20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best minimalist racing flat ever!, October 26, 2009
After running in the Mizuno Wave Universe 3 shoes a few times (2-mile sessions), here's my analysis:
Form:
Because of the white over red mesh, the shoe looks a little "pink". The glittery gold and silver logo on the tongue doesn't help with masculinity either. Anyways, colors aside, this shoe looks and feels great.
Fit:
I have a very low arch and have wide toes. I also like the feel of running barefoot-midfoot landing and toe flex and toe release (Pose/Chi Running style). These requirements eliminate all conventional running shoes. The Wave Universe 3 fits great! It's flat (no arch), level cushioning from forefoot to heel (feet are flat in neutral position with very slight heel lift), and very roomy in the toe box. If you need arch support, just get an insole.
Function:
Feather lightweight (shoes weigh less than the box it comes in), breathable mesh, flexible in forefoot, cushions uniformly from heel to toe (slightly squishy throughout). They're so light and comfortable and breathable, it's easy to forget that I even have these shoes on! As for running barefoot style, these shoes are the best. When running, the cushioning makes me feel like I weigh like a kid half my size. I'm also glad the Universe 3 is a truly neutral shoe that lets your feet move the way they were naturally intended to. I don't get the aches and pains that come from my other shoes (with control/stability/pronation) that "help" me move unnaturally. The almost flat heel also means no ankle instability injuries or heel stomping soreness. My only concern is how long the outsole will last, as the white portion of the outsole is the eva foam itself with no protection. But I'll gladly run these shoes into the ground!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A really fine racing flat and great service from Roadrunner Sports, October 9, 2009
I was very pleased to receive my Mizuno Wave 3 Universe 3 running shoe from Roadrunner Sports within a week after I ordered the shoes from Amazon. It was great service, better than I expected. Better still, the shoes are great. They weigh only 3.8 oz and are highly recommended by Pose Running Dr,. Romanov. It is an ideal shoe for anyone who runs on the forefoot, or mid-foot. It's roomy in the toe box, yet snug at the heel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A strong effort by Mizuno, October 27, 2010
This review is from: Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Running Shoe (Apparel)
This shoe is certainly one of the better ones I've worn lately. Well cushioned and very minimalist, it provides the perfect amount of cushion along the entire length of the shoe, from forefoot to heel, to accommodate any strike pattern (i.e. midfoot, heel, etc.) Also, they prove to be exceptionally light - certainly a benefit when racing longer events such as the 8k XC.
A few things should be pointed out, however. One, though I may run sock-less in all my shoes, the WU3 still seems a bit large, such that my size 11s would probably feel more snug in a 10.5. That said, I do also prefer my shoes to be more of a glove like fit. While on the topic of size, it is probably also important to point out that the shoe, though roomy in the toebox - which is great for that barefoot like feeling - sometimes feels a little to wide, such that my forefoot didn't feel secure and locked down. Again, this may be size related, or a personal preference issue, but in terms of snugness, I like my shoes to basically be form fitting, and this is just a little too spacious for my mid to forefoot striking needs. Nonetheless, the shoe does a great job of holding the heel in place, so there's no worries to be had about the shoe falling off and chafing one's heel.
Colors are not really all that offensive, and the pinkish nature and gold glittery tongue are both hardly noticeable - especially after use in a muddy cross country meet (due to the high amount of asphalt that was also present), the colors become somewhat of a moot point anyway.
In terms of durability, they seem to hold up nicely. The cushioning seems, after 55 miles, nearly as good as when they first arrived at my door. Soles, upper, laces, and interior all seem to hold up to sock-less abuse nicely, too. In short, if there are any durability issues, it's that the exposed foam on the midsole may smooth out rather quickly, but otherwise, the rubber remains firmly attached and whatnot, providing a fair amount of traction.
If it's worth anything, the shoes are certainly worth the price - they are light enough to serve as a great race day shoe, but hold up well enough such that one can do fast speedwork in them - or daily runs, if you find yourself a member of the minimalist ranks. I'm very glad I have them, and look to hold on to them for quite some time - especially after recently coming across a website where a minimalist runner had over 1,000 miles on these, and was still going strong!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
