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Product Review: Mizuno Wave Rider

August 20, 2014
My last round of training left me drained and tired, and I swore I wouldn’t train quite so vigorously again. Mid summer left me pining for a training schedule and I registered for a fall half. Here I am again in the throes of half marathon training, and I’m completely exhausted. I’m considering scaling back a bit. We’ll see how I feel this weekend. We have been very busy, plus traveling. Maybe I just need to be in my groove and home territory again without such a demanding extra circular schedule. 
Happy Hump Day! It’s product review day and I’m really happy about today’s review.
Note: The following products were not provided to me. I purchased every pair. All opinions are solely my own.  
I’ve been a brand loyal running shoe gal since I restarted my running career in 2010. I am a proud wearer of Mizuno. I started off in the Wave Inspire and cycled through at least six pairs over the years. 
I recently went to my local running store to get fitted and make sure I was in the right shoe and I was switched to the Wave Rider. I’m almost at the end of the life cycle of my first pair, and I already have my second pair waiting in my closet. Some of you have already seen them on my Facebook page. 
Mizuno Wave Rider
Why am I brand loyal? 
After trying several different pairs, at many different times along the way, I always came back to Mizuno. Much like the cult following of Brooks running, you either love or hate Mizuno. There doesn’t seem to be much of a gray area. Here’s why:

Mizuno fits me. They are comfortable, and never any question of where the arch is hitting me or if the toe box is too big or too small.  

Mizuno is lightly cushioned, not a cushy ride. For those who are partial to a less cushy ride, Mizuno is the shoe for you. I can feel the road or trail without any discomfort whatsoever. Some prefer a more cloud-like and soft running experience. I prefer a responsive shoe, and feeling the ground. It helps keep my feet safe too because I can more readily evaluate terrain and footing.  

Mizuno comes in a bevy of beautiful colors.Since fashion is the ultimate goal of running, color selection is very important. All right, so that’s a stretch. I didn’t even have a choice of color in my first pair of Mizunos. (Also, fashion is not important for runners. Take note of what a runner is wearing on any daily run and you’ll see what I mean.) BUT, Mizuno does have an awesome color selection and it makes it quite fun to buy and break in a new pair. Always a plus! 

Mizuno has an excellent price point.Mizuno isn’t a cheap brand. But it’s not an overly expensive brand either. You can walk away with a great pair of Mizunos for under $120, sometimes even less if you can find the previous model. Those white and purple ones above? Got those for under $60. Score!

Those are all of the great points I can think of about Mizuno. What are some of the bad points? Well, I can really only think of one:

They have changed this year’s model of the Wave Inspire and Wave Rider.And possibly others. These are the only two I’ve had experience with so I can speak for other models. I tried the new Wave Inspire and did not like it one bit. The construction of the shoe is a considerable departure from the models I am used to and have grown to love over the years. And I’ve heard from other Mizuno wearers they are disappointed in the change as well. My question to Mizuno: if it ain’t broke, why fix it? I’m sure they have their reasons. I have not, however, tried the Wave Rider in the new style. Maybe I’ll like it.

Bottom line — would I recommend Mizuno to a friend? Yes, and I have! I love Mizuno. They make a quality shoe, have a magnificent color selection, and even their website is helpful in finding the perfect shoe for you. I recommend hitting up your local speciality running shop for a fitting, however. The web is great but it’s not the same as getting one-on-one attention and finding your fit.
Thanks for checking out my review. Hope you have a great day!
Edited to add: guess what’s on The Clymb today?! Mizuno! Use this link to sign up and get your pair of Mizunos today! (Plus there’s an extra 20% off sale going on, too. Boo yah!)

—
What are your favorite shoes?
Are you brand loyal?

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