Mizuno Wave Rider 28

9.7
SCORE

Original price Mizuno £140.00

From £110.00



Characteristics

Gender
Men
Women
Weight
280 gr
Drop
12 mm
Cushion
Neutral
Runner weight
Medium
Running gait
Neutral
Surface
Road
Use
training
Pace
Low
Medium
Foot
Normal feet
Strike
heel
Distance
Half-marathon
Marathon
Eco-friendly
Vegan
Colour
Blue
White
Black
Green
Year
2024
  • Lightness
    9.0
  • Cushioning
    9.0
  • Flexibility
    8.0
  • Responsive
    8.0
  • Stability
    9.0
  • Grip
    8.0

Awards

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Photos Mizuno Wave Rider 28

1 / 4

It goes without saying, but it's worth remembering because the Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the Japanese brand's most iconic and popular running shoes. Known for its versatility and high performance, this line of high-performance running shoes has captivated runners around the world for generations. Now, Mizuno introduces the long-awaited Wave Rider 28, an update that promises to take the running experience to a new level.

This revamped Mizuno Wave Rider 28 running shoe features details that enhance the running sensations that were already implicit in its previous version. Starting with ample cushioning in the heel area along with a firm and responsive feel at toe-off, plus a great fit in the upper.

Main features and innovations of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28

Key features and innovations of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28

If you were already a fan of the Wave Rider 27, get ready to fall even more in love with the new Wave Rider 28. Mizuno has taken everything that worked exceptionally well from its best-selling neutral shoe and elevated it to a new level of performance and comfort.

Midsole reconfiguration

One of the big new features you'll notice right away is the more agile and responsive feel of the midsole. Thanks to the addition of innovative MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam in the heel area, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is not only lighter than its predecessor, but also offers superior energy recovery with every stride. This next-generation foam dynamically adapts to your movements, giving you that energy back in the form of a reactive boost that will keep you fresh and energetic mile after mile.

This cutting-edge material, along with Mizuno's iconic Wave platform, creates an incredibly soft and well-cushioned ride without sacrificing any responsiveness. Every stride will feel more fluid and comfortable, regardless of the distance you're running.

Mizuno has also increased the width in the midfoot, giving the Wave Rider 28 greater stability and control during the run. This wider base provides a more balanced feel, allowing you to tackle turns and direction changes with confidence.

The heel area has been raised compared to the previous version of the Mizuno Wave Rider 27, providing additional protection for the Achilles tendon and greater comfort in that critical area.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28: seamless Air mesh jacquard fabric

Evolved Upper and Outsole

Another key improvement is found in the upper of the Wave Rider 28. The product developers at the renowned Osaka company have opted to include a seamless, extremely lightweight and breathable Air mesh jacquard fabric that reduces the shoe's weight by 10 grams compared to the previous model. This cutting-edge upper maximizes ventilation and comfort, keeping your feet cool and dry even on the hottest days or your most demanding runs.

Also noteworthy is the anatomical tongue that has been carefully designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit, hugging the instep of your foot and avoiding annoying rubbing.

Don't forget that the outsole has been reconfigured to offer improved traction and durability. X10 carbon rubber in the heel provides exceptional grip on a variety of surfaces, while rubber in the forefoot provides additional cushioning and responsiveness.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 27

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 27

So, comparing the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 27, what you're really going to fall in love with this latest version of the Wave Rider:

  • More agile midsole.
  • More cushioned and responsive feel with every stride.
  • Lighter and more breathable upper material.
  • Increased midfoot width for more stability.
  • Heel elevation for extra protection.

A detail to be taken into account that should not go unnoticed. In their constant pursuit of excellence, Mizuno not only focus on delivering exceptional performance and comfort, but also care about minimizing their impact on the environment and respecting all living things. That's why the Wave Rider 28 is a 100% vegan shoe.

This means that no material of animal origin has been used in its production, nor has any creature been harmed during the creation and manufacturing process. From the sole compounds to the upper textiles, every component has been carefully selected to meet the highest ethical and sustainability standards. The iconic Wave platform is made from Pebax RNew, a fully eco-friendly bio-based nylon made from castor oil, a renewable and biodegradable resource.

