First look: Mizuno Wave Rider 20

Mizuno’s flagship shoe arrives just on time for conquering kilometres for the remainder of 2016 and into 2017. The Wave Rider 20 is expected to hit stores this month and the signature shoe is celebrating two decades of keeping runners’ feet injury-free.

The new Wave Rider 20 is softer than its previous editions while maintaining the responsiveness that the Japan-based brand is known for. The Rider 20 is designed to be a reliable pair and one that runners can reach for when putting in the everyday mileage (though it was also tested during CrossFit session). One new piece of technology is what the company is calling “cloudwave” which is seen on the slit in the shoe’s heel. The testers’ initial impression of having the cloudwave plastic included in this shoe is that the shoe will have a lengthy life expectancy and maintain its responsiveness.

The technology is best seen in the heel of the shoe below.

There will be two widely-available colourways in both the men’s and women’s editions. Mizuno, according to the local sales manager, plans to release a third to-be-determined colourway in spring 2017 to celebrate the shoe’s 20th birthday.

Details

Weight: Men’s: 9.6 oz., Women’s: 8.3 oz.
Drop: 12 mm
Release date: November 2016 (Retailers are taking the product on different dates)
Availability: Online and at your local retailer.

Canadian Running will be posting a full review once testers get the chance to put sufficient mileage on the Wave Rider 20.