Mizuno Wave Rider 29: Evolving Comfort, Same Reliable Ride
Wave Rider 29: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 265g
- W: 225g
Best For:
- Daily training.
- Duarble walking shoe too!
Price:
- $250 AUD
Stack Height & Drop:
- 38.5mm heel / 28.5mm forefoot
- 10mm drop
Favourite Features:
- Full length ENERZY nxt midsole gives the Rider a more lively bounce.
- Welcome change in drop, now moves down to 10mm.
Release Date:
- June, 2025
What’s the Wave Rider 29 all about?
The Wave Rider is Mizuno’s bread and butter daily trainer. Now in its 29th edition, it’s become one of the most recognisable shoes in the brand’s lineup, trusted by runners and walkers for nearly 30 years. It slots in just below the more maximal cushioned Wave Sky series and lines up closely against other popular models like the Brooks Ghost 17, New Balance 880v15, and Saucony Ride 18.
So, who’s it for? Pretty much anyone looking for a lightweight, cushioned shoe that can handle just about anything from daily runs to long walks. The Wave Rider has always been a reliable workhorse and while there’s a few key updates that dial up the comfort and performance, Mizuno haven’t messed with the formula too much.
There are two key changes to the Wave Rider 29
1) Full-length ENERZY nxt midsole
This is the biggest change to the shoe and the one we’re most excited about. For the first time ever, the Wave Rider 29 gets a full-length ENERZY nxt midsole and the result is the softest, most responsive Rider to date. The ride feels smoother and more energetic, especially on longer runs.
Mizuno also dropped the heel-to-toe offset from 12mm down to 10mm. It’s a subtle change, but a smart one. It means a bit more cushioning under the forefoot and a slightly more natural feel through the stride, especially when paired with that softer foam. It’s a move we’ve seen from a number of competitor brand models that go up against the Wave Rider such as the Ghost 17 and New Balance 880v15.
They’ve also fine-tuned the signature Wave Plate. It’s still there for that familiar stability and guidance, but it’s less noticeable underfoot. This lets the foam do more of the talking while still keeping you confident on the run.
2) A new upper and tweaked outsole
Up top, the new soft Jacquard Air Mesh feels great on foot, breathable, smooth and supportive in all the right places. Mizuno’s added seamless PU overlays for structure without bulk and they’ve kept that deeper heel fit that makes the Rider a solid pick for anyone running with orthotics.
Flip it over, and you’ll spot more durable rubber across the outsole and a simplified flex pattern with a single vertical groove. That adds a little stiffness through the forefoot, giving you a snappier toe-off without feeling super stiff and rockered.
Our first thoughts
We’re into it. The Wave Rider 29 feels like Mizuno’s taken a classic and given it just the right amount of modern polish. The ride is softer, the energy return has improved and the upper feels more dialled in, all while keeping the familiar no-fuss feel the Rider is known for.
If you’re after a durable and dependable daily trainer, this is a shoe that just works. It’s a well updated classic that’s ready for whatever your week throws at it.
