The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.

 

Let’s face it. One of the perks of being a runner is the shoes. I own more running shoes than I do any other. If I have the chance to shop for shoes, most likely you will find me in the local running store.

The great thing about running is outside of shoes and race entry fees (if you choose to race) that is the majority of the expenses you are going to face.

If you missed my previously review of the Mizuno Wave Rider 17, you can see it here.

I had such a great experience with Mizuno that I was really excited to try out the Wave Rider 18 when the opportunity was given!

Mizuno Wave Rider 18

The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 incorporates 3 key Mizuno technologies:

  • U4ic midsole delivers optimal shock attenuation, resiliency, responsiveness and superior ride that is 30% than AP+.
  • Dynamotion Fit relieves the stress the foot naturally places on footwear, eliminating distortion.
  • Mizuno Wave Technology provides runners with a stable ride from landing to toe-off. Features a Double Fan Wave with articled forefoot Wave Plate for the optimal blend of shock attenuation guidance and lightweight flexibility.

 

Enough with all the big talk, lets get down to how they actually feel and preform.

As I mentioned earlier, I really loved the Wave Rider 17s. They were the first real pair of Mizuno’s that I have owned and they really turned my opinion of the shoe brand around.

The Wave Rider is a neutral shoe that has just enough support for all levels and ranges of runners out there. They are sturdy but still light which make them ideal for training whether it be your long run, speed workout, tempo work or just out for an easy run.

Mizuno

The Wave Rider 18, are in my opinion, even better than the previous version. The responsiveness is much better in these and it also feels like there is more to to the shoe. I can feel a difference in how my feet sit in the shoe and can tell they respond very well to the make.

While this has nothing to do with the performance of the shoe, I absolutely love the color of the pair I received. The black and teal are to me a much nicer combination than the white and purple of the 17s. Again, it doesn’t change the performance but the color combinations were much nicer this time around.

Relax

A few differences I noticed in the 18’s vs the 17s were:

  • Tong of the shoe did not come up as high
  • Laces were a bit shorter
  • More overall support

Even though the Wave Rider is considered a neutral shoe I really liked that these seemed to add a bit more support. The tong of the shoe does not come up as high, which at first I thought would bother me but really it doesn’t make much of a difference.

One change that I didn’t like was the shoe laces being shorter. I don’t know if this was something just on my pair, but there isn’t as much room to tie them. I am someone who always double knots my shoes so I don’t have a chance of having to stop and fix an untied lace.

Laces

Overall, if you haven’t tried Mizuno I think these are the best starting point for you! If you  have already, you won’t be disappointed in their new Mizuno Wave Rider 18’s! They are the perfect combination of fit, performance and weight.  They are definitely a multipurpose shoe and can be used no matter what you are training for!

 

Have you ever tried Mizuno?

What is your favorite go-to pair of shoes?

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