Mizuno Wave Rider 15 Review
Coming into it’s 15th rendition of the Mizuno Wave Rider, some might ask what can be all that different after 15 different versions of the Mizuno Wave Rider. The Mizuno Wave Rider 15 has a few changes from the Wave Rider 14 and that is a positive for many people that ran in the Mizuno Wave Rider 14 but has a change or two that some might not like.
Fit
The fit of the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 is back to normal for those who have been running in the Wave Rider for many years. For the runners looking at this shoe for the first time, the Wave Rider 15 has a standard fit. The toe box has enough room to accommodate a regular to semi-wide foot. For those who ran in the Wave Rider 14, you will see a wider toe box. The upper in the Wave Rider 15 is made of a lightweight mesh that is not too snug, yet not too lose. In the heel, you will see a soft fabric that wraps the back of your foot, but it does not have a ton of padding which helps save on weight and bulk.
Midsole and outsole
Underneath the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 you have the midsole and outsole which is where the rubber meets the road. The midsole is made of a blown EVA and Mizuno’s Wave plate that provides a little bit of rigidity and support. Compared to previous editions, I found the Wave Rider 15 to have a little more stiff of a ride than older models. I personally liked the softer ride the older models had, so this is not a change that I support.
The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 is pretty standard as far as road running shoe outsoles go. The one difference that I noticed in the outsole of the Wave Rider 15 is the “Smooth Ride” system. The Smooth Ride section is located under the forefoot where there room for added flexibility in the midsole and outsole. This allows the foot to flex a little more than normal, but there is an added piece of rubber that keeps it flexing from too much.
Overall Opinion
My overall opinion of the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 is that this shoe offers an average neutral running shoe performance, but is a little stiff for my taste. I think there are other shoes on the market that offer just as good of a neutral platform, but with a little bit softer ride. However, if you prefer a stiffer more supportive ride, this shoe would be right up your alley.
