Mizuno Wave Rider 17 Review

*Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. Although I was compensated for this review, all thoughts are honest and opinions are my own!

If you frequent the blog, you have probably noticed that I have a slight love affair with fitness apparel… especially shoes. When I got the opportunity to participate in a FitFluential campaign to review the latest and greatest running shoe from Mizuno, you better believe I hopped right on board!

I have seen the brand new Wave Rider 17 pop up on blogs and social media pages everywhere in the healthy living community, and have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a pair of my own. (FYI: They were just released to the public December 5th!)

Ever since my visit to the running store back in Orlando to get myself a “big girl” pair of running shoes (to train in for long distance runs), Mizuno has for sure been my go-to long distance running brand. For the past two years, I have sworn by my Wave Enigma’s and put them on my feet any time I feel more than five miles coming on.

(You might have even seen them featured under my Amazon Favorites on the right hand sidebar if you’re an observant one!)

While I have never been able to try out the *award winning* Wave Rider 16 sneakers, the main difference in the new model is the weight. They feel unbelievably light and the company took that as well as few other factors into consideration from customer feedback when designing the new version.

The Facts

• This is a neutral running sneaker, made for long distance runs. Of course, you could throw them on for a quick mile around the neighborhood, but it’s nice to know they would be a good fit for the six to eight or so miles I like to conquer at a time on the weekends.

• It’s made to feel super light. So light, that it only weighs 7.4 ounces!

• There’s an upgraded sock liner, made to provide more comfort than previous Wave Rider versions.

• Lateral forefoot sculpting for smooth touchdown and transition.

• Blown rubber forefront (outsole) with deep flex grooves for optimal flexibility and cushioning.

My Review

I received my box of fresh sneaks early this morning and couldn’t wait to test them out right away. I already had plans to take a body sculpting class at the gym, so I threw them on to end my workout for the day with a 5K on the treadmill.

I am kinda bummed I wasn’t able to fit in a longer run before submitting a review, but I plan to fight the cold weather and take them out on a 5+ mile run outside so I can share more thoughts with you later on this week.

For now, I can tell you I already love them. They feel much more supportive than the Wave Sayonaras I reviewed back in the summer, but just as light.

Earlier this afternoon I noticed a comment via Instagram to look out for changes in this model’s toebox. It is widened, and to me felt comfortable enough to wear for long distances without my toes feeling scrunched up. I ordered a size 7.5, where I normally wear a street shoe size of 7. It probably wouldn’t have hurt to go ahead and go up another half a size to feel more room at a size 8.

Overall, I was very happy with the fit of the Wave Rider 17 and didn’t have any issues with rubbing or blisters. The amount of cushioning felt just right in the middle too… not too firm, but supportive enough in the heel (where I like to feel it the most) to push me through a good run.

I love the new sleek design, which to me doesn’t scream “bulky running shoe” like some of my previous running shoes have. Be sure to check back in a week or so after a long distance run, but all in all I give the Wave Rider 17 Running Shoe two enthusiastic thumbs up!

See ya tomorrow bright and early!