Mizuno Wave Rider 30

The Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is a cushioned daily trainer designed for comfort and versatility. Priced at $150, it competes with shoes like the R.A.D Mallow ($150) and Hoka Bondi 9 ($175). Despite its similar appearance, the Wave Rider 30 is a significantly different shoe from previous versions. In this iteration, Mizuno uses a new foam, Enerzy NXT, a full-length Wave Plate, increased the stack height by 6mm (to 44mm), and lowered the drop to 8mm. The upper is comfortable, with plenty of padding in the heel and tongue. It fit slightly long in our size 10.5, but we would still recommend going true to size. Out on the run, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the foam was not too firm and was actually on the softer side of Goldilocks. It provides just enough energy return and a smooth rolling geometry. It also performed well on a 10-mile run without getting gummy or bottoming out, and the foam softened nicely with more time on foot. While not the most exciting shoe, the Wave Rider 30 is a fantastic option for someone looking for a one-shoe rotation that can do it all—30 to 60 minute runs, walking, running errands, and going to the gym. It will also be a great choice for runners who prefer a more traditional daily trainer and are used to shoes like the Hoka Bondi or Brooks Ghost.