Great review, Matt. I'm one of those wave rider loyalists that have used every version. The 18th and 25th were my favorite. But looking forward to the 27th
@It's Matt B for me I never liked a soft midsole in a shoe. When the rider came out they were firm, responsive and nothing like that was in the market. Although they have gotten softer, they are still the only brand I think that gives me that snappy feel I like in a shoe.
What always impresses me with Mizuno is how amaaaazing the quality of their shoes is. Compared to Brooks, ON, Nike, Adidas or Asics - the Mizunos often feel like a luxury handmade shoe lol. They come with a hefty price tag but usually a half year later you get them for a 40-60% sale anyway. I work in a performance diagnostics center where we also sell running shoes and I try since years to bring Mizuno in there, because quality wise almost no brand can keep up with them and compared to the most Nike and Adidas shoes - their shoes are very beginner friendly without being too boring for more advanced runners. Sadly, especially in europe, Mizuno is still little and often unknown in the running shoe department. The only shoe that a littlebit disappointed me was the wave shadow 5, nice comfort and feeling but the outer sole was simply a joke, it was down to the ground after around 100miles. Even their ultramarathon shoe the Wave Rebellion Pro impressed me with its insane durability for that kind of shoe. Discovered your channel and - subbed! Really neutral and calm review with all the infos I want without being boring, thank you!
@@its_Matt_B_ 3weeks later but: I just have to say... you have no idea how hard it was to get that special black pink color in the EU. I really wanted to use your affilate link but not with those colors, sorry. 😔
Good review of this shoe. Getting the durometer readings was very useful. I'm sold on this as my next shoe purchase. Currently rotating between the Saucony endorphin speed 3 and Triumph 20. I'm also in Florida (Miami). For me, shoe breathability isn't an issue simply because I'm always hot here no matter what. Especially in the summer !
Great review, Matt! I've run in many, many pairs of 23s over the years and have put ~1400kms on most. Easily a favourite model of mine. Liked their somewhat firm nature as they broke in. Got my 27s today and what immediately jumps out to me after a side by side comparison with my old 23s and 25s, is that Mizuno seem to have committed to a reduced x10 footprint in the heel area of the shoes now. The surface area is reduced, but also they seem to favour these smaller lugs now, vs wider pads before, so the total % of x10 contacting the ground is lower too. Time will tell how these wear in comparison, I guess.
Good to hear the Wave Riders have worked so well for you over the years! 1400kms is a lot of volume! They sure are durable! 🤞🏽the 27s get the same kind of life span!
Update: I'm sad to report that, at least for my running style, the 27's seems to have a much shorter lifespan than the great wave riders of old. I think I hit ~420km before wearing through the outsole on my first pair of 27s. Previous shoes hit 1000kms and hadn't worn through the, admittedly much thicker, x10 outsole. Had to double check the numbers because I couldn't believe it would happen so soon on the new pair. Disappointing, Mizuno. The value proposition is not what it once was for me.
Hi Matt, I’ve used Ultima 11 then WR 24,25 and now 26. Right at the start of my running in 2019, I went to a running shop and tried on maybe 7-8 brands, NB, Nike, Brooks, OnCloud, Hoka etc and the Mizunos were the only shoe that felt instantly right - so I stayed with them. I like the 26s more than the 25s, maybe more cushioned forefoot, 25s and 24s were firm. Just achieved a 5K PB 2 days ago in the 26s, when you pick up the pace they feel good, not just for easy runs. Also bought some Ultima 13s a month ago, they’re identical in weight to 26s but feel slower. Great video as always, well done in Boston, weather looked bad😩
Interesting that your Ultima 13s and WR26 weight the same but the U13s feel slower. I often find that heavy shoes can feel lighter than they feel when you’re actually running in them! Cheers for Boston. I think I just warmed up from that race last week! 🤣
@@its_Matt_B_you’re right about Mizuno build quality, I retired my Ultima 11s after say 700km but they were so comfortable that I made them my default shoes for walking our dog, did another 1200km in them in all seasons before they literally fell apart! Keep up the videos Matt, you’re a great presenter✅
@@AndyCliffMTB Thanks for your kind words, Andy! I appreciate the support. Moving our running shoes to dog-walking/everyday shoes just makes them even more valuable! Our shoes get a second and even a third life! 💫
@@its_Matt_B_ Good morning Matt, I've got some news, firstly my WR26s have over 600kms on them now and I'm deliberating, should I plump for the 27s, stay with 26s or even try another Mizuno shoe, your advice is always appreciated. And the bigger news, I set up my own channel 3 months ago, just jumped right in, I'm improving with every video (I think:). If you get a chance please give me a follow and let me know what you think of my content, thank you!
