While the Wave Sayonara 3 is in the middle of its current lifecycle, track season and spring racing is quickly approaching, and it performed so well on a recent tempo run that I couldn't resist featuring it. 

Mizuno has carved out a niche of lighter than average, responsive shoes that are most comfortable at a quicker pace. Even within their lineup of more conventional neutral and stability shoes (featuring the venerable Wave Rider and Wave Inspire), Mizuno tends to run a little lighter and quicker than comparable shoes from other brands. 

The Wave Sayonara 3 doesn't merely look fast. At 8.4 oz for men and 7.0 oz for women, the Sayonara is a perfect go-fast shoe for tempo runs and races of any distance. Mizuno's most noteworthy technology is the thermoplastic Parallel Wave plate that extends from the rearfoot through the arch. This wave plate, combined with the U4ic (as in euphoric) midsole provides a responsive ride and quick transition to toe-off. It doesn't squish into the ground. Instead it pops off the pavement with the speed of a Novak Djokovic forehand. Mizuno's 3D fit holds the foot securely, while allowing ample room for the toes to spread. The extra foam inside the back of the heel and the 10mm heel:forefoot offset will ease stress on the most temperamental achilles tendon.

The Wave Sayonara 3 marries the comfort of a daily trainer and the responsive ride and road feel of a racing flat.

The latest edition in the Saucony Triumph series (and second ISO-fit version) launched at the end of 2015. The Triumph sits atop Saucony's Neutral-Cushion category. Last year's update was the first to offer the unique form-fitting ISO-fit upper. This innovation has been nicely refined for 2016. They offer the comfort of a slipper while holding your arch and heel securely in place. Essentially, your foot gets a comforting little hug every time you lace up your shoes.

On to EVERUN, Saucony's newest proprietary cushioning technology. EVERUN is positioned close to the foot right under the sockliner so you can actually feel the responsiveness. It is also added in the lateral aspect of the heel, for those who might need to soften the initial ground contact. Saucony promises that EVERUN will maintain its cushioning better over the life of the shoe; so mile 400 will feel as good as the first 100. 

How is the ride? The Triumph ISO 2 paradoxically combines the degree of plushness one would expect in a high end shoe with the responsiveness of a fast, nimble trainer. Think "bouncy" more than "squishy". While not particularly heavy at 10.2 oz and 8.6 oz for men's and women's respectively, they actually run lighter and faster than the scale might suggest. While I try to avoid car analogies, The Triumph ISO 2 perfectly epitomizes the "sport luxury" category. 

Brooks gave the PureFlow 5 a dramatic face lift for 2016. From the ground up, the new DNA LT midsole is a lighter, adaptive cushioning that perfectly balances a natural feel with optimal responsiveness. The combination of omega grooves and a forefoot dynamic flex grid enhance flexibilty and overall ride. The seamless upper wraps the foot through the addition of 3D Fit Print and the plush rear collar hugs the heel. Simply put, the PureFlow 5 is a perfect extension of the foot.

Technical jargon aside, the PureFlow 5 is the very best iteration of this stellar lightweight trainer. And this women's color is in contention for the best looking shoe on the wall.