Customer Reviews Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Waveknit

Mizuno has changed the Wave Rider every year since #20. At first, the changes were subtle starting with the heel. The last three have been drastic redesigns. They have basically discontinue the previous year's shoe, reinvent a replacement, and recycle the name. The only honest thing they have done is change the number. This shoe #25 has a new footbed. Nice cushion in the sole, none in the front. Length-wise, it fits a full half-size shorter. I wear a 6.5 in shoes (sometimes a 6.0); but, I buy a 7.0 for the extra footbed space for a roomy comfortable run. This fits short like a 6.5. In fact, I kept looking at the shoe and the box to verify I got the correct size. Additionally, with the new heal height, my foot was pushed forward to the forefront so that my toes are at the rim/edge & the lack of padding at the front is pronounced. I had to stop mid run to reset my foot back towards the heal. My legs are also a bit sore in unexpected places, I believe due to the feel of shortened interior length. Sadly, I cannot return since I've worn them. My verdict (as a have been loyalist dealing with the ongoing much disliked & frustrating design changes?): Mizuno, I am breaking up with you. It is you, not me. The early years were great, the middle not so. The end: it's come. I am gracing myself the gift of leaving you and finding a new-to-me running shoe maker.

Fit was small and too narrow. Need to return but don’t think we like the style so won’t be getting the next size up. The front of the shoe is soft and doesn’t offer side support.

These shoes run very small!

I like these shoes, but they run very small. I am true 8, and I bought these in a 9. I bought the previous years model in an 8.5, so their sizing has changed even since the prior model. The size 9 is comfortable and the mesh upper gives me the flexibility I need because I have bunion. the sole is stable. I think the pink color is bright and fun, but I also enjoyed the black ones that I bought last year.

Liked the shoe, but too small. I wear and 8.5 and always order a 9 in a running shoe. Would have needed a 9.5 in these.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Waveknit is a very comfortable shoe. However I am not fond of the attached tongue as it makes it a little harder to slip on.

Mizunos run very small, so I am used to ordering a half-size up. I deliberately ordered the WaveRider 25 because the 26 has a weird shelf above the toe that is uncomfortable. I've run in these twice and they feel good.

happy with the purchase

I keep coming back to these shoes. I’ve tried others but nothing fits my feet like these. I’ve worn them for 10+ years now. Thanks Mizuno!

I normally wear a 10 in running shoes and always need a 10.5 in Mizuno. So if you go up a half size, they should fit fine!

Love these shoes. Plenty of toe room without having to size up. Arch support good. All around an awesome shoe. I have been wearing Altras for years, but I wanted more arch support.These are perfect!

I have been wearing this same shoe for 15+ years and as always the upgrades never disappoint. I did have to go up a half size due to the waveknit technology. The shoes are very comfortable and light. My feet get a little warm in them but I think that due more to my body changing than the shoe itself.

These feel good from the first. Mizuno is a brand new to me but I’m pleased at this point and anxious to see how they continue to wear. The first pair I ordered was too snug but Zappo’s promptly sent me a size larger and they feel fine.

I am very happy with these shoes, they fit snuggly, I’m fact I needed to return the first pair for one 1/2 size larger.

I’m pretty picky about my sneakers regarding style and comfort. These shoes hit the nail on the head with both. I love them

I love these shoes! They do run small-- I ordered a half size larger than my previous Mizuno's (Waverunner 23). I purchased insoles with extra arch support, and with the insoles, the shoes are amazing.

After FIFTEEN YEARS as a loyal fan of the Mizuno Wave Rider, wearing nothing else, I have been growing increasingly disappointed with the last 3 or so releases. This year was the final straw. The Wave Rider 25 was absolutely terrible for me, and there was no way I could run in it any longer. I got as far as trying some other brand shoes (didn't like those either), when I decided to give the Wave Knit Rider a try, on a whim. Thank goodness I did! I wish I had tried this version a few years ago! I love this shoe so much. It is like the way the original Wave Rider used to be in all the good ways, with all the great modifications added on. If you are also having trouble with the latest Rider, give the Wave Knit a try! Some advice, I had to size up half a size. This shoe definitely fits differently than the regular Rider. But if you get the right size, it's perfect! The upper also feels more durable than the engineered mesh of the other one, as well as more fitted. So happy to be able to remain a Wave Rider runner!

I have only run in them once but they seem very comfortable, true to size and my heel does not slip which it tends to do in other running shoes. The color options are really nice.

The fit seems perfect - true to size.

i have worn Mizuno shoes for a number of years, never throw them away just get new ones--wear my old one in the rain.

Loved these but while the regular WaveRider 25’s fit me fine in a size 8, the Waveknit version pinched my toes. Size up on these.

I normally order athletic shoes a half size larger (8.5) than street shoes (8), but even that was too small, so I went up another half to size 9 and they fit as my athletic shoes usually do. I used to prefer gel-based shoes but after plantar fasciitis surgery I have found I prefer something with a slightly firmer sole. These work really well with my orthotics, providing adequate support without feeling too blocky or rigid. I also have a narrow foot, but aside from having to pull the laces up to tighten them, the mediums are quite comfortable. These are my second pair of Wave Rider Waveknits; I liked the first pair so well that I ordered the newer model when those wore out.

These seemed nice but very small. Order a full size up.

Ran a bit small. Not nearly as cushioned at the Wave Sky series. Like other reviewers, my toes felt pushed to the front of the shoe. They are stylish and clean up easily. I'm keeping these to walk the dog, but won't be doing any running in them.

I followed the advice to size up a half size as they ran small. My feet aren't wide and they were still too small. I think they need to be ordered a full size larger than your regular size. They seem like they would be comfortable, supportive if thry fit correctly.