Live, Run, Grow

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Mizuno Wave Enigma 5’s to review as part of my partnership with BibRave.com as a BibRave Pro, however as always, all thoughts and opinions on the product are my own! Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!  (You can find me on BibRave.com HERE!) 

The Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 is a high cushion neutral shoe, designed for runners who are training for long distances.  The new maximum cushioning and premium sock liner are designed to “soften the road ahead for a more efficient run.”

When I began running just over 4 years ago, Mizuno’s were the first running sneaker I purchased and I ran my first marathon (maybe first 2?) in them.  I really loved my Mizuno’s, but after awhile I noticed my toes were often bruised and I was losing toe nails.  I eventually switched to a different brand with a wider toe box which really helped with that issue.

Other than that I loved my Mizuno’s, so I was excited to have the opportunity to try them again – especially with this max cushioning which I am a huge fan of!

In full disclosure, I received the sneakers to test out just this past Monday (less than a week ago), and since I only run 3 times a week I’ve only gotten the chance to run in them once before this review was due to be posted (1 night was speed work and I use a lighter shoe and then I didn’t want to use something so new for my longer run this weekend).

Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 details:

weight – 8.8oz.

type – neutral

cushioning – max

heel toe drop – 12mm

As soon as I put the shoe on my foot I fell in love with the cushioning.  It honestly felt like memory foam under my foot.

I also immediately noticed that my toes felt a little more restricted than I’m used to.

I wore the Wave Enigma 5’s to my 3 mile run club run on Tuesday night and the first few steps it was sheer soft, cushiony joy!

It was short lived though, because by about a mile in my toes were completely numb.

At the mile and a half turn around I stopped to loosen the laces and I had my friend Dave (our local Marathon Sports store manager!) check the fit of the shoe for me quickly.  He said that length wise they felt right, it wasn’t that the shoe was too small, but width wise he could feel that it was tight at the widest part of my foot before my toes.

After loosening the laces (A LOT) my feet felt ok for about a half a mile before the numbness started to return.

I have to admit I was really disappointed.  I wanted to love these shoes so badly!  I wanted a pair of soft, cushiony, memory foam like shoes for my long runs.  But it just wasn’t meant to be.

I haven’t completely given up.  As I mentioned, this review is based on only 1 run, so I’m willing to give it another shot and maybe with a few runs they’ll break in and create some space in the toe box area…I guess we’ll have to wait and see!  (And if there’s any change, I’ll be sure to post an update!)

I’ve been very fortunate as a part of the BibRave Pro team to receive some great products to review, and I love sharing my experience with each product.  That being said, not every product is going to be a fit for every person and as always I’ve promised to give an honest and fair review and unfortunately this shoe just isn’t for me.

All that being said, if you are looking for a high cushion shoe and don’t have issues with toe space in running shoes normally (I knew I did before this), then this may be a really great shoe for you!

Be sure to join the Mizuno hosted #BibChat

Tuesday, July 7th at 9pm (EST)

for your chance to win a pair of Mizuno Enigma 5’s!