Mizuno Wave Rider
Every version of the Wave Rider we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The score is the median Better Shoes Rating of the line's shoes, out of 100. The average product line scores 76, and the Wave Rider scores above 43% of the lines we track.
Mizuno Wave Rider vs. Other Shoes
Each dot is one rated shoe: the Wave Rider in gold, all other shoes in gray.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the Wave Rider, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Score | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno Wave Rider 30 In stock | 2026 | — | — | 74 | -7 | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 29 In stock | 2025 | — | 9mm drop | 81 | -16 | 1 | $150 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 28 | 2024 | 8.1 oz | 38/28mm · 10mm drop | 97 | +16 | 1 | $150 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 27 | 2023 | 9.9 oz | 39/27mm · 12mm drop | 81 | +6 | 8 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 26 | 2022 | 9.3 oz | 36/24mm · 12mm drop | 75 | +4 | 9 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 25 | 2021 | 9.0 oz (women's) | — | 71 | +3 | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 24 | 2020 | 10.2 oz | — | 68 | -22 | 2 | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 23 | 2019 | 9.3 oz | 32/20mm · 12mm drop | 90 | -8 | 7 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 22 | 2018 | 9.0 oz | 37/25mm · 12mm drop | 97 | +23 | 18 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 21 | 2017 | 9.0 oz | 12mm drop | 74 | -17 | 25 | $130 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 20 | 2016 | 9.0 oz | 12mm drop | 92 | +30 | 16 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 19 | 2015 | 9.5 oz | 31/19mm · 12mm drop | 62 | -23 | 12 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 18 | 2014 | 8.5 oz | 27/15mm · 12mm drop | 85 | +29 | 36 | $120 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 17 | 2013 | 8.0 oz | 31/18mm · 13mm drop | 56 | -10 | 49 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 16 | 2012 | 9.1 oz | 28/16mm · 12mm drop | 66 | +6 | 42 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 15 | 2011 | 8.7 oz (men's) | — | 60 | — | 4 | $115 MSRP |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 13 | 2009 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 10 | 2006 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
18 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 3074 Decent Decent · Confidence 49/100
v30 (2026) · Daily trainer · Neutral
The Wave Rider 28 scores 97 on six reviews and the Wave Rider 27 scores 82 on seventeen.
$140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:37 AM UTCOverall74Confidence49Pros
The Wave Rider 28 scores 97 on six reviews and the Wave Rider 27 scores 82 on seventeen.
Cons
Scores in the Wave Rider line swing version to version, down to 75 for the Wave Rider 26 on twenty-one reviews.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2981 Good Good · 2 reviews · Confidence 75/100
v29 (2025) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9mm drop
One of two reviewers so far finds it much more plush than the Wave Rider 27.
Durability 84Overall81Cushioning91Comfort85Durability84Value82Appearance74Confidence75Pros
One of two reviewers so far finds it much more plush than the Wave Rider 27.
Both reviewers so far rate the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
The Wave Rider 28 before it scores 97 on six reviews against its 81.
Scores across the Wave Rider line have ranged from 56 to 97.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2897 Exceptional Exceptional · 6 reviews · Confidence 89/100
v28 (2024) · Racing · Neutral · 8.1 oz · 10mm drop
At 7.7 oz on a 38mm heel stack, lightly built for the cushioning.
Durability 90MSRP $150
Overall97Comfort94Cushioning91Value91Durability90Appearance87Confidence89Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
At 7.7 oz on a 38mm heel stack, lightly built for the cushioning.
All six reviewers so far rate it 5 out of 5 overall and for comfort.
The Wave Rider 27 before it scores 82 on seventeen reviews, and the one reviewer who comes from the 27 rates this better.
Cons
One of six reviewers so far wants a thicker layer of carbon rubber on the outsole.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2781 Good Good · 17 reviews · Confidence 85/100
v27 (2023) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.9 oz · 12mm drop · 39mm stack
Reviewers report the midsole and outsole holding up over many miles.
Durability 94Overall81Durability94Value90Comfort90Cushioning88Appearance79Confidence85Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers report the midsole and outsole holding up over many miles.
Reviewers say it is comfortable out of the box, from easy runs to tempo.
It scores 82 against 75 for the Wave Rider 26 before it.
Cons
Scores across the Wave Rider line have ranged from 56 to 97.
