Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Introduction
When a shoe mannequin is ready to make it into mannequin quantity 20 or extra, you already know the corporate has developed one thing price utilizing. On this case, Mizuno has their flagship day by day coach, the Wave Rider 28.
This shoe is likely one of the examples of an organization not messing an excessive amount of with a formulation that works for the folks utilizing it. Sure, the supplies are up to date, and there are tweaks, however the 28 shouldn’t be too dissimilar to the final Wave Rider I ran in (the 20s).
It is a medium cushion shoe that’s designed to log miles and take a beating.
To that time, I’ve logged over 60 miles in these footwear they usually look practically model new.
Designed as a day by day coach, and listed at $140, the Wave Rider 28 will compete in opposition to footwear just like the Brooks Ghost 16, Nike Pegasus 41, Reebok FloatZig 1, ASICS Gel Cumulus 26, ASICS Novablast 4, Saucony Trip 17, New Stability 880 v14, and extra.
Of those totally different fashions, the Wave Rider 28s are very akin to the Cumulus and Ghost 16s, however firmer. Though firmer, they’re additionally the providing from people who I believe could take essentially the most miles earlier than needing alternative.
Mizuno Wave Rider 28 First Impressions
When these arrived I used to be curious to see what they seemed like, and as is all the time the case with Mizuno, they’re good. The end high quality is top-notch.
You may inform that these footwear are extraordinarily nicely made and that they’ll take a pounding. Coloration-wise, the footwear will not be thrilling, and that was not stunning. Mizuno makes nice footwear, however they don’t seem to be recognized for flashy colours.
After I put these footwear on for the primary time they have been precisely what I used to be anticipating; agency however comfy. For carrying all day, the Wave Riders are supremely comfy and will work nicely as a shoe to transition from work to a run.
Throughout the first run, a 4-mile straightforward tempo, they have been nice. The cushion was sufficient to maintain me going and never put on me out. Nonetheless, the cushion was firmer than I personally get pleasure from nevertheless it was nonetheless mushy sufficient for the run to be comfy.
Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Higher
The higher makes use of a 90% recycled supplies Jacquard Air Mesh design that makes use of a gusseted tongue to permit for an opulent, and breathable, run. This higher is seamless throughout the foot, utilizing the jacquard cloth so as to add construction and quantity to the shoe.
This higher is versatile in all instructions whereas staying very true to dimension, my 13s becoming completely. This higher feels pretty tight on the heel, then tight-to-regular within the mid- and forefoot.
This higher makes use of nice construction within the lacing system together with thick laces to assist lock your foot into the higher. This construction pairs with the design of the collar the place there’s extra materials and padding whereas pulling away from the achilles tendon. Though easy, that is noticeable throughout my runs as my toes felt locked in however in a position to transfer.
Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Sole Unit
The Wave Rider 28 makes use of Mizuno’s ENERZY NXT foam within the midsole. That is publicised because the softest, and most responsive, Mizuno cushion to this point. There’s loads of foam below the heel (31mm) to take numerous miles, however the drop (12mm) is far greater than many of the footwear available on the market in the mean time as there’s solely 19mm below the forefoot.
This design forces the runner ahead onto their toes to create a extra pure gait. For heel-strikers the excessive heel-stack provides loads of cushion after which transitions aggressively to the toe. This {couples} with the rocker design on the toebox to assist transition you thru your gait and toe-off.
To assist this alongside Mizuno locations their signature Wave plate within the heel to assist transition vitality from the touchdown into your toe-off. This plate is made utilizing PEBAX RNEW, a plant-based TPU to supply stability and vitality return.
The outsole is an X10 carbon rubber, which presents supreme sturdiness for lengthy put on. This outsole additionally provides good grip on virtually all surfaces. The one concern I had was proper after a really onerous rain and standing water nonetheless current in some areas.
Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Conclusions
Total I used to be questioning what I’d take into consideration the Mizuno Wave Rider 28. Previously the Wave Rider has been my favourite mannequin of Mizuno coach.
Nonetheless, not too long ago I ran within the Wave Sky, and was impressed by how mushy and responsive they may make a shoe. I hoped that the Wave Rider would use the identical plush feeling at a decrease stack top to have the ability to encourage pushing the tempo.
This shoe, nevertheless, didn’t have any of that plush feeling. Don’t get me incorrect, they’re very comfy. Nonetheless, as a bigger runner, the agency cushion current within the Mizuno’s conventional trainers can get very jarring throughout longer runs.
This shoe actually excels within the 5k-10k vary. Throughout these runs I felt an excellent snap and push. Nonetheless, my toes felt battered once I pushed it previous 15k.
I notice that this shoe is designed for a heel-strike runner, which I’m not, but when I’m coaching for an extended race I need to be comfy previous 15k.
The opposite concern I had was that they felt heavy on my toes throughout longer runs. After I weighed them at residence, they got here in at 11.4 oz for my dimension 13s, which was fairly a bit heavier than the footwear I reviewed earlier than these.
When in comparison with different day by day trainers which are within the $130-140 vary, I’d put the Wave Rider 28 behind the likes of the New Stability 880, Brooks Ghost 16, and the Reebok FloatZig.
It’s not a foul shoe, it’s actually fairly good. Nonetheless I simply really feel there are some higher choices available on the market for a runner like me.
