Mizuno Wave Rider 18

****DISCLAIMER: everyone's feet are shaped differently, and because I say that this shoe works or doesn't work for me, doesn't mean that it'll work for you. I intend on telling you about the structure and feel of the shoe and giving my opinion. Take it as you may.****

Mizuno Wave Rider 18:

Category: Neutral/Cushioning

Fit: Snug in heel and midfoot, glovelike in forefoot

Cushioning: stiffer in heel, soft in forefoot

Heel to toe drop: 12 mm

Weight: 7.8 oz

Price: $120

Comparable shoes: Brooks Ghost, Asics Cumulus, Saucony Ride, Newton Energy, Nike Pegasus

Company says: The new Wave Rider 18 is designed to maximize and balance forward momentum, which can result in positive change both internally and in the world we run in.

I say: This model of the wave rider definitely makes me like this shoe more. In the previous model of the shoe, I felt that opening the mesh made it sloppy in the forefoot. This new upper hugs the door more, just as the fly mesh in the Nike structure does. It feels like a soft sock is covering the foot. As for the heel, its a very stiff feeling in the heel, around it and under it. For those who have a narrower heel or like to feel their heel cupped, this shoe is great. Another thing that i would like to mention is the arch of the shoe. As previous models had problems with the arch being too prominent, this model works a lot better with the shape of the shoe. Overall, a great improvement by Mizuno.