* I was provided a pair of Mizuno Wave Sky shoes in exchange for my thoughts, but as always, all opinions are my own.
About a month ago the doorbell rang and I was handed a package from Mizuno Canada. I knew that inside were the brand new Wave Sky shoes so I eagerly ripped open the box and instantly grinned because the shoes inside were blue! Blue is my favourite colour and I am constantly jealous of the men’s shoes that seem to always be blue while the women’s options are pink and purple! (Have we not figured out that that’s really not cool in 2017?!)
I learned many years ago that you cannot choose your running shoes based on colour, so while I loved the blue I was still nervous to run in a new shoe! The Wave Sky is a neutral shoe with a 10mm drop that has tons of cushioning! I had just spent the previous couple of months running in a much more minimalist shoe so I wondered how I would feel in these.
The next day I slipped them on to go for their first run and was instantly struck by how comfortable and cushioned they were. I headed out the door and I was less than 500 meters into my run when I noticed I seemed to be running slightly different. I am a very heavy heel striker and tend to smash my shoes to death, but in these shoes, I was being forced to run more on my forefoot. As a result of this slight change (it was slight–I was still heel striking, just not nearly as forceful as usual!), my calves started to really hurt. Apparently, I rarely use those muscles when I run!
For the next two weeks, I ran three times a week in the Wave Sky and my calves started hurting right away and continued throughout every single run. I almost threw in the towel on these shoes as I started thinking that maybe they weren’t for me. I wanted to love them so much but couldn’t seem to!
When I’m not wearing running shoes, I tend to grab cheap flip flops in the summer. One day I wore said cheap flip flops for far too long and was eventually limping because the bottom of my heel was in so much pain. The next day I was scheduled to run but my heel was killing me so I really didn’t want to. I decided I needed to suck it up and go anyhow!
This was the day my Mizuno Wave Sky’s surprised me!
The cushioning protected my heel and almost instantly made it feel better and my run that day was the first day my calves didn’t scream at me at all. I was totally shocked when I got back from my run at how good my feet felt. I thought maybe it was a one time thing or maybe God was being extra kind to me due to my stupidity in wearing Old Navy flip flops for 6 hours at a time, but I have had nothing but good thoughts about these shoes since!
Sometimes, we need to give ourselves time to adjust to new shoes, and I am so glad that I didn’t give up on these Mizunos. I’ve found myself doing every run in my Sky’s and even grabbing them when I know I’ll need to be on my feet for a long time. I’m also thrilled that I’m thinking about my stride and heavy heel striking a little more while I’m running. I’ll probably be a heel striker for life, but a shoe that encourages me to take some of the heaviness away is pretty awesome, in my opinion!
If you’re itching to try out a new shoe that’s full of comfort, I definitely recommend the Wave Sky!
If you’re a tech junkie, here are some of the key features of the Mizuno Wave Sky:
- All new Mizuno SmoothRide: New maximum cloudwave technology coupled with full length, articulated U4icX midsole delivers a plush, flexible ride
- New thicker and premium anatomical sockliner for improved fit and comfort
- U4icX strobel lining for added comfort
- Mizuno DynamotionFit: 3 panel upper construction with skin-like seamless midfoot and minimal forefoot for a disappearing fit
The Wave Sky’s retail for $180 and are available online at mizunocda.com and also at most Running Room locations!
Leave a Reply