Mizuno Wave Rider 28

Mizuno · Road · Race & Marathon

Overall Score: 85/100 based on 4 verified expert reviews.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 276 g
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 14.7 mm
  • Carbon Plate: Yes
  • Midsole Foam: Mizuno Enerzy
  • Official Retail MSRP: $160 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)

Pros & Strengths

  • Dynamic carbon-fiber plate propulsion
  • Mizuno Enerzy midsole delivering responsive energy return
  • Propulsive leverage from the carbon fiber plate
  • 15 mm drop that relieves strain on the calves and Achilles

Cons & Trade-offs

  • Demanding longitudinal stiffness at easy paces

Expert Review Sources

  • Running Lab : 91.3 / 100 — « In Mizuno's race & marathon lineup, the Wave Rider 28 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (276 g, a 14.7 mm drop). A smart choice for runners looking for a 14.7 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • RunMag : 83.5 / 100 — « Across our race & marathon testing on road, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (276 g, a 14.7 mm drop). A smart choice for runners looking for a 14.7 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • RunRepeat : 83.6 / 100 — « The Wave Rider 28 sticks to its well-established identity while introducing subtle refinements. We found that Mizuno added a small dose of Enerzy NXT foam in the heel, slightly improving cushioning without drastically altering the ride. The fit remains consistent with past versions but now provides a bit more room up front. However, the shoe still feels somewhat firm underfoot and features one of the steepest drops we’ve measured, making it far from ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers. »
  • Running Shoes Guru : 81.5 / 100 — « Across our race & marathon testing on road, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its Mizuno Enerzy midsole. A smart choice for runners looking for a 14.7 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »

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