Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7
	Full Name: Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7
	Category: Stability
	Weight: 12.2 oz. (357 gr.)
	Suggested Price: 140 $
	Recommended For: Over-Pronators, Runners with mid to low arches

• Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 General Info:

Returning for it’s seventh year, Mizuno unveils the completely updated Wave Nirvana in the premium stability niche. Mizuno updates their shoes on a two year cycle. That is, shoes get new uppers every year and a total update every two years. The 2011 Nirvana brings a totally new shoe to the premium stability market.

• Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 Sole Unit:

All Mizuno running shoes are constructed around the Mizuno Wave. The Mizuno Wave is a plastic plate sandwiched into the midsole of the shoe and tuned with specific foot mechanics in mind. In the case of the Wave Nirvana 7, the wave is structured to limit overpronation. Overpronation occurs when a runners foot rolls too far to the inside, resulting in excessive rotational forces on the foot. The Nirvana series employs a full length wave plate that begins at the heel and extends the length of the shoe. This technology offers better foot control during the entire gait cycle. The Wave Nirvana 7 plate has been updated for a smoother transition while retaining all the support characteristics Nirvana runners expect. Mizuno has also deleted the sensor points on the bottom of the shoe to aid in cushioning and improved transition. A completely new Mizuno technology is employed in the Wave Nirvana 7. Mizuno has introduced flex controllers on the sole to provide optimum flexibility in the forefoot. The flex controllers work like a secondary wave and allow for less midsole foam at flex points thus reducing weight in the shoe. The AP+ midsole formulation is carried over from the Wave Nirvana 6 as is male and female specific Gender Engineering. Also present is Mizuno’s VS-1 compound. VS-1 is found in the heel and forefoot and is utilized to aid in shock absorption.

Wave Nirvana 7

• Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 Upper:

A completely revised upper is included in the Wave Nirvana 7 update. Mizuno continues to expand their Dynamotion Fit principles that seek to match movement of the upper materials with the motion of the foot. Mizuno achieves this by using stretch mesh in the forefoot and flex eyelets to lock the foot into the midsole while minimizing irritation and undue pressure across the top of the foot. Another unique feature is the attached tongue found in the Wave Nirvana 7. Mizuno anchors the tongue to the midsole with two flexible strips of fabric to ensure that the tongue stays put once the shoe is laced.

• Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 Opinion:

Since it’s inception the Nirvana series has been my go to shoe for long distance running. Although I am a not a heavy runner my arches are extremely flexible and I must have a shoe that counteracts some of that flexibility. No other shoe has ever offered the exceptional arch support of the Nirvana series. The Nirvana 5 and 6 used a very stiff wave plate which was excellent for pronation control and a snappier transition but did leave me longing for the softer ride of the Nirvana 4. I am very pleased to say that Mizuno has blended the best properties of the Nirvana 4, 5 and 6 into the Wave Nirvana 7. The shoe runs noticeably softer but still provides top shelf arch support thanks to Mizuno’s more streamlined wave plate design. The deletion of the sensor points really opens this shoe up and reduces the harshness found in earlier versions.

In the past Mizuno midsoles seemed to wrinkle sooner than other manufacturers. This problem has been relieved by the introduction of AP+, Mizuno’s new formulation for midsole foam. AP+ also feels bouncier while still retaining the hallmark Mizuno road feel. AP+ actually debuted on the Wave Nirvana 6 but it seems even more durable and fun to run on in the Wave Nirvana 7.

The Wave Nirvana 7 combines flexibility, cushioning and stability like no other shoe before. The fit is seamless and the ride is lively yet protected. Mizuno made sweeping changes to this shoe and that is always a gamble. However, Mizuno has listened to their customers and again proves that each evolution of their wave technology sets them further apart from the pack.

Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!

Review by Theo Clyatt

• Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 Price Comparison: