Having owned and run in the numerous pairs of the Rider model and its derivative in the Rider Neo, I had a certain level of expectation leading into testing the new Wave Rider 28. There was also the added expectation from a Health Professional (practising podiatrist with over 10 years’ experience) standpoint and what the Rider has to offer my own and other Podiatrist’s client base. It is an expected cliché that the next sentence says that those expectations were shattered and the shoe itself is everything that it says it is. Unashamedly, this is a true statement. What Mizuno have looked to deliver with the Wave Rider 28 has been simply nailed.

The initial feel/wear/use of the Wave Rider 28 highlights two main upgrades, the first being the depth of the toe box with the updated Jacquard Air Mesh throughout the upper. The second is the increase width in the shank of the midsole (5mm increase) which allows the foot to sit in the shoe properly and not have the sensation of sitting on top, unsecure. This increased width through the shank has obviously been complimented with a wider and therefore more stable Wave Plate (which is now plant based). The functional capacity of the Wave Rider 28 to accommodate an orthotic device and the foot is more than adequate. This is accurate for full length EVA and shell devices alike. Mizuno has gently flared the lateral rear foot and forefoot midsole areas which creates a fantastic and stable lateral boarder.

Putting the Rider through its paces on the pavement highlighted the comfort provided with the updated midsole, Mizuno Enerzy nxt through the heel and the Mizuno Enerzy through the top section (of midsole). The Wave Rider 28 provides a smooth heel strike and in my specific case mid/forefoot strike (thanks to that stable lateral boarder) and has a gentle toe rocker that aids in late midstance transition into propulsion. The Wave Rider 28 is very suitable for the classic LSR (long slow run) to tempo or fartlek sessions. The sneaky and understated tweak of the sculpted tongue (have a second look because you probably missed it) provides a firm and comfortable lockdown with normal or specific lock lacing.

Functionally, I would be recommending this shoe to individuals with a rigid or mild flexible pes cavus (high arch) foot type, particularly when accompanied by either a forefoot equinus and/or ankle equinus. The forefoot depth allows for plenty of potential forefoot modifications with met domes, PMPs, or even forefoot valgus wedging (pending the required function).

The Wave Rider 28 maintains its 12mm pitch (38.5mm – 26.5mm stack height), so is an easy shoe for any Achilles pathologies, with the added bonus of the proximal heel counter that tapers away from the Achilles to reduce potential compression irritation.  

In short, if you have enjoyed previous models of the Rider, you will be pleasantly surprised once again with the Wave Rider 28 fit, feel and function. If you have been wearing the comparison shoes, this is the update that you will want to put on your feet.

Eamonn Ring – Podiatrist and Runner.

 

 

Back to Mizuno Blog