Physical Therapists Using Clinical Analysis To Discuss The Art And Science Behind Running and The Stuff We Put On Our Feet

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Review (2022)

 


Mizuno Wave Horizon 6: Max Cushion Meets Max Stability
By Senior Contributors David Salas and Nathan Brown, Chief Editor Matthew Klein and Content Manager Bach Pham

The Mizuno Horizon lineage continues using modern elements of dynamic stability in the premium training category with the Horizon 6. The Horizon 6 updates include using a Mizuno Enerzy Core midsole to create an even softer and responsive ride as well as dropping 0.4 ounces. Integrations of stability throughout include usage of U4ic midsole for a dual density platform, a dynamic structured wave using a rubberized foam for structure, and a solid platform underfoot to lever from. 

Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 11.2 oz, 317 g (men's size 9), *Women's Weights Not Provided Yet*

Stack Height: 38 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Premium Stability Daily Trainer


RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a premium stability shoe with multiple layers of stability and guidance. A unique member of this category thanks to the asymmetrical placement of the Enerzy Core, a structured WAVE sole with a medial rubber wall, a wider last and a strategic medial upper weave. The Horizon 6 provides a high level of stability without being obtrusive. Additionally, it functions as a high mileage workhorse thanks to an incredibly durable outsole. The ride is on the firmer end in true Mizuno fashion but is surprisingly bouncy thanks to the continual development and integration of Enerzy foam into the midsole. Thanks to a little higher weight, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is best for daily training and recovery and a shoe you can depend on for endless mileage.

David: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is premium daily trainer in the stability category that is doing some fun stuff with guidance and dual density midsoles. The shoe features a new Mizuno Enerzy core through the length of the shoe that is laterally biased and a U4ic foam along the medial aspect. Enerzy is softer and bouncier with the U4ic being a more normal density consistent with their previous training models. The result is a smooth ride throughout with some stability that even those with neutral mechanics may enjoy.

Nathan: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is an example of a shoe that provides an incredibly stable platform without infringing on the foot. It operates off of a thicker platform of two layers of foam and a Mizuno Enerzy Core center that emphasizes comfort and structure over speed. There are unique elements that provide a stable platform such as the wrapping of the outsole and unique placement of a foam core. This is a solid option for folks looking for a durable mileage hog that has a lot of structure, some bounciness from a core of softer foam, and don't mind a bit heavier of a shoe.

Bach: There are few shoes in the stability category that can catch as many runners as the unique Mizuno Wave Horizon, which is why I am often drawn to it when it comes to personal use and recommendations. It incorporates a wide range of stability elements we often see in stable neutral shoes, all neatly put together in one package without using anything too obtrusive like GuideRails or posting. The latest Horizon 6 features a new Enerzy Core which resolves many of last year's fundamental issues to make the latest Horizon a wickedly solid trainer that many will enjoy.



FIT

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is normal to slightly snug in the heel and midfoot. This transitions to a normal width in the forefoot, with a little extra room if necessary thanks to the stretchable but durable woven mesh up front. The upper changes throughout the length of the foot. Thicker padding is present in the rearfoot, which cushions my heel well from the larger and stiffer heel counter. I did not notice the heel counter at all partially due to the cushioning and more rounded shape, but those with sensitivities should approach carefully. The midfoot uses less padding but a thicker weave on the medial side that gently hugs the arch. I have noticed that I can tie the laces tighter to engage the weave, so there is some adjustability here. The tongue is gusseted and normal in thickness, further wrapping and securing the foot to the platform. The forefoot mesh is thinner than the rest of the shoe but balances durability and gentle stretch. Premium is a great description given how well the upper seems to secure the foot but also gets out of the way on the run. 

David: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 fits true to size in my Men's 9.5 if perhaps a tiny bit long. The upper is a little more structured throughout compared to previous models but still maintains a pretty lightweight material throughout. There are some textured overlays in the mesh along the medial and lateral aspect of the midfoot that seem to structure more up towards the lacing system. The width throughout is normal in the heel and midfoot with a slightly wide forefoot and toe box. The mesh material is very comfortable on foot. The tongue is gusseted and does well without slipping. The tongue can be a tad thin with lockdown from the laces but not so much I developed irritation, just some pressure. There is a heel counter present that is padded well and did not provide any irritation or structural problems. Outside of the small adjustments for the length and tongue I really enjoyed the upper and definitely leans in the premium category. It is structured but certainly comfortable on foot. 

