This Wave Rider 20 review is sponsored by Mizuno through my relationship with Fitfluential. All opinions are, as always, my own.
I feel like I should give a second disclosure: I’ve been wearing the Mizuno Wave Rider for the last five or so years and I love them! After years of running in a stiff, over-supportive shoe I switched and I’ve never looked back. Why run when you can ride, right?
That being said, shoe companies have been known to mess with success, changing up things in the hopes of improvement, but coming up short. So when I accepted this campaign, I was excited but not completely sold that I would love this new version of the Wave Rider.
My Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review
My Wave Rider 20s arrived in a beautiful silver box. Maybe a hint of what was to come? I loved the color too, though I couldn’t decide whether they were red or orange. What color exactly is Baton Rouge? I guess rouge = red and that’s what they call the color on Road Runner Sports, so we’ll go with that.
As soon as I slipped them on, I knew that the Wave Rider 20 was going to be my favorite of the series. They are so comfortable that it was like sliding my feet into a cloud. Which is appropriate, considering Mizuno’s new Cloudwave technology, which provides a smoother ride with more cushion on heel impact and better guidance on transition heel to forefoot.
But how would it feel on the run? Wave Rider 20 = 20 years of improving and refining the fit and feel of this great shoe. In addition to great cushioning, it is also very lightweight, about 8.3 ounces (women’s size 7). It has a 12 mm drop, which is perfect for me. I like a little elevation in the heel, and I need the extra cushioning.
While the Wave Rider 20 is a neutral shoe, I still feel supported when I run in it. It definitely does not feel soggy, instead, it has a light and bouncy feel (that’s my technical term). The midsole has been designed to have 33 percent more response and more durability than previous models.
You may have seen my post about Alan winning a pair of his own Wave Rider 20s. He wore them for the first time the other day and was very happy with the feel and the comfort of the shoe. This from a man who has not varied his running shoe brand in the over 20 years that I’ve known him! I think I may have a convert here!
Would I recommend the Wave Rider 20? Well, I convinced my stubborn husband to give them a try based on my experience, so the answer is a resounding yes! I truly believe that they are the best Wave Rider yet, a combination of comfort, style, and response that equals a great running shoe.
Want more technical details? Ready to try out the Mizuno Wave Rider 20? Get the full scoop here!
And Now It’s Time for the Running Coaches’ Corner!
[inlinkz_linkup id=674804 mode=1]
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie and Rachel
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
Giveaway Roundup and Try Out Thursdays with Smitha
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen, Janice, Julie and Me!
Living a Life of Fitness, Health and Happiness with Jill
Friday Favorites with Heather
I think I would like these–they sound very similar to my Asics Gel Nimbus! Great review and since red is my favorite color, I just may have to try them!
I have been using the Wave Rider since version 14 (I think). For a while, anyway. I love them and the color just makes them better! 🙂
I am running in the Mizuno Catalyst right now but these also sound worth checking out. Thanks for the review and the link up
I’ve been so happy with the Wave Rider that I’ve never even tried another one of their shoes! Why mess with success?
I love when you find a shoe that you love! I’ve never tired Mizuno but love the sneakers I have.
It took me years! So happy that I have the perfect shoe for me now!
They are quite lovely. I wonder if I would like them. They are a little less drop than the Pegasus (which is becoming a bit much for me), but not that much. I’m liking the Sayonaras, personally.
I’ve never run in the Sayonara, so I’m not much help. The Wave Rider works for me (and as I think I said above, why mess with success?).
I’ve worn the Wave Inspires (stability shoe) and loved them. I’m a little hesitant to try a neutral shoe (I had a bad experience with a different brand), but I’ve heard these Wave Riders are awesome. They certainly are pretty 😉
I was concerned at first too, after years of wearing a very supportive shoe. They have worked great for me (though I understand that wouldn’t necessarily be the same for everyone).
I never tried Mizunos but know many people like them. I do normally wear a neutral shoe so these may be a good fit.
I’ve been very happy with Mizuno for about 5 years! After spending about 20 years of my running life looking for my perfect shoe!
Thanks for sharing! Fit and comfort are key and I’ve unfortunately went through some trial and error after having to leave my favorite Sauconys a few years ago but have found some Asics that work great for me. I’ll have to check these out next time I’m at the running store for my oldest as with her feet growing so large so fast she is in need of good shoes but ones she use to love aren’t working for her.
I’ve used both of those, and liked them. There are a lot of great running shoes out there. They key is finding the one that works the best for you (and your daughter). The Wave Rider works great for me.
i have heard so much about this shoe..now i want a pair.
I ran exclusively in Mizuno for years. Now I’m a Newton and Altra gal. The 12 mm drop was too much for me and I kept getting injured. Whomp whomp. Good write up!
I have never seen that brand here but they look awesome. I am in need of some new shoes I will have to look into this.
Kathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop