Mizuno Wave Rider 23 Review - Top information advice and running equipment reviews from The Glo Run

The new Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is a go-to high-mileage running shoe introduced to the market early last year. In the neutral running shoes category, the Mizuno bar is so high that competing brands are almost bowing out. That’s because it of high quality and performance.

Despite having a laidback appearance, the new Wave Rider 23 gives the user a responsive ride, thanks to the brand’s unique material – the X10 outsole. The Wave Rider 23 is a slight update of its previous version, Wave Rider 22, released last year. The manufacturer has upgraded the upper and left the sole intact.

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Mizuno Wave Rider 23: The Perfect Fit, Flexibility, and Comfort

The new Mizuno Wave Rider 23 running shoe retains the excellent construction of the brand. The engineered mesh upper adapts to the runner’s foot for a secure fit and comfort. This running shoe also has plenty of cushion in the midsoles for extra comfort during long runs.

Just like in the Wave Rider 22, U4ic and U4icX foams are the cushioning materials used in the Wave Rider 23. The foams combine well with a parallel wave plate and an engineered mesh upper. The wave plate gives the shoe a firmer and more supportive ride.

The outsole has flex grooves, which together with a wide toe box allows your foot to move naturally inside the shoe. The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 trainers are also true-to-size, giving them a snug fit.

Mizuno Wave Rider 23: The Perfect Shoe for Neutral Runners

Around 60% of people are neutral runners. This Wave Rider is a great neutral daily trainer, ideal for long runs, tempo runs and recovery runs. The X10 outsole material is dense around the shoe’s heel. The purpose of which is to attenuate extra impact during the foot-strike.

The strategic placement of the U4icX foam under the heel is a great way of absorbing shocks that may hurt your heel. The overall design of Wave Rider 23 also makes it ideal for neutral runners.

Detailed Overview of the Features

Outsole

The new Mizuno Wave Rider 23 uses the brand’s X10 material in the outsole. This is a highly durable carbon rubber that provides incredible traction on all terrains. What’s more, the X10 outsole is flexible so that your foot may move naturally within the shoe.

Besides the X10, the trainer features a blown rubber material in the forefoot section for extra cushioning. The blown rubber is softer than carbon rubber, and gives you a great spring-like feel while landing.

If you’re looking for a smoother ride, Wave Rider 23 might be the best for you. Their Flex Controllers that are on the lateral sides ensure powerful steps.

Midsole

This trainer comes with plenty of materials and technology that makes the midsole lightweight and provide a smooth ride. The U4ic foam covers the entire length of the midsole, from the toe to the heel, to attenuate shock as you run.

The U4icX foam, which is on the heel section help in softer landings. This feature is mostly ideal for heel-strikers. This foam is softer than the U4ic for plush heel comfort. The midsole’s Cloud Wave Technology that runs from the heel to midfoot gives the shoe a spring-like feel.

The Smooth Ride Engineering in the midsole also comes in handy to give you acceleration during jogs. It also allows you to have fluid strides for an enhanced running experience.

Upper

The new redesigned upper unit comprises two layers of mesh for durability and breathability. The two mesh layers have a close-weave design to prevent debris and dirt from entering the shoe. This mesh upper of Mizuno Wave Rider 23 gives it a comfortable fit with easy toe movement.

The upper mesh also features the brand’s Dynamotion Fit technology. This feature makes the trainer stretchable and adaptable to your foot’s shape, giving it a snug secure fit. As a result, you can run as many miles as you like without irritation.

Heel Counter

Runners know how useful heel counters might be in a shoe. The heel counter on the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 guarantees proper heel lockdown. As such, it reduces internal slippage and provides a safe running environment.

But you can be sure to have heel protection if your shoes have heel counters. The counter bolsters its structure to offer protection against rocks and other objects lying on the ground. The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 has a carefully crafted counter to give you a safe running experience.

Support

Just like most Wave Riders, Wave Rider 23 features a plastic Pebax wave plate on the sole. The key purpose of the wave plate is to provide a stable and firmer feel under the foot.

The plate comes in handy to offer the necessary support in case the foam fails during a long run.

The toe box also keeps your toes intact and protects them from harmful objects on your jogging spree. The 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, and the upper synthetic counter provides additional stability to your heels. The counter also ensures that your heel has efficient lockdown to prevent internal slippage, thus eliminating accidents.

Breathability

The close-weave mesh not only keeps dirt and debris out. But it also allows air to circulate within the shoe’ chambers. With plenty of cool air rushing into the shoe, and hot air flowing out, your feet will stay cozy. Your feet will also be dry, giving you a relaxed running experience.

Breathability is a significant advantage for runners who might have foul foot odour. The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 prevents smelly feet by keeping them dry and comfortable. As such, we found that this shoe is an ideal investment for regular runners.

Durability

There are plenty of materials that make the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 highly durable. First, the upper comprise two mesh layers, a feature that makes it more durable.

The X10 outsole material is also very durable. Besides being durable, the X10 outsole allows your feet to flex as naturally as possible.

The forefoot’s blown rubber is also durable to give you a responsive ride for an extended period. More durability comes from the shoe’s miniature wave plates that reinforce the outsole’s lateral sides.

From our review, it is clear that the Mizuno Wave Riders is a well-built shoe that promises longevity. Its design and features are well-adapted to run for miles without breaking down.

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What Is Wrong with The Mizuno Wave Rider 23

Although the Wave Rider 23 pack plenty of safety features in its design, a few runners are dissatisfied with their ride. Most runners consider the 12mm heel to toe drop a bit awkward.

Also, you get very soft U4ic foam in the midsole but stiff Flex Controllers in the outsoles. As such, the ride might be awkward and uncomfortable if you are a midfoot striker. Perhaps, the miniature wave plates in the outsoles could be partly the source of the blame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Mizuno Wave Rider 22 and 23?

The cushioning level and upper design of the two versions is somewhat different. The Rider 23 comes with an upgraded and more breathable upper and has more cushioning than the Rider 22.

That’s because the U4ic foam in Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is softer. But there is no significant change in the outsole material and the shoes’ 9 6 Oz weight. If you’re looking to have more cushioning, then look for version 23.

What type of shoe is Mizuno Wave Rider?

This shoe is a high-mileage running shoe. It is most suited for road running and long-distant running.

Is Mizuno Wave Rider a stability shoe?

This shoe has plenty of stability elements in its design. The Flex Controllers in the shoes’ outsoles supports them. As a result, your feet will have plenty of stability. The shoes also have excellent cushioning materials that also give support to the feet.

Are Mizuno running shoes any good?

These shoes have an excellent construction as well as great upper. They are snug fit and have plenty of cushioning.

Do the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 shoes run small?

The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 have one of the softest midsoles in the market. As such, they offer one of the best cushioning against shocks.

With plenty of materials in these shoes, you can expect them to run small. When shopping for your pair, it is recommendable to order half-size up. Doing so will ensure that your shoes fit perfectly for longer runs.

Conclusion

The new Mizuno Wave Rider 23 running shoe has one of the softest midsole materials – the U4ic foam. The material covers the entire length of the shoe’ midsole to attenuate shocks and impacts effectively.

This feature makes the shoe stable and comfortable. However, comfort doesn’t come from the cushioning materials only. The shoe has a dual-mesh upper for a plush and irritation-free fit. Moreover, the padded tongues make the shoe to feel like a sponge.

Since the materials are high-quality, the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 outlast its competitors. It also serves you for an extended period and runs many miles.