Nathan: The Horizon 6 fits true to size, if not a bit long in my Men's size 9. With Mizuno's premium shoe options (the Sky and the Horizon) they seem to use a different shaping of the toe box compared to the Wave Rider/Inspire that sports a bit more notable of a taper. Given that this fit a bit long, I didn't notice irritation from this taper, but is worth considering and a reason why I wouldn't want to size down. This upper may be the most comfortable I've tested from Mizuno in the forefoot with stretch in the appropriate directions, a premium feel, while still maintaining breathability. It is a stretch woven material and there are structured and stream-lined overlays that are woven into the midfoot which provides security and lock-down. The mostly rigid internal heel counter is well padded and the tongue has enough padding, but I could see it being stuffed just a tinge more for comfort. The tongue is gusseted, but it doesn't start until further down and I would have to adjust the tongue a few times when initially putting the shoe on. Again, very comfortable material that is reinforced well to get a lock down, but overall is on the looser end and is meant for training and easy miles. 

Bach: The Wave Horizon 6 fits true to size. The upper is very accommodating and features a very stretchy, soft mesh material. It feels very comfortable on foot and especially around the forefoot area. The mesh is also very breathable even in the humid South Carolina sun. The tongue is very light with some gentle padding and does a nice job of staying out of the way. There is a rigid heel counter and a softly padded heel collar that does a great job of locking you in. Compared to last year's version, Mizuno did a nice job of keeping the heel both cushioned, but more minimally designed to help reduce weight - the biggest problem with last year's model. Overall, this is just an excellent upper that comfortably holds the foot down and stays out of the way.

Editors Note: While the insole is removable, we don't recommend orthotics with stability footwear. To learn more on why, visit our Footwear Science on Orthotics.



PERFORMANCE

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a heavier, durable, daily training/recovery shoe. The ride is stiffer and firmer throughout the length of the shoe. There is a mild posterior lateral heel bevel, but heel landings can be a little clunky until the pace warms up. This is offset by a listed 8mm drop, which is exactly what the Horizon 6 feels like. This is surprising for Mizuno, but works thanks to the mild flexibility upfront from several flex grooves. The forefoot has a significant rocker that makes transitions off the toes fairly easy. There is a high level of cushioning underfoot despite the firmer midsole. The Enerzy Core does provide more bounce than expected, making the shoe feel livelier than the listed 11.2 oz/317g (men's size 9) weight. However, the weight does limit the shoe to easy runs, mileage and recovery runs. The Horizon 6 is a reliable tank of a shoe, especially with the incredible durability. I have 60 miles on my pair and have no wear on the outsole (which is almost unheard of for me). Thus, those looking for a shoe that will last for a long time with a firmer, stable and surprisingly bouncy ride will enjoy the Horizon 6. 

David: The Wave Horizon series has always been on the Cadillac side of things. It's heavy but does roll smooth and the small accents are noticeable. This shoe has a relatively rigid platform throughout, but very gently rockered geometry throughout with some moderate flex grooves  through the forefoot that help with smoothening out toe off. The shoe doesn't feel overdone on transitions or overly quick, but has some gentle stability mechanisms that do help with making the ride smooth and stable underfoot. This has been a shoe that despite the maximum cushioning I do feel I can take it in a large variety of footing and surfaces. The ride provides maximum cushioning with a touch of firmness that seems to help with this thanks to the outsole coverage and Dynamic Wave. The full contact outsole, rigidity of the platform, and wide cross sectional area underfoot all help with giving the shoe some confidence with ride. The shoe is on the heavier end, so all of this does come at a cost. For me I have loved using this shoe on easy days with a cap of about 10-12 miles in a single session. You can certainly go longer but I normally like a lighter shoe for anything beyond that. 

Nathan: The Wave Horizon 6 has a more traditional geometry, a lower layer of a firmer EVA called U4ic, a top sole of a softer Enerzy foam, and then a core of a higher rebound foam (Enerzy Core). The combination leads to an overall firmer feel, but gets a bit of pop and bounce once you start running thanks to the Enerzy Core. That said, the ride is overall very consistent and traditional. In the heel, there is a wide platform with lateral flaring both directions and only mild beveling. I found that at really easy paces there was some early contact due to the flaring and lack of bevel, leading to some clunkiness at initial contact. However, as miles got added on, the heel transition did smooth out. Moving forward, the forefoot is cushioned well and there is only a mild rocker, but there are flex grooves that allow the forefoot to flex a bit for a more natural toe off. That said, at times I wished there was a bit more of flexibility to be able to roll off the toes a bit easier and found it just a bit too stiff given the smaller rocker. The shoe is built for consistency, durability, and continuing to move forward, but not at a fast pace. It feels like the listed 11.2 oz, but I had no problems with multiple 1.5+ hour runs in this shoe for easy longer mileage. It never felt like it was bogging me down, much due to the bit of pop you get from the Enerzy Core piece.

