I was excited to try the Mizuno Wave Rider 25. It’s a well-cushioned trainer that can handle miles of daily training. The updated version has been given a full-length Enerzy Foam midsole with a more flexible forefoot.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Quick Facts:
Weight: 9.4 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 12 mm
Price: $140
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Introduction:
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is the second oldest daily trainer behind the Nike Pegasus. Mizuno has been great about keeping a consistent shoe with minor updates. Nothing ever feels “too drastic,” and from year to year, the shoe remains consistent and well-cushioned. BUT the last two versions are two of the more significant changes. Last year, the Wave Rider 24 was given Enerzy Foam in the heel. It wasn’t always well received, and the Wave Rider 25 has been revamped.
What else is new? The new Wave Rider 25 is lighter and has a total length Enerzy midsole. It’s also $5 more expensive. I’m sad we are getting to the point that daily trailers were now averaging $130-$140 when they used to be $120.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Ride:
This is the first version of the Mizuno Wave Rider with the full-length Enerzy Foam. What is “Enerzy foam”? It’s a soft foam similar to the Nike React. The Wave Ride 25 also has a separate wedge of Enerzy Foam under the Wave Plate. This makes the heel soft and more durable. It also gives the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 a different ride in the front and back. Due to the signature wave plate, the back feels rigid and firm, whereas the front is much softer and more flexible. This feels like one of the better versions because it rolls easier from heel to toe. Some people complain it feels inconsistent.
Durability and Traction: Mizuno has always been near the top regarding their shoes’ durability and traction. The blown rubber keeps you from slipping in inclement conditions but also adds a lot of durability. I’ve run on several sandy trails with no issues, and I really appreciate how much traction there is. Regarding durability, I have gotten over 400 miles on most Mizuno shoes, and the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is no different. I have about 100 miles on mine, and they will probably last at least 400 miles.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is designed as a basic, high-quality trainer. I’ve done several types of runs, including easy runs, workouts, recovery runs, and long runs. I prefer something more responsive and “less shoe” for faster runs (like the Mizuno Wave Rebellion). To me, it’s an ideal shoe for daily and easy runs. I grab it a lot when I’m doing daily runs.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Fit:
Like Asics, many Mizuno shoes fit long and narrow. The Wave Rider 25 has been given a more significant update in the upper, probably where the $5 increase came from. It uses an engineered mesh that is both soft and flexible.
Mizuno has always exceeded in making their shoes feel plush. I appreciate the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 has a padded tongue and heel counter, so it doesn’t irritate anything. The heel tab and collar have padding to keep you comfortable throughout the run. I strongly believe the best uppers disappear off your feet, and the Wave Rider 25 does just that. If you can find a good fit (and sometimes it’s tricky with shoes that fit long and narrow), the Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the more plush and comfortable brands.
If you’ve never worn Mizuno, you might feel as though it feels “tight.” They typically run slightly long and narrow. This version of the Mizuno Wave Rider fits more true to size than many other versions. I usually wear between a size 10-11 wide in running shoes and have worn a size 10.5, 10.5 wide, 11, and 11 wide in the Wave Roder. This year the size 11 fits the best of the Wave Rider 25.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Conclusion:
With the introduction of the full-length Enerzy Foam, the Wave Rider 25 has started trending in the right direction. While it’s best used as a daily run, it can be used for faster or longer runs. It rolls better from heel to toe and feels less clunky than previous versions. I hope Mizuno continues trending this way for the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 because they are starting to build it to compete with shoes such as the Saucony Ride or Brooks Ghost. If you are someone who prefers a responsive daily ride, you’ll probably enjoy the Wave Rider 25.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Wave Rider 25, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Rider 25?
What is your favorite running shoe?