So why review the Mizuno Nirvana 6 and the Elixir 5 at the same time? The answer is simple; they both nicely complement each other. One can be used for your regular training runs (racing too of course), and the other for racing or speedier workouts.
If you haven’t run in Mizuno’s before, then let me start by describing the overall feel and characteristics of the Mizuno running experience. Mizuno’s running shoes have exceptional heel support, a close to the ground responsive feel, it’s wave technology provides both support and cushioning, and the shoes do not over correct what your naturally feet do. If anything their technologies work to enhance what you do.
The Mizuno Wave Nirvana 6 and the Elixir 5 are both in the Support category (Moderate Over Pronation) and as a diagnosed Severe Overpronator who is “supposed” to be running in Control shoes, made the move over the last 5+ years to stay away from control shoes. Why? These types of shoes are heavier, and when I wear them I just tend to run slower, and with poorer technique – less/none forefoot strike. I won’t get into the heel vs forefoot strike debate here but it is faster and likely better for you (check Chi Running, Pose technique, etc.). I know will likely never be totally forefoot but running in control shoes makes it worse for me and at the least, makes me have a least pronounced heel strike.
Nirvana 6
I totally loved the Nirvana 4 from a few years ago, but the Nirvana 6 is definitely the best shoe update I’ve experienced this year. As soon as I tried it on it was a love at first feel moment. It felt lighter – shoe weight has been trimmed slightly (.3 oz) to 12.6 oz (women’s shoe is 10.5 oz), super comfortable, and a touch of extra cushion. I planned to wear it for my Ironman race and comfort is definitely needed for that run. I immediately took it for a hill repeat workout and its combination of the characteristic Mizuno road responsiveness with its feeling of extra cushion made it an immediate winner for me. Fast forward a close to a month later and I used them for Ironman Lake Placid and ran my best ever Ironman marathon – chopping over 10 minutes off of my run PB. No blisters, arch pain, or any of that other nasty stuff either. So yes, they are my favorite day-to-day longer distance running shoe, and I strongly recommend them as a marathon shoe. I’ve also used them as a half iron distance shoe since I feel a little extra support is needed because the run is started with fatigued legs, unlike a stand alone half marathon where I use the Elixir and run a whole lot faster.
You can see all the technical features of the Nirvana 6 here.
Wave Elixir 5
I had the good fortune to try the original release of the Elixir and it immediately became my race shoe, replacing my previous favourite, the Asics DS Trainer. That has not changed with the Elixir 5. Other than the cosmetics, not much has changed from the previous version, and that is not a bad thing because the Elixirs are already a close to perfect shoe. At 9.4 oz, it is super light and yet still provides enough support for an overpronator like me. In addition to the Nirvana 6, these have also become a daily training shoe for me. I just switch back on forth depending on how I feel. If I am feeling slow and slightly unmotivated, I throw on the Elixirs and it is amazing how lighter shoes help change your mood and speed. Sometimes I will even strap on Mizuno’s racing flats (Ronin) to get a faster transition run after along bike ride. Or I’ll run 10-15 km in the Nirvana 6, and come back home and switch into the Elixir 5 for the final 10-15 km. It works wonders in terms of refreshing the mind and feet to run faster.
You can see all the technical features of the Elixir 5 here.
So if you don’t need a ton of support the Elixir 5’s will work perfectly for you for all distances. Light, fast, and responsive, there is nothing else you can ask from a shoe. If you feel you need more support, the Nirvana 6’s feature pretty much all of the Mizuno technologies to enhance your ride. But do consider picking up some Elixir 5’s to use as a racing shoe with them.
Any running shoe store will allow you to try them on and take them for a quick run to see for yourself. If you decide to purchase, feel free to use this coupon code 11296 at Running Free to save a few bucks.
Mizuno Nirvana 6 at Running Free.
Mizuno Elixir 5 at Running Free.
Mizuno Precision Fit Online (find out which shoe suits you)
