The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.
I’ve been running a long time. A really long time. And throughout that time I have been on the lookout for the perfect running shoe. I tried heavy, “motion control” shoes because I was told that I over-pronated. I ran for years in a “supportive” shoe that weighed a ton, but seem to keep me from injury. Except when it didn’t.
Recently, I decided to make a switch in my running shoes. I did my research, spoke to friends, and finally decided to try the Mizuno Wave Rider. It was the first time in years that I had stepped away from a heavy, protective shoe. Instead I was treated to a lightweight, neutral shoe that still provided cushioning and support.
Fast forward a year (and several other pairs of Wave Riders). I was delighted when I had the opportunity to try out the Wave Rider 17. I’ve been running in the Wave Rider 16 and loving the lightweight yet supportive feel of the shoe, so I had no reason to doubt that I would also love the Wave Rider 17. The shoe is really light, about 7.4 ounces (in women’s size 7), beautiful (mine are coral with bright yellow accents), and make me feel like I’m running on air. Seriously, this shoe makes you forget that you’re wearing a shoe. Oh, and since I have big feet, I appreciate that Mizuno realizes that women’s feet don’t stop growing in half sizes once they pass size 10!
Mizuno has managed to make the Wave Rider even lighter, while still maintaining a cushioned, stable feel. I really like the support in the heel, and the new sockliner somehow makes me feel even more connected to my run.
I took a run along the coast in Encinitas over the weekend, my third run in the Wave Rider 17, and I really felt lighter than air (quite a feat for this 5’8″ girl!). The shoe seems to virtually disappear, so that I had this feeling of running free, but on a cloud, if that makes sense, like I was floating over the ground.
The route along the coast is quite hilly. My run started from our hotel near the beach, and within a quarter mile I was faced with a steep downhill, followed by an ever steeper climb. I flew down the first hill, then attacked the uphill (like we tell our cross country team). I felt light and strong, and maybe it was just in my head, but I zipped up that hill! And it continued that way for the entire run. I knew that I had encountered mezamashii. It truly was a brilliant run. I didn’t want it to end! 
Here are the three key updates that makes the Wave Rider 17 the most awesome neutral shoe on the planet:
- Updated Midsole: Mizuno has added the new U4ic (pronounced “euphoric”) midsole compound to the new model, which is 30% lighter but equally as cushioned as the AP+ midsole that was used in the Wave Rider 16.
- Improved Upper: The Wave Rider 17 has an updated, sleek upper with reduced overlays and seams to reduce the weight even more.
- Redesigned Outsole: Mizuno has also tweaked the outsole, opting for lighter blown rubber materials in lieu of a traditional carbon rubber outsole.
Not only did Mizuno make these key changes, they kept the important things that I loved about the previous Wave Riders: It is still a really comfortable shoe that fits just right, takes the workload of an everyday training shoe, but has the speedy feel of a lightweight trainer. And it looks great too!
The Wave Rider 17 will be released on December 5, MSRP $114.99. If you order using my affiliate link, you will receive free shipping (and I will receive a small commission): MizunoUSA.com! Never Settle! Free Shipping On All Running Orders Over $100! Click Here!
Did you notice the cool yellow tips on my shoelaces? Do you know what those tips are called (yes, they have a name)? Are you ready for Mizuno Wave Rider 17?
