Phil’s Shoe Review

Our Podiatrist, and resident shoe guru Phil reviews the Mizuno Wave Ride 19

BRAND: Mizuno
STYLE: Rider 19
CATEGORY: Neutral firm high mileage running shoe
RRP: $220
SIZES:  Men’s 7-14 in D and 2E width, Women’s 6-12 in B and D width
WEIGHT: 270g
HEEL PITCH: 12mm

UPPER: Mizuno has used a new mesh with very little stitching or overlays to improve the fit of the shoe. The toe box has no restricting overlays, which dramatically reduces pressure over joint prominences and improves upper flexibility. The firm heel counter is padded but not excessively with thick memory foams as seen in other brands

MIDSOLE: A neutral wave plate finishing at the midfoot, provides equal amounts of medial and lateral support. The U4ic midsole that has been supplemented with the SRtouch cushioning compound in the heel gives this generation one of the softest rides of any Rider.

OUTSOLE: In areas of high wear the designers have utilised Mizuno’s X10 carbon rubber, this dramatically improves durability whilst not hindering grip. To reduce weight and improve grip the rest of the outsole is made up of G3 rubber.

FIT:

• Forefoot: The open toe box and slight splay to the midsole creates a visual perception of width. The visual perception is matched when trialling the shoe as even in standard D width the Rider feels wider than comparable shoes.
• Midfoot: In comparison to the forefoot the midfoot fit is snug and secure. The minimally supported mesh wraps around the foot and any sense of width in the forefoot is forgotten with a secure feel through the shank of the shoe.
• Heel Counter: The firm heel counter and foam cushioning is a little harsher than other brands but therefore doesn’t choke the ankle. Overall it helps the streamline feeling of the shoe.
• Orthotics: This shoe has been well loved by podiatrists in the past and the current generation is no different. The firm heel counter, neutral wave plate and firm ride works well with any device.

RIDE: This is not Mizuno’s softest neutral shoe and therefore the ride is on the firm side. Therefore for runners who like a plush ride they are better suited to the Enigma 5. However the Rider does give a firm and responsive ride that is comparable to high mileage training shoes, high praise for a much more supportive shoe

CONCLUSION: The Mizuno Rider 19 continues a tradition built up my its predecessor for a shoe that functions like a heavy neutral running shoe but feels and performs like a lightweight racing flat. It works well for the runner with a neutral to mildly pronating foot or those with orthoses. Its ideal for the runner who wants a lighter shoe but requires more stability than the performance biased options.

RECOMMENDED FOR:

• Runners with a reasonably neutral foot type
• Runners with orthoses
• Runners requiring support but looking for a lighter weight option