Nuestra conclusión

The Wave Rider 28 sticks to its well-established identity while introducing subtle refinements. We found that Mizuno added a small dose of Enerzy NXT foam in the heel, slightly improving cushioning without drastically altering the ride. The fit remains consistent with past versions but now provides a bit more room up front. However, the shoe still feels somewhat firm underfoot and features one of the steepest drops we’ve measured, making it far from ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Pros

  • Enerzy NXT foam in the heel
  • Versatile for daily miles
  • Secure lockdown
  • Stability-focused Wave plate
  • Nice room for toe splay
  • Amazing for high-volume feet
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Great for dirt roads

Contras

  • Sky-high drop
  • Outsole durability could be better
  • Lacks the energetic pop of some rivals
  • Narrow heel

Veredicto de los usuarios

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Who should buy

We believe the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is a strong choice for:

  • Heel strikers seeking a reliable, all-purpose shoe for daily runs, walking, or even casual wear.
  • Beginners willing to invest slightly more for a well-cushioned, durable workhorse.
  • Loyal Wave Rider fans, as this update maintains its core identity while introducing Enerzy NXT foam for a bouncier ride.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28

Who should NOT buy

We believe that one of the biggest drawbacks of the Wave Rider 28 is its firm midsole. Runners who prefer a softer, more energetic ride should consider the Mizuno Neo Vista instead.

Additionally, the extremely steep drop is far from ideal for midfoot or forefoot strikers. In our view, the Wave Rider 28 heavily favors heel strikers, making it a poor fit for those with a more forward-leaning stride. For a more balanced alternative, we recommend the ASICS Novablast 5 or the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 parts

Amortiguación

Altura de la suela en la zona del talón

The Wave Rider has consistently ranked among Mizuno’s highest-stacked shoes, and we see no sign of that changing. Our measurements confirmed a towering 39.3 mm of heel stack—plenty of cushion to keep heel strikers comfortable on multi-hour runs.

It’s also a slight increase over the previous version, as we recorded 38.3 mm in the Wave Rider 27.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Heel stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 39.3 mm
Media 34.1 mm
En comparación con 392 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
22.5 mm
Altura de la suela en la zona del talón
46.3 mm

Altura de la suela en el antepié

On the flip side, the wedge-shaped design limits forefoot cushioning to a moderate 24.6 mm, providing ample ground feel—especially for heavier runners.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Forefoot stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 24.6 mm
Media 25.6 mm
En comparación con 392 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
13.7 mm
Altura de la suela en el antepié
37.1 mm

Drop

That leaves us with a towering 14.7 mm offset—putting the Wave Rider 28 in the top 1% of our lab-tested shoes with the highest drops. While that number might seem extreme, it's only 2.7 mm off Mizuno’s official 12-mm spec.

That said, this design stays true to the Wave Rider series, which has always been a high-drop, heel-striker-friendly shoe.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Drop
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 14.7 mm
Media 8.6 mm
En comparación con 392 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Suavidad de la mediasuela

The Wave Rider 28’s midsole gets a much-needed overhaul, and we believe it’s a step in the right direction. Mizuno now incorporates a dual-foam setup, blending a main slab of Enerzy with a secondary layer of Enerzy NXT positioned just below the plate in the heel.

Enerzy dominates the construction, extending across the entire forefoot and covering most of the midfoot and heel. Our durometer measured it at 28.0 HA—making it a firm, stability-driven choice. If you’re expecting a cloud-like ride, that’s simply not what this shoe delivers.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Midsole softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 28.0 HA
Media 21.0 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 319 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
8.5 HA
Suavidad de la mediasuela (de blanda a firme)
35.0 HA

Suavidad de la espuma secundaria

The secondary foam, Enerzy NXT, brings a real boost in responsiveness and softness, registering 20.2 HA on our durometer.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Foams

Positioned just beneath the Wave plate in the heel and midfoot, this layer of better-and-bouncier foam significantly enhances the underfoot feel compared to previous Wave Rider models.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Secondary foam softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 20.2 HA
Media 24.0 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 57 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
3.0 HA
Suavidad de la espuma secundaria (de blanda a firme)
40.0 HA

Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío (%)

After chilling the Wave Rider 28 for 20 minutes, we measured only an 8% increase in firmness—an impressively minor change!

