Mizuno Wave Rider 28 running shoes

At first glance, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Running Shoe doesn’t look much different, but when you take a closer look at the technical specifications of the shoe, it’s clear that the Wave Rider 28 has undergone a major change from the previous version. The heel collar is higher, the toe box is higher, it’s wider, it uses two different foams in the midsole and the outsole pattern is different. The changes have improved the Wave Rider 28, but the character of the shoe remains the same, a comfortable neutral running shoe for everyday running, with good stability to support longer runs.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 upper

The upper of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 running shoe has changed the most from the previous version. The new seamless upper is made of an engineered mesh material that is thinner than the previous version’s upper, making it more breathable and lighter. The toe box is taller with average wide, so if you have a wide foot, it’s worth opting for the wider version, which is expected to be available in the Wave Rider 28. The heel collar is 5mm higher, with the lower part of the collar being stiffer to keep the foot stable, while the upper part is softer. As with previous versions, the 28’s heel collar is well cushioned and comfortable. The tongue is moderately thick, firm and shorter. The length of the tongue has been shortened to allow the foot to be positioned further forward in the shoe due to the increased heel collar. Overall, the shoe still has a very comfortable upper that locks the foot better and can use with a larger foot volume.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 midsole

The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Running Shoe Midsole is made up of two different foams and a plastic plate. The lower part of the heel, which is under the plastic plate, is Mizuno’s new foam, Mizuno Enerzy NXT, which is a very flexible, dynamic and soft foam. Above the plate and on the forefoot is the slightly stiffer MIZUNO ENERZY foam, which provides good shock absorption. The curved plastic plate in the midsole adds a bit of dynamism as well as improving the shock absorption and stability of the shoe. The use of the new foam will be especially noticeable to those who land on their heels (the majority of runners). The fact that the Wave Rider 28 has a larger than average drop (12mm) and is designed for slower pacing is another indication that this shoe is aimed at heel strikers. The midfoot height is unchanged at 38.5mm at the heel and 26.5mm at the forefoot, but it has been widened, which has improved the stability of the shoe, although the stability of the previous version was good. Overall, the Wave Rider 28’s midsole is still on the firm side, which is not to say that it isn’t soft enough, but that in the world of high midsole running shoes available today, the Wave Rider is more on the traditional side. The Wave Rider 28 is not for fast runs, but for longer runs where speed isn’t as important as comfort.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 outsole

As in previous versions, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Running Shoe Outsole is split in multiple directions for a total of 4 sections. Thanks to the longitudinal split, the two sides are separate, which supports the foot in both directions. There’s also a transverse split in the middle, which makes it less rigid when flexing. The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 running shoe is also made from a rubber compound called X10, which is a harder rubber compound, so it has good abrasion resistance. The outsole is deeply grooved for good traction.

Summary

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 running shoe is a neutral, comfortable running shoe for everyday running with good stability and shock absorption. It’s not one of those running shoes that’s too soft or has a high energy return, but if you want a durable, reliable running shoe for your daily runs, this could be a good choice. A lot has changed from the previous version. The upper is lighter, has better breathability and better foot lock. The midsole is wider and has a softer, more dynamic midsole section. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced runners looking for a durable shoe for daily running.