Runner’s World connected me with Mizuno, who provided me with a pair of Mizuno Enigma 5 shoes to test free of charge. I also received additional compensation in exchange for testing, talking about and reviewing the shoes. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
Know how sometimes fate is looking out for you? When some things just seem meant to be?
That happened recently when I came to the sad but sudden realization that my running shoes were starting to get past their prime (isn’t it funny how that sort of sneaks up on you?).
And then, in a twist of fate, my friends at Runner’s World contacted me about testing the not-yet-released Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 shoes, the newest neutral running shoe from Mizuno. Um, yes please!
Being an admitted Mizuno newbie (who happens to be married to a Mizuno fan; Dr. G swears by them), I was totally curious and couldn’t wait to check them out.
Here are some of the key features of the Enigma 5 from Mizuno:
- Soft and flexible upper materials are constructed in a comfortable, sock-like fit.
- U4ic (eurphoric…get it?) midsole cushioning and a premium sock liner provide a floating, cloud-like underfoot feel.
- A full-length wave offers maximum shock attenuation, so that each stride is unobstructed, harmonious, and efficient.
- Weight: 8.8 oz
However, I knew I had to smart about breaking them in. We all remember what happened the last time I tried to break in new shoes, and I swore I would never make that mistake again.
So I went about it slowly, integrating my Mizunos in my daily runs — both on the road and on the treadmill — and alternated between new and old shoes until my notoriously picky feet got a feel for them.
So what did I think about them? Here’s what I loved:
- The shoes fit like a glove. I love the way they enveloped my feet, providing both cushioning and support at the same time.
- Speaking of cushioning…wow! It felt so luxurious, like running on clouds. I am definitely a runner who needs a little cushioning, particularly in the forefront area, and these shoes totally exceeded my expectations in this area and did an awesome job absorbing impact during my runs.
- Yet they don’t feel too heavy or clunky (although I don’t know if I’d call them “lightweight”).
- They are a smooth ride! I felt like I was more gliding at times rather than running.
- Elastic laces with give, not something you find too often in running shoes.
- Okay, this absolutely nothing to do with fit or performance, but I love the colors!
Since I don’t typically race in the summer (although I took them on many runs during my Cape Cod vacation last week), I haven’t been able to try these out in a competitive situation, but I am planning on racing in them this fall.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely. The Enigma 5 is a premium, high quality shoe (and a little on the pricey side — it retails for $149.99) for neutral runners looking for support on both long and short runs.