The One Shoe Advisor you need to check out ASAP and Mizuno WaveRider 18 Review

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Today we are talking about SHOES!  What we know about shoes is that you really need to make sure you are in the right ones. Running shoes are something that you need to fall in love with the first time you try them on. Very rarely do you have to "break them in".  After the first mile or two, you should know if they are the ones for you.


I have to say that Ignorance Really IS Bliss. Before I started really running ( as in training for longer distances) I felt that any pair of running shoes I had, fit me just fine. I was easy to get along with. I received a pair of running shoes for Christmas a few years ago ( never saw them, never tried them on, nothing) but yet when I put them on for the very first time, I said "Yup, these will do". I'm easy to please people! 

But as I started to increase my distance, my knowledge of running shoes increased as well. Now I have so MANY questions when I look for a running shoe.  What shoe is a good fit for my foot type, Should I have more cushioning or less cushioning? Should I have a neutral shoe or stability shoe? ( A few years ago I would never even know there was such things as a neutral shoe or a stability shoe).

Even before I ever started to wear Mizuno Running Shoes, I would often reference their Shoe Advisor Site. There are SO many options on this site, so I will give you this quick run down.

I would first start with the Precision Fit site  ( under the Start From Scratch tab). This site will calculate your Weight, Pace, Foot Type, Foot Rotation, Foot Strike, Static Leg, Flexibility, Dynamic Leg, and Finger Test.  Then of course based on your results, a shoe would be recommended for you.

If you already know what type of shoe you are looking for I would go to Explore the Mizuno Line Up. From here, you will select how much cushioning you'd like, the structure of show you need, and then any specialized features.

You can also choose  Switch From Another Brand. from here you can plug in the brand you are currently wearing ( if you like them), and Mizuno will select a pair of shoes in their line up that would be similar to what you are currently wearing.

I did all of the above tests. I wanted something with lots of cushion, something neutral, and wider. My results were the Wave Rider.  This was perfect because I was asked to review the Wave Rider 18.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 in colors Black/Silver/Florida Keys

You may know that I have been trying to find the perfect shoe for my running needs for a while now and even though I think I may have found them, it never hurts to put another pair of shoes in the rotation, right?  Besides, how many times have you fallen in love with a pair of shoes, and then they are discontinued or you cant find them anymore.  I think I have that covered because now I have multiple shoes that I am loving. ( More options = Happy feet, right?)

My mom has been wearing Mizunos for a while now but this is my first pair. So, what did I think?

*They are super light weight (7.8 oz)

* I was worried that they might not provide me with the cushioning that I was use to, but as soon as I stepped into the Wave Rider 18 I was proven wrong. I felt like I was walking on clouds.

*I found the Wave Rider 18 to be very form fitting.  It literally felt like it was a big hug for my feet!

* I feel that they offer the support that I needed while still being a neutral shoe. I think this is what they call the Mizuno Wave Technology that provides the runner with a stable ride from landing to push off. The Wave Runner 18 also offers a Double Fan Wave which is a forefoot wave plate that helps with shock absorption yet keeps it flexible.



*I love the design. I know better than to pick a running shoe on they way they look or because they are a pretty color, but come on. They are awesome looking, right? I've already had so many compliments on these shoes.  I want to wear them all the time, not just on my runs ( but I don't want to put any unnecessary miles on them..haha).  The women's  #WaveRider18 also comes in a silver/blue style and a Fuchsia Purple/white style.

*A snug fit around my heel and my midfoot makes this shoe feel like it is actually a part of my foot.

*The premium sock liner provides more rebound and resiliency after every foot strike. I actually love the way these shoes feel when I wear them without socks! I know that's probably not a smart thing to do but it just feels SO good! I just feel like these shoes have so much "bounce" in them.

I've tested my Mizunos on the road, the trail, and on the treadmill and they did not disappointed on any terrain. I originally thought that I might have to go up a half size but I'm starting to think they are pretty true to size.  I normally wear a size 6.5  shoe but go up to a size 7 in running shoes so I have that extra bit of room. I don't quite have a whole thumbs length room between my toe and the end of the shoe but so far I haven't felt like my toes are hitting the edge or have had any other issues.


Ok, now go check out that Shoe Advisor on the Mizuno site so you can find the perfect shoe for you! I'm gonna go take my new Wave Rider 18's for a ride on the treadmill now.

Is there a certain feature you are picky about when it comes to your running shoes? Do you like maximum cushioning? A wide toe box?  minimal cushioning? Stability? Share with us what you like.


Also, do you make sure that you have a thumbs length room between your toes and the end of the shoe? Have you ever had less and if so how did that work out for you?

I was provide this complimentary pair of Waver Rider 18's from Mizuno Running company for testing purposes.  All opinions are certainly my own.



