Mizuno Wave Rider 25
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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- Available in several styles with the main difference lying in the upper material
- Features Mizuno “Enerzy” foam, claimed to help with performance
- Eco-friendly wave plate distributes the energy from impact to a larger surface area which is intended to provide a stable platform and just enough cushioning
- Midsole is responsive and designed to reduce shock
- Carbon rubber outside to increase durability
Pros & Cons
What We Like...
- Two upper choices (mesh and waveknit)
- Lightweight
- Flexible forefoot
- Durable
What Needs Improvement...
- Run small
- Reportedly lacks the stability of previous models
- Heel-to-toe transition isn’t smooth
Product Summary
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is one of Mizuno’s most popular neutral shoes featuring a full-length Enerzy Foam midsole, which is Mizuno’s signature foam cushioning. Weighing about one-half ounce less than its predecessor, the Wave Rider 25 still features the Mizuno Wave plate which is designed to redistribute the energy from each footstrike over a broader area.
According to Mizuno, this plate design creates a stable platform above a high-level cushioning. There are some users who reported that this plate feels very rigid under the heel while the forefoot feels soft and flexible. Unfortunately, this reportedly leads to an inefficient heel-to-toe transition.
To that end, the heel-to-toe drop is a respectable 12 millimeters and the internal heel counter effectively keeps your heel locked down (which means no blisters). Available with two different uppers, the Mizuno comes with either an engineered air mesh upper or Mizuno’s “waveknit,” which reportedly is a little less flexible and more snug.
The carbon rubber outsole creates an extra layer of durability on the 25. These shoes feature a gusseted padded tongue which does a good job of staying in place during your run. Consider sizing up on this model as several customers found it ran small.
Specs
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
|---|---|
| Features | Mizuno Wave plate\, Mizuno Enerzy foam\, gusseted padded tongue\, contoured heel |
Summary
The Mizuno Wave 25 is a neutral, mid-range sneaker designed to provide decent shock absorption and a moderate level of cushioning.
