It sounds like self-promotion, and it doesn't look good if we are the ones who highlight it, but the post about "What trail running gear do you need to run in the mountains?" is a complete guide to everything you need to join the passion of running in the mountains, and enjoy the experience of taking strides in trail territory, and in the middle of nature. In this article, our Runnea Team expert, David Cárdenas, provides the keys, giving a well-argued answer to such a basic question as: What should I look for when buying a suitable trail runningshoe? "
In his presentation, David Cardenas considers that there are several selection criteria to take into account: stability, protection, cushioning, flexibility and support. He also stresses that these criteria should be associated with the terrain, the distance to be covered, and the runner's own profile. However, as one of our RunTester at Runnea.com points out: "The sole is the differential part in a trail running shoe, since it ensures grip and optimal traction on the terrain. That's why its tread pattern must be deeper and more aggressive, which makes the grip/grip ratio and durability of the lugs inevitable," says Cardenas.
Now we are getting down to the nitty-gritty, there are brands with specific trail running models to choose from, and choose well. The catalog is wide and varied, but taking Mizuno as a reference, the Japanese brand has been one of those that has most evolved its models for trail running. And much of this leap in quality comes from its collaboration with Michelin to bring innovation in the compounds of the soles, and generate as a result significant improvements in grip and traction in all types of terrain and conditions. But also without losing performance in areas such as comfort and dynamism in each stride.
Thus, the prestigious French tire manufacturer has created two different sole compounds, inspired by mountain bike tires. These are the Wild Mud and the Cyclocross Mud 2 Both models stand out for their extraordinary performance on muddy terrain, providing excellent grip and high performance.
The Mizuno agreement is focused on three reference models of the Japanese sports footwear company: the Mizuno Wave Mujin 3 -also in its GTX version-, the Mizuno Wave Daichi 2 and the Mizuno Wave Hayate 3, which we will analyze in the following lines.
Mizuno 's successful trail running model stands out for offering the mountain runner formidable cushioning and great protection, which added to the incorporation of Michelin's Wild Mud compound, makes the Wave Mujin 3 also stand out for unparalleled traction and grip, and on all types of terrain.
In the section of the most outstanding technologies, the Mizuno Wave Mujin 3 incorporates XtaRide, XtaGroove and ESS Rock Plate, whose mission is not only to maximize traction, but also to increase safety in each stride.
The Mizuno Wave Mujin 3 are designed for that group of trial runners, used to cover long distances, and that move on uneven terrain without sacrificing maximum protection.
Compared to the Wave Mujin 3, the Mizuno Wave Daichi 2 is a lighter and more dynamic model, and therefore faster. Incorporating as a great novelty the Michelin compound, the sole of the Wave Daichi 2 not only gains in traction, but also in reliability and adaptability, whatever the terrain you walk on. Suitable for training on muddy surfaces, loose stones and gravel.
Apart from the innovation of its Michelin outsole, the second version of the Mizuno Wave Daichi also brings with it the most advanced technologies of the Japanese company, such as XtaRide and Xta Groove, which allow to reinforce traction and safety. But they also have AP+ and Toe guard materials in the midsole to give more consistency to the cushioning, but adding extra comfort and softness, while increasing its resistance and protection. Something that also contributes to its renewed upper, made with a more resistant mesh.
The Mizuno Wave Daichi 2 are designed for trail runners who require a lightweight model for medium distances, and on uneven surfaces.
Mizuno 's flying saga for mountain running reaches its third version of the Wave Hayate, which also adds the incorporation of the exclusive Michelin soles. Although unlike the Wave Mujin 3 and Wave Diachi 2, these Mizuno Wave Hayate 3 use another compound from the French tire manufacturer, inspired by MTB tires: Wild Rock'R, which guarantees maximum grip on the most extreme terrain.
Other new features of the Wave Hayate 3 include the insertion of the small ESS Rock Plate platform, which increases the model's protection, and a reinforced toe cap, whose main purpose is to improve the model's durability and resistance. Otherwise, the Wave Hayate 3 includes all the Mizuno technologies that have delivered great performance in other iconic models from the Japanese house: XtaRide, AP+ (midsole) and Midfoot Groove.
The Mizuno Wave Hayate 3 is a trail shoe suitable as an option for fast training and competition, and provides a feeling of greater contact with the surface. In short, an all-rounder for fast running with the best performance underfoot.
In this catalog of the main novelties of Mizuno for the practice of trail running, the exception has a name and surname: Wave Kien 3. In this latest version does not incorporate Michelin sole, but this is a model of initiation, which provides stability and comfort, and is valid to combine the sections of asphalt and mountain.
These Wave Kien 3 also incorporate Mizuno's most outstanding technologies, such as: Midfoot Groove, Wave Concave and XtaRide. As well as an EL8 midsole to promote a more efficient and smooth running; and the X-Studs system, a network of lugs, arranged in an X pattern, with the idea of offering grip in all directions.
With all this, the Mizuno Wave Kien 3 are designed for that profile of occasional runner, and that usually runs both on asphalt and in the mountains.
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