Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 16s



I first saw the Mizuno Wave Rider 16s in early December at a fun run sponsored by my local running store. Mizuno Rep Mary brought a bag of running shoes for us to try that day and I choose the 16s since I already loved my 15s. 

After that run, I couldn't stop thinking about them. I admit, I put a lot of miles on my running shoes last year, but the 16s felt unbelievably soft and light. 



I hadn't noticed any discomfort while running in my 15s or my Inspire 8s, but a quick 5 mile run in the tester 16s clearly made my old shoes feel hard. One reason for this feeling lies in the change of material used in the heel which improves shock absorption and increases smoothness.



Another noticeable difference is in the upper part of the shoe. With the removal of overlays and the open mesh design, the shoe moves with your foot easier and improves breathability.



At 8.2 ounces, the Wave Rider 16 is half an ounce lighter than its predecessor. A subtle difference, but when combined with the other design changes it creates that soft, lightweight feel.



Once again, Mizuno does not disappoint. The color options are vibrant so they look good, and the material changes add a plushness so they feel good. Win, win.






What running shoes are you loving?


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I have not received compensation for this post.

19 comments:

  1. I'm in love my with Mizuno Mushas and Universe. LOVE! I wish I could wear women's Mizunos because the colors are awesome - but men's it is for this wide foot freak!

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  2. I'm a fan of Saucony Kinvaras. Right now, I'm in the original model in bright pink. I also like New Balance 790s, but the heels are wide for me, so I have to do creative and very tight tying or get blisters.

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  3. the VFF SPEEDS!!!! love love love.

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  4. I love mizuno! I need new shoes too....

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  5. I am glad they made some design changes because the old style did look clunky - I feel faster in shoes that look fast.

    I love my VFF, but I may ultimately be a Brooks man for longer runs. I love my bright red Pure Cadence, and I have my eyes on the Cadence 2.

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  6. LOVE my wave rider 16s. Got them in November and they rock. Mine are a crazy bright pink with green quite flashy ;-) But I have had so many issues with plantar fasciitis and I think these babies are starting to help.

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  7. These look awesome! I need to try them! I need new running shoes

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  8. I always want new running shoes!

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  9. That's great to hear! I wore the pink one's on my test run, but chose white & purple because I have the 15's in limited edition pink ;)

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  10. I agree, fast looking shoes make me feel faster ;)

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  11. I've heard the Kinvaras are a Saucony favorite. Hope you can keep the blisters away!

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  12. LOL! I didn't know you wore men's - #brilliant idea ;)

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  13. I really love my Brooks Glycerin 10s but I can't stop looking at the wave riders. They are beautiful shoes but my local running store put me the glycerins. Maybe my next shoe.

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  14. I have both of these in my current rotation and love both! Except mine are blue (16's with hot pink and 15's with burnt orange)...all of my running shoes are blue...I think I need to branch out a little ;)

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  15. Obviously not every shoe is right for everyone, but they are pretty terrific!

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  16. We are creatures of comfort & habit...I try to alternate colors. Bold on one pair, then neutral on the next.

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  17. I love my Mizunos as well! Inspire9s and Nirvana 8s is what I alternate between. Currently I'm using the Nirvanas on the road and the Inspires on the TM. But as soon as I'm done the TM the Inspires will be hitting the streets as well!

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