Wave Ascend?

PostedJun 12, 2012 at 3:40 pm

I run in Mizuno Wave Riders, but I don't like them for trails, dirt, or gravel. The lack of a rock plate doesn't bother me, it's the hole in the heel that catches pine cones or rocks or whatnot. So I was wondering if anyone wears one of Mizuno's trail shoes, the Wave Ascend?

Specifically, I'm wondering about a comparison between the Ascend and the Rider. The Rider is neutral, the Ascend is for mild pronators; any issues with the Ascend being too bulky/stiff/overbearing coming from the Wave Rider? The two shoes have the same "stack height" as far as I know, ie the heel and the forefoot are raised the same amount from the ground. They look pretty similar save for the added toe and heel abrasion protection on the Ascend, and that hole in the heel is filled in.

Sadly, there's no shoe store within an hour's drive that carries it, so I'll have to make a special trip to get my hands on one and see how it feels in person, which is why I thought I'd ask here first.

-Jeff

steve knott

PostedJun 25, 2012 at 2:23 am

Hi Jeff , so glad i found your note in backpacking light-So glad I enroled so as to reply !

So, regarding your fascinating article about your Mizuno wave riders, may I simply say: touche-you me both!

Wave riders for road running, wave rider rider ascend for trails? I wonder??

After years of road running in Asics Nimbus ( neutrals foot profile ) I changed to Mizuno wave riders last month and have never looked back, so neutral; so nimble, so light…

So, just like you, I'm after the Mizuno equivalent in trail runners and your article hit the nail on the head: any feedback?? much appreicated !!!

Steve ( bullseyephotography@yahoo.co.uk )

Darren Gladeau

PostedJun 25, 2012 at 7:56 am

I am going through my third pair of Wave Ascend 5s and can't say enough about them. These shoes were magic straight out of the box and I have used them for everything from hiking the Paria Canyon and river crossing 300 times to running a half-marathon in them. I am doing the JMT for the first time next week and they are the only shoes I trust. Breathable, little extra room in the toe-box and good grip. Only complaint is that after extended wear the toe bumper becomes a little unglued at the very front. Not sure how they compare to the other Wave shoes but I would definitely recommend them.

Jeff J

PostedJun 25, 2012 at 8:03 am

I haven't tracked down a pair in person to try on, so I still don't have a comparison between the two. I'll add to this whenever I get around to it.

By all accounts, people seem to really like or love them. There just isn't a rider/ascend comparison floating around the interwebs.

-Jeff

Jeff J

PostedJul 27, 2012 at 3:45 pm

I bought a pair of Wave Ascends and have been running in them daily, as well having worn them on a couple hikes. Thought I'd update this thread with my thoughts in case anyone wonders the same thing I had.

To the Rider vs Ascend differences, I don't find the mild control very noticeable. The shoe is similar enough in weight and design that it doesn't bother me at all. The biggest difference is the most obvious: the Ascend has much more pronounced and aggressive tread designed for trails, rather than the lower profile road tread of the Rider. In fact, the tread is so different that I can feel it when I run; my daily run is a mix of pavement, dirt, sand, and gravel, so I like it, but I wouldn't run a marathon in the Ascend. It's the trail sections of a run that the Ascend really shines; no surprise there.

Every pair of Mizunos I've owned have had the stitching on the side fail where the logo goes into the bottom seam, and I can tell the Ascends will do the same thing. I need to put some Shoe Goo there, and I'll hit the toe bumper as well just in case.