Thursday, August 29, 2013

My New Favorite Shoe: Mizuno Wave Sayonara



Beast Mode On:
Well just surpassed 350 miles in my Mizuno Wave Sayonaras. First impression, man these look awesome. Upon further examination of the shoe I felt a little skeptical on the durability aspect when I received them as they were the lightest trainer I have used to date.  

First Run:
Release the Kraken!  These shoes are meant to go fast.  The are light, feel open, and have a low to the ground connected feeling.  I ran a 6 miler as my first run in this shoe, and never looked back.  

About My Training:
I am currently training for the 2013 BOA Chicago Marathon.  I have put the Sayonaras through the paces.  I have done just about every single run of my Chicago Marathon training in this shoe.  From easy runs, speed work, and tempo runs; to the epic long runs that define training.  I am not fast, nor am I slow.  I am your average runner for my age.  Speed work is usually intervals in the low to mid 7's totaling around 7-9 miles once a week.  Tempo work is usually 7:30-8:00 pace for around 10 miles once a week.  My long runs have progressed from 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20 milers done at about 8:30 pace once a week. Based on that I don't believe that I was easy on this set of shoes. So you can see that I am dedicated to running a Marathon not just to finish, but to finish strong.

Compared To Previous Shoes:
So far I have not had a single issue with the shoes causing any aches or pains.  My legs feel good except for normal fatigue.  The Sayonaras are wearing as well as any of the other shoes that I have owned by Mizuno. I have been a Mizuno customer since day 1.  I have trained for all of my previous 7 marathons, and numerous half marathons in Mizunos.  From the Wave Creations, Riders, and Precisions, to the current Sayonaras. These are my favorite shoe since the Wave Rider 13's. These shoes do a few things very well.  First, they breath like a champ, During the summer months my feet get hot yes, but very seldom do my shoes get squishy like the heavier trainers in the past.  Secondly, I have run in these things wet, and as long as you have good socks, no issues.  They did not feel heavy when they go wet either, as they did not seem to hold a lot of moisture. Lastly, they protect and cushion your foot very well.  The Sayonaras have a built in wave plate that extends to where the mid-sole starts and the U4ic mid-sole picks up. This wave technology helps to disperse energy as you land.  I like to think that I run pretty light on my feet and in control, and feel the Sayonaras offer a very sufficient amount of protection.  I have run on gravel, dirt, and step on the occasional stick, and have not felt any discomfort. 

Expected Mileage:
I will get 400 to possibly 450+, unless the shoes cushioning system the (wave plate and or U4ic midsole breaks down, but so far so good.  I would say for 350 miles wear and tear is totally normal.  See Photos.  There are some rips or tears developing up towards the toes on the big toe side of both shoes, I do believe that is just from catching them on the other shoe in transition. I think that because the outsides don't have those same rips or tears.  The X-10 rubber sole is holding up superbly.  See the photos attached.

Conclusion:
This shoe is a fantastic shoe if you are a neutral runner, with a good mid-foot or fore foot strike.  I am 6'1" and around 170 lbs.  My comfortable pace is around 8:50 and my speed pace is around 7:00.  Given that info you can develop your own thoughts.  like if your 6'4" and a heavy set heel striker, this may not be your cup of tea.  That being said this is a shoe that needs some consideration when looking into a lightweight, neutral performance trainer.  

Specs and features from Mizuno:
  • Light, low to the ground, versatile–the Wave Sayonara makes everyday a Go Fast day.
  • U4ic midsole provides resiliency and a smooth ride at a fraction of the weight of traditional midsoles.
  • G3 SOLE has lightweight, superior traction, creating a pure connection to the ground.
  • Upper design provides exceptional forefoot hold and assurance at toe-off.
  • Weight 8.1oz mens, 7.1 oz womens.
  • Retail $119.00
Here is what mine look like with 350 miles. All different surfaces.









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