Endurance + Speed Marathon Workout and Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review

jen-jumping-mizuoWhen something is so good that it’s been repeated through 20 seasons, that’s saying something special. In December, I’ll be reflecting on 20 years of celebrating Christmas as a mom or mom-to-be, two decades of my dad’s delicious holiday tenderloin and running my 20th marathon. Mizuno is also celebrating a special benchmark, it’s the 20th edition of their best-selling shoe, the Wave Rider 20!

Evolution of the Mizuno Wave Rider from Mizuno USA on Vimeo.

Admittedly, I haven’t worn all 20 iterations of this running shoe (although quite a few), it’s amazing that the basic concept has resonated with loyal fans through the ups and downs of running shoe design – and I say that quite literally in terms of all the cyclical changes in heel drop and rise! After nearly two decades of refinement, this latest version of the Wave Rider claims to “exceed all expectations.” Mizuno Wave Rider 20Does it, will it?! Only the miles will tell . . . . so I slipped into the Wave Rider 20 and logged a few! Lucky thing I had some running to do with the San Antonio Marathon right around the corner!  My workout today was this Endurance + Speed Run Workout — a challenging 10 mile running workout that takes you from a manageable marathon pace to a fast and furious 5k pace finish. This long speed workout will get you used to running with leg fatigue so that you will nail your next big race!

This Endurance + Speed 10 Mile Workout will get you strong and fast for a marathon.

Well, my feet were definitely happy after a long run – sometimes my high instep and arch makes shoes uncomfortable and sometimes even feel like they’re going numb. Nope, not in these. While I’m not a heel-striker, I still felt comfortable landing mid-foot despite the 12mm rise. I did appreciate that these were a “moderate: cushion shoe but only weight about 8 ounces, sometimes on longer runs my feet feel beat up in super “nothing” shoes – I need just a bit of cushion!

Guys and gals, you each have three color choices in these snazzy shoes – honestly, I liked some of the guy colors a lot and was a little jealous! They run about $119 full retail and debuted in mid October – pick up your pair at your local running store (and support Small Business Saturday) or online at Mizuno.com

Here are some official improvements on an immutably amazing running shoe, the Mizuno Wave Rider 20:

  • Cloudwave: The shoe’s new cloudwave geometry provides a softer, smoother, more gentle ride with improved cushion on initial heel impact & better guidance in the transition from heel to forefoot.
  • U4ic Midsole: You’ll feel “euphoric” (that’s how you pronounce U4ic) over the more responsive, softer feeling midsole that offers a longer-lasting ride.
  • Engineered Mesh: Not only does the running shoe look sleek and fast, the new engineered zone-specific mesh construction provides a seamless and light fit that goes almost unnoticed on the feet.

Are you a Wave Rider fan? How many have you had?  What race / event are you currently training for? What is your dream shoe color combo? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

6 thoughts on “Endurance + Speed Marathon Workout and Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review

  1. I don’t even think I have different paces for race distances any more, lol. I used to, but not so much any more! I love my Sayonara’s but I think the Riders might be too much shoe for me.

    • I know, right — go and stop! I wore the sayonara’s too, the wave riders I thought might be really “heavy” but I was pleasantly surprised at their responsiveness

  2. I’m an Altra girl. I did try the Wave Rider 18, but they didn’t fit me right.

    Sounds like you have some pretty cool holidays coming up. How exciting.

    • Clarinda . . . I love my Altras and it is hard to get me in anything other than the TheOnes . . . but the Mizuno Wave Rider is an shoe (as evidenced by 20 iterations!) for someone looking for a bit more cushion, heel rise, and not needing as much room in the toe — I went in to testing them thinking they’d feel heavy, but was surprised at the responsive ride . . they felt really agile 🙂

  3. This is my shoe!!! I’ve worn Wave Riders for at least 10 years. My favorite pair was probably the “Wendy Davis” one, but the bright yellow/turquoise combo was a close second. I actually wore those for our wedding photos- we got married at Lou Neff Point on the Town Lake trail. 🙂 I’m needing a new pair as I slowly get back to running. Next up- Napa Marathon.

    • I forgot about the Wendy Davis one, haha! How fun that you wore them for your wedding photos — I need to see those pics some day!

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