First, and most importantly,@@AndyCliffMTB , congrats on starting your channel! It can be a very rewarding hobby/activity! I'm subbed! As far as your Wave Riders go, it depends on what you want to spend. I don't necessarily think the 27 is too much better than the 26 if you can get the 26 for a good price. If they are the same price I think it's obvious you should go with the 27. I seem to like the Wave Rider better than my Wave Sky. Which other brands have you used? Are you interested in trying something new?
Been waiting for this since seeing it your Strava feed a while ago. Glad to see a non-fancy collar, looks plush. 💇🏿♂️ Endorphin Speed 3, Hoka Carbon X3 serving as my daily trainers of choice at the moment
I’ve easily got 1000 miles on my 25s and I like them more than my 26s. Love the wave rider series but the outsole got less flexible in the 26 which appears to have carried forward into the 27. Still going to get a pair as I use these shoe for every day wear and easy runs.
1000 miles says it all about the 25s. 💫I actually don’t remember the flexibility difference between the 25 and 26 but you’re right about the 26 being similar to the 27!
That is a beautiful special version of the Wave Rider to combat breast cancer . I think it is a bit heavier than the standard model that uses a less luxurious upper, but it is less heavy than the SSW upper. But I would go with the Smooth Stretch Woven Upper any day with Mizuno ! The Amsterdam version of Rider 26 is a work of art.
Really good stuff, Matt!That's a shoe I wouldn't have had a reason to consider until now. 💇♂I might put on anything for a daily run and sometimes pick a pair of shoes just because I haven't worn them in a while, or because the color goes well with the shorts I'm wearing. It seems like some of the issues with ankle and tongue padding or being rubbed in a particular spot are less concerning if we rotate through a lot of shoes so that the one spot isn't being irritated day after day.
Daily trainers are never as exciting as race shoes, but I wear them 80% of the time, so they need to be comfortable! I’m the same way with wearing shoes just because I have t run in them for a while (and/or for matching purposes!) 😁
💇♂The last Mizuno WR was version 23. Stack heigh has increased and foam softened since then. I like the changes, but I don't run in 12mm drop shoes anymore.
@@its_Matt_B_ I think my landing gradually shifted more towards midfoot and with midfoot landing, I appreciate more forefoot foam so 5-8mm drop works better for me.
💇♂️ I've just retired the waverider 25. Much difference to the 25s Matt? I found them fairly firm but got use to them and decided I ended up liking them for my easy days which weren't much longer than 10k. I find the more cushioned shoes when running slow I tend to sink in them
Hey Matt B, those Wave Riders 27 look awesome! I was into the market to buy some Wave Rider shoes and I previously had my pair of Wave Riders 20 - and yes, they are pretty beat up. Do you think that the Wave Riders 26 or 27 differ a lot from the Wave Rider 20? I'm thinking of the main differences between the shoes.
Pink is the new black. In this case, they combined the two. Not bad looking, actually. I wish I can say I have a "daily" trainer because I use a dedicated shoe for each workout. [haircut emoji]
Thanks for the [haircut emoji]! When you have dedicated shoes for everything you do, is there really such a thing as a daily trainer?! Having so many shoes that you question the validity of “daily” trainers sounds like a nice problem to have! 🤣
I like the 26 look better. Not a fan of the pink/purple. Idk why I don't have the emoji you pick. I don't have that guy with hair flip. I gotta say, I smashed my distance record. 4miles was my old record. This morning I did 7miles! It was a slow pace of 9.30 but I got it done. I could have pulled another mile, but I ran out of time. All before breakfast! "Stay hard"-David Goggins.
Good going with your 7 miles! Super impressive! If only your emoji game was as tight as your running game! 🤣 (The Wave Rider 27 is available in other colors!)
Nice job finding the 💇♂️ emoji! Yes, I suppose a softer heel would make the drop feel a little lower. The listed drop is not always 100% true in practice.
Great review, Matt. I'm one of those wave rider loyalists that have used every version. The 18th and 25th were my favorite. But looking forward to the 27th
I’d love to know what you think of them when you pick up a pair, Bruce. I’ve only had the 25h, 26th, and now the 27th and I love them.
@It's Matt B for me I never liked a soft midsole in a shoe. When the rider came out they were firm, responsive and nothing like that was in the market. Although they have gotten softer, they are still the only brand I think that gives me that snappy feel I like in a shoe.
What always impresses me with Mizuno is how amaaaazing the quality of their shoes is. Compared to Brooks, ON, Nike, Adidas or Asics - the Mizunos often feel like a luxury handmade shoe lol. They come with a hefty price tag but usually a half year later you get them for a 40-60% sale anyway.
I work in a performance diagnostics center where we also sell running shoes and I try since years to bring Mizuno in there, because quality wise almost no brand can keep up with them and compared to the most Nike and Adidas shoes - their shoes are very beginner friendly without being too boring for more advanced runners. Sadly, especially in europe, Mizuno is still little and often unknown in the running shoe department.
The only shoe that a littlebit disappointed me was the wave shadow 5, nice comfort and feeling but the outer sole was simply a joke, it was down to the ground after around 100miles.
Even their ultramarathon shoe the Wave Rebellion Pro impressed me with its insane durability for that kind of shoe.
Discovered your channel and - subbed! Really neutral and calm review with all the infos I want without being boring, thank you!
Thanks for the sub and for the comment! I agree 100% about the quality of Mizuno. They’re certainly doing something right!
@@its_Matt_B_ 3weeks later but: I just have to say... you have no idea how hard it was to get that special black pink color in the EU. I really wanted to use your affilate link but not with those colors, sorry. 😔
@@Chungdol It’s the thought that counts! I appreciate you trying! 👊🏽
The variety of nice colors especially these black and pink design are 🔥. Gorgeous looking shoes.
I just went to Mizuno to see if there were any better colors. Nope, these are the best! 😄
Awesome review and beautiful shoe. I will be ordering these soon.
I love this colorway too! Cheers, mate!
Good review of this shoe. Getting the durometer readings was very useful. I'm sold on this as my next shoe purchase. Currently rotating between the Saucony endorphin speed 3 and Triumph 20. I'm also in Florida (Miami). For me, shoe breathability isn't an issue simply because I'm always hot here no matter what. Especially in the summer !
🤣You’re right about breathability not really being an issue because it’s always so hot.
Cheers for watching! 👊🏽
Great review, Matt! I've run in many, many pairs of 23s over the years and have put ~1400kms on most. Easily a favourite model of mine. Liked their somewhat firm nature as they broke in. Got my 27s today and what immediately jumps out to me after a side by side comparison with my old 23s and 25s, is that Mizuno seem to have committed to a reduced x10 footprint in the heel area of the shoes now. The surface area is reduced, but also they seem to favour these smaller lugs now, vs wider pads before, so the total % of x10 contacting the ground is lower too. Time will tell how these wear in comparison, I guess.
Good to hear the Wave Riders have worked so well for you over the years! 1400kms is a lot of volume! They sure are durable!
🤞🏽the 27s get the same kind of life span!
Update: I'm sad to report that, at least for my running style, the 27's seems to have a much shorter lifespan than the great wave riders of old. I think I hit ~420km before wearing through the outsole on my first pair of 27s. Previous shoes hit 1000kms and hadn't worn through the, admittedly much thicker, x10 outsole. Had to double check the numbers because I couldn't believe it would happen so soon on the new pair. Disappointing, Mizuno. The value proposition is not what it once was for me.
@@dallivader I'm very surprised the 27s wore down so quickly! When they're new they look like tanks that would go forever!
Hi Matt, I’ve used Ultima 11 then WR 24,25 and now 26. Right at the start of my running in 2019, I went to a running shop and tried on maybe 7-8 brands, NB, Nike, Brooks, OnCloud, Hoka etc and the Mizunos were the only shoe that felt instantly right - so I stayed with them. I like the 26s more than the 25s, maybe more cushioned forefoot, 25s and 24s were firm. Just achieved a 5K PB 2 days ago in the 26s, when you pick up the pace they feel good, not just for easy runs. Also bought some Ultima 13s a month ago, they’re identical in weight to 26s but feel slower. Great video as always, well done in Boston, weather looked bad😩
Interesting that your Ultima 13s and WR26 weight the same but the U13s feel slower. I often find that heavy shoes can feel lighter than they feel when you’re actually running in them!
Cheers for Boston. I think I just warmed up from that race last week! 🤣
@@its_Matt_B_you’re right about Mizuno build quality, I retired my Ultima 11s after say 700km but they were so comfortable that I made them my default shoes for walking our dog, did another 1200km in them in all seasons before they literally fell apart! Keep up the videos Matt, you’re a great presenter✅
@@AndyCliffMTB Thanks for your kind words, Andy! I appreciate the support.
Moving our running shoes to dog-walking/everyday shoes just makes them even more valuable! Our shoes get a second and even a third life! 💫
@@its_Matt_B_ Good morning Matt, I've got some news, firstly my WR26s have over 600kms on them now and I'm deliberating, should I plump for the 27s, stay with 26s or even try another Mizuno shoe, your advice is always appreciated. And the bigger news, I set up my own channel 3 months ago, just jumped right in, I'm improving with every video (I think:). If you get a chance please give me a follow and let me know what you think of my content, thank you!
First, and most importantly,@@AndyCliffMTB , congrats on starting your channel! It can be a very rewarding hobby/activity! I'm subbed!
As far as your Wave Riders go, it depends on what you want to spend. I don't necessarily think the 27 is too much better than the 26 if you can get the 26 for a good price. If they are the same price I think it's obvious you should go with the 27. I seem to like the Wave Rider better than my Wave Sky.
Which other brands have you used? Are you interested in trying something new?
Been waiting for this since seeing it your Strava feed a while ago. Glad to see a non-fancy collar, looks plush. 💇🏿♂️
Endorphin Speed 3, Hoka Carbon X3 serving as my daily trainers of choice at the moment
Those dare good options for daily trainers but there is certainly room for something with a little more cush in your rotation! 👊🏽
Great review, very detailed
Cheers, Gary! 👊🏽
I’ve easily got 1000 miles on my 25s and I like them more than my 26s. Love the wave rider series but the outsole got less flexible in the 26 which appears to have carried forward into the 27. Still going to get a pair as I use these shoe for every day wear and easy runs.
1000 miles says it all about the 25s. 💫I actually don’t remember the flexibility difference between the 25 and 26 but you’re right about the 26 being similar to the 27!
Would you recommend the 27 for a half marathon?
That is a beautiful special version of the Wave Rider to combat breast cancer . I think it is a bit heavier than the standard model that uses a less luxurious upper, but it is less heavy than the SSW upper. But I would go with the Smooth Stretch Woven Upper any day with Mizuno !
The Amsterdam version of Rider 26 is a work of art.
I hadn’t seen the Amsterdam version but I looked it up and you’re right, it’s gorgeous! 👊🏽
Really good stuff, Matt!That's a shoe I wouldn't have had a reason to consider until now. 💇♂I might put on anything for a daily run and sometimes pick a pair of shoes just because I haven't worn them in a while, or because the color goes well with the shorts I'm wearing. It seems like some of the issues with ankle and tongue padding or being rubbed in a particular spot are less concerning if we rotate through a lot of shoes so that the one spot isn't being irritated day after day.
