Mizuno Wave Rider 17 Test Run and Review

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LL on behalf of Mizuno.

Most bloggers I read tend to start a blog because they have a unique skill or talent they want to share readers. Some are crazy awesome athletes, others create the most delicious recipes. I created my blog not to share a talent with the world (sorry guys) but to share my personal journey learning about health and fitness, and to document my life. I love reading people’s stories, and to see them grow and change. A lot has changed throughout my journey. A huge change was me incorporating running into my life. I used to hate running, and never imagined that I could actually enjoy it, or that I would ever sign up for 5ks just for fun.

But look at me now! I’m not a super fast runner, and I can’t run for exceedingly long distances, but I can run. And oh man do I love to do it. I didn’t realize until I started running just how unique an experience it is for everyone. Everyone runs for a different reason, prefers certain distances or ways of running, and conquers their own challenges. I run because it’s something I never thought I could do. Growing up I was overweight and  hated exercise. I thought of running as punishment and dreaded the yearly mile. I prefer to run 5ks when I run because it’s just enough of a distance to feel substantial while still being short enough that I can get my workout in and get on with my day. I love to run outside in the spring and fall but stick to the treadmill when it’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. My challenge with running is giving up the idea of becoming a ‘perfect’ runner. I breathe heavy when I run, don’t pace myself with a watch between miles, can’t run and hold long conversations, and still strike with my heel despite multiple attempts to strike with my midfoot. But that’s how I run. It works for me, I enjoy it, and at the end of the day I’m still running.

When I was offered the opportunity to try out the Mizuno Wave Rider 17 I jumped at the chance. I am a huge Mizuno fan. The Mizuno Wave Sayonaras are my favorite running shoe and my choice for 90% of my races. They’re a speedy little shoe, and incredibly light. They were the shoe that introduced me to the idea of not running with everything but the kitchen sink in my shoe. The Wave Rider 17s are nearly as light as the Wave Sayonaras (they used a similar mesh upper) while still offering the cushioning the Wave Riders are renowned for. That cushioning is great for increased mileage and training. They Wave Rider 17s are also an incredibly beautiful shoe. I love this color combo!

Let’s take a look at the specs:

After learning more about them and seeing them in person, I couldn’t wait to run in them! I ran two 5ks this week and loved how the shoes felt like an extension of my body, and not a weight on the end of them. They moved with me and flexed as I did. They were comfortable and cushioned my feet without confining them. I used to wear stability shoes that forced my foot into moving ways it naturally didn’t. Since switching to neutral shoes I’m noticing much more of an ease in my gait.

 Would I run in these again? Absolutely! I plan to run in them more this week. Mizuno makes great running  shoes that really work for my feet.

Here’s a comparison of the Wave Rider 17 and Wave Sayonara for anyone who is interested in seeing them side by side. My plan is to run in the Wave Rider 17s when I’m running at the gym or outside for exercise and then switch over to my Wave Sayonaras for races. Both shoes compliment each other really well.

Questions of the Day: Are you a Mizuno fan? What’s your reason for running? Do you have a preferred running distance?