Details
Brand
Mizuno
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7.7
Latest Version
Wave Rider 20
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Mizuno Wave Rider 18• Parallel Wave Technology which provides firm but responsive heel cushioning and a smooth transition• Wave Plate Technology, as well, for heel cushioning• Adaptive Fit upper that gives with the foot as it moves• Padded tongue and heel collar• Durable non-marking carbon rubber outsole• Lightweight U4ic midsole• The substantial drop of the shoe may help with reducing heel pain for runners with Plantar Fasciitis.
Upper
The upper has incurred the most change. Mizuno uses a two-piece upper which is flexible and “gives” with the foot as it moves. Runners with larger and wider feet seem to be delighted with this feature. Many reviewers think that the Wave Runner 18 provides the best fit so far in the line. It also features nicely padded tongue and heel collars, flexible, breathable dual mesh. The ideal heel fit and secure midfoot make the upper feel just like a part of your foot.
Midsole
The Wave Rider 18 is considered a “mechanical midsole”. As your foot touches the ground, the Wave technology actually reduces and redirects the impact forces away from your foot. Mizuno has returned to using the wave plate technology instead of the Pebax used in the previous version. This may be the reason for the slight increase in the weight of this shoe. However, runners will tell you, it is worth it. The wave plate is a plastic plate that runs through the midsole of the shoe. It is most visible in the heel and is shaped like the waves of the ocean. Heel-strikers will love this shoe. Forefoot and midfoot runners will probably find the midsole material quite firm as the plush cushioning is predominately in the heel of the shoe. The patented U4ic midsole was designed to assist you in achieving the coveted Runner’s High. The engineered polymer is light, responsive, and cushioned, making this shoe one of the most comfortable shoes in the Mizuno line.
Outsole
The Wave technology was developed by the Mizuno engineers based on the way nature deals with impact forces. They studied sounds waves, tidal waves, and other waveforms, that spread and dissipate energy really rather quickly. The synthetic and non-marking carbon rubber outsole is durable and tacky. And, of course, I don’t mean “tacky” as in style, I mean “tacky” as in being able to get good traction. Mizuno continued with the proven flex grooves on the outsole as well. In addition, the blown rubber in the outsole helps to reduce the shoe’s weight.
Breathability
The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 features a lightweight mesh upper with only a few overlays in order to maximize breathability. These features make this an ideal shoe for warm weather running.
Comfort
Mizuno’s goal was to make the shoe feel like an extension of your body and allow for natural, comfortable movement. Most runners report feeling that this shoe fits as expected, even for those with a high arch. If you prefer a snug fit, you may consider stepping down half a size. The toe box is generally wide-enough to wear toe socks, correct toes, or other kinds of toe separators if needed. However, this is not likely if you have a wide foot. Runners are reporting an improvement from the Wave Runner 17s due to excessive toe damage was seen with that model. It appears it was due to the construction and angle of the bottom set of eyelets. Mizuno has now redesigned that piece for the 18s.
Style
The men’s Mizuno Wave Rider 18 comes in a variety of colors, including Black/Silver, White Dress Blue, Chinese Red/Silver, and Turkish Sea Silver, and some with interesting names like Black/Orange.com and Surf the Web/White. The women’s come in a variety of colors as well, including Blue Atoll, Blue Atoll/Silver, White/Fuchsia Purple, Wild Aster White, Black/Silver, and Cayenne/Black.;This is a vegan shoe, meaning it is made without any animal ingredients or byproducts. It also excludes any materials that were tested on animals, as well as materials traditionally used in making shoes, such as leather, wool, fur, and some glues.
Durability
Many runners report a long shoe-life with the Wave Rider 18. This is likely due to the durable non-marking carbon rubber outsole. The life of most running shoes is between 300-500 miles. The range variation depends on the type of runner you are. For the neutral runner, The Wave Rider 18s should give big bang for the buck. With the Wave Runner 18s, Mizuno went back to earlier versions of this line, like the more curved toe and the bouncier Wave plate, as well as the plastic piece that runs through the midsole and acts as a shock absorber. New features to the 18s include a more structured upper that hugs the midfoot and added durability in the form of more rubber on the sole.
Support
The Wave Rider is Mizuno’s go-to neutral running shoe. Inspired by nature, the Wave has a unique midsole technology that provides both cushioning and support. The Wave plate technology is popular with Mizuno fans because of the inherent stability it provides. The plate acts similar to cardboard that you can bend and fold easily, but not twist side to side. Some runners report feeling that this shoe has helped ease knee pain on long distances, sciatica, and plantar fasciitis. One runner reported feeling these shoes are the best he has found to support his feet on his 70-80 mile a week runs.
Terrain
This shoe is made for the road. It lacks the components necessary to make it on the trail. However, as a road running shoe, the Wave Runner 18 provides everything you need. This neutral shoe manages to provide a great deal of road protection in a fairly lightweight package. Note: These shoes are not really designed to offer protection during bad weather. If you are running in these and it is raining or snowing outside, you may want to run inside that day. Not only are these great for running, the Wave Rider 18s are great for work. Especially for those who need a lightweight and comfortable shoe because of long days on their feet.
Price
This reasonably priced running shoe can be found at even lower prices now that the Wave Riders 19 and 20 have been introduced.
Drop
With a heel profile of 35.2 mm and a forefoot profile of 22.2 mm, the drop is 13.0 mm. While this is just over the traditional heel-to-toe drop of 10-12 mm, this is a lightweight shoe and most runners don’t seem to notice the extra drop. In fact, according to a research study conducted in 2015, a higher drop may be better for heel pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles, or posterior tibial tendonitis. However, for runners that are used to a minimalist shoe, this drop will likely feel clunky.
Bottom Line
Mizuno develops products and services that make the most of the value of sports. This company not only supports sporting activities by offering better sporting goods but also helps to spread this throughout our daily lives. Mizuno will continue making people around the world happy through the power of sports. The Wave Runner line is the longest running line of any shoe on the market since its introduction in 1998. The Wave Rider 18 is the ideal balance between performance and fit. It is perfect for runners who desire a stylish shoe that will give what they need in a daily trainer. The incredible underfoot system and the ideal heel fit securing your midfoot make this lightweight shoe feel just like an extension of your foot.
