The Best Mizuno Wave Rider 23 Review (Guide + Pros & Cons)

Mizuno is one of those brands that doesn't make many changes between one edition and its footwear. In fact, many of the Mizuno running shoes, including the Wave Rider, have not been made profound changes. Lovers of exclusive Wave midsole technology will surely be satisfied with the Wave Rider 23.

Mizuno Wave Rider 23 Release Date

This running shoe, released on the market at the end of 2019, is very similar to the previous edition (the Rider 22), but with a completely revised upper. Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is a perfect running shoe for daily workouts (if you like to run safely with the Mizuno Wave's signature snap).

The Wave branded heel and flared forefoot make the Mizuno versatile and ideal for most types of running.

There is ample padding for both long and cool-down runs as well as marathons.

Mizuno Wave Rider 23 vs. 22 

But if there have been no changes in either the midsole or the outsole design, what has changed then?

Mostly the style of the upper and partly also the fit of the upper.

The Rider 23 no longer has the various seams on the torso, which the 22 was full of. The tip moves inside, and the tongue is now welded and no longer sewn. The fit is loose, characteristic of Mizuno, but positioning the tip inside makes the fit more tapered on the front.

Mizuno Wave Rider 23: General Characteristics 

Although the 12mm drop can lead anyone to think that it is a shoe suitable for those who run with a heel, the Rider 23 is actually suitable for practically anyone.

Of course, with this type of drop, most of the cushioning materials are placed in the back. A dual-density layer forms a Wave thermoplastic backing, so you have most of the padding right's softness in the heel area.

The only soft part of the Mizuno's Wave Rider 23 seems to be the insole with injected foam (which looks like Ortholite both to the eye and to the touch of the footbed, but in reality, it is not).

Also, the sole is made of thin and hard rubber (X-10), which does not bend when the foam is compressed.

For the foam and plastic parts to work together best, you need to use the Rider 23 for a few tens of kilometers.

The midsole, in the forefoot area, becomes more flexible over time. On the other hand, the sole has multiple grooves that ensure good flex, but it takes a while for the midsole to use them effectively.

Thanks to the thinner processing on the side, the Wave Rider 23 allows a cushioned and snappy ride in the heel area and keeping the foot firmly in place and with a good grip in the front. The rubber injected in the forefoot is softer than the one on the heel, so the runner supports the foot in a cushioned way.

The compactness and uniqueness of the cushioning system make the Wave Rider ideal for neutral runners. The protective midsole allows you to use this running shoe even on simple routes.

The printed Wave plate makes the shoe very versatile. The steady step makes the Rider 23 the best choice for a faster run than other neutral trainers in this industry.