Sponsored Post: @MizunoRunning #WaveRider18 Shoe Review

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential, LLC on behalf of Mizuno. Regardless of payment or free product, the following opinions are my own. 

My feet hate me. For years, I'd strap them into inefficiently high heels and walk around like nobody's business. That was back when I worked in advertising (and went to bars), but I work at a gym now (and I rarely go out) so my feet rejoice. Because now, I live in sneakers. And I run in sneakers (obviously). My feet still hate me, but only when I take them OUT of my sneakers. Or when my sneakers wear out, which has been the case as of late.

I've talked about my hunt for a new running shoe before. In fact, I settled on the (bright green and pink) Sayonara 2. I got the chance to review the original Sayonara when they launched it, and I've been a Mizuno fan ever since. So when FitFluential offered up the chance to test out ANOTHER Mizuno running shoe. I jumped at the chance because, well...new shoes.

So enter the Wave Rider 18.

This is an upgraded pair of Wave Riders, which are neutral running shoes. Are they better or worse than the previous model? I wouldn't know, but I can tell you that they're different than the Sayonaras, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I love the Sayonaras because they feel light on my feet without compromising comfort.. They are perfect for short and/or fast running, in my opinion, but can still go the distance. But a little EXTRA padding never hurt a girl's feet, which is why I wasn't totally turned off by these new Wave Riders.

In fact, I really like them. They offer just enough support—enough to notice the difference. But they don't feel squishy beneath my feet, which I hate. I need a good, solid pair of running shoes. Most especially because I suffer from bunions on both feet. (If this is an issue for you, or if you have wider feet, you should know that I have no issues whatsoever with the width of this shoe—hooray!)

So what's up with that little silver logo on the back end?

Mizuno pulled inspiration from the Japanese concept of "Hado," which is a "life force energy that promotes powerful transformations. Evidence of which can be found in the shoe's sleek design which, theoretically, conveys power and energy. And who doesn't need that while they're running?

I broke out the shoes a week before I ran the Grand Rapids Marathon as a relay.

My first run was ten miles, and then I had two shorter runs before the race. Even though I had IT band issues at the race (because I wasn't properly warmed up), I still felt comfortable in the shoes. This picture might look familiar:

My feet have been loving them ever since.

Also, can we talk about the colors? I mean. I'm digging the black for this time of year because, well...the roads are on the verge of being constantly dirty because of leaves, rain and snow. Also, the blue matches my new Garmin. #winning

Are the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 running shoes for you? If you're a neutral runner, they just might be! Not sure? Head on over to your local running store and get fitted. Ask for Mizuno specifically and see what they say. (Personally, I think you'll love them.)

Question: Do you run in Mizuno shoes? If so, what model? And what's next on your race calendar?