shoe with both an adequate amount of cushion AND maintained that fab ground feel quality that I and many others love in their shoes. Here are some specs:

• Re-compounded U4icX  midsole on top provides a responsive cushion
• U4icX midsole on the bottom has greater shock absorption
• More segmented and flexible forefoot grooves enhance smooth transitions
• Softer collar material for added comfort
• The engineered mesh in the midfoot wraps the arch for adaptive and supportive fit.
• The men’s version weighs in at 11.5 oz and the women’s at 9.3oz.
• The ramp (heel to toe drop) is 10 mm which is slightly less than Mizuno’s typical 12 mm drop.

Overall the shoe on the foot feels zippy and light enough to be an every day trainer, and long distance shoe.

My second favorite quality of these shoes is the wider toe box. I have very wide feet, with one much more so than the other and typically need to wear a men’s shoe or D width women’s (most shoes don’t come in D width women’s so I get very little girlie colors!:) ) . I feel no rubbing, squeezing or confinement in this new shoe.

Finally a few words about the actual ride of this shoe: From the first step to the last of my runs, I feel like I’m almost floating on these shoes. I don’t feel like I’m sinking into a marshmallow like so many other neutral cushioned shoes on the market. While some may favor that, I for one prefer something more responsive when I run. I also feel as though I could do longer mileage in these without getting the foot soreness I tend to get because of my poor feet mechanical structure.

In summary, if you’re in the market for a good everyday or long distance shoe with just the right amount of cushion and a peppy toe off, then the new Mizuno Wave Sky is a great one to consider.

For more information on this shoe including all the specs: http://www.mizunocda.com/Running/Products/Wave-Sky