Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 22 Running Shoes - Lightweight Cushioned Support for Road Running, Jogging & Gym Workouts

These shoes are fantastic. I’m getting back into exercising and wanted a shoe for short runs and HIIT. I tried both cross training and running shoes from Nike (3 different styles), Brooks (2 styles), and New Balance. None of them felt right. I thought I was an overpronator, but a Brooks support shoe proved otherwise. It seemed to me that shoe technology has become so advanced that I should be able to find a shoe that fit all my specifications and felt good.I’ve been aware of Mizuno’s, but was distracted by flashier brands like Hoka One One and Altra. I did tons of research - read reviews & questions and all info in the listing. Somehow (thankfully) a Mizuno was suggested, and after reading an explanation from “the manufacturer” of a shoe that sounded like what I was looking for I checked out the Wave Rider. It was a good price so I decided to give it a try.As soon as I put them on I knew these were perfect. My feet have “issues” - I have wide, flat feet with slight arches. I have narrow heels and have to use those stupid pads that never stay stuck to the inside of the shoe. I’ve done contemporary dance barefooted for 20 years, and wear sandals or chunky boots. The Wave Riders felt so comfortable like they’d already been broken in, but also soft and springy.I went for a run and the shoes were fantastic. No heel slipping, no tightness in the width or painful arches. Very lightweight and stable with the perfect amount of cushion.I’m gonna buy another pair right now. Eeeeeee!??‍♀️A few years ago I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. My doctor suggested better shoes (squishy Sketchers are BAD) plus Superfeet orthotics specially made for women's feet (e.g. they have a narrower heel cup). He actually wrote me a prescription to take to a store specializing in running shoes (I'm not a runner). These Mizuno shoes fit like a glove the first time I tried them on. I was very happy to be able to find the same Wave Rider 22 shoes at Amazon in a couple of different colors and at roughly 50% less than what I originally paid at the shoe store. Mizuno and the Superfeet orthotics have solved my foot pain.I have been wearing Mizuno running shoes for about 10 years and have owned several pairs, including 3 pair of Wave Rider 19. I consistently wear size 8.5. I ordered the Wave Rider 22 in black, 8.5 Medium and received it today. Unfortunately, it's going back on Monday. The shoe is much tighter in the toe box than any Mizuno I've owned. The leather around the front is a great deal stiffer and thicker than on my other Wave Rider shoes, and there is a more restricting fit than my WR19. That leather on the toe will never soften to the point where it has any flex. While the difference in the side-to-side fit may be due to the (WR19) shoe being broken in, the difference in construction definitely makes the shoe less "giving" in front. Also the heel fits much looser than my other WRs and no matter how I lace the shoe, there is too much slippage. The style changed so that now there is a large, padded heel collar. I wonder if that somehow affects the way my heel fits in the shoe. Not one to trust mfr. descriptions, I weighed the shoes myself. The Wave Rider 19 weighs 8.5 ounces and is light feeling on the foot. The Wave Rider 22 weighs 9.3 ounces and feels like it. Padding (insole) on both is very comfy and cushion-y. Bottom line: Too many things have changed between Wave Rider 19 and Wave Rider 22 to make it worth my time to keep returning shoes until I find one that fits. Since I don't have a store nearby that sells Mizuno, I regret that I'll probably stop buying them. A pity, because they were great shoes. One last note (another reason I don't like this shoe) -- this Wave Rider 22 came with cheap, slippery shoelaces that are approximately 6" shorter than the laces in the WR 19. I can barely tie a bow with these short laces, much less double-knot them! The WR-19 laces were made of a sturdy textured weave; the WR-22 is a smooth, almost slippery texture so a knot doesn't hold anyway. But seriously, please see my photos of the shoes! The Wave Rider 19 (great shoe) is on the right. The Wave Rider 22 (disappointing shoe) is on the left. The 22 looks bigger in the photo but it actually is not. Look at the difference in those laces, yikes!I used to wear Mizuno shoes years ago and moved away when something changed and not for the good. I've been wearing Asics for probably 10 years, but the prices on them are currently out of this world, so I checked out Mizuno again. Happy I found my way back. The shoes felt great as soon as I put them on and after the first walk, I felt like my body had adjusted to them. Hoping they will be durable.I've been wearing those shoes for running and it's my 4th time buying them. I wish they were not discontined.I really wanted to keep these shoes. The price at the time was excellent, they look attractive, the soles are bouncy, they seem to have good arch support - just everything about them seemed to work. Except the size. I have a wide foot, but even after unlacing the bottom laces, the shoe still was too tight across that bone. If you have a regular-sized foot and can catch these shoes at a good price, get them. But even the wide size was too confining for me, so regretfully I have to return them.I am a long time Nike pegasus and then vomero user. But I don't like the newer versions any more and they are not as comfortable as before. I searched online for neutral shoes and found these. Since it is free returns I thought I would give them a try. My feet are not wide but I like shoes with roomy toe box. I ordered the wide width just to try and, the fit is amazing. I would like to have more arch support in these if I have to pick on it. The top of the shoes gives good support too. It is more traditional looking and very pretty. Color gray looks much better in person. I wear size 8 in Nike vomero and wear the same size in these as well. I would say they are true to size. Just keep in mind that medium may really be for narrow feet.Love this brand, but they failed. In the picture I’ve circled where on the inside it’s rough due to thick stitching. It was rubbing against my feet and I can imagine how it would feel if I were to actually run in them for awhile. I’m so disappointed. Not the first time this had happened with Mizuno. Thumbs 2 down.I have been a long time fan of Mizuno running shoes. I got a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 22 for my wife. She loves them-great fit and fantastic cushioning for her outdoor runs. I have the same shoes-beautiful and reliable, they fit like a glove! I have run 18 marathons so feel that my advice is worth something. I always wear custom-made orthotics so I got a size up. No surprises here and as before, no need to break them in-they are ready to go straight out of the box. Great running shoes!By far the most comfortable running shoes I've owned. I have a wide, neutral foot and these are perfect. I own two pair of these and wear them at the gym and for running both outside and on the treadmill. The top netting allows your foot to breathe. I went up a half size to give my feet a bit of extra room when I run and can accommodate a thicker pair of socks when it's cold. I definitely recommend these shoes!I already owned two pairs of this same shoe and was replacing the second pair which I’d worn out. For me these are a very comfortable shoe. I usually wear a 6 or 6.5 but in this shoe I take a 7.Shoes fit as described. Arrived on my doorstep quickly. Easy to break in. I’m a loyal Mizuno Wave Rider gal. Very light, comfortable and stylish. Feels like running in a pair of slippers. Love the mint and grey colour combo!