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.
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| 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.
