Customer Reviews Mizuno Wave Rider 24

I wanted to give an update to my previous review. I've been taking short 3 miles runs for the last 5 days since receiving my shoes. I normally am a distance runner but feel these shoes need an introduction time so am taking it easy. The Waverider 24, to me, is no longer a neutral shoe: it is a corrective shoe. It changes my natural strike from heel and forces a mid strike landing. Another reviewer said the same thing. Also, the bottom of the shoe is harder than the 21 & 22 and not as flexible. I noticed the bottom of my feet were sore the first few days. The last few days, my legs have been sore and I can feel my knees, potentially due to the forced change in strike. Another reviewer mentioned the foot pain too. I can concur. And, I can confirm, that the cushion at the back at the insert/ankle is more pronounced than the 21 & 22 causing more friction at the rear of my foot above the actual heel. I do not know if my next statement is true, only Mizuno can confirm: but, I feel like the structure of the heel cup has been altered. It curves in more sharply at the top then the 21 & 22 which I think, along with the added cushion, is adding more friction. This pair of 24's is definitely a pre-run bandaid preparation routine. I do not think going up an extra 1/2 size will work, as it might only make my strike more awkward due to longer shoe length on top of the already above shared changes. As a recommendation, if you have access to & loved the Waverider 21 & 23, buy another pair (or few pairs if still available) of those. I wish I could; but my size is all sold out everywhere I look. I hope this helps.

My last pair of Wave Riders was model 20. This model (24) has less arch support than the 20s did, though these are otherwise very comfortable and light.

I'm very disappointed with the 24. I've been wearing Mizuno waveriders for years and I've repeatedly worn them because I value the longevity, the cushion, and the shock absorption that the waveriders have offered. I haven't migrated over to other brands, particularly in the last several years because I have not been able to get into the foam and the soles in the other brands I have taken the time to try out. The soles of Mizuno waveriders have been a bit heavier than other shoes in the past that I have taken the time to try. In the past, the waverider soles have not consisted of that thin squishy foam that offers no support in between your joints and the concrete, but there has always been support with a nice amount of spring. I got these shoes a couple days ago and have gone on three 8 mile runs, and have concluded, these have lost the waverider magic. My joints feel like they have taken a pounding after the runs--and I'm in my 20s so that is not something I should be complaining about. I've always looked forward to a new pair of shoes, because, its like ridin a wave. The past couple days, this new pair of 24 WR, I felt like there was alot less material between me and the ground, and consequently, less shock absorption. I'm going to blame it on this enerzy upgrade, which I'm supremely disappointed about. I get the feeing this 24 pair might work for shorter work, but it is not going to offer enough cushion for the bulk of my running. To each their own, I see some reviews of runners who like the enerzy move...meanwhile I'm mourning the end of an era. I wish I had a stockpile of older versions. In the meantime, I'm back in the shoe market looking for some souls I can have long-term relationship with.

Sized up a half size and fit was ok. Minimal arch support and cushioning. Also the shoe felt stiff.

I was a bit concerned because some people said Wave Rider 24 was not as good as WR23, but I'm glad I got it. I like it better than the 23. Feels more flexible and comfortable.

This is prolly my 15th pair of Mizunos! I always buy a half size up so I can fit my orthotics in them. I have plenty of room still in the toe box for running! I’ve strayed away only once (to Brooks) but came right back to Mizunos! I’ll never stray again.

I've been a dedicated Brooks Adrenaline buyer for the last 10 years, but I've been dealing with a serious ankle injury for the last 8 months and haven't felt like they provided enough structure to support my foot and ankle post-injury. I was afraid that I might not be able to get back into running since it was pretty excruciating any time I tried it in my Brooks, so I thought I'd try the Mizuno Wave Riders. I've seen other reviewers mention that these should no longer be considered neutral shoes since they're really more corrective stability shoes now. I would tend to agree with that. I'm an overpronator that's typically drawn to corrective running shoes, but based on those reviews, I thought these might be just right. I'm so glad I tried them out, they're fantastic! I was able to do my first run in 8 months relatively pain free, and I felt like they were the right combination of structured without being stiff. I'll be sticking with these now.

I've worn Mizuno for years. They are perfect for my narrow heal and give great space in the toe box for my more normal sized fore foot. What I love most, is that, so far, each update keeps the same general fit (think foot shape & shoe insert) so sizing is not an issue once you know your size. I saw reviews for the Wave Rider 23 & skipped it, going straight to the 24 that just came out. Same fit as my 22's. The one issue I have with Mizuno is that each new issue affects my heels differently from the previous version. I wear an athletic orthotic (high arches) which slightly raises my heel; thus, the interior fabric at the shoe's heel wears off quickly due to friction of my heel being slightly raised and not sitting snugly within the base of the designed heel pocket. The 21 & 22 versions of this shoe were the best at long(er)gevity in this area, that & thick socks so I didn't have to use bandaids or moleskin to prevent blisters as the fabric pilled and tore away long before mile 500 need of replacement. I took this 24 pair out today and felt great. Pinched a little at the first lace at the toe box; but was able to adjust the lace. Took a short run (3 miles?) & was glad because my right upper heel (think lip of the shoe) was starting to get irritated as I was coming in due to the friction. Will have to figure out how not to get blisters with this pair. 21 & 22 did a much better job. That being said, Mizuno fits me better than any other shoe, so I work with it. Also, I am pleasantly surprised with the exterior material: I like it. Holds the foot in place while allowing a comfortable full range of supportive motion. Feels like a compression sock not an encased cage. They did a nice job on that. Pleasantly surprised with the grey color too. It's a lighter version of a charcoal grey. I really like it. It's a neutral but can still be considered a color (photo below so you can hopefully see).

These shoes feel a bit shorter in the toes than I would have expected, and a lot narrower than I would have thought in a "wide" shoe. There doesn't seem to be any arch support, but the sole is also rather stiff and not very cushioned. Maybe I should have gone a half size bigger, but I would guess that would be too big.

I've worn Mizuno Wave Riders for over 10 years now. I love them. Like other reviewers, this new model (the 24) just aren't as good as previous versions. They rub and are stiffer. They don't really change my running much--i mostly run/walk and am very slow. I hope Mizuno returns to their previous quality and styles.

I have been wearing Mizuno's for over five years. I wear them for running and for cardio classes at the gym. I have three or four pairs in rotation and I live at two different residences so each house has 3 pairs.

Unfortunately these aren’t totally working for me. I purposely bought a 1/2 size bigger than I usually wear for running shoes because of the other reviews and they’re still too tight and narrow. My feet are small and narrow. My big toe is too close to the top of the shoe and back of the shoe squeezes my heel too much. My feet tingle (fall asleep) for the first 1/2 mile of my run but eventually loosen up. I’ve ran in them 5 times so far hoping to break in. Don’t think I’ll purchase them again for next time.

I purposely ordered a 1/2 size bigger due to the other reviews and still are almost too small. I can’t return because I’ve already tried to break them in. Toes continue to go numb first mile into my fun but eventually stretch out.