The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is an everyday running shoe that combines the lightness of a sprinter with the endurance of a marathon runner. Its soft, nitrogen-infused Enerzy NXT foam provides lightweight cushioning. The distinctive Wave plate ensures smooth, stable steps. Like a good companion on a long journey, this model doesn’t impose itself but always supports you, whether you’re running five miles in the park or thirty on hard surfaces.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is designed for running on hard surfaces like concrete sidewalks and cobblestones. Its midsole construction uses cushioning that makes it extremely comfortable for runners weighing up to approximately 90 kg. The sole’s materials and geometry also provide stability on paved gravel roads and dry, even forest trails. This model is designed primarily for people with a neutral foot strike.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- comfortable, soft upper
- versatile – suitable for both city and light terrain
- stability in the rear part of the foot
Cons
- may not be wide enough for runners with very wide feet
What’s New in the Latest Edition
| MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 28 | MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 29 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 38.5/26.5mm | 38/30mm |
| Drop | 12mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 273g | 265g |
| Weight women’s | 235g | 225g |
| Midsole | Mizuno Enerzy + Mizuno Enerzy NXT | Full lenght Mizuno Enerzy NXT (nitrogen infused) |
| Upper | Jacquard Air Mesh | Nowa Jacquard Air Mesh, thinner and more technical) |
| Outsole | X10 Carbon Rubber | X10 Carbon Rubber |
Mizuno Running Shoes – Lineup
The Mizuno Wave Rider is one of the most versatile training shoes in the brand’s collection. It combines stability, cushioning, and dynamic performance. It is also one of the best-cushioned models, featuring a Pebax Wave plate that evenly distributes impact forces and controls foot roll.
However, in terms of cushioning softness, it falls short of the Wave Sky and Wave Horizon models, which offer a higher level of cushioning due to the absence of the Wave plate. While the Rider retains the plate in its construction, it offers slightly less softness. However, it compensates for this with significantly better dynamics compared to these models.
All of the mentioned shoes can be found in our Mizuno running shoe guide.
| FLOATING NEUTRAL | FLOATING STABILITY | PROPULSIVE NEUTRAL | PROPULSIVE STABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Wave Sky 8 |  Wave Horizon 7 | ||
| very high cushioning |  Wave Skyrise 6 |  Wave Rider 29 |  Wave Inspire 21 | |
| high cushioning |  Wave Revolt 3 |  Wave Ultima 16  Wave Prodigy 6 |  Wave Equate 8 |
Similar to Mizuno Wave Rider 29
The Mizuno Rider is one of the brand’s most recognizable running shoe lines and has been preferred by a wide range of runners for years. This classic training model is designed for everyday running and competes with other popular, well-cushioned shoes in the neutral training segment. What sets the Mizuno Rider apart from its rivals is its exceptional stability for a model designed for runners with neutral feet.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 2 | 36/26 | 10 | 275 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 | 37/29 | 8 | 253 | 222 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 3 | 39/33 | 6 | 317 | 283 | 160 |
| Diadora Nucleo 2 | 38/32 | 6 | 280 | 210 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 10 | 42/34 | 8 | 278 | 220 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 29 | 38/33 | 8 | 265 | 225 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v14 | n/a | 8 | 270 | 209 | 160 |
| Nike Pegasus 41 | 37/27 | 10 | 297 | 251 | 140 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Saucony Ride 18 | 35/27 | 8 | 275 | 213 | 150 |
Smooth Transitions, Responsive Cushioning – Enerzy NXT
The latest version of the Rider features the brand’s biggest innovation yet: a midsole made entirely of nitrogen-infused Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam. Currently the brand’s flagship cushioning material, this foam offers superior shock absorption while maintaining elasticity and high energy return. Compared to previous versions, this foam offers better shock absorption, lower weight, and greater durability.
The midsole geometry has also changed. Its thickness has increased by 4 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a final stack height of 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot. This gives an 8 mm drop, which is now standard in the training shoe segment. However, it’s important to note that this is the first Rider edition with such a reduced drop. For many years, this model was characterized by a high 12 mm drop, which was preferred by runners who landed mainly on their heels. The current parameters promote a more natural foot roll and increase the model’s versatility.
In addition to foam, the Rider’s midsole features Mizuno’s distinctive Wave plate. Significantly stiffer and harder than the surrounding foam, the Wave plate is made of lightweight, resilient Pebax. The Wave plate has two key functions. First, it supports cushioning by bending slightly and dispersing impact forces. Second, its stiffness stabilizes the shoe’s construction, limiting torsional foot movement and improving control during the roll phase.
The Rider offers a combination of soft, springy cushioning and clear support in the rear of the shoe. In terms of cushioning, the shoe is suitable for runners weighing up to approximately 90 kg and for those who prefer stiffer shoes, including slightly heavier runners.
Grip and Durability on Hard Surfaces
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29’s outsole is made of durable X10 rubber. Its moderately aggressive construction is typical of shoes designed for hard asphalt surfaces. Its surface consists of densely spaced, flat quadrilateral elements with a maximum depth of approximately 1.4 mm, close to the standard for road training shoes. This geometry provides an optimal balance of grip and low rolling resistance for smooth foot roll.
The arrangement and shape of the outsole blocks allow you to safely navigate hard surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete sidewalks, as well as paved gravel roads and dry park paths.
The high percentage of rubber covering the midsole is also noteworthy. The large, continuous surface of the outer layer improves grip on smooth surfaces and significantly extends the shoe’s lifespan, regardless of whether it is used in urban or suburban conditions. In practice, this means that the Rider 29 retains its traction properties even after hundreds of kilometers.
Breathable and Adaptive – Comfort in Every Condition
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29’s upper is made of a new technical mesh with a thinner structure than the previous version. This change improves breathability, resulting in better ventilation during runs, especially in warm conditions. This construction is typical of modern training shoes: lightweight, flexible, and molded to the shape of the foot. These features also make the model suitable for summer training and competitions.
The upper provides ample space in the front while ensuring a secure fit. Compared to the previous version, the fit is slightly tighter, and the entire construction feels slimmer. Measurements confirm this: at its widest point, the upper is 103.5 mm, slightly below the average for typical training shoes. In practice, the Rider 29 provides a snug fit, but it may not be the best choice for runners with very wide feet.
The Rider has long been known for its above-average stability in the heel area, a feature that the latest edition retains. Two elements are responsible for this stability: a wedge-shaped stiffener in the back of the upper and the Wave system, which creates a rigid, secure platform under the foot. Consequently, the heel is stabilized not only laterally, but also from below to some extent, setting this model apart from many other neutral training shoes.
Lightweight Feel, Dynamic Stride
According to the manufacturer, the men’s Rider 29 weighs 265 grams, while the women’s weighs 225 grams, slightly less than the previous model. In size 12 US, the shoe weighed 301 g, which is still relatively light for an everyday training shoe.
Compared to other training shoes, the Rider 29 is one of the 14% lightest models in its category. If you want an everyday training shoe that is comfortable, light, and dynamic, the Rider 29 is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is a versatile training shoe that provides high cushioning with Enerzy NXT foam and reliable rearfoot stability with the Wave system. Its new, breathable upper provides a snug fit and comfort on warmer days, and its moderately aggressive outsole delivers excellent performance on hard surfaces, such as asphalt, sidewalks, and paved trails. Its lightweight construction and dynamic cushioning make the Rider 29 an excellent choice for runners seeking comfort, stability, and effective foot guidance during their daily workouts.
