Mizuno Wave Elixer 2 vs. 3

i've done about 70 miles in the E3s and am liking them a lot. I didnt like the E2s as I found that the sole wanted to bend too far back (ie. not where my foot bends) - they seem to have fixed that on the e3s. they have bumped up the price, i think MSRP is $100

Yes, the Elixir 3 is $15 more. Probably because of the redesign and probably so it could match others in its class (the NB 902s, Nike Elites, etc.)

As for changes: they took away the blown rubber outsole on the medial side of the forefoot and added a material very similar to the Asics Duosole.

The upper design is completely different (a new kind of open mesh, the distance across the tongue of the shoe is really far, the toe box seems to be more tapered and the heel counter has a completely different feel... stiffer maybe?). Overall it feels like this shoe was built on a different last.

Inside the shoe, they added a pretty substantial arch support. Certainly enough for my flat foot to perceive.

My experience: The first time I ran in them, I noticed that upon heel strike (the shoe seems to force me into a heel strike rather than midfoot like I am used to doing), the shoe feels more blocky than the previous model... probably due to the slightly different shape of the heel and the different heel counter. As a result, I have a somewhat unnatural rolling motion from heel to toe and a rather loud heel strike.

The arch seems to also fit in the wrong place. That substantial arch support would be good for me if it was about 2cm forward. It is too close to my heel.

On a more personal note, after two runs in the shoes, I had a flare up of tendinitis in the TP tendon in my ankle (an old injury that decides to creep up on occasion). I wore a different pair of shoes and the pain went away. I wrote it off and went back to the Elixir 3s and the pain started creeping back. Again, this isn't something that would be a normal experience for someone else running in these shoes. But don't expect them to feel just like the previous model.

I was a huge fan of the Elixir and the Elixir 2, but I am very tentative about saying anything positive about the Elixir 3. They just feel very unnatural to me.

Bear in mind, this is only MY experience with the shoe. Others may have a completely different account. But don't get them if you are expecting it to be the Elixir 1 or 2. For good or bad, they did change it significantly.

closes i got was to trying them and walking around in them. I have worn and ran in the elixir two's but didnt really think much of them but once i put on the elixir three's they felt really good on my feet and fit very nicely. I plan on buying a pair once my current shoes are done with. Also Eric B. if you have low arches or flat feet try the new balance 902's the arch support on those is lower than the elixir's and it might fit your foot better.

You read my mind! The 902 is probably my favorite running shoe I have ever run in. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to get from New Balance (I work in a running store).

The 903 comes out in a month or two. I am getting it!

Eric B,

Why would you, with a flat foot, attempt trying to run in the Elixir 3? Definitely not designed for your foot-type, and by the way, E2 and E3 were built on the same last.