The Sayonara ushered in a new design ethos for Mizuno, and its performance leads the category for the brand. In looking at the second round of the shoe, it is easier to see what has not changed, though the changes are for performance. The midsole and outersole are the same . U4ic polyolefin in the midsole providing consistent, firm cushioning that rebounds reliably, and an outersole of X-10 carbon rubber in the heel with a combination of blown rubber in the lateral forefoot, polyester and polyurathane inserts medially. The upper has a more structured closed mesh with oval shapes uniformly through the weave, and a smoother lining material reduces friction in the shoe. The rubbery welded overlays of round one have been restyled with small hands waving (sayonara, get it?), and have been repositioned to give the upper better flexibility, slight tailoring adjustments have made subtle improvements to the shoe, a rounder toebox allowing better toe splay. Fans of the Sayonara will be pleased, and runners looking for a versatile trainer that can handle faster running might just become fans.
Testers: “A shoe for most any run you want to do. Light and fast, with a great transition. Wide forefoot and low profile. Even the occasional trail run. Worked great for me.”
Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–12
Weight: 9.2 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.4 oz. (women’s size 8)
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation