Mizuno Men's Wave Rider 26 Running Shoe, 50 M EU

Product Information

My first impression when I opened the box was that I thought they were the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18s. They look very similar to one another and they felt alike.

Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer Personal: B ( A staple in my shoe lineup in case of a grump Achilles, but the heavier and clunkier ride makes me reach more for version 25. It is improving as the shoe breaks in, but feels more trainer-like than previous) The slimmed-down and slightly repositioned Wave plate feels less obtrusive and offers an increased energy returnCompared to the Mizuno Wave Neo Collection, the Wave Rider 26 is more likely to make an appearance on my feet in the future. I will probably wear them more as everyday or work sneakers, not as a running shoe. Lastly, the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 sports a great outsole, one that sort of resembles that of the Pegasus with slightly larger lugs. This increases the versatility of the Wave Rider and allows it to perform just as well on gravel roads and buffed trails as it does on the roads. The ride is smooth, stable and spongey, with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable on easy runs and long runs. This comes from the Mizuno energy foam in the midsole, which achieves a good middle-ground between feeling firm/rigid and squishy/plush – unlike the Rider 25 and 26 which fell to each end of the spectrum. Pellentesque orci lectus, consectetur vel posuere posuere, rutrum eu ipsum. Aliquam eget odio sed ligula iaculis consequat at eget orci. Mauris molestie sit amet metus mattis varius. Donec sit amet ligula eget nisi sodales egestas. Aliquam interdum dolor aliquet dolor sollicitudin fermentum. Donec congue lorem a molestie bibendum. Etiam nisi ante, consectetur eget placerat a, tempus a neque. Donec ut elit urna. Etiam venenatis eleifend urna eget scelerisque. Aliquam in nunc quis dui sollicitudin ornare ac vitae lectus.

Each stride was met with comfort and a good balance of snappiness. The high heel drop in this daily neutral trainer makes me think of models I have worn many years ago. It’s not a bad thing at all. Underneath the midsole is the thermoplastic elastomer Wave Plate, which distributes the forces generated during landing, reducing the risk of injury and physical wear and tear during running. David: I really enjoyed my experience with the Mizuno Wave Rider 26. The things I'd probably focus on would be refining the midfoot experience a little bit. The shoe still feels a tad slappy coming off of the higher heel into the higher part of the plate. I think decreasing that arc a tiny bit might do it for me. I also felt a tiny bit of a rolling motion in the forefoot laterally and think a little sole flare on the lateral side could help. Otherwise, this is a top-shelf daily trainer for me.

My feet were very constricted. It took me a good 3 runs to break them in. Once that was completed, I could start to notice what they had to offer. The quality is easily known when you look at them. It does have a 12mm heel drop that might not be for everyone. It runs extremely narrow and is a firm-fitting shoe. Overall: A- ( A really well-executed daily trainer to crush the bulk of your mileage. Good stability throughout with surprising responsiveness. Can be a tad slappy through the midfoot.)

The protection around the ankle is nicely constructed and feels soft. I find this really important for a daily shoe as it tends to be the area that can cause the most rubbing and eventual discomfort. The tongue is well cushioned down to the toe box keeping that area protected. The whole upper feels to be of high quality breathable materials, providing comfort. The whole shoe in general is made from recycled materials which is a real plus, for anyone who cares about the environment. The mesh on the upper, tongue and laces are made from recycled PET ( a form of recycled plastic). The overall fit feels nice and snug around the ankle and top of the foot. Personally, it does feel quite roomy in the toe box for me. This isn’t an issue just a slightly different compared to the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro which is more of a precision race fit. We also appreciated the WR26’s new outsole and its more continuous and interconnected rubber coverage. We believe that this resulted in better traction and added wear resistance.Features include the MIZUNO ENERZY FOAM for cushioning and energy return in the entire midsole, MIZUNO WAVE PLATE to help you smoothly move your body weight, and the new Smooth Stretch Woven material that gives a soft fit. The deep flex grooves on the outer side of the heel, and the transverse and longitudinal guide lines, allow the sole to adapt to the movements of the foot, without limiting them. Thus, the sole achieves a good balance between traction, durability and fluidity of movement. Tip: have you noticed that you overpronate while running or have you been advised to run in corrective running shoes? The Wave Inspire is probably the shoe for you. A comparable shoe, with a correcting Wave plate to limit overpronation. DPT/Footwear Science: B (nice use of lighter weight foam in a traditional daily trainer. Wave plate feels like it stabilizes rearfoot much more than forefoot) Also, be wary of the significant 12mm heel drop. For runners who land fore- or mid-foot first, this high heel drop may make for an unstable ride and put pressure on your knees and hips. Conversely, if you’re a heel striker or someone prone to calf or Achilles issues, the 12mm drop may be exactly what you need. Shop Mizuno Wave Rider – Men Shop Mizuno Wave Rider – Women Mizuno Wave Rider 26 Conclusion