Customer Reviews

Womens Mizuno Wave Rider 12 Running Shoe

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I will admit that I am a relatively new runner. I only began running in May 2008. I began running with the Couch to 5K program. Due to the nature of that wonderful intro to running program I started my running life as a low mileage runner. So, for much of the program I wore a pair of shoes that I had already.

Naturally, as my interest in running increased I increased my reading and research and learned about gait analysis, etc. So, off I went to the local running store to find out what kind of gait I had.

I learned that I am a size 8.5, with a medium arch, and a very neutral gait. The saleswoman brought out all 14 brands of shoes they had for neutral gaits and I started a 45 minute process of trying a pair on, running for a minute on a treadmill, then trying on a different brand on one foot, run for a minute, decide which of the two I liked best, take off the loser, put on a new one, repeat.

At the end of this I ended up with the Mizuno Wave Rider 11.

And it's been a love affair ever since.

Since that day I've become a medium mileage runner. I trained for a half-marathon, which I completed, and now I run about 30 miles a week (2 5-milers and 2 10-milers a week).

These shoes have been fantastic. I have run injury and pain free the entire time.

Until about 3 weeks ago.

I started having a pain in my upper left calf (felt like it was behind my knee) and my middle toe on the same leg began feeling increasingly bruised. Running became increasingly unfun and uncomfortable, with a great deal of discomfort later.

I realized that I had ~350 miles on my shoes.

So, a few days ago I went to the running store and bought the Mizuno Wave Rider 12.

IMMEDIATELY, my pain and discomfort disappeared. On my very first run in my new shoes.

I can't say if the 12's are better than the 11's because it's been so long since my 11's were new. But, I can say that wearing the 12's has been a joy. My calf/back of knee and toe feel completely fine. My last 6 mile run felt great, with my knees not feeling fatigued at all. I felt very energized. This is a very responsive shoe.

So, I would definitely recommend this shoe to any neutral gait runner with similar mileage as mine. And I think the shoe fails fast so you'll know when it;s time to replace it.

Other info about me....I am a 34 year old female. I would be considered a heavy runner as I am 5'4" and weigh ~140lbs (I am distressingly muscular for a women...this is just my genetic luck). I run a 7:45 pace for 5-6K and 8:00 for halfs. Use this info (ie, pace and weight) to help you understand the timeline in which the shoe failed for me.

This is my second pair of Mizuno Wave Rider shoes. I had the Wave Rider 10, and loved them, but quickly wore them out because I wear them everywhere! I looked for the Wave Rider 11 in my size at stores and online, but they were all sold out, so I took a risk and ordered a shoe online that I had never tried on. Well it was worth the risk, and I am very happy with my choice. I just received them yesterday, took my first run today, and they are great! I used to run in Nike, but after several foot and ankle problems, I decided to switch to a new brand. I love Mizunos, I will never go back to Nike!

Straight out of the box- ready to run. I have a skinny foot w/ a HIGH arch. I ordered a half size up, like recommended. I wish I would have bought the 2A width, so I used a Nike arch insert for a little extra. The 2A would have done this for me, but I was too excited to wait for an exchange. 4 stars b/c I thought the standard width would be skinny enough, 5 stars for the 2A (tried a pair on later in a store). I don't recommend this for anything but forward motion. I tried to wear them in my kickboxing class & my step box class- side to side motion is no good. You need Shox for that (for us skinny foot, high arch people). But, for running, free-weight lifting or kettlebells- you are good to go. Super comfortable from day 1.

I was very disappointed with the Wave Rider 12's -- I bought them to replace my Wave Rider 11's that I absolutely love. However, the 12's are completely different shoes : ( The fit is pretty different (I needed a 7 in the new Wave Rider 12's when I wore a 7.5 in the Wave Rider 11's), and the shoes are MUCH narrower (the regular width). I returned them and ended up buying a new pair of the Wave Rider 11's.

A few good points? They looked great! Really nice color/pattern. Also, the mesh is a bit lighter on the new style, so the shoe ends up a bit lighter & more breathable. Neither of these factors really mattered in the end to me since the silly shoes didn't fit properly : (

Why mess with a good thing Mizuno?!?

I am currently training for a half-marathon. My knees started aching a few weeks ago, bad enough that I was considering quitting. Several people recommended that I try new shoes. I got these and they have completely fixed my knee problems. I think these have great arch support, and a lot of toe room. I love them!

I did a lot of research trying to find the right shoe, tried the Mizuno Nirvana 5, was comfy but insanely stiff. The Mizuno Wave Rider 12 was my next option. I would say I have a medium size foot, but like some toe room to wiggle around and this shoe doesnt really have that. the ball of the foot is fine, but it narrows off really fast and keeps your toes from moving too much. The cushion is really comfy though and for that I will be keeping this shoe.

I love these shoes! They are so comfortable. This is my first pair of mizunos and I am able to run long distances without blisters and soreness. This is by far the best running shoe I have ever bought. I definitely recommend!!

Second pair of these shoes! I replaced them due to wear (lasted almost a year of running 4 days a week). These shoes are an instant motivator to move because they are so light and comfortably attached to your foot. I'm sticking with these :)

I love the Mizuno Wave Riders, and get the new series as often as I can! I've been running for 15 years and these are the best shoes I've ever owned. If you're just starting out or have been running for decades, do yourself a favour and get these shoes.

I just bought my 5th pair, whilst training for my 3rd half marathon. I love these shoes. They are great if you have a more narrow foot.