Mizuno’s Wave Ascend is the most comfortable and versatile trail running shoe I have ever used. It is a great choice for short and long distances on a variety of terrain such as rocks and mud. Is it the right shoe for you? Check out my review to find out.
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| happy feet |
Facts
The Wave Ascend weighs 11.4 oz, comes in a few eye catching colors and is designed to have a low stance that helps you feel connected to the trail. They have a snug fit with just enough room in the toe box. The treads are very aggressive like an off road tire and the toe cap is designed to provide good protection. According to Mizuno, the Wave Ascend is also full of technological innovations like “Wave Technology”, “Smoothride Engineering” and a “Dynamotion Fit”. These are great marketing terms but what do they mean? Based on my experience, it means that the shoe is designed to handle tough terrain and provide a smooth ride.
My Experience
I have subjected the Wave Ascends to the 7 Sisters Trail Race, the Warrior Dash , and countless 2-13 mile training runs in diverse conditions. Throughout all of this I have been extremely impressed with the high level of comfort, support and traction that the Wave Ascends provided. I can run up rock slabs or through mud with the confidence that my shoes won’t slip. I should note that I also added Superfeet Green insoles for even better support.
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| At the 7 Sisters mid point in my Mizuno Wave Ascends |
My feet feel extremely comfortable in these shoes after hours of running yet the Wave Ascends are still light enough for speed workouts; not many trail runners offer that kind of versatility. The Wave Ascends is best suited to the trail and I would not recommend using them on the road. The only notable defect is that the Wave Ascend toe cap tends to separate from the shoe after prolonged abuse. However I easily corrected this with shoe glue and it is no longer a problem.
I have used many trail runners from Saucony, New Balance, Ascics and the North Face; none of these can match the Wave Ascend’s comfort and versatility. I highly recommend the Mizuno Wave Ascend if you are in the market for a supportive trail runner.
Mizuno has given New England Outside no incentive to write this review.
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Ryan Linn
I've had my eyes on these for a little while now. A lot of PCT hikers loved the Mizunos, and a local running store near me carries the Wave… maybe when I run out of my current stash of New Balances I got at the outlet stores I should test out something new.
sbrt
Hey up!
I found your blog via Hendriks http://www.hikinginfinland.com/2011/09/week-in-review_18.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hikinginfinland%2FHApk+%28Hiking+in+Finland%29
I have not tried The Ascends But I am a big fan of Wave Harriers. They are good in the mud and great all-rounders for UK conditions
Grant
Ryan – That is cool that these are so popular on the PCT, I can certainly see why! I used to run NBs. Do you find that they seem to wear out very fast? mine always did. I should note that Mizuno just came out with a new version of the ascend so the old version can be snagged cheaply now.
SBRT- Welcome to New England Outside. Hendrik is one of the best outdoor bloggers out there! Mizuno seems to have a range of models that can handle mud. It seems that Mizuno runners are pretty loyal to the brand.
Ryan Linn
I guess I can't say for certain if my NB's wear out faster than other sneakers. On the PCT I used Montrail Mountain Masochists, and one pair of Vasque Breeze. My NBs' soles were too soft for the gravely trails out west, so my feet got torn up until I switched to the Montrails and Vasques. I usually get around 400 or 500 miles per pair, though, regardless of brand. I think next spring I'll try out the mizunos if I can find a pair on the cheap.