Value and appearance draw the lowest ratings of any dimension, both at 4.4 out of 5.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2675 Decent Decent · 21 reviews · Confidence 88/100
v26 (2022) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.3 oz · 12mm drop · 36mm stack
Durability is among its best-rated dimensions, and long-time wearers call it reliable.
Durability 92Overall75Durability92Cushioning77Comfort76Value71Appearance69Confidence88Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Durability is among its best-rated dimensions, and long-time wearers call it reliable.
Long-time users value the fit and the ride staying consistent year to year.
One reviewer says the 26 runs cooler than the 25, on road and hardpack trail.
Cons
At 12mm the drop is high, and one reviewer calls it too high for them.
One reviewer says the heel wraparound became hard plastic and the shoe stiffened from the 24 on.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2571 Decent Decent · 2 reviews · Confidence 72/100
v25 (2021) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.0 oz (women's)
Both reviewers rate durability and value 5 out of 5.
Durability 84Overall71Value87Durability84Cushioning81Comfort80Appearance69Confidence72Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Both reviewers rate durability and value 5 out of 5.
Cons
Appearance is its lowest-rated dimension, at 3.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2468 Below average Below average · 4 reviews · Confidence 48/100
v24 (2020) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.2 oz
One reviewer on their twelfth pair has never had blister problems, and uses it for both speed work and long runs.
Durability 80Overall68Value86Cushioning82Comfort80Durability80Appearance71Confidence48Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer on their twelfth pair has never had blister problems, and uses it for both speed work and long runs.
Its four reviewers rate comfort and value 4.5 out of 5.
Cons
The Wave Rider 23 before it scores 90 on seven reviews, and the 22 97 on eighteen.
Averaging 10.2 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is much heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2390 Good Good · 7 reviews · Confidence 86/100
v23 (2019) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.3 oz · 12mm drop · 32mm stack
Every reviewer rates it 5 out of 5 overall and 5 out of 5 for comfort.
Durability 92MSRP $120
Overall90Comfort96Cushioning92Durability92Value92Appearance83Confidence86Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Every reviewer rates it 5 out of 5 overall and 5 out of 5 for comfort.
Three reviewers have worn Wave Riders for ten years or more, one of them fifteen.
One reviewer does both fast efforts and long runs in it, calling it responsive and light.
Cons
One reviewer finds the inner heel fabric wears out quickly, though a second pair holds up.
One reviewer calls it on the pricey side.
Two of seven reviewers report an injury while running in it.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2297 Exceptional Exceptional · 18 reviews · Confidence 95/100
v22 (2018) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.0 oz · 12mm drop · 37mm stack
Reviewers describe a soft, cushioned ride suited to long, easy miles.
Durability 88MSRP $120
Overall97Comfort93Cushioning92Durability88Value87Appearance76Confidence95Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers describe a soft, cushioned ride suited to long, easy miles.
Reviewers praise the roomy toe box, one finding more room there than in adidas or Nike trainers.
Three reviewers report pairs lasting well past 600 miles.
Cons
Three reviewers report the upper wearing through near the big toe.
Three runners want more responsiveness or find it a little heavy at 9.6 oz.
Appearance is the weakest dimension at 4.1 out of 5, and one reviewer calls the looks unremarkable.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2174 Decent Decent · 25 reviews · Confidence 91/100
v21 (2017) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.0 oz · 12mm drop
Reviewers repeatedly call it comfortable, including on long marathon-training runs.
Durability 92MSRP $130
Overall74Comfort97Value92Durability92Cushioning89Appearance87Confidence91Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers repeatedly call it comfortable, including on long marathon-training runs.
Many runners find it light for how much cushion it offers.
Reviewers describe a firm, responsive ride that handles easy and quicker running.
Cons
High-mileage runners say the cushion flattens after several hundred miles.
One reviewer finds it bulkier than past versions, and another cannot find anything special about it.
One reviewer finds stones lodging in the heel design, and avoids rocky trails in them.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 2092 Very good Very good · 16 reviews · Confidence 91/100
v20 (2016) · Daily trainer · Neutral (Moderate) · 9.0 oz · 12mm drop
Reviewers consistently rate comfort highly, and one says it needs no break-in period.
Durability 92MSRP $120
Overall92Value98Comfort95Cushioning92Durability92Appearance82Confidence91Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers consistently rate comfort highly, and one says it needs no break-in period.
