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Mizuno

Wave Rider 22

Wave Rider 22
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Excellent (92%)

Shoe details

Weight
9.6 oz
Release
2018 Q3
MSRP
$120
Stack Height
37mm heel - 25mm toe
Drop Height
12mm

Ratings & Reviews

Excellent (92%)

Rated better overall than 92% of all shoes.
?

This score rates better than 92% 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 (92%)

Comfort

Excellent (95%)

Cushioning

Excellent (92%)

Value

Good (78%)

Durability

Good (77%)

Appearance

Below average (27%)

All Running Shoes

Better than 92% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Excellent (92%)

Daily Trainers

Better than 93% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Excellent (93%)

Wave Rider Family

Better than 67% of 10 wave rider family ranked.

Above average (67%)

Mizuno

Better than 88% of 101 Mizuno shoes ranked.

Very good (88%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • A majority of reviewers like this shoe more than their last shoe.
  • 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 10% of shoes on cushioning.

Cons

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Mizuno Wave Rider 22
Mizuno Wave Rider 29
Saucony Kinvara 16
Wave Rider 22
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
37/25mm
—
—
Drop
12mm
9mm
—
Release
2018 Q3
2025 Q3 Newest
2025 Q2
MSRP
$120
—
—
Best price
—
$149.95
$129.95 Lowest price
Ratings
Overall
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (99%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (99%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Excellent (92%)
Exceptional (97%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Good (77%)
Exceptional (98%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Below average (27%)
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Good (78%)
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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Better alternatives

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On Cloudsurfer Max

Cloudsurfer Max

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100th percentile

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Mizuno Wave Rider 29

Wave Rider 29

Daily trainer

$149.95

99th percentile

+7% vs this shoe
Saucony Triumph 23

Triumph 23

Daily trainer

$134.96

98th percentile

+6% vs this shoe
Shoe image placeholder

Wave Sky 9

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98th percentile

+6% vs this shoe

More from Mizuno

Mizuno Neo Zen

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91st percentile
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22

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Racing

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Reader Reviews

18 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 18 reviews

Why be a Swimmer when you can be a Wave Rider (22)

fastandlow · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

What I love 1) Excellent ride. I have about 150 miles (still practically new) in the WR22, and still feel cushiony soft and light when running. I compare this to my WR20 (about 220miles) which still feel light but not quite as cushiony as WR22, but more than my other shoes. Also, cushiony feel around foot, compared to WR20, which feels good but not as comfy as the 22s. 2) Shoestrings stay tied. Unsure if its the shoestrings or the shoes, but never had to readjust or retie during a run.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Why be a Swimmer when you can be a Wave Rider (22)

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

What I love 1) Excellent ride. I have about 150 miles (still practically new) in the WR22, and still feel cushiony soft and light when running. I compare this to my WR20 (about 220miles) which still feel light but not quite as cushiony as WR22, but more than my other shoes. Also, cushiony feel around foot, compared to WR20, which feels good but not as comfy as the 22s. 2) Shoestrings stay tied. Unsure if its the shoestrings or the shoes, but never had to readjust or retie during a run.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

First marathon shoe

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

Found the shoe to be very comfortable after doing a few runs and getting the lacing right. The cushioning seems just right for me. The wave technology seems to do as it says and gives a bit of spring when going forwards.. Ran Berlin in them and had no blisters..Done 400km in them now and have gone onto my second pair now. If you are a neutral runner I think these shoes do a great job. Just bought a 3rd pair for when second pair wear out.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
4/5

Well-cushioned, affordable shoes

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

I switched from a lightly cushioned shoe and found the weight adjustment manageable and the cushioning much more agreeable. They have really mitigated the impact pain that I have felt in other shoes. They aren't waterproof, but still do well in the rain with excellent traction. Durability seems average, and they're meh to look at but overall a great, dependable workhorse shoe.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
5/5

Great shoe but sometimes wish they were more responsive

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

I've worn Wave Riders off and on for years. Everything about the shoe is great, but some times while running I wish they were more responsive.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
4/5