Running and Laughing through the Garden State
The next shoe up from the Saucony Endorphin Collection is the Saucony Endorphin Shift. Of the three models in the Saucony Endorphin collection, the Saucony Endorphin is made for training. It’s most similar to an already staple shoe from Saucony: The Ride 13.
The Hoka Clifton Edge is a brand new shoe from Hoka One One. It’s called the “Hoka Clifton Edge,” not just the “Hoka Edge” because it is a version of the Hoka Clifton. Usually, 2-3 shoes a year impress me on my first run, and I think: this is a good shoe. The Hoka Clifton Edge is one of them.
According to Hoka, the Hoka Clifton Edge is a culmination of all of Hoka’s technology to date. The foam offers a lightweight springy, responsive cushioning, and ride.
The Hoka Clifton Edge has a unique look to it. It’s got an extended heel, which leads to a smooth transition. The extended heel is the first thing you notice.
As many people know, Altra Running Shoes are a zero drop brand. That means the heel and forefront are the same height from the ground. It’s a type of shoe runners either work well with or don’t. Over the past few years, the Altra Torin has been one of Altra’s most popular models for the roads.
Saucony Peregrine 10 Shoe Review
I won’t lie; the word “Peregrine” has been a bear for me to remember how to spell. Nothing to do with the shoe, but I think I’ve misspelled it 99.9% of the time I’ve typed it out. Anyway, the Saucony Peregrine 10, however, is a good trail shoe.
I haven’t found a Mizuno shoe I’ve liked as much as the Mizuno Wave Engima in quite some time. A few weeks ago, I went for a group run with our Mizuno rep and he let me run a few miles in the Mizuno Wave Sky 3. I couldn’t believe how much I liked them and it was a shoe I was looking for. A high cushioned, neutral trainer, that could take the pounding of easy runs.
While I’m familiar with the previous versions of the Mizuno Wave Sky, I haven’t run any significant mileage in them.
The Mizuno Wave Sky 3 is different from traditional Mizuno models like the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire. The Mizuno Wave Sky 3 lacks the Mizuno Wave Plate and I’ll get into that later.
Weight: 9.3 oz
Drop: 10 mm
Mizuno has gone to the “Waveknit” upper in many of its models. I reviewed the Waveknit R2 and Waveknit R3 (the Mizuno Wave Rider but a different upper).
The Waveknit upper in the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 makes the shoe fit and feel different. The knit construction gives the shoe a lightweight structure and a more streamlined fit. It doesn’t feel constricting but allows the foot to breathe. According to Mizuno, the waveknit upper construction provides a comfortable fit with natural movement. It does feel slightly tighter than the traditional upper and I typically recommend going up a half size.
The Waveknit Upper uses an open-knit pattern, which allows sweat to evaporate. With the removal of a few overlays and the Waveknit mesh upper, it’s about .2 ounces lighter.
Fit wise; the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 fits fairly true to size. From time to time, a Mizuno shoe is too narrow for my foot. In running shoes, I wear anything from a women’s size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 11 to fit perfectly.
The Mizuno Wave Sky 3 uses a brand new cushioning that removes the “Wave Plate” altogether. What is the Wave Plate? Why does it matter?
Mizuno’s Wave Plate is in almost all of their shoes. It’s a thin, rigid piece of plastic between the layers of the midsole. It’s what gives Mizuno shoes that firm but smooth transition while running.
Without the Wave Plate in the Mizuno Wave Sky 3, the shoe is much softer and plush experience. So if the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 doesn’t use the traditional wave plate, what does it use?
The new midsole of the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 uses a combination of XPop PU Foam and Mizuno u4icX midsole (Mizuno foam wave that delivers a softer underfoot feeling).
Another component I appreciate of the Mizuno Wave Sky 3, is the durable carbon rubber outsole. The first run I did in the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 was in the torrential pouring rain and I didn’t feel like I was sliding at all.
I’ve done a few different types of runs in the Mizuno Wave Sky 3, including speedwork, long runs, and easy runs and I’ve found it to be best for easy runs.
I am pleasantly surprised by the Mizuno Wave Sky 3 and I will continue to wear it until I’ve used the life up. The Mizuno Wave Sky 3 has quickly become one of my favorite shoes and I appreciate the cushion for easy runs days.
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Reebok Run fast Pro
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Mizuno before?
What is your favorite running shoe?