40 comments:

  1. Interesting! I have been wearing the same pair of Asics for like 10 years and just keep replacing them as new ones come out. I like lots of support and cushioning. I have never run in Mizuno's maybe I will try this system and see what comes up

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    1. My sister just started to wear Asics and she likes them so much that she is considering another pair.

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  2. I've actually never tried out Mizunos. But the way people talk about them, they must be pretty awesome running shoes!

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  3. Mizuno's are the only shoes that work for my picky feet! I used to love the Wave Rider's until the 17s came out and they were completely different. I heard they made changes and fixed what everyone didn't like about the 17s so I think I'll try the 18s next time I need new shoes!

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    1. I never tried the 17's so I have nothing to compare them too, but so far I'm loving the 18's. I'm very impressed.

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  4. Funny, the "change from another company" option gave me the Wave Rider too. I'm also a 6.5/7 in my running shoes. :) Glad you're liking them so far!

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    1. I always have a hard time determining what size I should be in. Sometimes I don't quite have the thumbs length room in a shoe but if I go up to the next size, it feels like the arch is misplaced. its a catch 22 sometimes!

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  5. I tried the Precision Fit just for fun and got the Wave Creation, but it's a neutral shoe. I can't go with neutral because my bio-mechanics are wonky.

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  6. I need to check this out. I need new running shoes SO bad, but I need a lot of support. Every pair I look at my podiatrist hubby says they won't give my poor feet enough support. Boo! Maybe Mizuno has one that will work!!

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    1. Yes, it appears that Mizunos have running shoes that provide the support you may need.

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  7. I will admit I have some pretty ugly running shoes but they feel amazing when I run in them...haha

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  8. I used to love Wave Riders, but the 17s didn't work for me. I may have to try out the 18s...

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    1. I have never tried the 17's but from what I hear the 18's are an improvement.

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  9. I am going to have to try some of them out. Getting the right shoe is so important, isn't it.

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    1. Yes it is. I do get excited when I find a shoe that works for me!

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  10. Not a fan of Mizunos....I tested one pair and promptly sent them to a Salvation Army store so someone could get use from them. I love my Brooks Ravenna shoes.

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    1. Hopefully the person who got them from the Salvation Army is enjoying them!

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  11. I am on my fourth pair of Asics my local running store recommended for me. I have no problems with them, but I'm interested in getting a trail running shoe. I love shoe advisors so will check this out!

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    1. The shoe advisor was certainly informative. hopefully it can help you determine which shoe you might need for trail running.

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  12. I just did a blog post today about how badly I need shoes that work for me. My Brooks are awful... I feel like they kill my arch... & I never had arch problems.

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    1. The this post is for you Rebecca! Be sure to check out the Shoe Advisor site.

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  13. Interesting that they can do all that on-line? I haven't bought anything from this line yet. I know the first time I went and had a running store fit me for shoes we realized I wasn't even wearing the correct size! Who knew but oh what a difference it makes!

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  14. I love this post! I did the Precision Fit and "switch from another bran" and both put me in the Wave Inspires. I currently am wearing Brooks Ravenna 4, but when I need to go shoe shopping again in January I wanted to check out different models/brands. This will definitely be on the list. Thanks!

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  15. So as someone who is a die hard Mizuno addict this makes me so happy. I am currently running in teh same shoes:)
    So glad you are liking them.

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  16. I'm gonna check out that site- it sounds really great! I have only worn Brooks but lately I have been thinking about branching out, although I am really nervous because I don't know where to start!

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    1. The shoe advisor site will be a great place for you to start. It will help you determine which shoe style might be best for your needs.

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  17. Great post review! Ironically, I am running a review on the same shoes this Thursday on my blog too. I have gone through several brands, I was in Saucony for years until about 3 years ago when they quit making the model I liked in a neutral shoe and switched over to that low drop crap:( So I broke away from them and went back to Mizuno, and all 3 pairs I rotate in right now are all Mizuno, I have found them so far to be the best brand that when they alter the shoe, they don't ruin it:)
    But I agree these are great looking shoes, and like you I have actually gotten several compliments on them too which I love!!!

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    1. I will stoop over and read your review when you have it posted!

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  18. It sounds like Mizuno has thought of everything! I'll have to check them out! I have a hard time finding good running shoes--thus finding it hard to enjoy running. I'm pretty stuck around the 4 mile mark. I might have to make the switch from Nike!

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    1. I hope you find the right pair of shoes to help get you over the 4 mile mark!

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  19. These shoes sound great! I always wear Saucony's because that's what the shoe guy tells me to.

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    1. If they work or you, then that's great. I have some Sauconys that I wear for walking or when I will be standing for a long period of time.

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  20. I like the Mizuno Wave series. I wore Wave Creation for my first half marathon (PHM 2013) and it was fantastic all through training and race day. ~DB

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    1. I'm so glad they worked out for you. Will you be running in the Wave Rider?

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.