What’s up Goal Crushers,
Continue reading for the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 review, this shoe is designed to fit runners who have a medium to high arch and looking for a lightweight shoe with a cushioned ride.
Shoe Stats
- Stack Height: 27 mm (Heel), 15 mm (Forefoot)
- Heel drop: 12 mm
- Weight: 12.6 oz. / 357 grams, size 14
- Largest size available: 15
- Widths: medium (d), and wide (2E)
Style & Appearance
The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 comes in three color ways for men and women. For men the colors ways are (Black/ Silver/Classic Green), (White/ Dress Blue/ Vibrant Orange), and (Chinese Red/ Silver/ Black). For women the color ways are (Black/ Silver/ Florida Keys), (Blue Atoll/ Silver/ Blue Depths), and (White/ Fuchsia Purple/ Turbulence)…. I really like the combinations Mizuno came up with for the Wave Rider 18… These colors look good in running shorts and in a pair of jeans.
Upper Construction
The upper of the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 has been completely redesigned… Mizuno channeled its roots by going back to the two-piece construction of the upper, stitching the run bird (logo) and the reinforced eyelets onto the upper resulting in a more secure, lock down feel across the forefoot. Furthermore, the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 now touts engineered mesh across the forefoot. The result is a very breathable and open feel to the toe box. Personally, I like the feel of the toe box, when you have big feet like mine, sometimes the toe box can feel tight around the big toe and pinky toe. I did not have this problem with the Mizuno Wave Rider 18.
Sole Construction
Some things stay on the Wave Rider 18, the midsole has the same material (U4IC) and profile of the Wave Rider 17. Mizuno claims U4ic possesses all the cushioning properties of their former compound, AP+, while weighing 30 percent less. The Wave Rider 18 still has a 12 mm offset, this is something Rider fans have come to love. I would have thought that Mizuno would have toy with the 10mm offset this time around giving that the Nike Pegasus 31 went down to a 10 mm offset.
While something’s stay the same, Mizuno updated quite of feel things to outsole of Wave Rider 18. One notable update is the narrowed flex grooves of the shoe. This was done to give more blown rubber to the outsole. More blown rubber means more durability… Additionally, the Wave Rider 18 touts a slightly larger toe spring compared the rider 17… It is said that this will give a smoother toe off compared to the earlier edition. Lastly, Mizuno improved the material of the wave plate.
Conclusion
The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 is very comfortable shoe. With its 18th iteration on the shoe, Mizuno made a few updates on the shoe that supposed to offer a disappearing fit and the smoothest ride possible. As a big guy, I look for a shoe that has a roomy toe box, offer some type of support, and has nice cushioning. The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 has all these criteria; l’m giving the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 the 300 PAR seal of approval… If you’re looking for a neutral training shoe with a responsive feel, I suggest giving the Wave Rider 18 a shot.
If you’re a Wave Rider fan let me know what you think about the updates… Leave a comment below!
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FTC Disclosure: The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC, on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
