Are you looking for Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Review? Or is information on Mizuno Wave Rider 24 running shoes?
You have come to the right place.
In mid-July 2020, I had the pleasure of testing the Mizuno Rider 24, a worthy descendant of a family of shoes I have loved since the first editions.
I can finally have my say after traveling over 100 km with these shoes on.
Keep reading my review to determine the characteristics of the sole, midsole, and upper, prices, pros and cons, and opinions of the new Wave Rider 24 sports shoes.
Well! Are you ready to test the new Mizuno Rider 24 with me?
Very well! So let's tie up these beautiful tight shoes and go out for a run! Read on the Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Review! We have discussed Mizuno Wave Rider Men's and Women's Mizuno Wave Rider.
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Reviewed
Someone said that "When they tell you can't do it, they are showing you their limits. Not yours."
And I think this is a phrase that fits perfectly with the spirit of the runner.
With the Rider 24 on my feet, I have run more than 100 km, and now I am very ready to explain them to you in detail.
The 24 represents an update of the previous version while maintaining the family famous since its dawn.
The Wave Rider family is designed for neutral runners looking for a cushioned shoe that can, at the same time, help increase pace and give excellent stability (even if they are not shoes for pronators).
These new Mizuno shoes feature slight changes in the area of the sole and upper and more essential updates in the midsole, which allow the product to guarantee a softer and smoother ride while maintaining an excellent elastic return and an excellent fit.
As I told you, I raced with the Rider for over 100km, and I must say that my impressions were excellent.
As soon as I put it on, I immediately noticed the comfort of the mesh upper, which enveloped my foot in a very comfortable way from the first moment.
However, on the forefoot, the model always remains medium-wide, and perhaps in my specific case, I would have preferred less space.
However, I find that the model is more suitable for those who have a medium-large plant.
Although there is more space on the forefoot, I appreciated the very snug fit that never made me rub my foot even in slightly dusty corners at high speed.
This excellent grip increases the perception of the lightness of the shoe. [See also: Gravity Defyer Shoes Review]
Even with the Mizuno wave rider shoe unfastened, an excellent hold of the shoe on foot is felt even in the heel capsule, slightly lower in height on the Achilles tendon area.
During my first runs, I immediately realized that it was not a particularly fast shoe, especially if you don't go to "push."
It's substantial in the forefoot area, and many would call it a bit 'dry.' A feature I particularly like it has a smooth transition.
Technical Features
- Brand: Mizuno Running
- Model: Wave Rider 24
- Weight: 290 grams
- Drop:12 mm
- Family: Wave Rider
- Previous model: Wave Rider 23
General Characteristics
In July 2020, the Japanese brand introduced a revolutionary technology: Mizuno Energy, which aims to offer a higher rebound than ever.
According to the brand, the new foam offers 17% cushioning and 15% more energy return than the previous version.
The foam is delicate to the touch and makes landing well-cushioned, especially for heel attackers, facilitating the transition from heel to toe.
This is the actual significant change this year. Even if to fully perceive it, you have to go at reasonably high speeds and push on the shoe.
And believe me, I pushed her a lot.
The Pebax plate is also maintained, which has become an icon that distinguishes the Mizuno Wave models from all the other brands.
In addition to better distributing the impact on the ground, the plate also guarantees excellent stability.
This feature of these best Mizuno running shoes is handy after several kilometers. That is when the muscles of the plantar arch get tired and cause the foot to yield inwards.
The rubber sole, designed and positioned accurately, guarantees good durability and provides excellent traction on any surface.
A multi-layered, seamless knit upper cradles the foot, providing excellent fit and breathability for narrow and broader runners.
The inside of the upper is comfortable and well ventilated.
The fit is firm from the heel to the midfoot and instead widens on the forefoot while always keeping the foot in position and avoiding chafing even at high speeds.
Mizuno women's wave rider and Mizuno men's wave rider has a soft insole and increases comfort. It is removable and allows you to sanitize it after the various competition or training sessions.
Well, after giving you this brief taste, let's put the characteristics of the sole, midsole, and upper under the magnifying glass.
Let's start with the sole!
Sole
The sole Mizuno rider has also been redesigned, but this has not compromised its performance and durability on the contrary.
The new running shoe Mizuno rider has, in fact, a sole in complete contact with the ground, unlike the 23 version, which had a small space between the forefoot and heel.
It is composed of two types of rubber: a micro-expanded rubber and a solid rubber, a mix capable of providing excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
In the back and inside of the Mizuno wave shoes, the sipes come out by 2 millimeters and are situated opposite the direction of travel, while from the midfoot to the front of the foot, they are arranged at 45 degrees and protrude by 5mm.
The compound is soft and adheres a lot to surfaces. On the other hand, after already 50km, I noticed some wear.
