Mizuno’s Wave Rider 26 Gave My Evening Run the Bounce It Was Missing

I am a simple individual when it comes to workout attire and footwear. I don’t need anything fancy, shiny, or trendy—I just need something that works. This has led me to stick only with what I know. I don’t often branch out and try new products or brands, because what if they aren’t as high-performing as what I’m used to?

I know that my method of comfort and caution has its downsides. Especially because it means I can go years with a “good” product when a “great” one is right around the corner. 

But thankfully, as a fitness editor, I frequently receive great products to test. This is exactly how I came to know my Mizuno Wave Rider 26 running shoes. 

Buy Now: Mizuno Wave Rider 26, $135 at amazon.com

My first run with the Mizunos (a brand I’d never tried before this experiment) quickly made me a believer. While I thought my previous pair of running shoes felt lightweight, the Mizunos’ additional support felt secure, without compromising my gait—and honestly, I was surprised. The larger sole added plenty of bounce as I ran, without feeling clunky or weighing me down. 

The shoes’ responsiveness takes the pressure off my knees and gives me confidence in their ability to prevent injury. As a city runner, I juggle a variety of concerns throughout my run, from preoccupied cyclists and pedestrians to shin splints and knee pain. While my previous, lighter running shoes were suitable for the concrete park paths I often run on, the Mizunos’ additional stability adds to my running experience, allowing me to focus less on potential injuries and more on the traffic around me. 

I’ve continued to regularly use my Mizunos, even after the original test was complete. The larger sole’s cushioning is still just as comfortable, allowing my knees, shins, and feet to trek onward for long amounts of time without any pain. 

While I do stick to lighter, leaner shoes for rowing and kickboxing classes, I immediately pick up the Wave Riders for long days on my feet, whether I’m running in Central Park or just getting some errands done around the city. 

My tendency to remain loyal to certain brands will continue—and now, I can confidently say the Mizuno Wave Riders have a new fan (and customer) for life.

Buy Now: Mizuno Wave Rider 26, $135 at amazon.com