Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 17

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

Since I run a lot of miles, I've tried a lot of running shoes through the years. I keep a steady rotation of shoes and typically retire them around 300 miles.  Some brands last longer than others. Some styles just feel better. Thus the point of always testing new brands and styles in search of the perfect shoe.

Last week, I was lucky enough to score a pair of the new Mizuno Wave Rider 17 before they were released. Obviously, power-that-be didn't hear that I was a purple freak, but hey, I need the variety anyway. My Wave Riders are a dark slate (gray) color with aqua and pink accents. I think I'll call them Tiffany because that's what the aqua reminds me of.

First, let's get to the guts of these shoes... The Wave Riders are a NEUTRAL running shoe. Neutrals are for runners who do not overpronote or underpronate. Generally speaking, if you have high arches and need minimal support, neutral shoes are right for you. They allow your feet to guide themselves more naturally through each step for your perfect running gait.

As I slipped on my first pair of Mizunos, I was pleased with how they seemed to wrap around and hug my entire foot. The toebox, or upper part of the shoe, was made of a thin mesh that was extremely breathable. Mizuno boasts a new sockliner for the Wave Rider 17 to increase the resiliency. While the shoe is incredibly lightweight, I found the forefoot and heel cushioning to be satisfactory. Weighing in at just 7.4 oz (womens), this shoe makes a great pick for as a high mileage trainer or even a racing shoe.

I ran both dry and wet pavement in my new Mizunos and liked the bottom traction. I also hit the snowy trails after Thanksgiving. While I like the upper toebox mesh for breathability, I did find them a bit chillier than my other shoes as I tromped through the snow. Hands down, my favorite aspect is the light-as-a-feather feeling, making my run feel smooth and carefree.

Kickin' it in the snow with my the new Wave Rider 17

Now the important stuff... More COLORS!
Both the women and mens Wave Rider 17 come in three sharp color combinations...

The Mizuno Wave Rider 17 were released today, December 5th for sale.
Check your favorite shoe store for stock. Retail $114.99.

Happy Running!