Daily trainers are never as exciting as race shoes, but I wear them 80% of the time, so they need to be comfortable!
I’m the same way with wearing shoes just because I have t run in them for a while (and/or for matching purposes!) 😁
💇♂Hi Matt, great video as usual. I had the Mizuno Wave Ride 3. Regards
Wow! That was a while ago! It would be fun to test them and compare them with this latest model!
Thanks for watching! 👊🏽
Nice review of the shoe I can’t decide between the wave rider or ghost 15 or glycerine 20
Do you prefer a softer or firmer ride? The WR27 is firmer than both Brooks (but not too firm).
💇♂The last Mizuno WR was version 23. Stack heigh has increased and foam softened since then. I like the changes, but I don't run in 12mm drop shoes anymore.
Thanks for the 💇♂️! 👊🏽
Why did you stop running in such a high drop shoe? Was it something about how they felt or how they made you run?
@@its_Matt_B_ I think my landing gradually shifted more towards midfoot and with midfoot landing, I appreciate more forefoot foam so 5-8mm drop works better for me.
@@TolunayOrkun Ahh, that makes sense! 👊🏽
💇♂️ I've just retired the waverider 25. Much difference to the 25s Matt? I found them fairly firm but got use to them and decided I ended up liking them for my easy days which weren't much longer than 10k. I find the more cushioned shoes when running slow I tend to sink in them
The new 27s are a little softer than the 25s, but they’re still definitely sticking to the Wave Rider formula. They’re not too soft!
Hey Matt B, those Wave Riders 27 look awesome! I was into the market to buy some Wave Rider shoes and I previously had my pair of Wave Riders 20 - and yes, they are pretty beat up. Do you think that the Wave Riders 26 or 27 differ a lot from the Wave Rider 20? I'm thinking of the main differences between the shoes.
I didn’t run in the 20s, but that is enough years (between 20-26/7) where my guess would be they’ve improved quite a bit.
Pink is the new black. In this case, they combined the two. Not bad looking, actually. I wish I can say I have a "daily" trainer because I use a dedicated shoe for each workout. [haircut emoji]
Thanks for the [haircut emoji]!
When you have dedicated shoes for everything you do, is there really such a thing as a daily trainer?!
Having so many shoes that you question the validity of “daily” trainers sounds like a nice problem to have! 🤣
@@its_Matt_B_ Indeed LOL
I like the 26 look better. Not a fan of the pink/purple.
Idk why I don't have the emoji you pick. I don't have that guy with hair flip.
I gotta say, I smashed my distance record. 4miles was my old record. This morning I did 7miles! It was a slow pace of 9.30 but I got it done. I could have pulled another mile, but I ran out of time. All before breakfast!
"Stay hard"-David Goggins.
Good going with your 7 miles! Super impressive! If only your emoji game was as tight as your running game! 🤣
(The Wave Rider 27 is available in other colors!)
@@its_Matt_B_ I'll look into them. 👊
This is Wave Rider 27 with SSW Upper. Only to buy outside the Europe 😞
Ugh! Sorry! I hate it when brands only make shoes available in certain areas!
I did not know it has two types of midsole hardness.. Soft heel compensate for the high drop. 💇💇💇
Nice job finding the 💇♂️ emoji! Yes, I suppose a softer heel would make the drop feel a little lower. The listed drop is not always 100% true in practice.
@@its_Matt_B_ Alphafly V1 negative drop for me. 1080V12 negative drop for me...
@@i.p2088 I can understand the AF but the 1080v12….wow!
@@its_Matt_B_ Yes. They tested the 1080V11 and it had 3 mm drop. Not the 8mm advertised.
cute colors
Yeah! I think this is the best color they’ve come out with!
💇💇💇 Allbirds tree runners are my everyday lifestyle trainers 👟👟
I remember seeing the reviews when they came out! I always liked the understated look of them!
Thanks for the 💇♂️!
💇🏻
🙌🏽
💇♂
Cheers, Graeme! 👊🏽
💇♂️
🙌🏽 Thanks, Michael!