The Wave Rider has been Mizuno's staple daily trainer for years, and the Wave Rider 29 stays true to that formula with moderate cushioning, smooth transitions, and built-to-last durability.
After putting solid miles into my pair, mostly easy runs, recovery days, and a longer outing, this feels like a dependable workhorse that prioritizes comfort and longevity over excitement, bounce or speed, and while it's not a shoe for me, I can see why some will enjoy it.
At $150, it's positioned for beginners, walk/run programs, or anyone wanting a no-fuss shoe for consistent easy mileage. It doubles well as a travel or vacation companion, handling city walking and light shakeouts comfortably.
While it won't spark faster efforts, it's a solid choice if soft landings and reliability are your main needs.
Key Specifications
- Price: $150 at mizuno.com
- Weight: 9.1 oz / 258g (Men’s US 9, my pair)
- Drop: 10mm (39mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack height)
- Upper: Jacquard mesh with gusseted tongue
- Midsole: Nitrogen-infused MIZUNO ENERZY NXT with MIZUNO WAVE plate
- Outsole: X10 durable carbon rubber (good amount of coverage)
- Extra attributes: Eco-friendly recycled materials, stretchy tongue lining for secure comfort
Sizing and Fit
My pair fits true to size in US men's 9, with a plush, secure feel straight out of the box.
The roomy toe box suits normal-to-wide feet comfortably, while the gusseted tongue and heavily padded heel cup provide excellent lockdown without pressure points.
Stretchy laces take a little adjusting for perfect hold, but once dialed in, there's no slippage or irritation, even on longer runs or all-day wear.
They have average breathability (not great), but require no break-in period and feel super comfortable from the first step.
Alastair Dixon
Performance Review
The Wave Rider 29 shines brightest on slow-paced easy and recovery runs, where its soft, protective landing and smooth heel-to-toe transition feel genuinely effortless.
The high 10mm drop and MIZUNO WAVE plate guide weight transfer suprisingly naturally, creating a reassuring, guided ride that's especially forgiving for heel strikers or heavier runners. This one feels more like an 8mm drop to me.
Nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT foam delivers moderate cushioning with a subtle stability boost from the wide platform, nothing corrective, just inherent control that keeps things steady without feeling intrusive.
On easy mileage, it disappears underfoot, being cushioned enough to absorb impact on road surfaces, yet lightweight at 9.1oz for a durable trainer
I've used it for mixed walking/running days, and even full days out and about on the weekend, comfort holds up beautifully, making it a versatile travel companion.
Grip from the X10 outsole is outstanding in wet and dry conditions, with basically zero wear so far; this shoe is clearly built for hundreds of miles.
That said, the midsole lacks real liveliness or energy return.
Soft landings are nice, but there's no pop, roll or propulsion when pushing into tempos or faster efforts.
It feels uninspiring at higher paces, better suited to cruising than sparking marathon workouts.
Breathability is average; the thicker upper and plush tongue can warm feet up on hotter days.
Overall run feel is reliable and comfy for moderate efforts, prioritizing longevity and comfort on easy runs, over excitement.
This makes them ideal if your training leans toward consistent, relaxed miles rather than speed or progression.
Alastair Dixon
My Verdict
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is a solid, no-fuss daily trainer that excels at easy mileage, recovery runs, and all-day comfort.
At $150, it offers good value for durability (outstanding X10 outsole), soft protective cushioning, and beginner-friendly smoothness.
They're great for walk/run programs, heavier runners needing mild stability, or anyone wanting a dependable vacation shoe.
It's less ideal if you crave responsiveness, pop for tempos, or a modern upper mesh for breathability/looks (colorways feel dated).
Not the most exciting performer, but a reliable workhorse that rewards consistency.
If you have questions about the Wave Rider 29, ask in the comments, always happy to help my subscribers! And subscribe to my YouTube for more reviews.
-Alastair
