By: Mizuno Race Team Member, Craig Leon
I got my first pair of Wave Riders back in the fall of 2011. In the 3.5 years – and over 50 pairs of Wave Riders later – the shoe has evolved considerably. Now, I know what you’re thinking: how much can really change in 3.5 years? I could probably show you on one of the many social media platforms that didn’t exist 3.5 years ago, but I’ll keep it simple and just post a few pictures below and let you judge.
The first picture would be my first pair of Wave Riders, the 14s. On the right, is the current model, the Wave Rider 18s. What’s hard for me to believe is that both of these shoes are from the same decade. It speaks to the major advancements that have been made in the running industry in such a short period of time.
Aside from the obvious visual differences, the greatest advancements have been the shoe’s weight. The Wave Rider has always been one of the lighter neutral trainers on the market, but the Wave Rider 18s make me feel like I was wearing bricks on my feet back then. In just 4 years, the shoe has lost over 1.5 ounces!
Usually the lighter a shoe gets, the less comfortable it becomes. There’s a reason why we don’t run in racing flats and performance shoes every day. However, the newest Wave Rider’s function and durability hasn’t been compromised by the reduced weight; in fact, the 18s might end up being the new standard by which other shoes are measured by for that first step-in feeling. There is a noticeable difference between slipping on this shoe and slipping on any other previous model, which is a result of a new outsole design and new premium sock liner. Both provide added durability and comfort to your run.
Finally, the shoe has style. I know, I know. You shouldn’t choose a shoe because of its looks. But despite all we know about choosing our shoes, style and color still matters. We want shoes that make us feel fast; that give us confidence to go and be fast. The Wave Rider 18s do just that for me.
The Wave Rider has been my utility shoe from the beginning. I say that because I can count on it for just about any run I do. They are on my feet for 85% of my weekly mileage and have seen just about every type of run there is, from workouts, to long runs, to the trails or on the sandy Oregon beaches. The best way to explain my love for what the shoe has become: if I was told I could only take one pair of shoes with me to a deserted island, I would lace up the Wave Rider 18 and make sure they never came off my feet.
Craig is a member of the Mizuno Race Team. Craig’s mantra is “Ohio rasied, Oregon refined.” This long distance runner for the Mizuno race team has risen from the ranks of college walk-on, to top ten finisher at the Boston Marathon. Boasting a marathon PR of 2:13:52, this former Ohio University Bobcat currently trains under former Olympian Ian Dobson and Team Run Eugene.