Bach: One of the biggest concerns we had with the Wave Horizon 5 was how weighted the heel felt on the run, creating a bit of an imbalance in the ride. It really prevented it from fully unlocking its potential. This year's version, moving away from their XPOP core to the new Enerzy core, greatly reduces that weight not just in the heel, but throughout the shoe. Nathan discussed how the foams are layered in the shoe. Essentially what you are getting is a firmer landing from the bottom layer which provides a stable platform, a brief moment of cushioning from the top layer as you are fully landing, and then a bit of a propelling feel when the core is activated and you are pushing off. The shoe borders on fun for a stability shoe when the core gets activated and you are really popping along.

We're not talking about stability in this section, but you can't help but feel how stable the shoe is when you are landing and taking off, and how confident the ride feels which is what I've always loved about the Horizon.

I have taken the shoe on several long efforts now and while it's held up well, it does struggle slightly when getting past an hour and a half. Despite the excellent job Mizuno has done to redistribute the weight, it still runs on the heavier side, and you do feel it late in a long run. This is certainly best for easy to recovery days.

The outsole is a little less aggressive than last year, helping contribute to a smoother ride. The traction has been excellent on wet roads for me and don't tell David, but I have run on this on mild trails and fire roads and I have enjoyed the shoe even more there. I've found my shoe to be very durable so far after 50 miles and see this easily last over industry standards for most runners.




STABILITY

Matt: The Wave Horizon 6 is a higher-level stability shoe that is unique in typical Mizuno fashion. There are several elements that provide more medial stability compared to the Horizon 5, which I enjoyed as more of a higher level, centered and guidance-based shoe. Many of these elements are still present in the Horizon 6, but provide more medial stability. The base is on the wider side throughout the length of the shoe. Combined with a firmer ride, this creates inherent stability at all three major components of the sole. A stiff heel counter sits at the rear and extends almost into the midfoot on both the medial and lateral side. There is quite a bit of sole flare in the heel and forefoot. The heel has more medial sole flare, providing additional resistance to medial motion. True to Mizuno's style, the midsole features a structured wave design between different midsole components. This sits on both sides of the foot, providing gentle guidance throughout the length of the shoe. The firmer U4ic midsole has a larger medial component, with the softer Enerzy Core running slightly more lateral. This provides slightly lateral guidance and is well integrated into the sole.

In version 6, the thick rubber outsole extends into the medial side on three of the waves. This provides moderate resistance in the heel and midfoot. This has never been intrusive in the 60 miles I have on my pair and I tend to notice it more during walking and it is better integrated while running. Finally, the weave on the medial side of the upper has a large amount of structure that wraps up along the arch. This can be tightened by locking down the laces more, but I did not find this necessary. This completes the secure and stable feel of the Horizon 6, which will work for runners with a variety of stability needs from mild to high looking for a mild post and more guidance-based elements. The Horizon continues to provide non-intrusive stability that will work for those with both flat feet that do not like high arched stability shoes and those with higher arches who want a stable ride. 

David: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is certainly a stability shoe with a well-integrated platform. The shoe utilizes dynamic stability throughout and creates a unique yet fluid ride throughout. There are 3 main things that really make stability shine in the Horizon 6. The first is the usage of the dual density midsoles. Rather than posting with a really dense foam or plastic they use U4ic which was the older midsole they would use for shoes such as the Wave Rider as a full-length encapsulation and medially biased post. The full-length Enerzy rides through the midline of the shoe and laterally biased giving a lot of cushioning underfoot and making the ride much softer. The combination of these provide a very centered feel without the feeling of having a post jarring into the midfoot. The second is the usage of the Dynamic Wave, essentially a rubberized foam that creates structure and wraps along the sides of the foot. This helps the shoe keep structure but also lets you load the shoe in your own way without getting tossed around or forced to land a certain way. The 3rd is the wide cross-sectional area underfoot coupled with the full contact outsole. All of these components really help give the Horizon a stable platform to run from. 