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 8%
Media 25%
En comparación con 319 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0%
Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío
63%

Grosor de la plantilla

The insole measures a generous 5.5 mm, providing an extra layer of cushioning to this high-stack trainer.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Insole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 5.5 mm
Media 4.4 mm
En comparación con 388 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1.5 mm
Grosor de la plantilla
7.3 mm

Rocker

The Wave Rider 28 stays true to its signature design with a subtle rocker—and we’re glad it does. However, Mizuno introduced a slight tweak in the midfoot, adding a noticeable gap to shave off some weight from previous models.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 side

With the market flooded by aggressively rockered shoes, we believe loyal Wave Rider fans will appreciate this consistent design.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Rocker

Wave Plate

If there’s one defining feature that sets the Wave Rider apart from other daily trainers, it’s the Wave Plate. Positioned in the heel and extending into the midfoot, this stability-enhancing component is made from Pebax Rnew—a bio-friendly, plastic-like material designed to reinforce the rearfoot without adding stiffness.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 plate

Thanks to this plate and the firm midsole, even with the addition of Enerzy NXT in the heel, the WR28 maintains its reputation as one of the most stable shoes in its category.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Plate

Tallaje y ajuste

Talla

Las Mizuno Wave Rider 28 son media talla más pequeñas (20 votos).

Si tienes estas zapatillas, ¿qué opinas de su talla?

1 talla más pequeñas ½ talla más pequeñas Tallan bien ½ talla más grandes 1 talla más grandes
En comparación con 366 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
½ talla más pequeñas
Tallan un poquito pequeño
Tallan bien
Tallan un poquito grande
½ talla más grandes

Anchura de la parte delantera - zona más ancha

Designed as a versatile daily trainer, this shoe aims to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes. To put that claim to the test, we analyzed its toebox width using a gel mold and precise measurements, ensuring a direct comparison with other models.

After testing, we discovered that the widest part of the upper measured 96.7 mm. This places it within the average range for workhorse trainers, though it leans slightly toward a more accommodating fit.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Toebox width - widest part
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 96.7 mm
Media 95.5 mm
En comparación con 147 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
88.5 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera - zona más ancha
102.4 mm

Anchura de la parte delantera - dedo gordo

Our measurements confirmed that the big toe area plays a crucial role in defining this shoe’s kind-of-spacious fit. After testing, we found it to be an nice 77.2 mm—considerably wider than most competitors, reinforcing the importance of doing multiple measurements.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 roomy

The toebox offers plenty of room for natural foot splay, allowing for comfortable expansion during long miles or in warm conditions. That’s a key feature for a long-run shoe—especially in this heat-absorbing black colorway.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Toebox width - big toe
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 77.2 mm
Media 73.7 mm
En comparación con 147 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
67.9 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera - dedo gordo
83.6 mm

Altura de la parte delantera

We found that the toebox provides remarkable vertical space.

We measured an expansive 33.8 mm in height, easily surpassing the average running shoe and ranking among the tallest we've analyzed in the lab. While this allows tons of extra room for toe movement, runners who prefer a snugger fit might find it less than ideal.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Toebox height
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 33.8 mm
Media 27.2 mm
En comparación con 146 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
22.4 mm
Altura de la parte delantera
33.8 mm

Estabilidad

Prueba de estabilidad lateral

The Wave Rider has always been a neutral daily trainer, yet it has steadily leaned toward stability.

Its design remains stability-focused, featuring a firmer foam and the Wave Plate to keep the foot centered. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for runners needing true support, as mild-stability models like the ASICS GT 2000 13 still offer a more structured, guided ride.

Rigidez torsional

The inclusion of a carbon plate in the heel and midfoot increases torsional rigidity—a trade-off that won’t suit everyone. We measured a 4/5 score, putting it closer to stability shoes than the average neutral trainer.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 4
Media 3.4
En comparación con 371 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez torsional
5

Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón

We found that the heel counter incorporates generous padding, boosting comfort while preserving essential support. It retains a moderate stiffness score of 3/5.

Additionally, the heel collar has an all-new Achilles flare with a sleeker, more modern look, now effectively reducing pressure and improving step-in comfort.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 3
Media 2.9
En comparación con 355 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón
5

Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié

One of the most noticeable changes in the Wave Rider 28 is the forefoot width, expanding from a standard 113.9 mm to an ultra-wide 119.5 mm—offering enhanced stability up front.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Midsole width - forefoot
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 119.5 mm
Media 114.1 mm
En comparación con 393 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
103.3 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié
126.9 mm

Anchura de la mediasuela - talón

However, the heel width took an unexpected turn, narrowing to just 85.1 mm—a change that truly surprised us. If this WR28 is designed for heel strikers, why shrink the landing zone?

Sure, the plate does help maintain a stable heel, but we believe shifting those extra millimeters to the rear instead of the forefoot would have been a smarter move for this shoe.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Midsole width - heel
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 85.1 mm
Media 90.7 mm
En comparación con 393 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
73.0 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - talón
106.6 mm

Flexibilidad / Rigidez

We discovered that the Wave Rider 28 remains highly flexible, requiring just 21.5N to bend to 90 degrees. That’s a solid result for a versatile daily trainer, making it well-suited for both running and walking.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 21.5N
Media 28.2N
En comparación con 375 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
2.2N
Flexibilidad <> Rigidez
72.1N

Peso

The weight decreased by just 1% from the previous model—an imperceptible change well within manufacturing tolerances. It now stands at 9.75 oz or 276g, which we believe is a decent outcome for a daily trainer built for steady mileage.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Weight
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 9.74 oz (276g)
Media 9.38 oz (266g)
En comparación con 393 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
5.61 oz (159g)
Peso
12.59 oz (357g)

Transpirabilidad

When we got our hands on this shoe, we assumed breathability would be a weak spot—especially since we didn’t spot any ventilation holes. However, after testing it in the lab, we quickly realized our assumption was completely off.

