By the Fleet Feet Review Team. With over 80 years of combined experience, our review team is dedicated to providing in-depth gear and shoe reviews to help you find the best shoes and gear for your next run.
The bestselling Mizuno Wave Rider has been updated. We carry a full range of sizes and colorways in the new Mizuno Wave Rider 26.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 delivers a balanced blend of responsiveness and cushion, making it one of the best neutral running shoes.
Designers updated the reliable Mizuno Wave plate to provide responsiveness without compromising on cushioning. Now, the Wave plate is embedded in a platform of Mizuno’s plus Enerzy foam for rejuvenating energy return and pillowy support.
Tech Specs | Mizuno Wave Rider 25 |
Weight | 8.1 oz (W) 9.7 oz (M) |
Drop | 12 mm |
Category | Neutral |
Use | Daily training, Road races |
Surface | Roads, Track |
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is available with either a lightweight engineered mesh upper or a thinner, WaveKnit mesh for a breathable feel up top that blends seamlessly into the cushioned sole.
Between long-time fans and new Mizuno wearers, our reviewers loved the engaging feel of the updated Wave Rider, and we think you will too.
The Mizuno Wave Rider is a go-to shoe for many, thanks to its stable feel and cushy ride.
Previous versions of the Wave Rider used a dual-density midsole combination of Mizuno Enerzy foam and a denser U4ic foam around the Wave plate to achieve a more stabilized feeling.
Designers upped the ante in the Wave Rider 25 update by only using Mizuno Enerzy foam throughout the midsole, wrapping the Wave plate in a bouncy cushion.
The Wave plate offers reinforced support designed to guide your foot through its gait cycle for a smooth transition.
The Enerzy foam offers next-level support and cushion with responsive energy return so you can feel energized even over long miles.
Our reviewers are huge fans of the dynamic feel of the Wave Rider 25.
“The Enerzy foam is the highlight here. The midsole is super cushioned and responsive reinforced by the Mizuno Wave plate. It really comes to life on the run,” says one reviewer.
The outsole of the Wave Rider 25 remains the same as previous versions, delivering durability and stability mile after mile.
The entire outsole of the shoe is lined in abrasion-resistant X10 rubber, preventing uneven wearing that is common with overpronation, which can exacerbate strain on the arch of the foot.
“Some folks would describe Mizuno shoes as so durable that you never know when they are at the end of their life, and that is due to the quality of materials, technology, and reinforcement within the outsole,” says one reviewer and long-time Mizuno wearer.
Durable materials work in combination with a flat outsole geometry to provide stable landings while still keeping a pep in your step over long runs and walks.
While not much has changed about the upper design in the Wave Rider 25 update, our reviewers were pleased with the attention to detail Mizuno designers showed.
As part of the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, the Wave Rider 25 uses mesh lining and shoe laces that incorporate recycled PET material.
The mesh liner works with the engineered mesh upper to deliver a silky soft feeling inside and out, wrapping your foot in smooth support.
“The upper is so soft and comfortable, the shoe immediately hugs my foot as soon as I put it on. The padded tongue is a really nice balance of support and flexibility too,” says one reviewer.
A gusset tongue works with the cushy heel collar to secure your foot without limiting flexibility and natural movement. The heel collar is lined with smooth fabric to prevent chafing and uncomfortable hot spots, too.
Designers also used 3D printed overlays in this update to provide structure and security throughout the midfoot to keep your foot engaged over the Wave plate and Enerzy midsole foam.
As with previous models of the Wave Rider, the 25 uses a triangular shape to support the heel and accommodate the forefoot.
The Wave Rider 25 has a rounded toe box that allows for natural toe splay as you run without being so roomy that there is instability.
“If you have a triangular shaped foot starting with a narrower heel working its way to a broader forefoot, this upper is fantastic,” says one reviewer.
Whether you choose between the engineered mesh upper or the WaveKnit design, you’ll find a breathable, airy fit.
There aren’t any dramatic differences between the Wave Rider 25 and the earlier Wave Rider 24. Mizuno fans will find the same dynamic yet smooth transitions on the run and a plush, secure feeling up top.
The biggest change to the Wave Rider is the use of Enerzy foam above and below the Wave plate to create an even more cushioned, responsive ride.
The Wave Rider 24 used a two-part midsole constructed of both Enerzy foam and stabilizing U4ic compound.
Since the Wave Rider 25 has a reshaped Wave plate, designers were able to apply the plush Enerzy foam throughout the midsole and let the revamped geometry of the Wave plate stabilize the shoe.
Tech Comparison | Mizuno Wave Rider 25 | Mizuno Wave Rider 24 |
Weight | 8.1 oz (W) 9.7 oz (M) | 8.3 oz (W) 9.6 oz (M) |
Drop | 12 mm | 12 mm |
Category | Neutral | Neutral |
Midsole Foam | Mizuno Enerzy | Mizuno Enerzy, U4ic |
Upper | Engineered mesh, WaveKnit | Engineered mesh, WaveKnit |
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is the perfect blend between responsiveness and plush cushioning.
The update features Mizuno Enerzy foam throughout the midsole that works to absorb shock and delivers a rebounding pop to each step so you feel energized mile after mile.
The midsole foam works with an updated Wave plate to create a stabilized feel that gently supports over pronating feet and low arches.
Together with a super-durable outsole, the Wave Rider 25 is equipped to provide a smooth ride for the long haul.
Find out-of-this-world comfort and support in the new Mizuno Wave Rider 25.
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