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Mizuno

Wave Rider 21

Wave Rider 21
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Excellent (94%)

Shoe details

Weight
9.6 oz
Release
2017 Q4
MSRP
$130
Drop Height
12mm

Ratings & Reviews

Excellent (94%)

Rated better overall than 94% of all shoes.
?

This score rates better than 94% of other shoes we judged.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Percentile vs. all shoes. Shaded bars reflect our uncertainty.
?

Rankings are based on real review data, but there is always some uncertainty.

The shaded bar shows a plausible range for this shoe’s rank based on the review data we have and normal variation in runner feedback. More reviews usually narrow the range.

Overall

Excellent (94%)

Comfort

Excellent (95%)

Durability

Excellent (94%)

Value

Very good (87%)

Appearance

Very good (80%)

Cushioning

Above average (69%)

All Running Shoes

Better than 94% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Excellent (94%)

Daily Trainers

Better than 94% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Excellent (94%)

Wave Rider Family

Better than 73% of 10 wave rider family ranked.

Good (73%)

Mizuno

Better than 89% of 101 Mizuno shoes ranked.

Very good (89%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Popular shoe among LetsRun.com readers.
  • Rated among the top 5% of shoes overall.
  • Rated among the top 5% of shoes on comfort.
  • Rated among the top 25% of shoes on cushioning.
  • Rated among the top 10% of shoes on durability.

Cons

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Mizuno Wave Rider 21
Mizuno Wave Rider 29
Saucony Kinvara 16
Wave Rider 21
Wave Rider 29
Kinvara 16
Current shoe
Reference shoe
Newest
Lowest price / Best overall / Best comfort
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
9.6 oz M
—
—
Stack
—
—
—
Drop
12mm
9mm
—
Release
2017 Q4
2025 Q3 Newest
2025 Q2
MSRP
$130
—
—
Best price
—
$149.95
$129.95 Lowest price
Ratings
Overall
Excellent (94%)
Exceptional (99%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Excellent (95%)
Exceptional (99%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Above average (69%)
Exceptional (97%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Excellent (94%)
Exceptional (98%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Good (80%)
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Very good (87%)
Exceptional (98%)
Exceptional (100%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

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99th percentile

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Mizuno Wave Rider 29

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Daily trainer

$149.95

99th percentile

+5% vs this shoe
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+4% vs this shoe

More from Mizuno

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91st percentile
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Reader Reviews

25 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 25 reviews

best neutral show around!

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

I've been running in the Mizuno Wave Rider for 10 years now. I've dabbled in other shoes (Brooks Launch, 361 Spinjet) but I keep coming back to them because of their comfort and stiffness. I can reliably wear them through 450-500 miles a pair without them feeling too broken down, but pushing past 500 isn't very viable. I have slightly narrow feet and a very high arch, and wear my Mizunos for almost all training and workouts.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

Reader review

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
4/5

My go-to everyday trainer

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

I've used the Wave Rider in some form for about 5 years as my regular daily training shoe. It provides adequate cushion and is lighter than many comparable shoes. I normally retire them after about 600km, at which point they are still functional but the cushion has reduced somewhat. Only downside of the shoes is that the design of the heel can cause a medium sized stone to lodge in it from time to time, so I avoid them when I'm running on rocky trails.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

Great sure for road runners

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

I bought these based on a recommendation last year. They improved my splits immediately. After several hundred miles, they’re pretty used up for racing but they’re still my go to kick around pair.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
3/5
Durability
3/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

Great shoe

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Light, but sturdy and firm enough. responsive.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5