Mizuno Wave Rider 25

Again, I am lacking in absolute objectivity. To date, there is no such thing as the perfect running shoe. But as the good runners that we are, we can talk about our ideal shoe, the one that is able to offer everything we need. That is why I declare, for all intents and purposes, the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 as my favorite shoes.

A model that celebrates its 25th anniversary, no more and no less, in style: evolution on all sides, which is noticeable in every stride, because these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 are lighter and have a softer cushioning, but without losing the essence of this successful saga of running shoes: comfortable, stable and safe transitions.

I make no secret of the fact that I am influenced by the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, who in his book "What I talk about when I talk about running" notes that to enjoy one of his passions, running, he usually wears Mizuno models. Of course, I fully agree with Mr. Murakami, and his assessment of the shoes of this famous Japanese brand: "they are classic, simple and reliable shoes ". Of course, a statement in which also enter fully these Mizuno Wave Rider 25, and in the next lines I will tell you why.

Mizuno Wave Rider 25, runner profile

A more than interesting update of these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 has caused that this model is available to any type of runner, although with certain nuances.

First nuance: model intended for neutral runners, but with an optimal level of stability that also fits that type of runner who prone slightly or moderately. At this point, it should be noted that runners looking for specific alternatives of stability control shoes, have the legendary Mizuno Wave Inspire 17, or even the Mizuno Wave Horizon 5

Second nuance: These Wave Rider 25 from Mizuno are daily training shoes for all types of distances and with which you can run with a variety of rhythms. However, they are rather comfortable and relaxed.

Although they lose speed in favor of a greater degree of flexibility, this iconic Mizuno model has as its natural habitat: long distance running, but they also perform well in recovery races, even doing some series. Without being a fast shoe, its rebounding ability offers the most dynamic response of the Wave Rider family to date.

What I liked most about the Mizuno Wave Rider 25

All in all, these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 don't miss the opportunity of their landmark anniversary, and celebrate their quarter century with a series of high-quality updates. They maintain the hallmarks of the iconic saga of the Japanese manufacturer of sports shoes, so this latest version retains that studied balance between cushioning and stability, but, this time, adding to the whole more flexibility and greater dynamism. Thus, the sensations are the same as always in the Wave Rider, but maximizing a more efficient response.

Effective combination of protection and response in the midsole

First impressions are not deceiving, and from the first moment you put on these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 you feel that the model is softer and more flexible than in previous versions.

The new running experience that they propose contributes to this model allows you to enjoy more stable and dynamic transitions in each of your running outings of the week. All this comes from the hand of that full-length Mizuno Enerzy foam, as well as the redesign of that Wave plate, which, now, is present from the rearfoot to the midfoot.

Cheapest Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Men's Shoes Prices

Cheapest Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Women's Shoes Prices

In addition, with that high 12 mm drop, these Wave Rider 25 provide optimal protection and responsiveness of the house, which ends up translating into greater versatility and durability.

More performance-oriented upper

Regarding the upper of these Mizuno Wave Rider 25, what I liked the most is that tighter fit, offering better support in the midfoot and forefoot of the shoe. The level of fit to the foot has gone up many notches in this iconic Mizuno model.

But, undoubtedly, it should be noted that these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 have managed to solve many of the problems that occurred in its previous version of the Mizuno Wave Rider 24.

• Forefoot area, the place where the toes rest, has more space and is wider, contributing to that feeling of being a better shoe anatomically speaking.
• Ankle socket is more proportionate, increasing the degree of protection in both the midfoot and forefoot.
• Heel counter. This is something that is non-negotiable in the Wave Rider saga and keeps the foot in its proper place. I will not tire of saying that this is a section that runners who heel will be eternally grateful to the staff of Mizuno.
• One last detail that I don't want to leave out. Point in favor of the tongue. For my taste it has the perfect thickness -neither scarce nor excessive-, and offers the best cushioning of all the Wave Rider family of what you can now find on the market. This means more security in a strategic point of the shoe.

More sustainable and environmentally friendly Shoe

It is true that a trend that has become very fashionable in recent years among the big brands of running, but that does not detract from the fact that they score another point in their favor. This latest version of the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly running shoe, since recycled materials are used in its construction.

Thus, the compound of its Wave platform is developed from Pebax Rnew material, which, as pointed out by the Japanese brand itself, reduces CO2 emissions by up to 38% compared to the more conventional Pebax of previous models.

In addition, its upper has also been made with a type of ecological nylon fabric, formulated from castor oil.

Opportunities for improvement for the Mizuno Wave Rider 25

Yes, much to my regret, and even though the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 are my fetish running shoes, this model has certain "buts" that the Japanese brand should review for the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 futura.

The first of these opportunities for improvement has to do with that noticeable increase in the degree of flexibility, and that is to the detriment of its ability to be a more agile model. It is true that this is not a shoe for running at fast paces, but it does allow for more dynamic behavior.

On the other hand, the seams in the midfoot and heel area force you to wear socks to avoid possible skin irritation due to friction.

Finally, it is not that it is a good or bad nuance, but rather a personal anecdote. The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 represents the most asphalt version of the Wave Rider family. From two times running on dirt roads with gravel and loose rocks, twice I have had to remove large "chinks" from the grooves of the outsole pattern.

Mizuno Wave Rider 25 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 24

As it is such a special anniversary, the occasion deserves it, and I take advantage of these lines so that fans of the Mizuno Wave Rider, as is my case, see, quickly, the main novelties of the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 compared to the Mizuno Wave Rider 24.

In their previous version, the Wave Rider 24 brought with them, and for the first time, the innovative Mizuno Enerzy foam with that qualitative leap in quality: greater cushioning, reactivity and lightness. In the specific case of the Mizuno Wave Rider 25, these sensations are maximized, because now the Mizuno Enerzy foam is full-length, which translates into a more cushioned and dynamic model. Hence, with this revamped model of the Wave Rider, it feels softer, more flexible and bouncier.

Another important change is that the Wave plate has more travel through the midsole, extending from the heel to the midfoot to help you as a runner enjoy more stable transitions. Not forgetting, of course, that perfect fit with the double layer of AirMesh lining the upper.

What running shoes can the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 be compared to?

Put to confront these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 with its most direct rivals, we will say that this best-selling model of Mizuno can be placed at the height of:

• ASICS Novablast 2
• Nike React Miler 2
• Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
• adidas Solarboost 3
• New Balance 1080 v11
• Brooks Glycerin 19

Conclusions on the Mizuno Wave Rider 25

The best way to define the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is that it is a running shoe that changes without changing. Few models can be compared to Wave Rider 25 because the running sensations they transmit is that not only do you run better, but you also do it in a more fluid and lighter way.

At this point, it is not surprising that the Wave Rider saga, in general, and the Wave Rider 25, in particular, have an important legion of followers, because they are able to play in the top liga, thanks to those studied contrasts of being a model: firm feel, but very comfortable; optimal cushioning but light and responsive; and although it is a shoe for neutral runners, it also offers enough stability.

I go back to Murakami's words about the Mizuno shoes he uses for training: "they are classic, simple and reliable shoes ". So, if you buy them, it's because you know what you're getting, and these Mizuno Wave Rider 25 won't let you down.

Final evaluation of the RUNNEA tester

• Lightweight: 8.
• Responsiveness: 9
• Cushioning: 10.
• Stability: 9.
• Flexibility: 8.
• Grip: 8.