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| New in the box! Great color! |
It's no secret. I love being a BibRave Pro. It's such a supportive, kind, and energetic community to be a part of. The people are amazing and have become some of my best running friends, even though most of us live hundreds of miles away from each other, and I've only met a few in person.
Another thing that's awesome about being a BibRave Pro? I was chosen to test out a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 18! How fantastic is that?! I've heard so many runners talk about their love for Mizuno shoes, and the Wave Rider style in particular. So, when I heard I would be receiving a pair, I was ecstatic. Thanks to BibRave and Mizuno for this wonderful opportunity.
And what was even more exciting (I know, how could there be more?), is that when I opened the box, they were the most perfect shade of blue. My husband saw them and said that it's as if they could read my mind when they chose which color to send over.
Most runners know, choosing a shoe can be a tricky business.... especially if you are new to running. I've been running for about four years now, and sometimes running shoes are still a mystery to me. I was fitted for a pair about a year after a started – after my first half marathon, actually. I had gotten some blisters, and learned that I was wearing a half size too small, which wasn't allowing my feet any room for swelling, which then turned into blisters.
I stuck with that model (and upgraded with it when it did each year), but last year during a half marathon, I wore my trusted brand and style, and ended up with blood blisters. Not to say it was just the shoes – perhaps it was the potholed, uneven street that played a part. I don't think it was the socks, since it had been a pair I have worn for many a half. Maybe it was an anomaly.
Anyway, after that I decided to try out new shoes. I figured maybe something with the new upgrade wasn't suiting my feet properly. I've found some shoes that have worked well, but I'm not sure I LOVE them... and we want to LOVE our running shoes, right?!
I always wear my running shoes for walking/running errands a few times before I give them the running test. I need mine to break in a bit before wearing them for pounding the pavement... get them loosened up a bit. I'm not sure what it is, but if I wear them for running right away, they're too stiff and my feet always feel uncomfortable. I know some people like to run in them right away, and that's cool. Everyone has their own way of doing things :)
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| Ready for the expo in my BibRave shirt and Mizuno Wave Rider 18s! |
I wore my Wave Riders to drive to work a few times, I wore them on my trip to California for Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, and I wore them in the parks for a few days. I felt they were ready to race in by the Tinker Bell 10k. I normally wouldn't wear a pair of running shoes for running the first time during a race, but I felt it would be ok.
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| Wearing Mizuno Wave Rider around Disneyland – The Happiest Place on Earth! |
I was right! They felt awesome running in, and even though I did a lot of walking due to an injury sustained at the 5k the previous day, I still had no issues. When I got back to the hotel room, my feet felt good. Off came the shoes and sock and... NO BLISTERS! Huzzah. This is actually a huge win for me. I've tried a lot of shoes, and I believe it's because I need a large enough toe box, I end up getting a lot of blisters on the inside of my foot right above my toe (the area where people get bunions). They honestly look like they would give me blisters, since they seem a bit more narrow than other shoes I've worn, but I haven't had problems with this.
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| Tinker Bell 10k. |
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| Tinker Bell 10k outfit, including the Wave Rider 18. They matched perfectly! |
I've worn them for a few runs since, and still no problems. I'll be wearing them for the Soldier Field 10 Mile on Saturday, and I'll post how the shoes went along with my race recap. Look for it next week. They're lightweight and I feel they give me enough stability. Also, I would say they are true to size. I usually wear an 8 for my running shoes, so I got an 8 in the Wave Rider (it's always tricky deciding on a size without trying on... I'm always afraid it'll be too big or too small, you just never know with a new brand). These fit very well, and I wouldn't have chosen a different size.
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| Traveling in style! |
Now, onto the more technical information about the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 (found on the website):
The Wave Rider is made with Mizuno Wave Technology. What is this? It's an effective mechanical midsole. As your foot touches the ground, Wave reduces and redirects impact forces away from your foot. It's a compact form, so it means the shoe can still be sleek and lightweight.
• Disperses impact forces away from foot
• Progressive, tunable support
• Lightweight, company, responsive
• Doesn't break down over time
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| Awesome color options! Left is women, right is men. |
Another key aspect of the Wave Rider 18 is the U4ic – U4ic midsole delivers optimal shock attenuation, durability, and a superior ride that's 30% lighter than AP+. It is Innovatively light and well cushioned.
SmoothRide Engineering™
SmoothRide is the result of years of development designed to the most fluid, smooth, rocking-chair like motion in every step. It begins working the moment your foot touches the ground. Flex Grooves in the heel promote natural movement from the back of your foot to the front, initiating that rocking-chair motion. The AP+ Midsole gives the shoe a bouncier feel. And Flex Grooves and Flex Controllers in the forefoot work together to smoothly continue the roll forward to give your foot a more solid platform at toe-off.
• Smooth, rocking motion throughout your stride
• Increased flexibility
• More power at toe-off
Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.
An ideal heel fit and secure midfoot embrace make this lightweight trainer feel like a part of your foot.
The parallel Wave in the heel, lightweight U4ic midsole and optimal amount of forefoot flexibility all work together to make every stride smooth and flowing.
WHAT’S NEW
• Refined toe-spring delivers a smooth, effortless toe-off
• Upgraded premium sock liner provides more rebound and resiliency at every foot strike
• New outsole design with added durability and shock attenuation
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| Ratings on the website – 4.3 average! Sounds like a good choice to me. |
Weight: 7.8 oz
Style: 410656
So there you have it. I'll keep you posted on how they continue to wear when I begin Chicago Marathon training next month :)
Mizuno will be sponsoring #BibChat on Tuesday, May 26 at 8pm CT. Make sure to follow BibRave and Mizuno, and follow hashtag BibChat to interact with other runners! The topic is 'Every Mile Changes You', and Mizuno will be giving away THREE pairs of Wave Rider 18s!! AMAZING - you don't want to miss out!
Another fun thing to kick off #BibChat next Tuesday? A #BibChat Fun Run Tuesday morning in Chicago! Join if you can; details below :)
Have you ever tried the Mizuno Wave Rider? What's your go-to shoe? Have you gone through the process of trying lots of different styles and brands to find a pair you love?
Connect with Mizuno Running:
Read other reviews from fellow BibRave Pros!
I'm a wearer of Mizuno Wave Inspires. I hope they never stop making them! I like your color.
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