Runner profile of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Runner Profile

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is designed for runners of all levels who are looking for a versatile, high-performance shoe for their daily training and racing. From beginners to experienced athletes, these neutral shoes offer a perfect combination of cushioning, stability and responsiveness.

As a daily running shoes for daily training, these Wave Rider 28 are suitable for all types of road running, allowing you to run at different speeds and paces.

Recommended distances and uses

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is extremely versatile and can be used over a wide range of distances and surfaces. From short training sessions to half marathons and marathons, these shoes are ready to accompany you for every kilometer.

On the other hand, the reliability and traction of the improved outsole make them suitable for running on asphalt, gravel, parks and compacted trails.

What are the technical specifications of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28

What are the technical specifications of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28?

Weighing only 280 grams in a size EU 42 men's running shoes, these Wave Rider 28 will allow you to maintain an agile and energetic stride during your workouts and races.

As for its geometry, the Wave Rider 28 has a height of 38.5 millimeters in the heel and 26.5 millimeters in the forefoot. This difference of 12 millimeters in the drop provides a smooth and efficient transition, while providing extra protection, because it absorbs impacts and reduces the load on the joints.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 are already available from the June 20245 on the official Mizuno website, as well as in specialized stores in the running segment.

Therefore, this Mizuno model represents the latest evolution of one of the most emblematic running shoes of the Japanese brand. If you are looking for a versatile, durable and high-performance shoe that can accompany you on any distance and surface, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is an attractive option that you should not pass up.

Ready to enjoy every stride with an unprecedented level of comfort, cushioning and responsiveness? That's the experience promised by the revamped Mizuno Wave Rider 28.

Review of Mizuno Wave Rider 28

7 August 2024

Pros

  • Excellent combination of cushioning, reactivity and stability
  • Very good foot support
  • Exceptional comfort over long distances

Cons

  • Some more breathability in the upper would be nice.
  • Traction can be improved on wet asphalt

Mizuno Wave Rider 28: the legacy of an iconic shoe

To speak of the Mizuno Wave Rider is to speak of a legend in the world of running. Since its debut in 1998, this line of shoes has been a reference for runners of all levels. In my case I was able to try the Mizuno Wave 19 for the first time and even back then I loved them. And with each new version, Mizuno has managed to maintain the essence of the Wave Rider, but always looking to improve the runner's experience. The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is no exception, and in this review I will tell you why this shoe has earned its place in the olimpo of running shoes.

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

First impressions: comfort and support right out of the box

As soon as you put on the Mizuno Wave Rider 28, the feeling of comfort and foot support is immediate. The fit of the upper, now made of a seamless jacquard-like Air mesh fabric, is soft and enveloping, keeping the foot in place without generating uncomfortable pressure points. In addition, this material is extremely lightweight and with an acceptable breathability, although it is true that especially on those hot days and long distance races I miss some more breathability.

The foot support is one of the aspects that surprised me the most. The anatomical tongue and the raised heel contour provide a secure fit that protects the Achilles tendon, a detail that is appreciated when you accumulate kilometers. This security not only improves comfort, but also contributes to the overall stability of the shoe.

Cushioning and reactivity: a winning combination

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 stands out in particular for its balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The addition of the innovative MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam in the heel area was a complete success. This foam not only provides soft cushioning that absorbs shock efficiently, but also offers excellent responsiveness. Each stride feels firm but with remarkable energy return, making it easy to maintain a steady pace throughout the run.

Mizunos iconic Wave platform, made of Pebax RNew, remains at the heart of this shoe. This plate, in addition to being eco-friendly, ensures a soft landing and a smooth transition from heel to toe. The feeling is of a well-cushioned yet dynamic stride, something that many runners appreciate, especially over long distances.

Stability and control: perfect for any terrain

One of the strengths of Wave Rider 28 is the stability they offer. Mizuno has increased the width in the midfoot, which provides a more solid and balanced base. This feature is especially useful on uneven terrain or when you need to make quick changes of direction. The sense of security it provides is palpable from the first kilometer, allowing you to run with confidence even on less stable surfaces.