Reviewers use it for easy miles, long runs and tempo work.
Reviewers rate value highly, several noting it is regularly discounted.
Cons
One reviewer reports the forefoot mesh wearing through and ripping, even in the wide version.
At 12mm the drop is higher than most current trainers, and one reviewer names it as their only reservation.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 1962 Below average Below average · 12 reviews · Confidence 88/100
v19 (2015) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.5 oz · 12mm drop · 31mm stack
Three reviewers find the ride smooth and versatile across tempo, long and easy runs.
Durability 78MSRP $120
Overall62Cushioning80Durability78Comfort75Appearance71Value63Confidence88Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Three reviewers find the ride smooth and versatile across tempo, long and easy runs.
Four reviewers keep coming back to it, one of them four years in and one seven.
Durability averages 4.3 out of 5 across twelve reviews.
Cons
Three reviewers find the midsole firm or stiff, one saying it feels almost like concrete.
Two reviewers wear holes in the toe box fabric before the sole is done.
Averaging 9.4 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 1885 Good Good · 36 reviews · Confidence 95/100
v18 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.5 oz · 12mm drop · 27mm stack
Reviewers use it for easy miles, long runs and tempo work.
Durability 77MSRP $120
Overall85Cushioning84Value79Appearance79Durability77Comfort74Confidence95Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers use it for easy miles, long runs and tempo work.
Three reviewers get 400 miles or more from a pair.
The Wave Rider 17 before it scores 56 on forty-nine reviews and the 16 scores 67 on forty-two, against this version's 84.
Cons
Two reviewers say the cutout under the sole picks up rocks and mud, and they keep it off trails.
Three reviewers find the wave plate firm and want more give.
One of thirty-six reviewers so far wore holes over the big toe in four separate pairs.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 1756 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 49 reviews · Confidence 97/100
v17 (2013) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.0 oz · 13mm drop · 31mm stack
Comfort averages 4.3 out of 5 across forty-nine reviews.
Durability 58MSRP $115
Overall56Cushioning79Appearance67Value58Durability58Comfort54Confidence97Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Comfort averages 4.3 out of 5 across forty-nine reviews.
Averaging 8.0 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and several reviewers call it light.
Three reviewers describe a firm ride with noticeable ground feel.
Cons
Durability averages 3.8 out of 5, and many reviewers report the outsole or the upper breaking down early, one getting 350 to 400 miles where earlier versions gave 600 to 700.
Several longtime buyers of the line prefer the Wave Rider 16.
Six of the forty-eight reviewers who answered report an injury while running in it.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 1666 Below average Below average · 42 reviews · Confidence 93/100
v16 (2012) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz · 12mm drop · 28mm stack
Reviewers find it cushioned enough for daily miles without feeling bulky, many having run the line for a decade or more.
Durability 62MSRP $115
Overall66Cushioning84Comfort72Value69Durability62Appearance58Confidence93Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers find it cushioned enough for daily miles without feeling bulky, many having run the line for a decade or more.
Several reviewers prefer it to the Wave Rider 17 that followed, one buying a second pair of the 16 rather than switch.
Reviewers with wider feet and with neuromas repeatedly say the fit accommodates them.
Cons
Reviewers report outsoles wearing through and holes forming in the uppers, one coach saying Mizunos are the only shoes his runners consistently do this to.
Durability draws 3.9 out of 5 across forty-two reviewers, the lowest mark of any dimension, and several say the midsole goes flat sooner than other brands.
The Wave Rider 18, 20 and 22 score 84, 92 and 97 against its 67.
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Mizuno
Wave Rider 1560 Bottom-tier Bottom-tier · 4 reviews · Confidence 85/100
v15 (2011) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.7 oz (men's)
At 8.7 oz it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and one reviewer uses it for long intervals and threshold runs.
Durability 84MSRP $115
Overall60Value89Durability84Cushioning81Comfort75Appearance74Confidence85Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
At 8.7 oz it is lighter than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale, and one reviewer uses it for long intervals and threshold runs.
Two reviewers say it holds up over months of regular running.
One reviewer with a very wide forefoot and a narrow heel has bought ten pairs, finding later Wave Riders too narrow.
Cons
One reviewer says it has problems on soft trails.
It is the lowest-scoring rated Wave Rider on file, and eight later versions score 75 or above.
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Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
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Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.