Mizuno Wave Rider 27: Tried and tested

Nov 24, 2023

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Peace and harmony is restored – the Wave Rider is back to being the reliable all-rounder we loved

Weight: 285g (M), 270g (W)

Heel-to-toe drop: 12mm

Type: Neutral/road

The Wave Rider has a legacy of being a versatile, high-mileage, neutral cushioned shoe – but not without its share of controversy across its 27 iterations.

In particular, the introduction of a new midsole material in the Wave Rider 25 divided many loyal fans, and while the Wave Rider 26 tried to correct this issue by coming in heavier and firmer, it still felt different from the original series. The latest iteration, however, feels like a return to the Rider people knew and loved.

How is the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 different to the Wave Rider 26?

The Rider 27 weighs in 5g lighter than its predecessor, thanks to some key tweaks to the upper. This is made from engineered Jacquard mesh (90% recycled material) with a gusset tongue, designed to wrap around the foot better to create a more locked in fit. It also uses Mizuno's Dynamotion Fit system, which means that, as your foot moves through the gait cycle, the shoe works with your unique movement.

There’s also a new heel counter that pulls the foot into the platform better than the previous model, and the moderate amount of internal padding in the collar means there’s no slippage or irritation around the heel. At the same time, the toe box feels wider and more accommodating than the Rider 26.

If you were judging a shoe on looks alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Wave Rider 27 would feel heavy and a little flat underfoot. But we're pleased to report that this is a deceptively good – and lightweight – daily trainer.

The ride is smooth, stable and spongey, with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable on easy runs and long runs. This comes from the Mizuno energy foam in the midsole, which achieves a good middle-ground between feeling firm/rigid and squishy/plush – unlike the Rider 25 and 26 which fell to each end of the spectrum.

There’s no midfoot or rearfoot rocker though, so you do feel like you’re doing most of the work – this is fine for easy runs (it's what the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is designed for) but you wouldn’t attempt anything faster in them. The big 12mm heel-to-toe drop won’t be for everyone either, however we personally didn’t notice this so much thanks to the wave plate, which supports a smooth weight transition and a softer landing.

The shoe’s X10 carbon rubber outsole has good grip on slippery roads, too.

The Wave Rider 27 is a reliable workhorse of a running shoe. Sure, there's nothing particularly impressive or flashy about it, but it's the Rider's simple and straightforward nature that's kept it coming back for 27 iterations. While previous iterations may have swayed from this formula, the latest model feels like balance has been restored. So, whether you're a beginner runner or someone training for a marathon, who wants a shoe for those easier runs, this is a shoe you can count on.

Shop - men's

Shop - women's

Asics Superblast: Tried & tested

The best running shoes for 2023

What to expect in the Nike Black Friday sale

Hoka Mach X: Tried & tested

Nike Ultrafly Trail: Tried & tested

These are the spikes ruling the World Champs

A 5-minute guide to becoming a running shoe expert

9 best recovery shoes for post-race feet

15 best women’s running shoes

Nike React Infinity 4: Tried and tested

Salomon Thundercross: Tried & tested

Allbirds Tree Flyer 2: Tried and tested