The outsole has also been reconfigured to improve traction and durability. X10 carbon rubber in the heel provides exceptional grip on a variety of surfaces, while rubber in the forefoot adds an extra layer of cushioning and responsiveness. This combination makes the Wave Rider 28 suitable not only for asphalt, but also for gravel, parks and compacted trails.

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

Long-distance comfort: ideal for marathons and demanding workouts

If there is one thing I enjoyed about Wave Rider 28, it is their comfort over long distances. Thanks to the combination of good cushioning, firm support and a responsive stride, these shoes are ideal for those looking to rack up the miles while trying to minimize foot fatigue. The upper wraps the foot nicely, while the heel structure and anatomical tongue ensure that the foot remains comfortable and protected throughout the run.

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

In addition, the heel lift with a 12 mm drop adds extra protection for the Achilles tendon, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury in this critical area. For runners who tend to land on their heel who train regularly and are looking for a shoe that can accompany them on their longer sessions, the Wave Rider 28 are an excellent choice.

Comparison: Mizuno Wave Rider 28 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 27

For those who were already fans of the Wave Rider 27, the 28 version will not disappoint. Mizuno has taken everything that worked well in the previous version and taken it to a new level. The more agile and reactive midsole is one of the most noticeable changes, along with increased cushioning and a more dynamic response in each stride.

The upper material has been optimized to be lighter and more breathable, reducing the weight of the shoe by 10 grams. This change, while it may seem small, translates into a more agile and comfortable running experience. In addition, the increased width in the midfoot improves stability, a detail that is especially appreciated on more demanding terrain.

Finally, the raised heel adds extra protection, something that was not present in the previous version. This, combined with the improved Wave platform, makes the Wave Rider 28 a more complete shoe capable of delivering superior performance in a wide variety of conditions.

Sustainability: a commitment to the environment

Mizuno has not only worked to improve the performance of the Wave Rider 28, but has also made a significant effort to reduce its environmental impact. This shoe is 100% vegan, which means that no animal-derived materials have been used in its construction. From the sole compounds to the upper textiles, every component has been carefully selected to meet the highest ethical and sustainability standards.

The Wave platform, made from Pebax RNew, a bio-based nylon made from castor oil, is a clear example of Mizuno's commitment to innovation and respect for the environment. This choice not only makes the shoe more environmentally friendly, but also ensures exceptional performance without compromising durability.

Ideal runner profile

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is designed for runners of all levels who are looking for a versatile, high-performance shoe for their daily workouts and races. They are especially suited for those who value a balanced combination of cushioning, stability and reactivity. Whether you're a beginner looking for a reliable shoe or an experienced runner who needs a shoe that can handle long distances, Wave Rider 28 have something to offer you.

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

Recommended distances and uses

Thanks to their versatility, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is suitable for a wide range of distances and paces. From short training sessions to half marathons and full marathons, these shoes are designed to go with you for every mile, giving you the support and comfort you need. Plus, their improved outsole makes them suitable for different types of surfaces, making them an ideal choice for those looking for an all-terrain shoe.

Technical Specifications

Weighing only 280 grams in size EU 42, the Wave Rider 28 are light enough to keep your stride agile and energetic during your workouts and races. As for its geometry, the shoe features a height of 385 millimeters in the heel and 265 millimeters in the forefoot, offering a 12-millimeter drop. This configuration provides a smooth and efficient transition, absorbing impacts and reducing the load on the joints.

Mizuno wave rider 28 - review runnea

What I liked most about the Mizuno Wave Rider 28

This is undoubtedly one of the most balanced running shoes of 2024. If you're looking for a versatile, durable, high-performance shoe that can keep up with you over any distance and surface, these shoes are an attractive option that you shouldn't pass up.

I like the good foot support, but without losing comfort on the run. Plus, by choosing the Mizuno Wave Rider 28, you'll also be contributing to a more sustainable future, as they are 100% vegan and made from environmentally friendly materials. So, not only will you be getting an exceptional running shoe, but you'll also be making a conscious and responsible choice.

User reviews of Mizuno Wave Rider 28

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9.7
SCORE

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 shoe is ranked 1 in the ranking of the best rated running shoes.

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