Updated: October 27th, 2010
Mizuno Wave Rider 13

Mizuno Wave Rider 13

Full Name: Mizuno Wave Rider 13
Category: Cushioning
Weight: 10.5 oz. (290 gr.)
Suggested Price: 100$
Recommended For: Neutral Runners, runners who under pronate and have high arches.
  • Mizuno Wave Rider 13 General Info:

Lightweight, soft cushioning and the right amount of support for neutrail gait. This is the promise of the Mizuno Wave Rider 13.

  • Mizuno Wave Rider 13 Sole Unit:

The sole unit of the Mizuno Wave Rider 13 is the same of previous year model, the Rider 12. As in the 12, the sole unit has been engineered gender specific (read here why women running shoes are different). The women version of the Wave Rider 13 is softer and more flexible in the forefoot.

The cushioning in the neutral trainer is achieved through the combination of three different elements: the most interesting of which being the WAVE component. The Wave is an ondulated bar of plastic material that runs across the midsole. The ondulated (wave) shape provides the bounce and shock absorption, but at the same time gives structure and a minimum of stability to the shoe. We have praised this technology before in other Mizuno shoes, as it is a very clever and lightweight way of giving a great cushioning. The other cushioning factors are the AP midsole and the VS-1 special compound, here insterted in the heel and in the forefoot (softer in the heel and slightly harder in the forefoot). One of VS-1 special characteristics is the ability to return to its original shape, after the compression due to the shock, very fast. The Rider 13 feels very bouncy and responsive – and pleasantly lightweight.

The outsole thread is quite marked and ideal for traction on wet surfaces. Some runners complain the carves are so deep that small rocks get stuck in them.

  • Mizuno Wave Rider 13 Upper:

The upper of the Wave Rider 13 is very open. Large-threaded mesh is the main material, with plastic overlays added for stability but really not many. A heel counter wraps the heel and attaches to the midsole to keep the heel in position. The result is sock-like feeling. The heel padding is soft but minimal and so is the tongue.
Ortholite removable sockliner provides an additional layer of cushioning and anti-microbial features (to reduce bad odours).

The fit is quite narrow, with a shape that feels comfortable for runners with high arches but might be less than ideal for less high-arched feet.

  • Mizuno Wave Rider 13 Opinion:

The Wave Rider 13 is a shoe that competes directly with the Asics Gel Cumulus and the Nike Pegasus. Ideal for runnners with high arches and narrow feet, it’s a lightweight trainer that has a quite unique feeling to its ride due to the Wave plate. Runners reccommend to wear 1/2 size higher than the usual as it fits quite snug.

Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!

  • Mizuno Wave Rider 13 Price Comparison:

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