First Class Comfort, a review of Hoka One One Bondi 4

Hoka One One Bondi 4


This is Hoka's road shoe, though one imagines that it can probably handle the trail's as good as any non-trail running shoe can.  The most surprising feature of any Hoka shoe for first-timers is the amount of cushioning the shoe has considering it's designed for "man-made surfaces".  As someone who particularly concerned about lessening the amount of impact my legs take during marathon season, I am naturally drawn to this sort of shoe.  Now the drawback you get from going with is that you're probably sacrificing some speed (note: Meb wasn't wearing trail shoes when he won Boston).  How much speed is a different matter.  For me I think the difference is negligible over the course of anything more than a 5k race, but that's what I think.  I found the "fit" (admittedly highly subjective) to be just right.
So the buzz work for a shoe like this is comfort.  I'd say it's first class comfort considering how much impact the cushioning absorbs... and yes, considering the price-tag as well.  At nearly $200 CAD the Hoka shoe is an investment--one that I happen to think is well worth it if you can afford it.  As for me, I plan to make that investment as often as needed.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 Review

Generally speaking stability shoes come in quite a few varieties.  That said, I just took a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 10's out of the box for a quick 4k around the neighbourhood.  My first impression is that these shoes are built for comfort as well as stability control.  I wouldn't use these for speed work, but I would for a marathon.  They felt a bit heavy (despite their reputation for their lightness--they are purported to weigh 9.3 oz), which isn't a big deal since the comfort they provide more than makes up for the weight.

I ran a slow first kilometre (6:03) and followed with a faster 5-minute kilometre before settling in at a nice 5:30 pace.  This is where the Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 just blows me away: I thought I was going much slower than 5:30.  Wow.  When Runtastic advised me of my split, I almost couldn't believe how I was basically gliding along at my marathon race pace without even realizing it.

After my run, I stretched and had a nutrition shake and then took a look at the shoes.  The Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 looks and feels like a shoe for which a lot of care and inspiration went into designing.  The pairing of midnight blue and neon green trim with the silver logo looks even better in real life than it does online.  (I thought the green lace tips were a nice touch as well.)

To recap, the Mizuno Wave Inspire is a stability shoe for runners who overpronate.  It's a great training and marathon shoe, but for shorter racing distances you might want to stick to a lighter shoe.

Other reviewers will talk more technically about the foam and cushioning, so I'll stick keeping it real simple.  The Mizuno Wave Inspire 10's are a terrific running shoe.