by Larry EderThe Running Network LLC announces that their Best Performance Shoe for the RN 2012 Spring Shoe Review is the Mizuno Wave Elixir 7…..
March 7, 2012
Mizuno Wave Elixir 7 Named Best Performance Shoe in the Running Network LLC Shoe Review
FORT ATKINSON – Mizuno’s Wave Elixir 7 took top honors in the performance category of the Running Network LLC Spring Shoe Review.
“The Running Network LLC is excited to name, what our talented team believes to be, the best running performance footwear of spring 2012,” noted Larry Eder, the president of Running Network LLC. “Any shoe that wins its category has done an outstanding job to earn the title of best shoe.”
“Performance shoes are for faster running, such as speed work or racing, but can be a good training shoe for more efficient runners. They might have neutral or motion stabilizing features, but they are very lightweight,” said Cregg Weinmann, the Running Network LLC footwear and apparel review editor.
At the start of the review process shoes are matched to the footstrike, shape and motion of 350 wear testers who run 100 miles in the shoes. The testers report on their initial impressions and continue to evaluate the shoes on seven key performance characteristics throughout the testing process. The data is then entered into a software system developed by Weinmann, which produces a winner in each category.
The Mizuno Wave Elixir 7 has undergone considerable changes from the previous versions. The upper is open mesh with an attention drawing print. The overlays have been redesigned into a saddle-like configuration and the simplistic yet successful traditional lacing design has returned. The midsole’s resilient Alpha Polymer and redesigned Wave plate work together to provide a smoother performance ride. The durable X-10 carbon rubber heel and G3 forefoot in the outersole integrate effective traction and light weight. The unique combination of light weight, stability and responsiveness earned the Elixir 7 the title of best shoe in the performance category (Weinmann 2012).
“Overall, an exceptional shoe. Durable, comfy, and supportive enough for daily use, yet light enough for those pickups and longer races. The only downside is the forefoot. I ended up with a few tender spots in the forefoot after running on gravel,” said one wear tester when describing their experience with the Wave Elixir 7.
“There are considerable similarities in the running footwear industry and consumers need to be aware that there are shoes from many brands that could work for them. We reviewed many fine shoes that should be considered because they fit and perform differently on different runners, so trying several is the only way to find the best shoe for you,” said Weinmann.
To read the Running Network LLC Spring Shoe Review in its entirety visit www.runningnetwork.com.
Established in 1986, the Running Network LLC develops editorially independent content on footwear, apparel and key events in the sports industry. The Running Network LLC
represents 23 publications, 18 in print and digital formats and five
digital format only publications, plus 28 websites, social media and
twitter channels, with just over 900,000 print subscribers and 3.5
million unique web visitors monthly. The goal of the Running Network LLC
and its print, digital and web partners is to enhance the relationship
between runners and walkers of all levels and their local and national
running community.
Members of the Running Network LLC include: American Track & Field, Athletes Only, Athletics (Canada), AustinFit, California Track & Running News, Club Running, www.coachingathleticsq.com, Colorado Runner, Get Active!, Greater Long Island Running Club’s Footnotes, www.latinoscorriendo.com, Michigan Runner, www.morunandtri.com, Running Journal, Racing South, RunMinnesota, RUNOHIO, Track & Field News, USATF’s Fast Forward, USATF/New England’s Exchange Zone, The Winged Foot (NYAC), The Winged M (MAC), Youth Runner and www.marathonguide.com.
To learn more about the Running Network LLC, please contact Larry Eder at [email protected].
To see more Running Network Shoe Reviews, please look at Running Product Reviews
