Daily trainer · Neutral · Road · 9.1 oz · 39/27mm stack · 12mm drop
Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock. The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 replaced it
How it ranks
The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 ranks among the stronger daily trainers in our data. Durability and comfort are its strongest sub-ratings. Looks scores well below its other sub-ratings. The rating is based on 17 runner reviews and 16 other rated shoes in the Wave Rider product line.
Confidence
How settled the rating is against every other rated shoe. A shoe can rate high on confidence with relatively few reviews of its own when its product line has a long record and external ratings from retailer sites agree. Confidence is low when we have few ratings or when runners disagree.
Confidence
92 High
External retailer ratings
We break apart ratings from mass-market retailers and specialty running shops since they serve different audiences.
The middle of the bar marks the typical shoe at each type of retailer. The dot shows where this shoe ranks in comparison.
Based on
The bars show roughly how much each source contributes to this shoe’s rating. Their influence depends on how many reviews we’ve collected, how many earlier versions are in the product line, and the external ratings available.
“Out of the box comfortable, flexible, and the perfect combination of cushioning and pop to cover everything from easy runs to more sporty paces.”
“Optimal combination of cushioning, stability, flexibility, and ground feel.”
“Best iteration in a long time with great support and comfort, but the outsole is much less durable than before.”
“The outer sole seems to wear better with increased thickness and coverage.”
“Incredibly well made, sharp looking, and durable.”
“The midsole seems to last longer with improved impact absorption.”
“Really helped me get over an arch issue.”
“Refreshing to return to a classic daily trainer with many years of refinement.”
25% 2/8
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Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.
Rating & Confidence vs. other shoes for sale
Each dot is one rated shoe for sale, placed by its rating and by how much evidence sits behind it. Shoes toward the top right are both well rated and well established.
Better Shoes Rating
Each dot is one version of the Wave Rider, placed by its rating and release year. The gold dot is this shoe.
Release year
2026 · 1 review
84 Good
79 Confidence
2025 · 2 reviews
89 Good
80 Confidence
2024 · 6 reviews
95 Excellent
85 Confidence
Wave Rider 27 This shoe
2023 · 17 reviews
82 Good
92 Confidence
2022 · 21 reviews
77 Decent
93 Confidence
2021 · 2 reviews
79 Decent
80 Confidence
2020 · 4 reviews
77 Decent
86 Confidence
2019 · 7 reviews
85 Good
90 Confidence
2018 · 18 reviews
91 Very good
95 Confidence
2017 · 25 reviews
72 Decent
97 Confidence
2016 · 16 reviews
83 Good
95 Confidence
2015 · 12 reviews
67 Below average
93 Confidence
2014 · 36 reviews
76 Decent
98 Confidence
2013 · 49 reviews
59 Bottom-tier
98 Confidence
2012 · 42 reviews
65 Below average
96 Confidence
2011 · 4 reviews
62 Below average
91 Confidence
2006 · 0 reviews
74 Decent
80 Confidence
Sizing and ride details at a glance.
4/5
Overall
I've worn the riders for years-- this is the best iteration in a LONG time. They have the support and comfort of my favorite versions ever, but the outsole is much less durable than ever before. That's my only complaint.
Anonymous runner · Jul 29, 2023
30 mpw training for 5K and 10K came from the New Balance 880 v9
5/5
Overall
I love this shoe, through years of competition it has kept me healthy and uninjured. I still wear it although now a recreational runner :)
Terry · Jul 4, 2023
30 mpw training for a marathon
5/5
Overall
Anonymous runner · Jun 15, 2023
Other shoes worth considering.
See how this shoe compares to others like it.
