Product Review: Mizuno Running Shoes Wave Nirvana

I consider myself to be an avid jogger. I am not particularly fast, but I'm not the slowest woman pounding the pavement, either. Come rain or shine, wind or stagnant air, iced-over sidewalks or deliriously hot temperatures, I will at least shuffle along in hopes of elevating my heart rate and shedding a few calories. Whatever your fitness regime may be, good shoes provide the foundation for an injury-free workout. I've tried out countless running shoes over the years - Nike, Adidas, Saucony, and Asics, among others - and for the past four years, have been a Mizuno devotee.

A chiseled young clerk at the local running shop recommended I try on a pair of Mizuno running shoes, as he had found happiness with them. I took his advice and purchased the Wave Inspire, thus entering into a relationship with a shoe brand about which I knew nothing. A little scary, yes, but I tend to trust marathoners for shoe advice. I had worn through Asics and Nike, but never felt compelled to stick with a particular model or brand. That changed with Mizuno. What I like about Mizuno, whether the Inspire or another model, is that the shoe is neither too soft nor too stiff. I've found Adidas to be too cushy for my liking, Nike a bit too tapered. Mizuno is the glass slipper, fitting perfectly around my feet.

I upgraded to the Mizuno Wave Nirvana last October, as my then current model, the Inspire, had been discontinued. I had a moment of silence; my many pairs of Inspires had served me well over the years. I went so far as to try other brands, eventually taking home a pair of Brooks. But those shoes didn't feel as good, so I returned them and went back to test some other options. Somewhat reluctantly, I tried on the Nirvana, wary of its substantial price increase and wondering if this recreational jogger really deserved to enter a new price bracket ($125, yikes!). As a slideshow of injuries and ailments, hobbling walkers and back problems funneled through my mind, I came to the decision that, yes, good shoes are worth it. They felt good the moment my feet slid into them - so good, I didn't even need to spring for better insoles.

With a Roadrunner Sports membership purchased seven months earlier, I was able to knock about $15 off the shoe price. $100+ is more than I care to spend on anything. But seven months later and lotta miles logged, these shoes still feel fantastic. Supportive, especially around the arch, a nice spring in the step. And, unlike my Inspires, the inner lining of these shoes has not worn through at the heel. The longer lifespan merits the price, in my opinion. The bottom line? Give Mizunos a try.