In the meantime, we have another big round-up for you this month, starting with a brand new discussion feature we're slowly rolling out about our experiences in Mizuno's Wave Rider 25. Let us know on our social media what you think of the format and questions you'd like to see our Doctors discuss!
Bach: I remember thinking the first time I went on a run in the Wave Rider 25: "oh, this is a very soft forefoot." The Enerzy being incorporated full-length really delivered what people thought it would; a satisfyingly soft throughout shoe with a lot of inherent stability thanks to their signature plate. What I maybe was not expecting was how flexible this forefoot would be, which is something I really noticed over the 100 miles. I don't know if you've experienced any similar daily trainers Matt, but I can't think of one that really had the amount of flexibility in the forefoot and stability in the heel for everyday running like the Wave Rider 25.
Matt: To echo your comments, I was very surprised on my first run in the Wave Rider 25 at how flexible the forefoot was. I haven't experienced that much flexibility up front in a long time, maybe ever. This has maintained over the +100 miles of use I have on my pair. The MIZUNO ENERZY foam has only slightly firmed up, but the flexibility has remained. This is nice as the shoe breaks in because it feels like it gets more stable the more I run in it. The Wave Plate obviously stabilizes the heel and midfoot very well as usually, but the forefoot was very interesting. Anyone who wears this shoe needs to have very good mobility of their toes. I actually enjoyed it as this was a nice break from rigid forefoot designs of so many shoes with plates, but I often like a little more flexibility for training miles. However, this and the softer MIZUNO ENERZY does make this shoe more of a trainer. Previous versions I could do workouts in, the Rider 25 I cannot. It isn't snappy or fast, but it is great for daily training and getting miles in.
Bach: From a personal perspective, forefoot flexibility isn't my cup of tea usually. I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum and prefer a slightly more rigid forefoot for my daily runs. That being said, once you get out on the road with the Rider miles just get eaten up. The majority of my miles in the Rider have been easy runs and many long runs. I really liked the softness of the forefoot and how the wave plate in the heel helped keep my midfoot feeling stable as I get tired.
One other thing regarding the Enerzy foam: the 25's softness in the forefoot also doesn't really lend itself to workouts. I had a lot of trouble really picking it up the pace comfortably for anything outside of strides. This was a gentle cruiser that is best at eating up miles and less about workouts or intense races. For most people, it'll still likely cover the vast majority of the things you need done in your running without issue
How did you feel about the wear of the Wave Rider? I'm interested in seeing if our experiences differed at all.
Matt: I was nervous with the softer sole, but have very little wear on the outsole of both shoes. This was surprising to me given how hard I am on shoes. Even the exposed midsole in the midfoot is doing fairly well. Like I mentioned, the MIZUNO ENERZY has firmed up just a little, but continues to provide a fairly consistent ride over the miles. I expect an above average number of miles out of these based on how they are progressing.
Bach: It's a bit difficult to see with the blue patterned outsole, but from what I'm seeing there's very little wear on my pair as far as the rubber goes. Through the middle of the shoe there is a bit of exposed midsole wrapping around the rubber outsole that's shown a bit of wear, but nothing concerning. I think the Wave Rider will last plenty of miles beyond 100 if you are someone who typically don't bruise your outsoles. I agree that it has firmed up slightly, but still feels soft in general. Out of all of Mizuno's shoes I've tried, it's been the most consistent out of the box and across 100 miles, not getting better or worse. Just a reliable ride.
The last thing I have to say is that it's a very comfortable shoe to wear daily. The Enerzy is soft and the fit in general has some comfortable room in the forefoot which is nice for running around doing errands or if you are on your feet all day. The wave plate provides plenty of support which is nice during a long day on your feet.
Shop the Wave Rider 25 at Running Warehouse here.
LATEST REVIEWS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
Daily Trainer
Hoka One One Bondi X - See what happens when you take the biggest stack daily trainer in the game and stick a carbon fiber plate in it
Puma Magnify Nitro - Puma continues to release fantastic offerings through its new Nitro line, this time with a fun max cushioned offering
Saucony Triumph 19 - Saucony magically shaves an ounce of their latest Triumph to make their max cushion lean and mean
New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 - A surprisingly wonderful max cushion offering out of New Balance with a great roll and ample comfort
Adidas Adizero Adios 6 - Lightstrike Pro injected into the forefoot offers a dynamically spicy ride
Trail
VJ Ultra - Featuring "the Best Grip on the Planet," the VJ Ultra is a higher stacked offering from the obstacle trail racing brand built for long miles
Racing
Adios Adizero Adios Pro 2 - A huge refinement over their first model aimed at dialing in all aspects of the shoe. One of our favorite marathon shoes right now
LATEST UPDATED REVIEWS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
Hoka Clifton 8 Update by Contributor David Salas
"The HOKA Clifton 8 is a daily training option in the neutral category
for someone looking for a cushioned neutral ride. The shoe is very
lightweight for the amount of cushioning it provides and also provides a
great rocker throughout. The heel security isn't great but if someone
does not need much stability or security in that region the shoe should
do well. The sole is on the stiffer end but the rocker does great with
transitions. This is a neutral daily training option that will work as a
workhorse. "
Asics Kayano 28 Update by Guest Reviewer Ryan Flugaur (7/20)
Guest reviewer Ryan Flugaur stops in with his second review for DOR! Here's Ryan on the stability of the Kayano 28:
"ASICS does a great job making the Kayano 28 a moderately stable shoe. I
say moderately stable because the different sections of the shoe have
very different levels of stability. The heel to midfoot is very
structured and provides a high level of guidance while the forefoot is
soft and very flexible. So depending on where you need guidance, this
shoe may be a good option. ASICS provides this stability through a
variety of measures. These include: the internal and external heel
counter, the DUOMAX posting, the full contact outsole, and the trusstic
system.
