Hi, I have the same problem I´ve boutght the new baloance W940 for overpronators and It got me lots of blisters near my arch I don´t know now what type of shoes to buy can you help me

Why didn’t the 12 work for you? The midsole stayed the same. Was the fit throwing your stride off?

I have run in the Alchemys for more than 6 years, but I could not wear the 12s. These caused almost immediate pain on the insides of my shins. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 13s.

I left my faithful and trusty old Alchemy’s for the newer model – The Alchemy 12. I was left with severe shin splints, an injury that I’ve never had in years of running. While there was plenty of width at the front these shoes really pinched my heels – very narrow. Anyway I persevered for a good few months but plagued with sore shins and calf muscles. I have just left the Mizuno’s for the brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 and will see how they compare..

Thanks Theo!

I’ll be interested to see how the shallow/deep plays out. One problem I have had in this last cycle (c/b related to bunion or to hard speedwork) is the tendon that runs on top of big toe up to ankle very sensitive – I changed to bar lacing on that shoe instead of traditional x, which has helped a lot.

May try women’s first as you suggest (since I know as soon as I put it on if it fits width or not, it’s just shipping it back).

Will let you know – thanks again!

MJ, the insole in the Alchemy is removable. When I say shallower it is in regard to the fit of the upper of the Alchemy 12 vs 11. Meaning that the fit is closer to the foot in the 12 and not as deep. The Alchemy 11 would probably work better with your orthotic because the upper is higher in volume but the 12 should do fine as well. Even in regular width the Alchemy last has always been a bit wider than its sister Mizuno shoes. It’s difficult for me to say whether or not you’ll like the fit of the Alchemy and I’m usually hesitant to do so since fit is so personal. I will say this though, do not be surprised if you don’t need your orthotics with the Alchemy-it has a colossal dose of stability.

In closing, I would advise you to try on the women’s Alchemy first and only progress to the men’s version if necessary. Great question and keep us updated.

Tell them Hello for me at RW!

The guys in the Mizuno fan thread at RW forum suggested I check with you. Great site! Hoping you can help with some more details on this shoe.

I’m thinking about trying the men’s Alchemy 12. Can you tell me if the insole is removable so that I can use my custom orthotics? Also, can you explain what you mean when you say the fit is “shallower” – what does that affect, when is that good/bad?

Background:
I’m Masters female, currently wearing Brooks Ariel (aka Beast in mens) 10EE w/ orthotics (severe overpronator), some injury history). This last trainig cycle, started having bunion/top of foot issues. Ariel seems to be only womens shoes wide or controlling enough for me (miss my Hurricanes!) so I’m branching into mens to find alternatives. I’m 5’8″ and slender, but my big, wide flat feet and the overpronation control needed always seems to push me to heavier shoes, so lighter – like Mizuno – might be a nice change. The Mizuno shoe guy (“Wish”) on their site thought Alchemy would be a good one for me to try. (also, anybody know the size conversion wmns 10EE – mens? I think 8.5 but unsure reg mens width or wide)

Thanks much!

Barry,

I liked the 12 better because it fit my foot more closely. The ride is the same as before. Thanks for the question.

Jeremy, the Alchemy fits a bit wider and runs a little slower than the Nirvana. Both are superior support shoes for those with flexible arches.

Hi Theo,
thanks for the info on the Alchemy 12. In your opinion, is the 12 an improvment on the 11? I have racked up a fair bit of mileage in the 11´s and have been very satisfied with them, however as i will soon be looking for a replacement i am unsure whether to get another pait of 11´s or go for the 12´s instead?

Barry,

The upper in the Alchemy 12 is lower profile than the 11 but still has a roomy toe box. The mid foot and heel seem to be more fitted in the new version and the fit is a touch shallower. The support remains superb and is unchanged. I haven’t worn the Trance in a couple of versions and I’ve never worn the Beast so I’d be hard pressed to compare them but I don’t think you can lose as far as stability is concerned when it comes to the Nirvana and Alchemy. Thanks for reading.

The upper in the Alchemy 12 is lower profile than the 11 but still has a roomy toe box. The mid foot and heel seem to be more fitted in the new version and the fit is a touch shallower. The support remains superb and is unchanged. I haven’t worn the Trance in a couple of versions and I’ve never worn the Beast so I’d be hard pressed to compare them but I don’t think you can lose as far as stability is concerned when it comes to the Nirvana and Alchemy. Thanks for reading.