On the outside of the sole, however, the opposite occurs. On the heel, the sipes are arranged at 45 degrees, while on the forefoot, they are perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Their thickness is identical over the entire length of the Mizuno running shoes.
The different treads are divided by a groove that remains wider in the foot's heel part and is reduced, creating a line up to its tip.
This "groove" has a double function. The first is to reduce the material to a minimum and thus lighten the shoe. The second is to make the shoe more flexible.
During my Mizuno wave rider 24 test, I ran on dry and slightly humid terrain (unfortunately, I was unable to test the shoe in the wet), and it performed very well.
Midsole
Be careful because it is in the midsole that the real significant change of this Mizuno's wave rider edition resides.
While competitors have mainly focused on softer foams, Mizuno has introduced a more "bouncy" one, called Energy.
Compared to Rider 23, the new Rider 24 has an entirely different answer; while maintaining a design similar to the previous edition, the shoe is less dry and more dynamic during the stride phase.
I tried it at different speeds, and over 6 minutes, the shoe fails to express its potential in terms of response, but only those of cushioning.
The Mizuno wave rider shoes start to give a dynamic response under 5'/5'30 per kilometer and when we push on it.
The maximum is around 4 '/3'30 per kilometer, where the shoe is at its best, giving a lot of response and offering great flexibility.
This exclusive and innovative technology called Mizuno Energy Foam is mainly present in the heel area and has two particular characteristics:
- It is delicate to the touch (it is 17% more sensitive than the materials used in the past), it increases the softness in landing (especially for those who attack from the heel)
- It offers a better combination of cushioning and energy return (the figure is an energy return of 15% compared to the materials used in the past) and significantly increasing comfort and durability.
Also, the insole created by Mizuno significantly increases comfort, making the shoe a real cuddle for our feet even after many kilometers. [See also: The Best Nike Air Precision 2 Review with Pros and Cons]
Upper
Mizuno has released a second version of the Wave Rider:
- One with an engineered mesh upper;
- One with a knitted upper (Waveknit).
The two items are indistinguishable, except for the upper and the weight: the Waveknit version is slightly heavier than its sister with a knitted top.
However, both uppers are very comfortable: they have enough space to accommodate even wide-planted feet and adapt to virtually any foot shape.
However, the upper is much cleaner than the previous version: a logo practically tattooed on the fabric, and the elimination of many seams makes it very elegant and more minimal.
The seams present are only to connect the tongue to the upper.
In the front, there are larger holes that increase breathability by favoring the recirculation of air inside.
The collar area and the tongue offer the necessary safety and padding for a model of this type of shoe, with which you can run for several kilometers without stopping.
The tongue is thick enough compared to competitors, but it is not felt during the race. Moreover, being connected laterally with an internal elastic, it always remains well positioned in the center.
The laces of Mizuno wave rider running shoes are not elastic and have a texture that does not allow smooth sliding inside the eyelets, this makes the lacing less stable, but once the right fit is found, there will be no slack during the run.
There are 6 through holes plus an additional seventh for thinner ankles, which has become a classic on all running shoe models.
The posterior capsule is really containing: the heel, once inserted inside the shoe, has a perfect fit and always remains snug.
The shoe is lower at the heel's back, leaving more free movement in the Achilles tendon area.
Pros and Cons of Mizuno Wave Rider 24
Well! I would say we now know everything there is to know about the features of the Mizuno Wave Rider 24.
In any case, what are the positive and negative sides of this product?
Let's find out together!
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Review (Video)

FAQs on Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Review
Who is it for?
A runner of all types. I'm sure all runners who love to grind miles will love it.
I think they represent an ideal option for runners who weigh over 65kg, and - why not - also for those with heavier weight (over 85kg) despite Mizuno having more specific running shoes for the latter.
But for what distances are they recommended?
They give their best in medium-long distances, from 10 km to the marathon, and are excellent for training and racing.
It is recommended for those who run from 5 '/5'30 per kilometer down.
How does it fit?
I had the pleasure of testing the engineered mesh version, and I must say that the fit is excellent.
The size is true to size: the product I ran with is the same number as the other Mizuno running shoes I have in my closet, so I would say you can opt for your usual shoe size.
In reality, the fit is perfect immediately, but it gives its best after two exits where the shoe takes the shape of our foot and becomes a glove.
You have to pay attention to the sole. As I said before, the shoe has an excellent fit, but it turns out to have a medium-wide plant, so if you have a foot with a narrow sole, you may find it too spacious.
How much?
At the time of release on the market, the shoe has a price that varies between $116 and $130.
This is anything but a modest choice, yet certainly following other running shoes of the same type.
It is a Waverider Mizuno shoe designed to last a long time, so it is, in my opinion, a good investment.
Where to buy it?
You can find the Wave Rider 24 running shoe in different online stores or the running store closest to you.
