This past week I was invited to the media launch of Mizuno's Wave Rider 20. This event was somewhat of a birthday party where the guest of honour is celebrating that they have improved with age. The changes to the '20' were said to make this version the best yet. I was excited to learn more.
The event was held at Energia, a running, spinning, crossfit, yoga store and class mash-up. The location is extremely convenient, right across from Pape subway, with parking next door. The facility is spacious, clean and well thought out.
We arrived to be greeted by the Mizuno team and were promptly handed a large bag overflowing with goodies. I was very excited to pop open the shoe box containing the very new Mizuno Wave Rider 20s. We were informed that we were actually the very first to be seeing, receiving and trying out this amazing new shoe! I popped off my Wave Rider 19s and laced up the 20s. They were incredibly comfortable these shoes were right out of the box. I loved the bright red with orange and white highlights. The men's shoes were orange with hints of black and white.
The Wave Rider has a long history in running, and it is all centered around the wave technology. We learned about the different components, their purposes and what improvements had been made.
The 20 boasts redesigned cloudwave technology which builds on the unique wave technology customers have come to love. This means, softer cushion, smoother transition with a more lively feel. The U4icX in the heel provides both greater shock absorption on landing and increased energy return from heel to toe. U4ic provides a softer, longer lasting response. And the triple zone mesh equates to exceptional breathability and movement.
The men's version comes in at 9.6 oz, while the women’s shoe is 8.3 oz. Both have a comfortable ramp of 12 mm.
Overall, the goal was to provide users with a "softest, smoothest, and most responsive Wave Rider yet."
Thanks Mizuno for having me at the media launch, and for the goodies. I can't wait to see more Wave Riders on the streets of Toronto starting this month!