Mizuno Wave Rider 26

Review Score
77%
๐Ÿ… Highly Rated
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Mizuno Wave Rider 26: Review

โ€œA versatile and durable running shoe for everyday training.โ€

Overview


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a versatile running shoe designed for daily running on road terrain. This shoe is part of the Mizuno Wave Rider family and is known for its neutral support and high arch, making it ideal for runners with neutral pronation.

Key Features:

  • Wave Plate Technology: It incorporates Mizuno's Wave Plate technology in the midsole, offering both cushioning and stability for a smooth and supportive ride.
  • Breathable Upper: The shoe's upper is designed with breathable materials to help keep your feet comfortable during your runs.
  • Versatile Performance: With its versatile design, the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 caters to runners seeking a balanced combination of comfort and performance.
  • Durable Outsole: The outsole is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular running, ensuring longevity and reliability.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a secure and comfortable fit for their everyday training. Its breathable mesh upper offers excellent ventilation, making it suitable for long runs.

With an average review score of 77%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Mizuno Wave Rider 26


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a solid, no-frills running shoe that delivers on its promise of comfort and durability. It's a great choice for everyday running, with a secure fit and a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and comfortable. The shoe's 12mm heel drop is ideal for heel strikers, and the high arch support caters to runners with neutral pronation. However, the shoe does run slightly small, and the high heel to toe drop may not be for everyone. Overall, the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 offers good value for money, providing a reliable and comfortable ride for your daily runs.

Updates to Mizuno Wave Rider 26


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is an update to the previous models in the Mizuno Wave Rider line. The shoe features a thicker midsole, providing additional cushioning for a more comfortable ride. The midsole also incorporates the new Enerzy material, which offers improved responsiveness. The upper is made from recycled mesh, reflecting Mizuno's commitment to sustainability.

10 Mizuno Wave Rider 26 Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Very durable
Locked in heel counter
Secure upper
Good stability and cushioning
Excellent grip

5 Cons

Runs slightly small
High heel to toe drop may not be for everyone
Stiff
Less comfortable over longer distances
Tongue design could be improved

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is made from a breathable recycled mesh material. This provides a secure yet flexible fit, ensuring your foot doesn't feel constricted during your run. The plush and soft feel of the upper adds to the overall comfort of the shoe.

Midsole

The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 features the Enerzy material, which provides good cushioning and responsiveness. The shoe also incorporates the Mizuno Wave plate in the heel and midfoot area, offering additional cushioning and stability during your run.

Outsole

The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is designed for durability and grip. It performs well on both asphalt and dirt tracks, making it a versatile choice for different running terrains.

Size/fit

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 runs slightly small, so you may want to consider sizing up. The shoe offers a secure fit, with a locked-in heel counter and a medium to narrow toe box.

Comfort

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 provides a comfortable ride for your daily runs. The plush upper and cushioned midsole work together to ensure comfort throughout your run. However, some runners have noted that the shoe becomes less comfortable over longer distances.

Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 26?


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a great choice for runners who prefer a firmer feel and a more narrow fit. It's ideal for daily training runs ranging from 1 to 10 miles at a moderate pace. The shoe's high durability makes it a reliable choice for everyday use.

Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 26?


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 may not be the best choice for runners looking for a racing shoe or a shoe that provides maximum comfort over longer distances. The shoe's firm feel and high heel to toe drop may not suit midfoot strikers or runners who prefer a softer, more cushioned ride.

Mizuno Wave Rider 26: What's it good for?


The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is good for daily running on road terrain. Its high durability and comfortable fit make it a reliable choice for everyday training runs.

4 Mizuno Wave Rider 26 FAQs


Is the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 suitable for long distance running?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is suitable for daily training runs ranging from 1 to 10 miles. However, some runners have noted that the shoe becomes less comfortable over longer distances.

Does the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 run true to size?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 runs slightly small, so you may want to consider sizing up.

What type of terrain is the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 designed for?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is designed for road terrain. It performs well on both asphalt and dirt tracks.

Is the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 a neutral or stability shoe?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a neutral running shoe. It offers neutral support and is ideal for runners with neutral pronation.

Mizuno Wave Rider 26 alternatives

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Mizuno Wave Rider 26
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Similarity
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Released
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
283 g
M: 298 g
W: 244 g
M: 303 g
W: 266 g
M: 281 g
W: 238 g
M: 283 g
W: 244 g
M: 235 g
W: 204 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
27 mm
32 mm
27 mm
21 mm
30 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
10 mm
8 mm
8 mm
10 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
39 mm
40 mm
35 mm
31 mm
38 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Mizuno
ASICSMizunoSauconyNikeSaucony
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
BreathableComfortableMaximalist
ComfortableMaximalistBreathableComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalistMaximalistBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist
Breathable
Breathable
Rocker
Rocker
Adidas
Adidas
Techs
Techs
ASICS GelOrthoLite
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Mizuno Wave Rider 26: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Mizuno Wave Rider 26: 12 Expert video reviews

Mizuno Wave Rider 26 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1920)
TerrainRoad (+1303)
UsagesDaily running (+1113)
BrandMizuno (+84)
Support TypeNeutral (+1503)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1483)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1141)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1430)
Shoe TypeBreathable (+331)Comfortable (+253)Maximalist (+504)
FitMedium toe box (+830)Narrow toe box (+234)
FeaturesBreathable (+964)Orthotic friendly (+273)Removable insole (+253)
MaterialsMesh (+859)
Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable (+143)
ColorwaysAntigua Sand / White / Light Orange, Atomizer / White, Black / White, Black / White / Red, China Blue / White, Cyclamen / White, Dubarry / White, Festival Fuchsia / Halogen Blue / Innuendo, Goblin Blue / Vaporous Grey, Green
Specificationsvs Average
Model
26
Released
Oct 2022
Measurements
Weight
283 g
Heel to toe drop
12 mm
Heel
39 mm
Forefoot
27 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. Heโ€™s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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March 22, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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๐Ÿ“Š Stats | Powered by geerly.com ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ ๐Ÿ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB ๐Ÿšจ ๐Ÿ Overall position: 35/549 ๐Ÿšน Gender position: 21/299 ๐ŸŽฏ Age grade: 61%