The WaveKnit R2 is essentially the Wave Rider 22 with an all knit upper while maintaining the midsole and outsole. The upper however is constrictive and went too far to the other end of the spectrum from the Wave Rider 21.Īn interesting option that is 10 dollars more expensive than the Wave Rider 22, $130 vs $120 retail, is the WaveKnit R2. The midsole, specifically in the heel, is softer and does not cause too much fatigue in the foot from the firm plate over the course of longer runs. Of these two changes, I believe Mizuno hit one of these well and just missed the mark in the other. Promisingly so, the two key changes made from the 21st to the 22nd version of the Wave Rider was using more of a mix of U4ic and U4icX to make the cushioning softer in the heel, and creating a more substantial yet breathable upper. The Wave Rider 21 had an upper that was too breathable and could be considered too firm especially over long distances. When there are only minor changes made from one year to another the choice of those changes are important to see the direction that the shoe is undergoing. Runner’s who are neutral but need a small touch of support over long runs or prefer a firmer ride under their foot would be benefited by checking out the Wave Rider 22.Ĭompared to the Wave Rider 21 to see the issues from last year being addressed is incredibly promising. The Wave Rider 22 will provide a firm snappy ride for a variety of paces and give enough cushion for most runs. And lacking a little in the perfection of the upper fit compared to these competitors. It is firmer than most offerings in this category, such as the Brooks Ghost or Nike Pegasus for example. With a popular and successful shoe on its 22nd version there is a lot to consider when thinking about the Wave Rider 22.įor one, how does it stand out as a running shoe and then how has it improved or regressed since the last couple of versions of the same shoe.Īs a stand alone shoe, not considering previous versions, the Mizuno Wave Rider 22 is a solid go-to everyday shoe. The outsole of the Wave Rider 22 contains X10 rubber in the heel for added durability, especially with heel-strikers as this shoe will appeal to. This allows for some flexibility and also keeps the weight of the trainer relatively low. In the midfoot the Wave Rider has less foam and outsole to expose the plate in the midfoot.
The outsole of the Wave Rider 22 appears to be unchanged from the 21, providing traction and durability. This also contributed to the softer than most Mizuno shoes feeling. In the midfoot and heel of the trainer is the parallel wave plate which adds firmness and a touch of stability within the shoe.Ītop of the sole directly under the foot is a thin layer of the U4icX foam spanning the entire foot. The U4icX heel creates a softer more cushioned feeling under the heel. A majority of the sole unit is the U4ic foam with a heel area of the U4icX foam. The Mizuno Wave Rider 22 sole unit is made up of a mix of U4ic and U4icX foams.
The softer feeling is more in comparison to other Mizuno options and last year’s Wave Rider 21. While the Mizuno Wave Rider 22 has already been described as softer, especially in the heel due to the the mix of the foams in the midsole, the Wave Rider 22 is still firmer than other daily training shoes offered by other companies. Not heavy under the foot the Wave Rider 22 is suitable for daily training and longer distance races. Much like the 21s, which similar to the 20s, the Wave Rider 22 hits a sweet spot for its cushioning, being softer than most Mizuno options while maintaining a mix of the the firm feeling of the plate. Upon seeing the Wave Rider 22 for the first time the trainer appeared to look very similar to the Wave Rider 21. As the Wave Rider changes from year to year the key changes from the 21st version come in updates to the midsole for a softer and smoother ride as well as an updated upper for adjusted breathability.
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