Nathan: This is where the Horizon 6 shines. It is an incredibly stable platform but in such a different way compared to other traditional stability models. From an overall design standpoint, the platform is wider compared to its neutral counterpart (Wave Sky) by a number of millimeters both the in heel and forefoot, providing an inherently more stable platform. The foam is also not overly soft, which resists inherent instability. Then come a few more strategic measures. The first is the asymmetrical placement of the Enerzy Core insert. It is placed more laterally and asymmetrically, which allows some increased density/firmness on the medial/inside of the foot. This adds support for those who like some guidance on the medial side, but don't want it felt on underfoot. Additionally, the thicker outsole wraps up the inside of the rear and midfoot which also resists compression of the foam on the inside of the shoe. Top all of the carriage underneath with a structured upper allows the foot to be secure on top of a stable platform and you get a top to bottom max stability shoe. All of this is done without it feeling like the foot is being infringed upon. This is possibly the most stable shoe out there without feeling like it, which makes it a viable option for more people. It could function as a stable neutral shoe (like it did for me) and a highly stable shoe depending on your needs.

Bach: When we talk about stable neutral shoes, we are always highlighting the few components that help make the ride. While the Horizon is not a posted like a 860 or Vongo is or guidance based shoe in the way an Adrenaline is today, it is like the kitchen sink of stable neutral shoe elements, using a variety of design choices to create a super stable ride. The primary stability is in the wave design, which uses the firmer bottom layer and "waves" that help highlight points where more stability is beneficial both laterally and medially, It does a nice job of keeping landings - no matter where you land - feeling very steady. A full contact outsole and wide base further makes landings feel confident. Generous sole flaring stabilizes the landing even more, and some rubber wraps up from the outsole to the inner side of the wave to further integrate stability medially.

The upper has overlays throughout the heel and midfoot which provides excellent structure to keep your foot locked. The waves and mild rocker also do a nice job of providing some guidance to roll you forward and stop any sort of lateral motion.

As the flat foot runner of the team, the past Horizon really made me rethink about what I needed as far as stability, and the latest Horizon - which gets a little softer while maintaining the same components - highlights that this unique combination of design elements can work extremely well. I didn't find any of the elements intrusive to my foot, which is fairly rare when it comes to full stability footwear for me. If you are a new runner who wants a very stable shoe to get begin with, this is a very safe space to start in.


THOUGHTS AS A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY/ FOOTWEAR SCIENCE

Deconstructing the Wave Horizon 6
By Senior Contributor David Salas

When we talk about stability, there are so many elements that can contribute to what feels "stable" underfoot. The Horizon series has always challenged this concoction by trying to integrate a lot of these pieces in a single running shoe. For the Horizon 6, they do a few things to develop stability and guidance. The first thing they do is use the path of least resistance to help with providing some guidance and support during the stance phases of the gait cycle. The soft Enerzy Core midsole moves through the midline and lateral aspect of the shoe and gives some inherent pathway for the foot to follow. When this is coupled with the Ufic midsole, as a cradle along the whole foot with a medially biased presence, the shoe gets a nice guidance effect. The shoe also uses a Structured Wave to further drive this home. The top portion of the midsole and guidance walls is a rubberized foam to provide more structure to the shoe and platform while still allowing the foot to do what it needs to do. The wide cross sectional area underfoot combined with the full contact outsole also provide a very grounded and solid platform to stand on or run in. I believe the future of stability lies in these small adjustments and fine details and Mizuno and some other companies are beginning to look at these more and more. I'm excited to see where this path of guidance and underfoot stability takes us.

Stability for Flat Feet Runners
By Chief Editor Matt Klein

The Wave Horizon series has been a favorite of the team thanks to how well it seems to work for a variety of people. Although the industry is moving away from more traditional methods of stability, like posting (which the Horizon 6 does use, but integrates well), many of these methods can still be a challenge for those with flat feet. We often hear from our readers and listeners who have flat feet trying to find shoes that provide stability without an aggressively high arch as part of that. The high arch does work for some people, but not everyone. Additionally, many shoes have stability methods in the midsole that sit up against the foot. Sidewalls are a common method that works extremely well for someone like me who doesn't find them obtrusive. However, those with flatter feet do not always like this (some do). The Horizon 6 has several methods of stability in the midsole, but they sit lower in the sole than many other shoes. Combined with a lower arch, this will accommodate a wider variety of arch shapes. While the research has been clear that arch shape is not a valid method of determining stability needs in regards to injury prevention (Knapik et al., 2014), it may influence perceived comfort. I am NOT advocating that all shoes have a low arch, but having a variety of heights creates greater accessibility for those with different foot shapes.

