10+ Year Mizuno Wave Rider Wearer Approved!
Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025
5/5
Overall
I've been wearing Mizuno Wave Riders since their 11th model...10+ years worth of Wave Rider legacy. The Wave Rider 23s are another iteration of a great shoe, continue to satisfy me for all my training needs! Overall, Wave Riders have the perfect weight, cushioning, and stability for everything from long runs to 400 repeats. You seriously can't go wrong.
In comparison to the other Wave Rider models (since Wave Rider 11)...I'd put these in the top half....maaaaybe top quarter. For me personally, Wave Rider 13 was the peak for me...and every Wave Rider thereafter is judged off this piece of perfection. The big pros for Wave Rider 23? I love the appearance of the shoe. The material and colors are super sleek and neutral, reflective of all these neutral colors splashing the racks of every running store. (OK but does anyone else miss the glitter cobalt blue of those Wave Rider 13s??? Like yeah I'm in my late 20s now and probably wouldn't want glitter on my shoes but neutral colors are for 9-5, not my frolic through the park or ripping up the local high school track). I think the actual fit of this shoe is one of the best in the series. Wave Riders have had a slightly varied history of fit (Wave Rider 14s were the bane of my existence), but the latest in the series, including the 23s, I've been very happy with the fit. They feel fast on my feet.
My one con is that the inner heels of these shoes both wore out very quickly. I notice this happens to me every so often with Wave Riders...I personally think it's just slight variations from shoe to shoe because I have since bought another pair of Wave Rider 23s and the inner heel fabric seems to be holding. Overall, Wave Riders have decreased in durability since my first pair 10 years ago...but that's just the way the industry is.
In short, if you are looking for a neutral shoe...Wave Riders are am amazing shoe to become attached to, the series is incredible and I'd suggest to any runner to become a part of the Wave Rider family.
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Cushioning
- 4/5
- Durability
- 4/5
- Appearance
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5