How To Pick The Right Lightweight Running Shoe

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Whether you recently discovered your love of running or have been doing it for years, having the right running shoes is so important.  Many people don’t realize there are lots of difference, way more than just which color you want.  Do you need a stability shoe or a neutral shoe?  Do you like a big drop or a small drop?  Do you want trail shoes or road shoes?

When buying new running shoes the biggest thing I can stress is to find out whether you need a neutral shoe or a stability shoe.  The difference is how much your ankles turn in when you run.  You can go to a store where they can help you figure this out or video yourself on a treadmill and watch your ankles.  I am a neutral runner.  When I first started running I had no idea there was any difference in shoes other than color and ended up with a sprained foot from running in stability shoes, which were the wrong shoe for me.  If you are a neutral runner, like me, check out the new Mizuno Wave Rider 21.  I have worn this awesome neutral trainer for years now and it just gets better and better with every update.  The cushion isn’t too much and not too little.  The toe box is the perfect size.  It is a great neutral shoe.  

Once you know whether you need a stability shoe or a neutral shoe, try some on to get an idea of what you like.  The “drop” or heel drop is how much higher the heel is than the front of the shoe.  Some people like it flat, some like a big drop.  The Mizuno Wave Rider 21, for example, has a 12mm drop.  If you run mostly on dirt than you probably want to get a trail shoe.  If you run mostly on pavement than you want a normal road shoe.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the shoe.  Some people like a more substantial shoe and some people want it to be as light as possible.  The Mizuno Wave Rider 21 weighs in at 9.6 oz for a men’s size 9 and 8.3 oz for a women’s size 7.  It is the perfect amount of cushion an a relatively lightweight package.  

I hope you find the perfect running shoe.  A great shoe makes all the difference.  To learn more about the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 click here. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.