Full Name: Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 |
Category: Stability |
Weight: 11.8 oz. (330 gr.) |
Suggested Price: 110 $ |
Recommended For: Moderate to severe overpronators |
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Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 General Info:
On the roads of the world for a decade, Mizuno introduces the improved Wave Alchemy 10 for fall 2010. With the demise of the Wave Renegade the Wave Alchemy 10 now serves a s Mizuno’s lone entry in the motion control category. Updates include a plusher midsole and a new upper. Mizuno’s male and female specific Gender Engineering is carried over from the Wave Alchemy 9.
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Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 Sole Unit:
As with all Mizuno running shoes, the Wave Alchemy 10 includes Mizuno’s exclusive wave technology. The Mizuno wave is a dual density plastic plate designed to accommodate different foot strike types. In this particular model the wave plate is designed to limit over pronation which is the excessive inward rolling motion of the foot as it contacts the ground. On the medial (internal) side of the shoe the Wave Alchemy 10 employs a robustly designed dual fan shaped wave that starts at the heel and extends through the arch of the shoe. The lateral aspect of the wave plate features an open shaped design to allow the foot more freedom to move laterally. Also present in the heel area is Mizuno’s VS-1 shock absorbing compound. The most dramatic underfoot difference in the new Wave Alchemy 10 is it’s increased forefoot cushioning.
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Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 Upper:
The Wave Alchemy 10 upper gets a total redesign including Mizuno’s updated Dynamotion fit. Previous editions of the Alchemy utilized a flexible strip of material located in the lateral upper aimed at reducing gapping of the upper at foot strike. For the Wave Alchemy 10 Mizuno introduced a semi-separate collar tab to perform the same function while allowing for an improved fit. Also present are new flex eyelets to better conform to the shape of the foot while in motion. Mizuno also includes an Ortholite sock liner for extra cushion.
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Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 Opinion:
Alchemy is the perfect name for this shoe as it has the ability to convert my problematic foot strike into road running gold. The Wave Alchemy 10 does a fine job dispelling the notion that “control” shoes are only for heavier or slower runners. I’m a relatively light amateur runner at 6’ tall and 170 pounds but I have always required a solid feeling training shoe under my arches. The Wave Alchemy 10 provides a good combination of arch support and transition. In other words, this is a shoe that doesn’t feel slow or particularly heavy while doing a fine job of supporting my flexible arches.
I ran in the Wave Alchemy 9 for a short period and I can say that, for me, the Wave Alchemy 10 is improved in at least one aspect. The prior Dynamotion fit design in the Alchemy 9 caused some rubbing on the lateral aspect of my ankle and this has, thankfully, been addressed in the Wave Alchemy 10. The new Dynamotion fit collar tab did not cause any irritation to my ankle. The Wave Alchemy 10 upper is light, breathable and, like other Mizuno shoes, after a few runs it really conforms to the foot.
As stated before, Mizuno boosted the forefoot cushioning for the Wave Alchemy 10 and here’s where I’m probably different from everyone else. I actually prefer the thinner and more flexible forefoot of the Wave Alchemy 9. With the Wave Renegade being phased out I do understand why Mizuno decided to make this shoe more plush feeling in the forefoot but I honestly prefer a little more firmness on the front end of my shoes. The Wave Alchemy 10 ride is somewhere between the Wave Inspire and the Wave Nirvana. I actually find the Wave Alchemy to be less controlling than the Wave Nirvana.
The Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 defies convention and blurs the lines between stability and control footwear. If you like the Mizuno Wave Inspire but feel like it’s not quite enough shoe for your long runs, be advised and take the Wave Alchemy 10 for a ride.
Review by Theo Clyatt
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Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 Price Comparison:
Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!
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