Mizuno Wave Rider 26 Review

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How Does It Feel?

Mizuno Wave Rider can be purchased in Kansas City at TRWS.

Mizuno recently released the 26th iteration of the Wave Rider and this version certainly didn’t disappoint. The Mizuno Wave Rider has been a constant in my shoe rotation for the past couple of years and have always considered it a solid go to daily trainer. This neutral shoe has always been a solid stable ride with moderate responsive cushion. The shoe is equipped with the Mizuno Wave plate, allowing for the absorption and even dispersion of shock throughout the foot. This version provides a nice dose of Enerzy Foam in the midsole providing a durable and responsive midsole and provides some bounce to the otherwise rigid Mizuno Wave plate.  The moment I put the shoe on I could feel the familiarity the shoe I love with a touch more cushion than the Wave Rider 25. The tongue is soft and plush the heel collar is nicely padded. The shoe hugs my foot comfortably and the toe box allows for toe wiggles.

What’s New?

Mizuno Wave Rider 26 can be found at The Running Well Store.

While the look and feel bear resemblance to previous models, the Wave Rider 26 is a little peppier. The shoe maintains its traditional high heel drop of 12mm with an added amount of cushion to the midsole than previous versions. The shoe is listed to slightly heavier than previous version, due to the added cushion to the midsole.

 

The Review:

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a great neutral shoe.

I was super excited to put this shoe on and take it on a couple runs.  I have worn the Mizuno Wave Rider consistently since its 23rd release and have always found the shoe to be a solid daily trainer.  The shoe provides a nice and firm cushion, and the high-heel drop is noticeable the moment you put the shoe on. This shoe comes with two upper options, the regular style offers an engineered mesh upper, and the SSW model has a smooth stretch woven upper (which is the version I tried).  I found the upper to be comfortable and breathable. I have always had to size up half a size in the previous version of the Wave Rider and did the same for the 26 as it has always been a bit short on my foot.  The shoe felt great during the runs I have taken it on, I felt secure and stable, and the shoe provided a smooth heel to toe transition.  Despite being listed as little heavier than its previous iteration, I didn’t feel the shoe to be a heavy shoe, it still felt light on my foot. I plan to continue to use this shoe as part of daily trainer rotation.

Who is this shoe for??

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 can be purchased as a neutral shoe in Kansas City.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a high heel drop neutral daily trainer suitable for easy miles and long miles.  For runners looking for a neutral yet stable ride and don’t mind a 12 mm heel drop this shoe is a great choice.  The shoe has a firm yet very responsive cushion and nice grippy rubber outsole that should provide durability to make this a daily workhorse.

 

Now for the SPECS:

• Price: $139.95
• Drop 12mm
• Weight: 8.3 oz Women’s/10 oz Men’s
• Midsole:
MIZUNO ENERZY- is a more responsize version of U4ic that still delivers a soft, pillowy underfoot feel for cushion upon impact. Mizuno Wave consists of a redesigned elastic, thermal plastic wave running from the hell to the midfoot, creating an incredibly springy and well-cushioned ride.
• Category: Neutral

• Upper:
Eco-Friendly Jacquard Mesh that is lightweight comfort and breathability
• Outsole: X10 located in the heel is made of durable carbon rubber for enhanced traction.
Flex Controllers placed in high flex areas on the outsole act as miniature wave plates for increased flexibility and reduced weight.

Shop Wave Rider 26

  Men’s Wave Rider 26  Women’s Wave Rider 26

Men’s Wave Rider 26 WIDE     Women’s Wave Rider 26 WIDE

 

About TRWS GURU Maria

Mission TRWS Fit Guru Maria Krauel

Maria has been a runner for 28 years. She began running competitively in high school and then ran 4 years of cross country and track at San Diego State University.  Post college she took up road racing and has run many 5ks and 3 half marathons.  Maria joined the TRWS team in the Fall of 2020 at the Mission location. She enjoys helping runners/walkers of all paces find the perfect shoe to meet their goals.

 

Not certain if this shoe is right for you?

We understand!  There are a lot of options of footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right model for your needs is not easy.  We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here.  We take in-person and virtual fittings.  Want to do research online?  We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options.  We hope to hear from you soon!