Connecting the Wave Rider 28 to our smoke machine, we observed airflow moving through the toebox with ease, earning a solid 4/5 breathability score. That’s impressive for a shoe with no visible perforations, proving that Mizuno found an effective way to balance structure and ventilation.

To understand how the upper was built, we moved it over an LED light. As expected, Mizuno used a denser, more structured material in the heel and midfoot for added stability, while the forefoot remained thinner and more flexible to encourage airflow.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 microscope

Curious about how air escapes from the toebox, we turned to our digital microscope.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 mesh

We discovered a network of ultra-small holes scattered throughout the upper, allowing heat to dissipate without relying on large cutouts.

True to Mizuno’s reputation, the upper maintains top craftsmanship. We saw no messy glue stains, loose threads, or misaligned stitching—just a well-executed design. It’s the kind of precision we’ve come to expect from Japanese engineering!

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 4
Media 3.8
En comparación con 322 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Transpirabilidad
5

Durabilidad

Durabilidad de la parte delantera

Without big ventilation holes, we anticipated solid durability—and the Wave Rider 28 delivered. In our first Dremel test, it earned a respectable 3/5, showing that Mizuno’s upper holds up well against abrasion.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 3
Media 2.5
En comparación con 256 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad de la parte delantera
5

Durabilidad del acolchado del talón

But it was the heel padding that truly stunned us, scoring a flawless 5/5 and proving that durability in this area is simply not a concern.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 5
Media 3.2
En comparación con 252 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad del acolchado del talón
5

Dureza de la suela

The outsole remains largely unchanged from the previous version, retaining solid rubber coverage and the same longitudinal cutout that exposes the plate in the midfoot and heel.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 outsole design

The design resembles the Nike Pegasus with its waffle-like tread pattern, offering reliable traction on pavement and good grip on dirt roads too. We measured an average 81.4 HC in our lab, aligning with the expectations for a daily trainer.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Outsole hardness
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 81.4 HC
Media 79.8 HC
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 373 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
57.0 HC
Dureza de la suela
93.0 HC

Durabilidad de la suela

When we put the Dremel to the test on the rubber, the results weren’t particularly impressive. With 1.3 mm of damage, the Wave Rider 28 falls short in outsole durability.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 1.3 mm
Media 1.0 mm
En comparación con 234 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Desgaste de la suela
2.0 mm

Grosor de la suela

However, Mizuno knew that, so to compensate, they increased the rubber thickness to 4.3 mm—well above the usual 2.5 to 3.5 mm found in daily trainers. It adds some extra weight, but…

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Outsole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 4.3 mm
Media 3.2 mm
En comparación con 390 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
1.0 mm
Grosor de la suela
6.0 mm

Varios

Precio

The Wave Rider 28 sits at the same price point as its main competitors, making the decision easier on this front. We believe it offers fair value for its features—especially if you're a dedicated heel striker!

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 $140
En comparación con 393 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
€50
Precio
€300

Elementos reflectantes

We always appreciate finding reflective elements on running shoes—even when they're subtle, as seen in the Wave Rider 28.

Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28

Acolchado de la lengüeta

Being 6.0 mm thick, the tongue provides plush comfort while maintaining a lightweight feel.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 tongue

We tested various lacing tightness levels and never encountered lace bite or discomfort, and we also found that it remains nearly identical to last year’s version—an aspect we appreciate, as it already delivered a solid performance.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Tongue padding
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 6.0 mm
Media 5.8 mm
En comparación con 390 zapatillas de running para asfalto
Número de zapatillas
0.5 mm
Acolchado de la lengüeta
14.2 mm

Lengüeta: tipo de refuerzo

The tongue it's also semi-gusseted—our preferred setup for road-ready daily trainers—ensuring it stays centered and secure without unwanted shifting.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Tongue: gusset type
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 Ambos lados (semi)

Tirador del talón

No heel tab on the Wave Rider 28, but that’s no surprise given Mizuno’s consistent design approach.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Heel tab
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28 Ninguno

Plantilla extraíble

The insole is fairly basic, but its higher thickness makes swapping to a thinner one a practical option—allowing for extra interior space and a more accommodating fit.

Mizuno Wave Rider 28 Removable insole
Resultados de las pruebas
Wave Rider 28