Mizuno Wave Rider 27 review

9 expert score
9.3 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 09th July by Larry Lam Larry runs since high school any distance up to 50k.
14 other reviews

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Verdict

The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a great choice for a daily trainer that can handle most types of runs except for speed work. It fits comfortably, has a smooth ride, and feels lightweight with enough support and cushion to carry you through all your miles.

The pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Comfortable for all types of runs
  • Good outsole grip

The cons

  • Can run hot

Where to buy

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

Rating breakdown

Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
9.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Wave Rider 27
Previous model
Weight
9.9 oz (281 g)
MSRP
140.00

Heel
mm.
Toe
mm.
Heel drop
12 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Rigid

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 ?

This shoe fits just about anyone looking for a daily trainer to handle those easy miles up to some tempo work.

Who should not buy the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 ?

If you’re in a very hot area, this shoe can be a bit hot on those super sunny and hot days. You might not want to buy it for the summer miles if you’re concerned about that. Also, It’s a very high drop shoe (12mm). If that’s an issue for you, then look elsewhere.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Introduction

Picture of Mizuno Wave Rider 27

The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a neutral daily trainer that keeps most things simple and straightforward.

For those who had version 26, this update comes in a bit lighter with update upper and a slightly softer cushion system.

It fits well around your foot and fits true to size. It’s a shoe with a 12mm drop, which might be too big of a drop for some folks.

For me, I could feel that drop and it helped propel me forward and make those easy runs feel a little faster.

This shoe is a great daily trainer that can handle most runs except for some speed work.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 First Impressions

Picture of Mizuno Wave Rider 27

My first thought when I put on this shoe was a bit underwhelming. There wasn’t anything that particularly stood out about the shoe.

My first run was an 8 mile easy-paced run in fairly hot weather. The run went great overall as the shoe was comfortable and the ride was smooth.

The only complaint I had was that the shoe felt a little hot as the run went on. While the upper is lighter and has some mesh to it, it’s not nearly as airy as I would want running in the North Carolina heat and humidity.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Upper

Picture of Mizuno Wave Rider 27

The upper is where the changes from version 26 come into play.

The materials are lighter than in the previous version. The tongue is gusseted and made of soft somewhat thick material that can cause your feet to feel warm in hot weather.

The laces are flat and do a good job of staying tied without having to double-knot. The shoe fits true-to-size. The heel wraps around very well around the fit without any rubbing or hot spots.

The upper is well designed overall but is best used for cooler weather.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Sole Unit

Picture of Mizuno Wave Rider 27

The sole unit of the Wave Rider 27 is relatively unchanged from version 26.

The outsole is a made from X10 carbon rubber that looks durable and has good grip on slick roads. The foam is made from Mizuno Enerzy that provides just enough softness to keep your feet happy over the miles.

Mizuno has long utilized the Mizuno Wave – a plate that helps to provide stability and transfer energy on each foot strike. It helps give a comfortable ride that makes the easy efforts go at a touch faster pace.

I recently ran in the Saucony Ride 16 and the ride on this shoe feels faster but not necessarily more cushioned.

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Conclusions

Picture of Mizuno Wave Rider 27

The Wave Rider 27 is a great daily trainer. If not for the slightly hot feel of the shoe, this would be a great all-around trainer for me.

As-is, as long as it’s not the summer, this is a great shoe that will log plenty of miles outside of those speedier sessions.

I personally like the higher drop shoes because it feels like you’re getting a little boost on the ride and it’s not coming from the cushioning.

There’s a reason this shoe is in it’s 27th iteration. It checks off a lot of the boxes for a daily trainer.

How does the Wave Rider 27 compare?

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40
Mizuno Wave Rider 27
Saucony Ride 16
Expert score
7
9
8
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$130
US$139.95
US$139.95
Weight
9.4 oz
9.9 oz
8.8 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
12 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
rigid
medium
Stability
very stable
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Mizuno at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

A$239

Mizuno Wave Rider 27 price comparison

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

Reviewed by Larry

This review was written by Larry Lam on 09th July.
Larry lives outside of Raleigh, NC with his wife, 3 kids, and his dog. He's been running since high school and loves pretty much any distance up to the 50k. Larry enjoys running for both fun and competition - in that order. Outside of running, Larry chauffeurs his kids around to their various exploits - soccer, swimming, track, dance, music, etc.

User feedback (3)

  • avatar-comment-1037726
    Ira
    1 month ago
    10 score

    Great shoe – I must be on my 10th pair by now. I’m keen to try something new though – maybe I’m just used to my Mizono’s but something better is waiting for me? You mention the heat and heel drop – I live in very hot part of the world but am fine with these. Also unsure what the 12mm drop does/does not do for me. My other shoes are Asics Trabuco trail shoes w 8mm drop. No issues there either. I have easy feet that will run 21km with a new pair of M’s straight out the box. Can’t remember when I’ve ever blistered. Any suggestions for something else to try? Maybe Saucony Ride? I am slow and run about 60-70km p week. Many thanks.

  • avatar-comment-1035709
    J.P.. Schmit
    5 months ago
    8 score

    I covered about 150km in these and I really like them a lot. I need shoes with at the very least 8mm drop, ideally 10-12mm. This show does the trick as it really facilitates a good transition. The foam is rather soft and not super responsive but it is a versatile show that stays comfy during long runs.

    • avatar-comment-1035725
      Larry
      5 months ago
      10 score

      Glad you liked them! I’ve put in 450 miles (700k+) and they still feel great! Outsole still had tread and the cushion is hanging on.

Lowest price:
A$239

Where to buy

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD

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