Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
5mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Wave Ekiden 11
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• U4ic midsole• Mizuno Wave Technology• SmoothRide Technology• DynamotionFit• X10 Carbon rubber compound• G3 Outsole• Air Mesh upper
Upper
From the first time you put them on, you’ll notice the Air Mesh upper of these shoes provides optimal breathability to your feet while providing a great sock-like feeling. Really good flexibility and adaptability properties make the upper of the shoe to follow the natural moments of your feet.;Reviewers have said the Ekiden 10 feels like a second skin when running. T shoes also remain really comfortable during longer runs. Flex Eyelets keep your heel stable during every stride allowing the upper to stretch and contract as needed. The Stretch Mesh adapts to your feet, preventing unwanted friction and in turn, preventing the formation of hot spots and blisters. That is very important for long distance shoes.
Midsole
The Ekiden 10 of Mizuno feature the unique U4ic midsole compound. The midsole of this shoe has excellent cushioning and shock distribution while claiming to be up to 30% lighter in weight than other midsoles. The performance of the U4ic midsole really complements the G3 outsole of these shoes, which together bring flexibility and resilience to the shoe. The midsole is also very durable.;The Wave technology on this shoe dissipates the energy of your landings very quickly and manages to transform part of that energy into more powerful toe offs. The Wave technology will keep you protected from the shock of the impacts.
Outsole
These minimal shoes have an exceptional outsole technology that provides really good traction and grip during your runs. The G3 outsole incorporates the X10 technology which is carbon rubber with enhanced durability that protects the shoe in the high impact areas and provides supplementary traction at heel strikes. The G3 outsole can help you to enhance your performance, providing extra responsiveness and flexibility, even if you have a forefoot strike. The lugs of the shoe are dots. The distribution of the dots provides great traction when you need it the most. As long as you run over asphalt, the traction is going to be incredible. The flex grooves in the forefoot and heel areas will provide a more natural movement for more energetic take offs and softer landings. The flex grooves also enhance the overall responsiveness of the shoe.
Breathability
The Air Mesh upper of the Ekiden 10 allows great breathability. Perspiration won’t be a problem when wearing these shoes because of the rapid evaporation of sweat, which will decrease your chances of getting blisters and hot spots. The DynamotionFit upper technology allows a natural movement and enhances the breathability of the shoe.
Comfort
For a minimalistic shoe, the Ekiden 10 provides really good comfort. A combination of great technologies enhances not only the performance but also the comfort of these shoes. The X10 outsole technology with Flex Grooves for better traction and grip bring really good interaction with the asphalt. The U4ic midsole technology provides good shock attenuation and energy return for a smooth heel to toe transitions. The SmoothRide engineering provides a fluid motion during every stride. The flexibility and great snug fit that the DynamotionFit provides even more comfort overall.
Style
These shoes have a very simple but elegant look. A large Mizuno logo is stitched on both of the sides of the shoe. At the moment, the only color you can find is the combination of Dude Blue/White. The outsole pattern is unique and the mesh gives the overall shoe a more subtle, classic look.
Durability
The X10 outsole not only provides amazing traction on asphalt, but it also provides extended durability. The carbon rubber component used in the outsole is highly durable. The outsole is reinforced in the high abrasion areas of the shoe in order to make the shoe last longer. Mizuno says the U4ic midsole is up to lighter than regular midsoles but is also more durable. The resilient components and materials of the outsole and midsole make this shoe a very durable one. The air mesh upper is also very durable yet extremely flexible and breathable. All the components of these shoes are designed and built to last.
Protection
The Ekiden 10 minimal shoes bring the protection you need to keep you on the road for longer. The U4ic midsole and the Wave technology do an excellent job of protecting you from the impact of running. The distribution of energy from the landings is amazing. The SmoothRide engineering creates fluid motion while you run. A smooth rocking motion throughout every stride will keep your ankles, knees, and hips protected from the impacts. The carbon rubber from the X10 outsole will provide the protection you need for your underfoot. The breathable mesh will keep you cool and dry, lowering the risk of getting blisters and hot spots.
Responsiveness
When using minimalist running shoes, you have to remember that the responsiveness is different than regular shoes. These minimalist running shoes will enhance a forefoot strike rather than a heel strike (as many regular shoes do). The impact of a forefoot strike is considerably lower than a heel strike. The shoes enhance more bounce and less impact to your knees and hips. The G3 outsole provides really good traction and combined with the DynamotionFit technology, these shoes will move naturally with you. The U4ic midsole and the SmoothRide engineering provide a smoother heel to toe transition. The light weight and flexibility of the shoe also make it very responsive.
Support
The Wave technology from Mizuno disperses the impact when you run. The socklike feeling provided by the DynamotionFit technology is crucial in providing the support you need. The cushioning from the U4ic midsole is enough to keep you comfortable and supported during your longest runs. These shoes are perfect for neutral foot types. They do not provide extra support for under or overpronators. The insole of the shoe is removable, so you can fit your own insole into the shoe. However, the best support you need when running in minimalist shoes is to acclimate your feet and practice your mechanics for a while.
Terrain
The Mizuno Wave Ekiden 10 provide the best performance when running over track, road and gravel conditions. The flatter the surface, the better performance you get. According to some reviewers, they are ideal for running marathons. The X10 rubber compound provides great traction on a dry, flat and consistent terrain.
Price
This shoe goes for about $90 USD on Amazon. The price of this shoe is dropping because Mizuno stopped their production as the eleventh version of this shoe has been released. Pricing depends on size. The shoes are unisex. Among minimalist shoes, the price is about average.
Drop
With a heel height of 15mm and a forefoot height of 10mm, the Ekiden 10 has a 5 mm drop. This drop is average for a minimalistic shoe.
Stability
The stability of the shoe is very good thanks to the combination of great technologies and high-quality materials. The overlays and the highly breathable and flexible upper provide a secure fit. The U4ic midsole provides great stability for easier forefoot strikes. The sock-like feeling of the shoe from the DynamotionFit technology adds extra stability to the overall performance of the shoe. Thanks to the G3 outsole and the X10 carbon rubber compound, you will have great traction on asphalt.
Flexibility
The Ekiden 10 minimalist running shoes are very flexible and lightweight. The U4ic midsole and the outsole are not only very flexible but durable. As mentioned before, these shoes are a good hybrid of barefoot shoes and regular shoes. They bring remarkable flexibility thanks to the DynamotionFit technology, which adapts to the movement of your foot.
Traction
The G3 outsole of this shoe provides the solid traction. The X10 carbon rubber compound and placement of the “dot” grips give this shoe excellent traction and grip properties. The Flex Groves in the forefoot and heel area enhance a natural movement from the back to the front. These shoes are road running shoes and will provide the best traction on pavement and asphalt.
Bottom Line
As mentioned before, these shoes are a really good hybrid between barefoot running shoes and regular running shoes. If you are a minimalist runner, you will love the responsiveness of this shoe. If you are learning how to run barefoot or are looking to start minimalistic running, these shoes are a good choice are good for beginners. With great traction, good cushioning in the midsole and a very flexible upper, these shoes provide a great experience overall. The resilient outsole and midsole provide extended comfort, support, and responsiveness. This model is being replaced by the eleventh version, so make sure you get yours now before its too late.
