Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 Reiew:

Over the past two years, I have tried two different brands of shoes to suit my needs in the lightweight
performance trainer category.  First I tried the Asics DS Trainer in 2006 and moved onto the New
Balance 902 in 2007.  The Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 was the first pair of Mizuno's that I have owned.

The NB 902 and the DS Trainer were comparable and I had high opinions of both shoes.  The
Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 has a much different feel than either of those shoes.

The top of the shoe features a mesh upper lining, which I find quite comfortable.  This also helps
keep the shoe cool and gives it more breath ability and comfort.

The Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 is lightweight (9.9 oz) and built low to the ground.  The shoe is listed as
having a medium height arch.  The first time that I ran in the Elixir, I thought the arch seemed high.  I
always thought that I had a rather medium arch, but perhaps my arch is a tad on the low end. The
second time I test drove the Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 was on a twenty mile run.  At the end of the run, my
arch hurt and I started noticing the discomfort around mile 15.  I continued to wear the Elixir, but kept
it strictly for my tempo/interval days and either I am getting use to the arch or perhaps the arch starts
to wear down after some use?  However, I am at the point now where the arch no longer bothers me.

The interesting part is I just read a review on the Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 in Outside Magazine where
they state "The only bummer?  The Elixir's low arches bother some testers".  Thus, their comments
contradict mine, so try it on for yourself is my only recommendation.

I'm a fairly neutral runner and I felt that the Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 offers adequate support and
cushioning, while still giving you that lightweight and fast feeling.  The Elixir 3 is responsive and what I
love the most about the shoe is the forefoot.  The forefoot gives you the close to the road feel, which
means you get a great push off from the forefoot.  The forefoot feels similar to a racing flat, thus I
feel it would be a great race shoe for individuals who are not comfortable wearing a racing flat.