Mizuno Wave Rider vs. Mizuno Wave Precision

if you are finding something suitable then why change?

precision is lighter by about an ounce, is slightly more flexible in the forefoot (due to less material and deeper internal flex grooves) and has a lower profile. The wave plate in the rider is a slightly stiffer material and there are a few more overlays on the upper.

In terms of durability, it is all realtive to the individual, but if you were to normally get 500miles out of a rider you probably would get 400 out of a precision.

I've been wearing the Riders for 4 years and love them. I wore the Precisions 3 years ago and they were fine. For whatever reason, I've gotten injured with the last 2 models of Precisions and I refuse to wear them. Coincidence? I don't know but I'm not taking any chances. Mizuno makes both shoes, but they are very different so work them in slowly to see how they work for you.

do you still even run?

soobvious wrote:

do you still even run?

No, I just like the shoes because they are cute.

Seriously though, of course I run when I can. The reason I'm asking about the Precisions is that I've been reading about minimalism and want to try it since nothing else is helping my leg get any better (including 3 different sets of orthotics, several extended rest/cross training periods, and low mileage over the past two years). I know the Precisions are not exactly considered minimalist shoes, but they could be a step in the right direction. I don't just want to jump right into it.

I run 50 miles per week in precisions. Two full years in them, and I love them. I have a friend who has been very injury prone. He switched to elixirs (lightweight, very similar to precisions, but with a little stability) as his trainers about a year ago. He averages 70 miles per week, and he's had no problems.

I find the riders too heavy.

txRUNNERgirl wrote:

No, I just like the shoes because they are cute.

Seriously though, of course I run when I can. The reason I'm asking about the Precisions is that I've been reading about minimalism and want to try it since nothing else is helping my leg get any better (including 3 different sets of orthotics, several extended rest/cross training periods, and low mileage over the past two years). I know the Precisions are not exactly considered minimalist shoes, but they could be a step in the right direction. I don't just want to jump right into it.

Try doing short barefoot sessions on a soft surface if you want to try going minimal. It may help you, it may not. I know I am back in big shoes most days because the minimalist thing wasn't working out. The ground is hard… very hard… unnaturally hard in most cases. Save yourself some $$$ and go bare.

I ran for a year in the precision and loved them -- they have a nice ride - rather light and flexible in the forefoot -- i switched to them after altering my stride rate (faster) and style (more weight on forefoot, little on heel). I still do faster pace work in them occasionally. However, i had a big toe injury that required orthotics, and i switched to the wave rider -- they are a lot heavier, but more supportive. With them I was able to build up my mileage higher than before (even then only 50-60 mpw) without getting injured. Be careful about running in less shoe -- I'd ease in to them and pay attention to injuries or aches and pains. Either way, mizuno makes the best shoes out there for my feet.

I love the precisions, I have been running in them for the past 5 years. They really hold up pretty well to mileage since i have been able to get typically 500-550 miles per pair and the cushioning is fine, but then again i can run in any shoe and it would seem. I like these shoes alot better than the D.S trainers, nike elites, and most other lightweight ones.The only heavier shoe i have ever used was the cumulus and i hated it.