I'm not a minimalist runner...I like some support but what I don't like is a clunky shoe. Last year I was introduced to the Mizuno Wave Rider when the
17s came out. There was so much I liked about the shoe so when the 18s were announced and I had a chance to get a pair through FitFluential, I jumped.
The Wave Riders have been a very popular neutral shoe and it's easy to see why. Mizuno has adopted the Japanese concept "Hado" which is the representation of the life force in all of us. It's easy to see how it translates into the design by looking at the progression from the heal to toe. The shoe almost invites you to run.
Between the Wave Rider's excellent fit and performance, I can clearly see it becoming a "go to" shoe for me. I ran the Go! St. Louis in the 17s this year and I'll probably run the Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis in these.
I've already run a couple times in these and I do love them but there is only one thing that I observed that I feel like I need to point out.
- They need to be broken in a little. The sole is constructed in such a way that it's one continuous piece which is great for creating a natural progression from heal to toe but for me it was a little rigid. I do feel like we're adjusting to each other a little better as I get into the 20's with these shoes.
Would I recommend that you try the Mizuno Wave 18? I would do more than have you try them...if you're looking for a neutral shoe then you have to check these out! Mizuno makes a great shoe and the Wave Rider 18 is just a continuation of that quality tradition.
Want to go check them out? Head over to Mizuno Running and get ready to enjoy your #BrilliantRun
Where would you take the Mizuno Wave Rider 18s?
I love my Wave Rider 18.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are enjoying them.
I generally run in a more minimalist shoe, so I was very happy to discover that this shoe does not have that clunky feel that you mentioned, and that I was still able to easily keep my stride without being forced to heel strike. I think they feel even better than the 17's.
ReplyDeleteI tried out a pair of these at a local running store and almost got them. My only fear is I have a tiny arch and I was afraid the difference from the cushiony heel to the arch area would hurt. Do you have any issue with that? Or do you have high arches? The girl at the running store didn't run in Mizunos so she wasn't the best resource, lol
ReplyDeleteI would use this on ALL my stinky running gear! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is good to know about! I just had a barefoot gait analysis, and unlike my gait analyses that were done in shoes, this put me as needing a neutral shoe, so now I'm on the hunt for something totally different than the very supportive shoes that running stores have been putting me in for years. Will have to give these a try!
ReplyDelete