By combining these guidance systems, not one feels
overpowering and they work well together to provide the support needed.
The DUOMAX post is barely noticeable while the trusstic system is a bit
more stiff providing more rigidity in the midfoot. Being a heel
striker, I definitely noticed landing on the stiffer heel as I
transitioned to the softer midfoot. This is due to stability from the
external and internal heel counters. This led the heel to feel too
secure for my foot and I was able to feel the medial side of the
external heel counter on occasion. For runners needing rear to midfoot
stability, this is a good option, where those who need some guidance
through the forefoot may need to look elsewhere." - Ryan
New Balance Rebel V2 Update by Contributor Nathan Brown (7/28)
Here's Nathan on the overall quality of the Rebel during his testing:
"The Rebel 2 is for people who have stable mechanics and love the new midsole feel, namely soft, lightweight, and bouncy. This shoe might check those three boxes better than any other shoe that came out this year. The Rebel 2 can both do as advertised and help you nail your speed days and workouts, but also bounce along comfortably for easy days. This shoe is flexible, so if you want a bit of ground feel and enjoy flexibility through the forefoot, this is a solid option." - Nathan
Adidas Boston 10 Review Update by Contributor Nathan Brown (7/28)
Here's a preview of his thoughts on the ride:
"Let's get two things out of the way. 1. This is one of the most firm shoes that I've tested this year. and 2. It's also my current go-to trainer. There is a dual density midsole. The lower layer, and bulk of the shoe, is Lightstrike EVA. If you haven't ran in Lightsrike before, it's a very firm compound. It doesn't give pop or bounce, or really any soft sensation, it's just kinda "there". A benefit of this is that it really allows the geometric shaping to do it's work. For those who want a soft shoe, this isn't it. But for those who like firmer shoes, like myself and Matt, the Lightstrike provides a platform that, again, allows the shaping of the shoe to do it's work (more on that later)." - Nathan
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review Update by Contributor Nathan Brown (7/28)
Here's his thoughts on the Pro 2 for specific runners:
"The Endorphin Pro 2 is for those looking for an efficient, smooth, slightly firmer, and rolling marathon racer. It is very protective over long miles and leaves legs feeling fresh. The 8mm drop and firmer foam lead to less calf demand compared to some other racers out there and can be a good option for those with calf/achilles issues." - Nathan
LATEST VIDEOS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
NEW: Adidas Boston 10 Revisited
Adidas Boston 10 Review w/ Comparisons
Adidas Running Shoes 2021: Adizero Line
New Balance FuelCell Rebel 2 Review
Skechers GoRun MaxRoad 5 Review
PODCAST
NEW: Episode 51: Doctors of Running Mailbag, Part 2
Episode 50: Doctors of Running Viewer Q&A
Note: Links provided are Affiliate links to Running Warehouse.
These links help support Doctors of Running if you are interested in making a purchase! Thanks so much.
Release: Available now at Asics.com, $100
The Dynablast was Asics' more subdued take on their incredibly popular Novablast in 2020. The shoe features their next gen Flytefoam Blast in a lower stack, more traditional shaped package. Version 10 makes a key midsole change, dialing the shoe from 10 to 8 mm stack height which helps modernize the shoe with other daily trainers today. At $100, this may be one of the best budget trainers in the market today.
Release: Available now | Shop Running Warehouse, $160
Editor Matt Klein's favorite stability shoe of 2020 returns with some minor updates to the upper in version two. The Kayano Lite series revisits the long running Kayano stability shoe, utilizing sustainable materials in the upper and opting for a geometric method of stability. The latest version puts a couple of touches in the heel and tongue to improve fit, but ultimately keeps the general formula that made version one a solid revision of the Kayano line.
On Cloudstratus 2021
Release: Coming Soon
The Cloudstratus returns with an all new update. The brand continues their push towards sustainability with a new upper. Details are sparse so far on the latest update, but from first run feel the foam underneath is a bit softer than other On shoes we've tried. Excited to learn more about the functional changes and get more miles. On tends to be a bit underrated, but has quietly impressed us over the past year.
SCIENCE FRIDAY ROUND-UP
Each Friday on our Instagram and Facebook we are excited to be sharing different discussions on shoe science between our team members and down the line with members of the running community.
80/20 Rule and Shoe Rotation, By Guest Reviewer Andrea Myers
Why Do Running Shoes Have So Many Drops?, By DOR Editorial Team
The Function of Plates | Shoes Are Tools, By Matt Klein
COMING SOON
August is bringing in some fire with our review of the Skechers Speed Freek along with a big offering out of Atlanta. We also our in stability season with several favorites from 2020 hitting the road currently by our review team. Finally the gang's back as we bring the team in for more new podcast as we boot up for Season Two of the Virtual Roundtable. Tune in to our social media for all the latest!Strava Club: Doctors of Running
Twitter: @doctorsrunning
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
SHOP RUNNING WAREHOUSE
Shop gear we love right now:
Rabbit Running Clothes: Incredibly soft, high quality clothing for your next run
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Coros Pace 2 Watch: Excellent watch for various running goals and a massive battery life
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
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