I've got more than 120 miles on my Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 3's so I thought it was time to post
my
thoughts on this tough trail shoe. I participated in a Fitfluential Twitter chat
and was lucky
enough to win shoes from Mizuno as part of their Mezzamashii
Run Project. So to start I
have to thank Fitfluential and Mizuno for giving me the
chance to run in them for FREE!
I'll be honest, I've stayed away from trail shoes made by
companies who's primary focus is road
or track running. Not that I have anything against them,
I've just been skeptical of their trail
running shoes, considering them an afterthought of those manufacturers.
So I had the opportunity
to get a free pair of Mizuno running shoes and I could
choose from most any of the shoes they
make. The Mezzamashii Run Project is all about experiencing
the "brilliant run". To me road
running is for maintenance and brilliant runs
really happen in the forest on mountains, so I decided to
try one of their two trail offerings, The Wave Cabrakan
3.
Most important to me is fit and I know right away if a shoe
isn't good for my feet. These were
coming by mail and with no opportunity to try them on, I had my fingers crossed. The Wave
Cabrakans were a great fit. In many other manufacturers I wear a size 12, for Mizuno I need an 11.5. A nice wide lacing area ensures a good supportive fit pulling the upper snugly around your foot. The last eyelet at the top of the lacing is welded onto the upper pulling the narrow heal cup into
place.
That narrow heal cup in the back is the perfect contrast to the open toe box up front, ensuring
the comfortable fit and support necessary for long runs on varying trail terrain. The upper is
made with a water reinforced AIRmesh. I have run them through rain, water and mud and no my socks didn't stay completely dry, but they also never got saturated. They never soaked through, so I don't know if they drain well. That's pretty cool this time of year in Pennsylvania. A men's size 9 weighs in at 12.1 oz which is slightly heavier than the shoes I've been using, but the weight difference has gone unnoticed. The upper also has deep flex grooves across the width of the forefoot which make it seem tougher as they provide protection from the unpredictable debris you can run into while trail running.
coming by mail and with no opportunity to try them on, I had my fingers crossed. The Wave
Cabrakans were a great fit. In many other manufacturers I wear a size 12, for Mizuno I need an 11.5. A nice wide lacing area ensures a good supportive fit pulling the upper snugly around your foot. The last eyelet at the top of the lacing is welded onto the upper pulling the narrow heal cup into
place.
That narrow heal cup in the back is the perfect contrast to the open toe box up front, ensuring
the comfortable fit and support necessary for long runs on varying trail terrain. The upper is
made with a water reinforced AIRmesh. I have run them through rain, water and mud and no my socks didn't stay completely dry, but they also never got saturated. They never soaked through, so I don't know if they drain well. That's pretty cool this time of year in Pennsylvania. A men's size 9 weighs in at 12.1 oz which is slightly heavier than the shoes I've been using, but the weight difference has gone unnoticed. The upper also has deep flex grooves across the width of the forefoot which make it seem tougher as they provide protection from the unpredictable debris you can run into while trail running.
I saved my favorite part, the sole, for last. Mizuno's
pretty proud of their unique sole design. First is the Mizuno Wave Technology
they say is "Inspired by nature...Wave’s unique shape dissipates impact
forces away from the foot for a smoother, more cushioned feel on every
step." If you're more of a minimalist, this shoe isn't for you. When I
first saw the shoe out of the box I thought
the sole seemed slightly over built. Once on my feet, I quickly recognized the low to the ground
trail shoe feel and dismissed the over built concern. The Wave Cabrakan 3 is built with something
Mizuno calls AP+, which provides an "increased rebound and a bouncier feeling run while
maintaining the light weight performance". Along with the comfort of AP+ comes a full-length Wave
plate for protection from rocks and other stuff you step on while running through the woods.
Probably my favorite feature of the out sole is the rugged tread that provides great traction
through mud, but sticky enough on rocks.
the sole seemed slightly over built. Once on my feet, I quickly recognized the low to the ground
trail shoe feel and dismissed the over built concern. The Wave Cabrakan 3 is built with something
Mizuno calls AP+, which provides an "increased rebound and a bouncier feeling run while
maintaining the light weight performance". Along with the comfort of AP+ comes a full-length Wave
plate for protection from rocks and other stuff you step on while running through the woods.
Probably my favorite feature of the out sole is the rugged tread that provides great traction
through mud, but sticky enough on rocks.
I did a 13 mile trail run last weekend and the first and
last half miles were on the road and that Mizuno Wave Technology felt great on
the blacktop too. That's the longest run I've done in the Wave Cabrakan 3, but
I already know that their durable comfort and breathability will
perform well on my next 50k or 50 mile run. Simply put, this is a comfy
tough trail shoe and perfect for ensuring long brilliant runs on the trail of
your choice.
Here's what Mizuno says, in case I missed something:
With a water reinforced AIRmesh, a reinforced vamp, and a full-length Wave plate, the Wave
Cabrakan 3 provides protection without sacrificing fit or flexibility. Water Resistance -
Designed to keep you dry and comfortable as you tackle the trails.
•Weight: 12.1 oz.
•Dynamotion Fit: Reduces lateral stress for optimal fit
•Mizuno Wave: Combines cushioning and stability
•SmoothRide: Minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition
•VS-1: Shock absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel
•AP+ Midsole: Offers increased rebound and a "bouncier" feeling, which extends the cushion
durability, while maintaining the light weight performance
•X10: The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and
supplements traction at heel strike
•Mizuno AIRmesh: Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort of the upper
•Wet Traction: Trail specific outsole rubber compound breaks through water, improving grip in all
conditions
**Sorry for the stock photos, but they give a much better depiction than my muddy pair sitting by the front door.**
--
Posted By Blogger to Perry's Trails at 12/18/2012 06:11:00 PM
Here's what Mizuno says, in case I missed something:
With a water reinforced AIRmesh, a reinforced vamp, and a full-length Wave plate, the Wave
Cabrakan 3 provides protection without sacrificing fit or flexibility. Water Resistance -
Designed to keep you dry and comfortable as you tackle the trails.
•Weight: 12.1 oz.
•Dynamotion Fit: Reduces lateral stress for optimal fit
•Mizuno Wave: Combines cushioning and stability
•SmoothRide: Minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition
•VS-1: Shock absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel
•AP+ Midsole: Offers increased rebound and a "bouncier" feeling, which extends the cushion
durability, while maintaining the light weight performance
•X10: The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and
supplements traction at heel strike
•Mizuno AIRmesh: Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort of the upper
•Wet Traction: Trail specific outsole rubber compound breaks through water, improving grip in all
conditions
**Sorry for the stock photos, but they give a much better depiction than my muddy pair sitting by the front door.**
--
Posted By Blogger to Perry's Trails at 12/18/2012 06:11:00 PM
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