Since Mizuno stopped making the Alchemy, I switched to the Wave Inspire and even though I like them, feel as if I need more support. I used to wear Brooks Beasts, but switched to the Wave Alchemy and was reasonably satisfied with the fit and support. Q: I am in my late 50s and a social runner with wide feet who overpronates. The Wave Rider 18 is getting great feedback from our customers and hopefully, the AA width should be narrow enough for you. The store guy should have known that and have been more than willing to get you the width you want. Although it’s true that not all stores carry all widths, it’s very easy for the store to special order you a pair without any risk and at no additional charge.
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The Wave Rider 18 is absolutely available in a narrow (AA) width for women. What should I do? Linda Guisti, Santa Maria, CaliforniaĪ: First of all, I’d go to a different store. The guy at the store suggested I get them in a narrow, but his store doesn’t have them or any other shoes in a narrow. I tried on the new Wave Rider 18 and liked it, but they are just too wide for me. Q: I am in desperate need of narrow running shoes. To get a listing, go to the “Find A Store” locator on this site. There are several good stores just down the freeway from you in the Tucson area. How do you know which one is for you? The absolute best way is to try on both shoes and get properly fitted for the right one at a specialty running store. It does offer plenty of support for the mild to moderate overpronator (ie., the runner who has excessive motion in the arch area and needs to have that motion reduced). The Rider is termed a neutral cushioned shoe which means it is designed for the runner with a flexible foot who doesn’t need a lot of medial (inner) support for the arch.
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Are they really different and if so what’s the most important difference? Jamie Shorty, Marana, ArizonaĪ: The Wave Rider and Wave Inspire are both great shoes and there is one very important difference: Support. Everyone raves about the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire, but I don’t know which one to buy. Q: I have heard great things about Mizuno shoes from my running friends and have decided to get a pair. How different are the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire? (Include your address.) If we pick your question for the Mizuno Shoe Guy to answer, we’ll send you a beautiful Mizuno DryScience T-shirt. Do you have a shoe-related question? Or a running shoe question, specific to Mizuno for the Mizuno Shoe Guy? If you have a question you’d like him to answer, send it to.