References


Knapik, J. J., Trone, D. W., Tchandja, J., & Jones, B. H. (2014). Injury-reduction effectiveness of prescribing running shoes on the basis of foot arch height: summary of military investigations. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy44(10), 805-812.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 continues to improve as a well-integrated stability shoe. I have enjoyed using it for mileage and despite the heavier weight have put more miles than I usually do on most shoes. There are a few things that I would like to recommend to continue to improve this. While there is a posterior lateral heel bevel, I would like to see this be a little larger due to the stiffness of the sole. It is in a great spot, but could be increased slightly to smoothen out the heel transition. While I like firmer rides, the midsole is just a hair firmer than I would expect for an >11 oz 38mm/30 mm stack height. I would encourage Mizuno to either soften the ride slightly or see if they can lower the weight to under 11 oz. Or potentially do both. Mizuno is typically known for their shoes being on the lighter end (especially the Rider series), but I have found the recent iterations of the Inspire and Horizon to still be heavier than other shoes in their categories. The responsive Mizuno Enerzy Core may shine brighter if the weight drops and if the sole was softened a little. To not impede on the Inspire's space, I would encourage Mizuno to work on dropping the weights of both shoes to get back to their roots of being on the lighter end for their respective categories. 

David: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is definitely one my favorite stability shoes this year but does need a couple of small tweaks. For me the upper is very comfortable and well done, but the tongue could use just a little bit of padding. When I lock down a shoe with this much going on I always try to lace rather tight to make sure there is no slippage. The shoe locks down fine but the tongue is a little thin to take the lacing mentioned above. The shoe could probably be rounded off at the heel a tad better as well. I didn't have too many problems there per se but could notice the initial contact at the heel could be a tad smoother for how rigid and high up the rest of the platform feels. The forefoot makes up for a lot of this. 

Nathan: I'm thankful for the thoughtful design of the Horizon 6 and suiting those who have some needs for stability. A few adjustments I'd consider are minor but could make a big difference. Regarding the upper, I'd consider lessening the taper near the toes and increasing the gusset so the tongue is slightly more secure, while maybe adding just a touch of tongue padding. Underfoot, I'd love to see the forefoot become a bit more flexible and the heel be more beveled (with a lateral bias) given the wider platform. It would also be great to see this shoe drop below 11oz.

Bach: The biggest change I see in the Horizon is continue working towards adding - or removing - elements that can help improve the ride for longer mileage. It may be adding a touch more rocker to help the shoe propel forward more, adding flexibility, or finding ways to continue cutting the weight down to help reduce fatigue late in a run and really provide more versatility to the shoe. As Nathan mentioned, a slightly more aggressive bevel may help the ride further, although for walking I think the shoe is in a good place and more bevel may impact that. Finally, because it's already a bit of a premium shoe, I'd love Mizuno to give further thought to the insole and look towards adding more comfort there to enhance the top layer feeling. The Horizon certainly does not have to be a do-it-all trainer, but it would be really interesting to get more of a premium feel from it. The insole is often forgotten and an interesting space to play with here.

Looking for more? Visit David Salas video review of the Wave Horizon 6 here.

WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR


Matt: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a firmer, max stack height, durable stability shoe for those wanting a supportive shoe that is not obtrusive. The fit is secure and fairly normal in width, with a little bit of snugness in the heel and midfoot. The ride underneath is firm but has some bounce, creating more inherent stability with the wider shape. The heel is a bit clunky until the pace of the run normalizes, but this is offset by mild flexibility in the forefoot, the forefoot rocker and lower drop. The stability comes from an incredible number of areas, including the wider shape, support from the medial upper, the asymmetrical placement of the two foams (u4ic and Enerzy Core), the wider fit and additional reinforcement from the outsole rubber on the medial side. This provides more medial stability than previous, but in a that helps guide you forward without pushing too much into the foot. Continuing to be a durable tank, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is best for those looking for a shoe to knock out easy runs in a premium way.

