Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 15

I am on a good streak of finding shoes that fit well and look cool because that’s what it’s really about. šŸ˜‰

In my last shoe review, I reviewed the Saucony Hurricane 14, which I loved so much I bought two pairs—something I never do. And now I have found another pair of running shoes I love—and am now on my second pair!!

Mizuno Wave Rider 15

I have been wearing these shoes all summer and absolutely love them. I think I’ll be wearing this yellow pair or the new purple and white pair I got at the Twin Cities Marathon in a couple of weeks.

Things I like about these shoes:

– They grip my heel really well. (My heel is on the narrow side, so it can be hard to find shoes that do not slip off my heel.)

– The toe box is large enough for my wide feet.

– The toe box also has a lot of mesh which has eliminated hot spots.

– They are very responsive and flexible—not clunky and stiff.

– Obviously the fun color.

I don’t think I can honestly think of a single thing I don’t like about these shoes. And that’s saying something because I am picky.

I did go up half of a size in this style.

I think most people find Mizunos run on the small side. Every once in a while I can fit into my regular size in a pair of Mizunos, but they definitely are on the narrow side. At the same time, it doesn’t always work to go up half of a size either—sometimes the larger size ends up being too big.

Overall, I really enjoy running in these shoes. I’m even tempted to buy a third pair because I really like the aqua colored pair.

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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13 Comments

  1. 9.20.12
    Nate said:

    I got a pair of Mizunos in the mail yesterday. I’ll let you know what I think. Keep up the great work!

    • 9.20.12
      Michelle said:

      Did you buy a pair of they sent you a pair?!!? You can let me know in a couple of weeks. šŸ™‚

  2. 9.20.12
    J said:

    Love the yellow! I have only one pair of Mizunos that I use for shorter runs but I have been hearing about their new shoes so I might have to try a pair!

  3. 9.20.12
    Rachel said:

    I am one of those people who ran in Wave Riders for *years* before they changed the model with the 14. I tried the 15s this past race season, to give Mizuno another chance, but unfortunately they just didn’t cut it. I think the 15 is a fine shoe, but it’s not at all like the 13, 12, etc. So those of us hoping for a shoe like those models were very disappointed. Love the yellow, though!

    • 9.20.12
      Michelle said:

      I remember hearing how awful the 14s were. I thought the 15s were similar to the 12s and 13s, but I guess not. Bummer for you. šŸ™ What do you run in now?

      • 9.21.12
        Rachel said:

        I heard the 15 was better, too, and it was, but it was still so different from the 12 and 13–I wanted my old WRs back. Oh well.

        I picked up some trail shoes for the fall running season, and was shocked to LOVE the Brooks Cascadias. I never thought I’d like Brooks shoes, but I love them more than I ever loved WRs! They are amazing! I’ll be looking at Brooks when the road season starts up, that’s for sure.

  4. 9.20.12

    Definitely have heard great things about these! Love the color!

  5. 10.4.12
    Lauren said:

    I just ordered the Red Wave Riders (I don’t remember the other specifics) for a review. I haven’t worn Mizunos in YEARS. I started out with Wave Riders (10 maybe?) when I first got into running 7 years ago- but then switched the Brooks Adrenaline a few years later.
    I’ll let you know what I think!

    • 10.4.12
      Michelle said:

      Awesome! I will be interested to hear what you think.