The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 shoe is a traditional running shoe. With 26 previous versions, you know it’s one of the more popular daily trainers out there and keeps going strong. Mizuno has a very different and very firm feel. It’s a shoe people either like or don’t, with not many people in between. Are the Mizuno Wave Rider 27s good running shoes? They are, but it really depends if you like a firm feel.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Quick Facts:
- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Heel to Toe Drop: 12 mm
- Price: $140.00
Intro:
I don’t want to call the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 basic, but it’s a basic daily trainer. The Wave Rider 27 has been updated with a new upper and the ride is slightly softer than previous versions. It maintains the 12 mm drop. When you google ‘traditional running shoes’, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 might be one of the most traditional. It’s usually not the first shoe people are interested in and might seem unglamorous, but it does the job, which is all we need. Traditional trainers aren’t always the ones people search for first or the ones with the most hype. But they are the ones that get the most amount of miles in your running shoe rotation.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Upper:
The updated Wave Rider 27 features new, lighter materials. The tongue is soft but also thick, which could lead to some unbreathable conditions. I was actually concerned with the breathability, and my concerns turned out to be merited. While not terrible, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 does not breathe especially well. It’s not summer, but I would be concerned about bringing the shoe out in the middle of summer for fear my feet would overheat.
On their website, it says the Wave Rider 27 uses “eco-friendly materials,” but doesn’t really give any more details. I am all for brands doing that, but let us customers know exactly what that means. Is that 1% eco friendly? 20%? Consumers want to know. Although to be fair, Mizuno isn’t great about adding much technology on their website anyway.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 does just that. It has gotten wider in the past few years to accommodate a lot of different feet.
As far as fit, Mizuno has always fit a little bit more narrow, and the Wave Rider 27 is no different. I’ve usually worn a size 11 in running shoes and have found the size 11 in the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 to fit the best.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Ride:
Most of the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 update actually comes in the upper, and very little was done to update the ride. Which hoorah, because the Wave Rider 26 was fairly popular and most people wanted a similar ride in the 27.
If you haven’t run in a recent Wave Rider, it uses “MIZUNO ENERZY FOAM,” designed to offer a versatile and soft ride. It’s slightly softer than the Wave Rider 26. The signature MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses energy from impact, which gives the Wave Rider a more stable platform and extra cushioning.
I knew the Wave Rider 27 would likely be an easy run shoe, and that’s what it is. It’s a great daily trainer that can handle almost any type of daily run. There are better shoes made for speed, but the Mizuno Wave Rider is a great shoe made for daily training. It’s much firmer than most other brands, so if you prefer something that is firm, you may really appreciate the Wave Rider 27.
Finally, one thing that’s slowly becoming a thing of the past is the 12 mm heel to toe drop, but Mizuno maintains this in the Wave Rider 27. I am curious to see if they ever flatten the shoe.
As far as running in the Wave Rider 27, it’s designed as a daily trainer and that’s where it falls into my running shoe rotation. It’s a shoe I can bring with me almost anywhere, for any type of run and be ok. Of course if I’m doing a speed workout I might prefer a racing shoe. If I’m doing a super easy, recovery run, I’ll likely choose something with more cushion.
Outsole:
The Wave Rider 27 uses the X10 outsole. Many brands use blown rubber, but the X10 is actually a carbon rubber. It’s more durable and has more traction. I’ve used it on sandy trails as well as in raining conditions with no major issues. Mizuno has always lasted a long time, and I expect the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 to last around 400 miles.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Conclusion:
The Wave Rider 27 is a great choice for daily training. While it may feel more warm, it does still perform well. I haven’t had any issues with it, and I appreciate that it can handle all types of training.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 27? If you are looking for a daily trainer, anyone in need of a reliable, everyday running shoe for easy to moderate runs will find these shoes a good fit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 27? I have found the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 to not be the most breathable running shoe out there. It might not be my first choice for hot days. Plus, it’s really a shoe you need to try running in because you’ll either like it or you won’t.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Do you prefer a softer or firmer running shoe?