*See below for awesome giveaway after the review.*
I wanted to let you all know about the updates to my favorite running shoe with a Wave Rider 20 review. I am not going to lie, I secretly had a pair of the Mizuno Running Wave Rider 19 stashed away because a lot was riding on the release of the 20. Would they be the shoe that would travel with me to the New York City Marathon? Or would I be pulling the pair of 19s out of hiding?
I have been in the Mizuno Wave Rider ever since the 14s and have seen different changes come and go each year as they make their updates. I use the Wave Rider for my distance shoe and it is the bread and butter of my Mizuno lineup. If I was told I could only run in one shoe for the rest of my life – it would be the Wave Rider.
So, when I received my pair of Wave Rider 20 to try out I couldn’t wait to put them on and see what changes had been made. It is now over a week later and my new shoes and I have done a few short runs and walks, a mid-distance 8 miler, and gone long at 15 miles, so I feel ready to give you all my Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review.
What is different?
Visually –
The first difference you notice is that this shoe looks visually different than the 19 (or 18 for that matter). The detailing to the material looks much smoother and sharper than it used to and more in line with what is currently in style. Also, the pop of color between the upper and the sole now runs the whole length of the shoe which really stands out and looks fresh (see the bright pink on the outside).
*model 19s on the inside – model 20 on the outside
The Upper –
This is the biggest different I noticed in fit. The new upper material is so much softer and because of that when you put it on it really fits to your foot. The shoe fit like a glove and felt great – so smooth and soft, not at all rigid. You’ll think you are wearing your slippers!
The Cushioning –
The new Wave Rider 20 has the same great cushioning you can expect from the Wave Rider family, but I will admit that these actually felt a bit softer and bouncier than the last few Wave Rider pairs I have had. (I am sure that is the technical term for it.) So, I looked this up for you and and it turns out this shoe has new cloudwave technology for a softer feel and a smoother ride.
Overall Verdict –
These are by FAR my favorite Wave Rider yet. Like, I want Mizuno to stop now and never touch them again they are so good. These babies will definitely be my New York City Marathon shoe, no doubt in my mind. I love the updates and am one very happy Wave Rider fan. Cheers to number 20! I hope this Wave Rider 20 review convinces you to go for it if your were on the fence.
Let me know –
Have you run in the Wave Rider before?
Would you like to try out a pair of the Wave Rider 20?
Abby is an RRCA Certified Running Coach who is blessed to be able to run for Mizuno Running. She is also lucky enough to be an ambassador for ProCompression, BAMRBands, and Nuun Hydration.
I’ve had a few pairs of the Wave Riders, although it’s been several years. A few years ago, one of the updates just didn’t work for me and I ended up switching brands and haven’t gone back to the Wave Riders. The shoes seemed very hard and it took over 50 miles for them to feel comfortable to me. I ended up going to a more cushioned shoe from another brand mainly because I usually run on hard surfaces like the bridge and I needed the cushion. I’m really GLAD they are more cushiony because that was one reason I switched from Wave Rider. I do have a pair of Hitogami’s that I used to wear for very short track work, though that shoe is basically a racing flat and not a trainer/everyday shoe like Wave Rider.
I’ve run in the Wave Rider 16 and 18. The 18 carried me through my first marathon, but I have to say, the 16 is still hands down my favorite shoe, regardless of brand. The Rider 20 looks more like the 16 than the 18 or 19 (or certainly the 17), so I can’t wait to try them and hopefully let them carry me through next year’s Marine Corps Marathon!!
I have heard so many great things about these shoes. I have never ran in Mizunos but I am currently looking for a new pair of shoes Maybe I should give these a try.
This makes me so excited for the next Inspires to be released. I love the new look
I agree – shoe updates can be so scary! I’m glad you love these!
I’m always looking for good running shoes. I don’t run often, but shoes are always a top priority because I have a few feet issues. I’ve never heard of Mizuno Wave Rider I’ll have to check them out.
I’ve never run in a Mizuno shoe before, but I had a client on a recent camping trip tell me that the Wave Rider is the only shoe she’s ever found she can run in!
I’ve never tried these and I would love to! I really need new shoes!
I love the Wave Riders. Been running in them since 12!
I had a pair of Mizunos eons ago. I won them at a local race that was sponsored by a shoe store. I liked them but haven’t tried Mizunos since. Of course I’d like to try a pair! Can a runner have too many pair of running shoes??? lol!
I ran my first (and only, so far) marathon in the Wave Rider 16s, and loved them. I tried the 18s and sadly wasn’t as in love, and found myself going to the Wave Inspire 11s I had instead. A huge Mizuno fan (I do speed work and shorter runs in the Hitogami 2) I would love to both try out and nerd out on the changes in the Wave Rider 20! (Outdoor industry gear junkie problems, right?)
I owned 12 pairs of the Wave Rider 17. I loved them. I skipped the 18s and was not a huge fan of the 19s. I LOVE THIS UPDATE! The upper is so much better and softer.
I had two pairs of the 17s and two pairs of the 18s that I used for marathon shoes and most of my training. I love them because they come in wide widths and have the perfect amount of cushion without being clunky. I didn’t try the 19s because of taking a little running break, but I was drooling over the 20s or my LRS and almost bought a pair for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. (I splurged on a new Garmin, but haven’t stopped dreaming about the Wave Riders!)
Heck yeah I want to try these!! I love the ne w look. I’m sure I’d love the new feel.
Never tried the wave runner. I have a pair of wave inspires that I like. Sounds like a great shoe!
I love my Wave Rider 19s! I am excited to try out the 20s soon!
The Wave Riders were actually my very first running shoe! Would be awesome to check out how much they’ve changed 🙂
I’ve run in other mizuno’s but not the inspires. Would love to find that “perfect” pair of shoes before my next marathon in may!
My first shoe was the Wave Rider 15. Then came the 16 and I just couldn’t do it. This certainly looks like they went back a little to the looser upper of the 15. I’d be interested to try these on.
I have been a Mizuno Wave Rider lover for years! They are my go to distance shoe when marathon training. I recently went back to another more supportive style during my recent pregnancy, but plan to go back to the Wave Riders. I can’t wait to try the 20’s.
I wore the Wave Riders 17 on a long run of 25 miles without any problems. I’d love to win the new version!
I have never tried these but I am in the market for new shoes!!
I am looking for a new pair of shoe for training. I have heard some recommendations of this brand. So, I think I should try one.
Love the shoes colors. Blueish turquoise and white. Just looking at the pic, but I can feel the shoes softness. Now I’ve got a good idea choosing a new branded running shoes. Thanks Abby.
Look at the color, it is so amazing.
I haven’t run in Wave Rider before, but shoe is my favorite thing in the world that I care about. Thanks for your review. I’ll get those shoes seriously.
Coolll !!! I am definitely a Mizuno fan haha 😀 one of my fav shoes for an active day is surely Mizuno 😀
Thank you for your review of the Wade Rider 20, i’m gonna try it in the future 🙂
I’m on month 3 of recovery for 3 fractures of my pelvis. So with all this down time I’ve been researching shoes, because I knew I wanted the perfect one for my comeback. I have only ran in one brand for the last 4years but I am super excited to receive my new Wave Rider 20’s. I tried them on at a local store and oh my they felt amazing even if for just those few minutes. So until I can resume my running in another Month these will be keeping me motivated with my PT.