As you may know, most of my running is done on some sort of paved surface, hence the name. But I really do love trail running, and no, I’m not changing the name. I’ve done a few 50ks and signed up for my first 50 miler which is happening the first weekend in December (less than 20 days as of this post).
Here is something you may not know. All of my trail races have been done in my regular road shoes. I’ve never had an issue with it before and have always thought “I really should get a pair of trail shoes.” I’ve always been hesitant to get a pair because I run in high stability shoes and am always concerned that in the later miles, my IT will scream at me.
I expressed these concerns to the team over at Mizuno, as I am a member of the Mezamashii Run Project, and was allowed to try out one of their trail shoes that helps runners with moderate over pronation.
Mizuno Wave Cabrakan 3 Trail Running Shoe
(Click to enlarge)
Over the weekend, I decided to put them to the test on the actual course of my 50 miler, the Marin Headlands just north-east of San Francisco.
I took them out for just under a 12 mile run with an elevation gain of just over 2,100 feet. The 50 miles will include an elevation gain of over 10,000 feet, so this was close to 20% of what I can expect.
(Click to enlarge)
(Click to enlarge)
Just under 12 miles with a 2,100 ft. elevation gain.
- I quickly noticed the traction on the shoes. There is definitely a difference between the grip on road shoes and trail shoes, which makes perfect sense when climbing up and down mountain sides. It also added some confidence in my foot plants knowing I didn’t have to be “too” concerned with slipping and sliding.
- The weight of the shoe felt lighter (compared to my road shoes), but turned out to be the same in terms of ounces. The most important thing was that they didn’t feel “heavy.”
- I had no issues with the fit. I kept them the same size as my road shoes and was able to log almost 2.5 hours with no issues.
- This will be an ongoing review, so please follow along over on twitter or instagram for more info and photos using the #mezamashii tag.
- Overall, I was extremely pleased and glad that I gave them a try. I’ll definitely be logging plenty of trail miles between now and race day to make sure that I’m comfortable in them.
I’m anxious to see how they do on a longer run this weekend (20+). If all goes well, I may find myself having a “brilliant run” on race day.
I was not compensated for this post. I was given a pair of the Mizuno Wave Cabrakan Traril Running shoes to review, and all opinions are my own.
Do you have a pair of road AND trail shoes?
Have you ever run in a pair of Mizuno shoes?
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Great review and looks like it was a beautiful trail run, too. Good to read more about some trail running shoes as I know almost nothing about trail shoes!
Thanks for sharing,
E @ adventureofE
I’m buying my first trail shoes in January! Up until now I have always just worn old street shoes on the trails. With a lot more trail running in my not so distant future to trail for my first 50 miler I’m thinking I will need the right shoe :)
Yes I have 2-3 different pair of trail shoes, in addition to all my road shoes, they do make a difference in my opinion, just because of the increased confidence in traction and also most trail shoes have a rock shield, so it doesn’t hurt as much when you step on a rock or root wrong.
I have fallen in love with my Mizuno road shoes and will look closer at the Mizuno trail shoes, next time I need to get a new pair :-)
I’m basically obsessed with Mizuno! They are amazing :)
I’ve only tried one pair of Mizunos, probably need to do trails more often, and am scared of those hilly pics. Just sayin.
AMAZING PICS!! LOVE IT! I have been eyeing these mizunos for a little while, because I think they would be ideal for winter running!!
Love the pics! Great review. It’s good to know there is a trail shoe, where you can actually feel the difference and the grip!
I switched to Mizunos this past summer and I LOVE them. I’m in the wave ride 15’s. They are amazing. I do own a couple of pairs of trail shoes (Newtons) that were pretty good. I actually use them in winter here because sometimes running through snow is kinda like running on trails, ha ha.
I have never run in a pair of Mizuno shoes. They’re actually the only running brand I have not even tried on, just because of availability at my local stores. I’ve entered a few contests to win a pair so I can see what all the hype is about. I’m so glad these are working for you and good luck on that trail run! Your runs are really inspirational!
I am drooling over those pictures of Marin! You live in trail running heaven.
GORGEOUS views! I love trail running. I feel like your concentration has to be on point 100% of the time. I have been trying to win a pair of Mizuno from all of the #mezamashii giveaways going on around the blogosphere. I may/maynot have entered at least three of them. :)
Sounds like you had the same sort of experience I did after I tried trail shoes….”Oh! That’s why trail shoes are trail shoes….” Ha. Never realized how big of a difference they’d make. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!!