Brooks Ariel vs. Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 review
The Brooks Ariel is comfortable, roomy, and provides good stability and cushioning. The Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 reduces shock vibration and increases flexibility in the heel and forefoot to give you a smooth ride. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two Brooks and Mizuno motion control running shoes.
In two previous articles I wrote about the Brooks Ariel and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 motion control running shoes for women.
These two running shoes are made by two different running shoe manufacturers, so naturally they will differ. However, they are claimed to be each other's counterpart, so are comparable.
Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.
The Brooks Ariel has a Rollbar, which is a plate that is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. However, the Mizuno Wave Renegade has something that is similar to a Rollbar in the midsole to control overpronation, but which is unique to Mizuno motion control running shoes.
The Mizuno Wave Renegade has a plate, which is called a Composite Double Fan Wave, that runs along the full length of the midsole. It offers excellent motion control and cushioning. As you touch the ground and roll inwards with your foot, the midsole does not collapse excessively, thereby providing superior motion control.
Other differences between the two motion control running shoes are in the designs of the sole and uppers.
By looking at the soles of both running shoes it is clearly visible that the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 would offer more flexibility at heel-strike. Both motion control running shoes offer a similar amount of flexibility in the forefoot area during toe-off.
Both the Brooks Ariel and the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 would be suitable as running shoes, because both offer support in the heel strike and inner foot areas, two areas which are heavily targeted by pronators, and which follow a common gait cycle pattern during running.
The Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 weighs approximately 323 grams (11.4 oz), while the Brooks Ariel weighs approximately 349 grams (12.3 oz). So the Brooks Ariel is 26 grams (0.9 oz) heavier than the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4.
So if you're looking for a lightweight motion control running shoe and cannot decide between the Brooks Ariel and the Mizuno Wave Renegade, go with the latter.
Looking at the uppers of the two running shoes, you can see that the Brooks Ariel consists of slightly more mesh than the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4. While mesh is used primarily to give the feet more air (make breathable shoes), mesh tends to fit somewhat loose around the toes.
So if you're someone who likes to keep your toes in place and not have them punch upwards - which what mesh would allow - the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 would be your shoe. However, if you have large feet, the Brooks Ariel might provide you with more room in the toe box than the Mizuno would.
Both shoes offer a snug fit in the lace area with their bands wrapping around the foot, so they'll both keep your feet well in place as you run or walk.
If you're looking for a motion control running shoe to run in, you could go with either the Brooks or the Mizuno, but the Brooks Ariel comes with a price tag that is almost US$10 more expensive than the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4.If you are are looking for flexibility in both the forefoot and heel areas (especially handy if you're a heel-striker), the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4 could give you the flexibility and comfort you need.
Regular retail price of the Brooks Ariel: $130.00 Regular retail price of the Mizuno Wave Renegade 4: $119.95
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Disclaimer: This running shoe review on www.motioncontrolrunningshoe.org is based on personal research and analysis, and is not claimed to be accurate and/or complete. While the information presented in this review is intended to help you better understand the differences between running shoes, we shall not be held liable for any purchasing decisions you make based on this information. Please use your own good judgment before making a purchase. The owner of this website receives a small compensation whenever you buy a product after clicking a product link on this website; that's how we keep this site online. Read our full disclaimer.