Started running seriously about a year ago. Have tried a wide variety of shoes, which my other varied shoe reviews will attest to. Although I started in more cushioned fare, I quickly went to more minimal shoes looking to gain some speed. At an athletic 6'3" 205lbs I realize I can't keep up with lighter seasoned runners, but do like trying to see where I can get while staying above 200lbs. Sub 22 for 5k so far and hoping to improve that this summer.

Although lighter shoes did help me and I really like low drop shoes, at higher speeds and greater training miles, I feel the pounding. These mizunos aren't built for speed and in this day and age are very heavy in my size 12's. They are however great at reducing shock for larger runners such a myself. I am not a heavy heel striker but catch enough to make use of the wave plate as it is set up in this shoe. Heel to mid foot area is to me very plush and exactly what I was looking for. The forefoot is a little firmer but still nice. Shoe fit true to size and is very well built. Out of the box it was a little stiff but really loosens up in about 10 miles and is very nice at that point.

I picked it up at half off here on Amazon and think it is a nice shoe for that price. I have read other reviews that state lighter runners may not get a lot from this shoe but for me at 205, it was what I was looking for. I would also give it 10-15 miles before you make a judgement as I is initially very stiff but once broken in is a much better shoe. This won't be what I wear for speed work races but being able to cut down on the pounding a few times a week by replacing my lighter shoes with these on about half my runs has help my legs recover more quickly and allowed me to run more. Blue and yellow color looks great as does the open heel look which also really works well to mitigate shock.