Mizuno Waverider 12 Running Shoes - Product Review

I used to think buying shoes at a specialty running store wasn't all it was cracked up to be. After buying my first pair of quality running shoes a few years ago, though, I've realized how much I was missing out on. Researched revealed I was a normal pronator with thin feet and high arches. Consequently, I bought the Brooks Ghost shoes because they seemed narrow, comfortable, and were the right price. The Ghost shoes served me well, but I was hoping to find an even better shoe to train for my fourth half marathon with.

I had seen the Mizuno Waverider 12's before, but they were out of my price range. After searching online, I found a pair for much less than I had found in stores. I haven't been disappointed with these shoes. My feet seriously thank me every time I run in them. The best thing about my Waverider 12's is the amount of cushioning and support they have. I realize that everyone's feet are different, and no shoe is right for everyone, but these shoes feel so great. They aren't too wide but contour to me feet enough that they aren't sliding around. I loved my Brooks Ghost shoes. They were better than any other shoes I've owned. However, they don't hold a candle to my Mizunos as far as support is concerned.

Another thing I like about my Mizunos is the amount of room they have for my toes to spread. A running store employee shared with me that most people need to go a half a size up with their running shoes because they wear their shoes too small and don't have enough room for their toes. I found that my Waverider 12's work for my thin feet like my Brooks Ghost trainers did, but give my toes more room to spread when running. The difference is most noticeable on long runs. I have less blisters and recover faster because of my Mizunos.

I considered buying a pair of Mizuno Wave Creation 10's instead of my Waverider 12's. I read on Runnerworld, though, that they are more suitable for heavy runners or people with a heavy heal strike. (I'm petite and weigh 125 pounds.) I've seen runners in all sizes wearing the Creation 10's at different events, however, and they seem like they'd be durable enough to train for a full marathon with. When I have enough money to have several running shoes, I'll probably add them to my rotation.

A few Amazon readers reported that their Waverider 12's were light enough to race long distance in, and I'd have to agree with them. They might be a little more heavy than my Brooks Ghost shoes, but I felt they were still suitable to run a half marathon with. After using my Waveriders to run my last half marathon, a new PR and happy feet have given me enough reason to buy these shoes again.