Here you can easily find the links to purchase the Wave Rider in the men's and women's versions at the best price.
Comparative With Similar Running Shoes
Here we are at the part I prefer, that of the head to head between the different competing brands' running shoes.
Let's see how the Rider 24 behaves compared with its previous version and other similar products.
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 vs. 23
The two shoes look similar, but you will realize that they are different once you put them on.
The previous version featured a U4icX foam midsole, which has now been replaced by the new Energy, which I assure you is much more bouncy and softer.
However, in terms of design, the 24 is similar but much more minimal: a one-piece upper sports only one logo printed on each side, unlike the previous version, which featured some seams in the central area.
Finally, the new model features a sole in full contact with the ground, while the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 had a small space between the forefoot and heel.
This is not a particularly important update, but still worth noting.
Mizuno Wave Rider vs. Brooks Ghost
Here is a great challenge between two fantastic brands: Mizuno vs. Brooks.
These shoes have always been very similar and have always stood for those who attack the land of the heel.
If you are looking for support in the foot's medial part, I advise you to go on the Ghost, even if the Riders manage to have excellent stability thanks to the Pebax plate.
If you want a softer model on the heel, the Rider turns out to be better.
They appear to be similar in softness, even if the Rider is slightly more challenging and dynamic.
They react to the requirements of many runners.
On the forefoot, the Ghost is wider than the Rider.
Perhaps between the two uppers, I prefer the Ghost while cushioning and response the Rider.
However, I would say that the choice between the two models falls on three points:
- how many heel attacks;
- how much space do you want on the forefoot;
- if you prefer a more or less soft upper.
Asics Cumlus vs Mizuno Wave Rider 24
Well, they're both neutral shoes for those who need cushioning and are comparable to each other.
They are models whose upper is made up of several layers without seams, and we can say that there is not a substantial difference.
A very different thing concerns the weight between the two models: The Rider turns out to be lighter, while the Cumulus does not care too much about this aspect but has a more relevant cushioning.
At the transition level, the Rider 24 is faster than the Cumulus and more stable, presenting the plate in Pebax.
Although the Rider has significantly improved flexibility between the two models, it is more rigid than the Cumulus.
Mizuno Wave Rider vs. Wave Inspire
While the Rider is a training and competition shoe for neutral runners, we can say that the Inspire is a Rider model for pronators.
Unlike the plate, they have a very similar configuration, which is much higher in the Inspire, avoiding complete crushing and therefore giving more stability.
They are both ideals for heel strikers and have very similar soles.
So which one to choose?
If you want a slightly more reactive shoe and a neutral stride, I recommend the Rider. If you need more stability, I recommend the Inspire.
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 vs. Nike Pegasus 37
They are two neutral models and significantly amortized.
Both can suit a wide range of runners very well.
They differ substantially in the type of amortization.
The Nike Pegasus is a very cushioned shoe with a stock of about 30mm, which gives excellent comfort and cushioning.
The Air Zoom system inserted in the forefoot only guarantees excellent comfort and an excellent elastic return. At the same time, in the Rider, there is less comfort but higher flexible performance.
The uppers of the two shoes are seamless, but it is slightly less breathable in the Pegasus than that of the Rider.
The fit in the Rider is enveloping up to the midfoot but widens on the forefoot, while in the Pegasus, the fit is optimal along the entire length of the shoe.
This relies a ton upon the sort of foot that everybody has.
Both models' stability is excellent, while the tread has proved themselves as either wears it as a grip.
If I wanted to have less comfort with a large plant, I would go on the Rider, vice versa with a narrower plant, and have a more comfortable Pegasus shoe.
In terms of performance, the Rider at higher speeds manages to give something more in response.
Mizuno Rider 24 vs Ultima 12
The two products differ in that the Rider is a neutral running shoe while the Ultima is for runners weighing more than 75 kg looking for a durable shoe with a technology to correct pronation.
I would say it has an intermediate position between Rider 24 and Sky 4.
Conclusions
We are at the end of our Mizuno wave rider 24 reviews. The Mizuno Rider 24 represents a quality upgrade and is appreciated by most runners worldwide.
The new Energy foam offers a more comfortable landing and a smoother transition, making it ideal for long-distance runs from 10km to marathons.
My experience with this product has certainly been positive, and it ensures a place in the ranking of the best shoes I have tested this year.
Now I pass the word to you: have you ever raced with Rider on your feet? What are the aspects you appreciated the most, and which ones you didn't like?
Share your opinion with the provenshoes.com community by leaving a comment below.
Well, that's all for me for today.
About the Author
Hey, I'm Wayes. I'm passionate about reviewing shoes and writing!
I know to pick the right pair of shoes, not easy. Different people have different physical requirements, so it can be quite tricky for them to choose the best shoes. I help readers choose the most suitable shoes for them!
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