I used to be excited to attempt the Mizuno Wave Rider 29…this shoe has been round endlessly…or 29 fashions, I suppose. That’s not a knock. It’s a type of sneakers that stays constant yr after yr whereas different fashions come and go, get renamed, or get fully overhauled.
The Wave Rider 29 feels very very like a Wave Rider. That’s both precisely what you’re searching for or the explanation you’ve by no means been drawn to it. It’s a each day coach. In 2026, when all the pieces appears to be about what’s new or excessive, it’s refreshing to have a shoe that isn’t making an attempt to be something greater than what it’s.
Earlier than making an attempt the Mizuno Wave Rider 29, I had a couple of questions:
What’s the drop and stack peak of the Mizuno Wave Rider 29?
The Wave Rider 29 sits at a ten mm drop, with a listed stack peak of 39 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot.
That issues as a result of the Wave Rider line has historically leaned towards a higher-drop really feel. The 29 nonetheless suits into that class, however the geometry feels a bit extra trendy than previous variations. In the event you choose a shoe that doesn’t load your calves on simple days, this stays in that lane.
Is the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 softer than the Wave Rider 28?
Sure. The Wave Rider 29 moved to a softer, extra cushioned journey because of the replace to Enerzy NXT foam. It’s noticeably smoother underfoot than earlier variations with out feeling mushy.
Does the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 run small or true to measurement?
Mizuno typically runs a bit slim, and the Wave Rider 29 isn’t any exception. I additionally discovered it to run barely brief. Sizing up a half measurement made probably the most sense for me. I normally put on a ladies’s 10–11, and the 11 match greatest.
Is the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 good for strolling or standing all day?
The attraction right here is that the shoe doesn’t really feel unstable or overly gentle. Footwear which might be too cushioned can begin to really feel tiring whenever you’re in your ft for lengthy stretches. The Wave Rider has sufficient construction to really feel supportive with out being stiff, which makes it a stable choice for strolling or lengthy days in your ft.
Now, let’s get into the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 in additional element.
Fast Details
Worth: $150Category: Each day trainerStack Peak: 39 mm heel / 29 mm forefootDrop: 10 mmWeight: 8.0 oz (ladies’s) / 9.1 oz (males’s)
Mizuno Wave Rider 29 Match
The higher feels…regular, in a great way. After I’m searching for a each day coach, I would like one thing reliable and comfy. I don’t want a flashy higher or something experimental. The jacquard mesh on the Wave Rider 29 does its job effectively and disappears on the foot. Not rather a lot occurring with the higher and that’s actually all you need and wish in a working shoe.
Mizuno mentions the usage of eco-friendly supplies, although they don’t specify the place or in what amount. It could be useful to see extra transparency there, particularly since plenty of manufacturers make comparable claims.
Lots of people have talked about that the Wave Rider 29 runs brief, and I agree. Going up a half measurement labored greatest for me. I sometimes put on a ladies’s 10–11, and the 11 was the precise name.

Mizuno Wave Rider 29 Journey:
The Wave Rider has at all times been a very good, no-frills each day coach, and this model continues that development with a extra trendy really feel underfoot. A very powerful coach in your working shoe rotation is the no frills coach. The total-length MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam brings a bit extra softness and responsiveness in comparison with older variations.
On paper, the stack peak suggests a reasonably cushioned journey, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel overly gentle. It strikes a pleasant stability between safety and floor really feel.
The MIZUNO WAVE plate nonetheless performs its position in maintaining issues secure and managed. You possibly can really feel the construction with out it feeling inflexible or harsh, which makes for a really predictable journey.

The place the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 Suits in My Rotation
Like previous variations, the Wave Rider 29 works greatest as an on a regular basis coaching shoe. As I discussed earlier than, the each day coach is a very powerful shoe in your rotation. It’s not constructed for velocity exercises or racing, nevertheless it’s reliable for the miles that make up most of a coaching cycle. In a world filled with aggressive tremendous sneakers, this one is a good each day coach. Don’t overlook you want that!
Outsole
The outsole sticks with Mizuno’s tried-and-true method. X10 carbon rubber is positioned in high-wear areas, with uncovered midsole elsewhere to maintain weight down. Sturdiness has at all times been a energy for this mannequin, and nothing right here means that’s modified.
The outsole structure additionally avoids the deep cutouts that are likely to entice rocks. For anybody working on combined terrain or in dusty areas (like me), that’s a small however significant element. Do I wish to her any extra clink clink clinks down the street? No.
I’d anticipate a minimum of 400 miles out of this shoe primarily based on previous variations and the way this one feels to this point.

Mizuno Wave Rider 29 Conclusion
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 sticks to what it’s at all times performed effectively: providing a dependable, comfy each day coach that quietly will get the job performed. There are some “greater” updates within the shoe together with the ten mm drop and the softer below foot however to this point they’ve been nice. If you need one thing constant, sturdy, and simple to stay in, this shoe nonetheless earns its place in a rotation.

Who Ought to Purchase the Mizuno Wave Rider 29
Runners searching for a reliable each day coach
Anybody who prefers a predictable, secure journey
Runners who worth sturdiness over flashy design
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Mizuno Wave Rider 29
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Simple/Each day Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,
Path Working/Climbing: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios professional 4, 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Quick-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Seeking to be taught extra about trainers? In my book, I discuss why you want a very good working shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. secure, and even myths of trainers.
Questions for you:
Have you ever tried the Mizuno Wave Rider 29?
What’s your favourite coaching shoe?







