Last year I reviewed the Nirvana 4 and loved them. After running in the Nirvana 5’s for the last 4 months, that feeling still remains.
What has changed about the shoe? The 12.9 oz shoe (.1 oz lighter than the previous version), has undergone a slick colour change (Silver/Chili Pepper-Orange Popsicle), the addition of an Ortholite sockliner (increasing the comfort factor with a softer feel), slightly more VS-1 cushioning in the forefoot, the shoes are now gender engineered to better suit the needs of both men’s and women’s feet, and a change in the wave plate that creates a smoother transition.
So if you liked the Nirvana 4’s, these updates will allow you to experience the triple benefit of increased comfort, cushioning, and overall feel. Enhancing the performance of an already first-rate shoe. If you have never tried the Nirvana’s before and have moderately overpronating feet, it is time you gave them a try.
Over the past month, I’ve used them for all my key long runs as my training ramped for Ironman Lake Placid (8 fays from today). I’ll be using them during the race as well. For something a little lighter, I make use of the Mizuno Elixir for all my Duathlon races and day to day training. They are the perfect complement to the Nirvana’s.
The last time I was in the store (Markham location) the Nirvana’s were in stock so try them on and see how they feel for yourself. Keep in mind that the shoe’s colour may have changed from the ones reviewed.
Mizuno Shoe technologies featured in the Nirvana 5:
Gender engineering – Gender Engineering from Mizuno adjusts to the fundamental differences between the running styles of men and women by creating shoes that more closely fit the different running styles of the male and female runner.
OrthoLite – Comfort from the inside out. The Ortholite sockliner can customize foam formulations that combine the inherent features of strength, breathability, moisture transport, and anti-microbial function.
Dynamotion Fit – This new feature creates an area of “give” in the heel collar/cradle that adapts for the “gapping” that occurs in most shoes when the heel hits the ground and deforms the midsole (but the upper around the heel counter doesn’t conform).
Mizuno Wave™ – The Full-length Composite Double Fan Wave provides excellent support/control (especially for the medium-arched flexible foot type) and cushioning.
Sensor Point™ – Suspension system which connects the Wave plate to the ground, thereby enhancing stability and traction. Dual density heel Sensorpoints enhance support properties of the Wave Technology.
Smooth Ride™ – Designed to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot through the phases of the running gait cycle by reducing shock vibration and increasing flexibility. The Flexsole pattern enables the creation of a strategically flexible shoe, allowing the foot to transition properly.
AP Midsole – (Acceleration Polymer Responsive Midsole) Lightweight high rebound midsole material to give greater momentum at take-off.
VS-1 – Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel and forefoot. It absorbs shock and enhances cushioning properties by resisting compression-set, thus extending the cushioning life of the shoe. VS-1 is lightweight and has a durable memory (returns to original shape after initial impact) ideal for continuous force impact. In house test results have shown a 20% improvement in shock absorption over E.V.A.
Mizuno Intercool – Ensures that the foot stays cooler and less humid during running, thus reducing blistering and increasing comfort. During foot strike, as the midsole is compressed, hot air inside the shoe is transferred through a series of holes and channels within the midsole and is expelled through exhaust ports strategically located on the outsole of the shoe. It has proven to reduce temperature by 6% and humidity by 12%.
AIRMesh – Allows the shoe to maintain a high standard of breathability for the life of the shoe and allows for the foot to stay cool.
X-10™ – The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike.
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