Mizuno Wave Elixir 3 Review
After running in the Elixir 3, I feel like I’ve found the shoes that will allow me to get a leg up on the competition. I really don’t want my competition to get faster but what kind of competitor would I be if I didn’t desire an equal playing field for all.
I already use the original Elixirs but this update takes the shoes to a new level. I’ve provided all of my reasons for loving the shoes below so if you decide to take my advice, I welcome you to the world of speed.
The Elixir 3 will be my new racing shoe for distances from 5 km to 21 km, but I’ll switch over to the Mizuno Nirvana 4 for longer distances (marathons) due to my slower pace at those races. However, I’m sure you crazy fast runners out there can use the Elixir 3 for all distances.
Ten reasons why I love the Mizuno Elixir 3’s
1. Extremely Light.
Ø 9.5 oz for the men’s version, 7.9 oz for the women’s version.
2. Colour scheme.
Ø The men’s version comes in white, black, red, with a touch of silver and yellow. It perfectly matches the Running Free racing colours.
3. Secure heel fit. Improved over the previous versions of the Elixir.
Ø Largely due to the new Dynamotion Fit technology (see technology section below for more details).
4. Extremely breathable.
Ø The very “airy” Airmesh upper provides tons of cooling despite the absence of Mizuno’s Intercool system. It is most breathable upper I’ve ever seen.
5. More cushioned feel.
Ø The wave plate is placed right in between the foam, unlike previous versions of the Elixir where the wave plate was positioned closer to the sole of the shoe for closer contact with the ground.
6. New G3 Sole.
Ø Very funky and very light. One look and you’ll know that this section of the shoe was designed for speed on the roads. There is more than enough traction for the roads but off-road use is not recommended.
7. Overall feel and comfort.
Ø As soon as I put it on it just felt right. It was soft on the feet, it felt perfectly cushioned, roomy and I didn’t feel any interior seams. Much like the seamless feel of the Pearl Izumi shoes.
8. Responsive and smooth transition.
Ø Movement felt unrestricted and smooth. Even though I should be running in motion controlled shoes (the Elixir 3 is a support/performance shoe for neutral to mild overpronators), I prefer a less intrusive feel/correction in my race shoes since my gait and foot contact is much different than when I am out doing training runs at a slower pace.
9. Fast.
Ø My first run in the Elixir 3 was an easy 5 km aerobic run (150 hr) that I did ended up doing in 24 minutes. This may not sound especially speedy to the gazelles out there but it was fast by my standards since I would normally complete a run at that intensity at around 25 to 27 minutes. Maybe it was my excitement in trying out the shoes for first time, but times do not lie.
10. Nicely priced for a shoe of this high caliber/category.
Ø Falling into the same category as shoes such as the Asics DS Trainer (my former favorite racing shoe), all of the above makes the Elixirs the better shoes. If I had unlimited funds, I would probably run in these everyday. But right now I’ve reserved them for racing only.
Here is a list of the Mizuno technology used in the Elixir 3.
Mizuno Wave – SmoothRide Engineered, Composite Double Fan Wave provides the perfect blend of support and cushioning in a low-profile, lightweight package.
Smoothride – Engineering approach to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition, creating the smoothest ride possible.
AP Mid Sole – Lightweight, responsive, yet durable cushioning copolymer.
X-10 – The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike.
G3 Sole – Combination solid rubber/blown rubber forefoot outsole design for cushioning, flexibility, and durability.
Dynamotion Fit – The next generation of design technology to maximize fit and performance in athletic footwear. By extensive study of the foot in motion, Mizuno discovered that traditional footwear distorts in the collar and heel during the gait cycle resulting in heel slippage and a poor fit. Dynamotion Fit relieves the stress the foot naturally places on footwear – eliminating distortion for a perfect fit.
I am a moderate to strong over-pronator with med to low arch (178 lbs). Recently I am looking for a light shoe suited for a marathon (in approx. 3hours) and some shorter speed runs. On the list I have adidas adizero tempo, asics ds 13 and this promising mizuno elixir 3. I was trying the Asics ds 13 but it felt a bit too soft for my taste and the pronation could have been slightly less. So I just wonder if this Mizuno provides more stability?
Sounds like you have the same foot type like me. Since you run your marathons faster than me I would think that the Elixirs would work nicely for you.
Have you run in Mizuno’s before?
They have a different feel than other shoes that use the stiffer “grey glob” in the medial post area to limit pronation. Their shoes tend not to over-correct what your feet may be doing but working with your natural foot strike, etc. Provided that they work for you you will be a convert.
For me they provide the right amount of stability when I’m racing or training at faster speeds. Maybe if I used them for training 100% of the time I’d be faster??? Hmmmmm…..
Thanks for your answer. No, I never had mizuno before, but what you say sounds promising and I will try the elixir 3. And if i like them I will also think about the wave nirvana 4 for long and calm runs..
They dont have these shoes where I live so I have to order them over the net, what is your experience concerning the size? In new balance and adidas I have 12, in asics ds its a 13 , and mizuno I would guess 12.5 to be on the save side…
<p><p>As a comparison, the Nirvana 4 falls in the same category as the Kayano but they are different.</p><br />
<p>For me sizing has remained consistent (I’ve run in same size in adidas, asics and mizuno). It was suggested to me that I should go a 1/2 size larger with the Elixir 3 but I stayed with my regular size and I was fine and very happy with my choice.</p> Check with the staff here at Running Free to see if they can get those shoes for you.</p> Running Free – Markham. Phone. 416.410.FREE [416.410.3733]. Email. markham@runningfree.com
Good luck with it. I’m sure you will be happy once you run in them.
Hi,
After doing lots of reading up, and enjoying my running less in heavily cushioned shoes, I am moving to racers/lightweights. I’ve owned and liked Mizuno shoes in the past, but that was a pair of Inspires. I really want to go as light as possible this time! I’ve tried a couple of other brands’ shoes, but really miss the sense of being in touch with the road that Mizuno’s give you. (A pair of heavily cushioned NB 1062s was the low point).
What I would be really grateful for would be any advice on the pros and cons of the Elixirs Vs the Idaten –I midfoot strike if that makes any difference and I’m trying to implement Chi running techniques.
Thanks
Phil
(London UK)