David: The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 is a maximum cushioning and stability shoe for those that want a shoe with some guidance underfoot without traditional posting. The shoe does a great job of keeping the foot feel grounded and centered with plenty of cushioning underfoot. The shoe certainly leans on the heavier end being at 11.2 ounces so this will be for those that don't mind a little weight on their daily trainers. Overall a very well done shoe that has pretty natural transitions throughout and good stability elements throughout as well. 

Nathan: The Horizon 6 is a high guidance and max stability shoe that is highly durable and consistent in ride. It provides a lot of guidance without being obtrusive on the foot and will suit a wide variety of runners with varying stability needs (from stable neutral to high stability). This is a shoe for someone looking for a durable and premium stability shoe that has a relatively traditional ride and isn't looking for something for picking up the pace.

Bach: For anyone looking for a stability shoe that is less focused on magnifying parts of foot (like posting) or on guidance, this is one of the best options in the market today. The ride is much improved all-around and will log many, many miles thanks to its durable design. For folks looking to combine this shoe with a performance trainer, the Rebellion from Mizuno would be a great option. It is a firm ride, but highly stable for a neutral shoe and is fantastic for fast miles.




GRADING

Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable slightly snug upper with stretch in the forefoot.)
Performance:
B+ (Heavy and firm but bouncy as the shoe breaks in. Best for easy mileage)
Stability: A [Moderate to Max Stability] (Multiple methods of stability integrated extremely well without being obtrusive. Still has higher level stability shoe with only mild posting but definite medial support)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Excellent design of stability. Heel bevel could be a tad larger for heel transitions, but in the perfect spot)
Personal: A- (Excellent shoe for easy days when you are beat up. I keep reaching for it, but the weight limits its use to easy days.)
Overall: A-

David
Fit: A- (Dimensions throughout are really good, though the tongue could be padded more.)
Performance:
B+/A- (Very smooth transitions throughout, heel could be cleaned up a tad, weight still impacts the performance to some degree I believe)
Stability: A (Stability elements very well integrated and does a great job of keeping you feel centered and grounded)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Rationale for grade)
Personal: A- (I really enjoy the Wave Horizon 6 for my easy days but the weight is deterring for longer runs personally)
Overall: A- (An excellent option in the premium trainer category using guidance and modern stability)

Nathan

Fit: B+ (Very comfortable upper, could do with a bit of padding in tongue, less taper, and more gusset)
Performance:
B+ (Very consistent, a bit clunky in the heel and could maybe use more flex in forefoot)
Stability: A/A+ (One of the most versatile high stability shoes out there)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Utilized outsole, geometry, and multiple density orientation to create stability)
Personal: B+/A- (Wonderful for easy miles, occasionally felt clunky, didn't have many issues with weight)
Overall: B+/A- 
  
Bach
Fit: A- (Ultimately true to size, very comfortable, breathable upper)
Performance: B+
(Loses a little points for versatility and extra long run potential due to weight, but ultimately a fantastic daily mileage eater)
Stability: A (One of the most accommodating stability shoes in the market)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Excellent use of stability elements while finding ways to incorporate a softer foam)
Personal: A- (One of my most reliable shoes for daily miles, an easy go-to for me when I just want a safe bet)
Overall: A- (Put together, a high quality stability trainer that importantly will work for perhaps the largest range of runners in the market thanks to its design)


SHOP | SUPPORT DOR

Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse

*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!

Check out Gear We Love
Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Huma Chia GelNatural and goes down easy. Powered Contributor Nathan Brown to his marathon
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!


FURTHER READING

Saucony Ride 15 - The Ride 15 gets a huge update with a bigger stack that still manages its stable neutral identity
Topo Specter - An all-new Pebax performance trainer from Topo Athletics
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 - The latest update to the React Infinity dials in all the elements
Asics Noosa Tri 14 - The latest update to the coloful, ultra comfortable workout trainer
Saucony Tempus - Superfoamed stability!?
Saysky Apparel Review - Dannish street styling meets performance running apparel

Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.

Thanks for reading!

FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running

Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.

***Disclaimer: These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review.  We thank the people at Mizuno for sending us a pair.  This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We systematically put each type of shoe through certain runs prior to review. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). For racing flats we ensure that we have completed intervals, a tempo or steady state run as well as a warm-up and cool down in each pair prior to review. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.

Please feel free to reach out, comment and ask questions!
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com

NEXT:
Topo Specter
// ]]>