Shoes Similar to Mizuno Wave Rider
The Mizuno Wave Rider is a popular running shoe that is available in both men’s and women’s sizes and in a variety of colors. Mizuno shoes are known for their balance of comfort, quality, and aesthetics.

The Mizuno Wave Rider is a best-selling running shoe, designed for people with a neutral foot motion. It’s a versatile shoe that can be used for walking, running, and even light trail running.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Wave Rider, or if you’ve already tried it and need something different, there are plenty of comparable choices in a range of prices. Read on to learn about several alternatives to the Wave Rider.
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12 Shoes Similar to Mizuno Wave Rider
Mizuno Wave Rider is a neutral running shoe ideal for runners with medium to high arches. It’s designed for all types of runs for athletes with a neutral to under pronated foot motion.
This shoe is a favorite of many runners who have medium to high arches and neutral foot motion because it provides good cushioning and support without being too heavy. It’s also very durable, making it a great choice for long-distance training or racing.
If you’re looking for something else to try, here are 12 shoes similar to Mizuno Wave Rider.
1. New Balance
New Balance is a great choice if you’re looking for similar features and quality at a lower price. Several models of New Balance shoes have similar features as the Mizuno Wave Rider and are available at a slightly lower price point.
The New Balance 1260 series (Available on Amazon) has features similar to the Mizuno Wave Rider. Both shoes have a lot of cushioning and support, which provides comfort when running. The New Balance 1260 series also has motion control and pronation control, just like the Mizuno Wave Rider.
Another benefit of the New Balance 1260 series is it is an award-winning shoe that many runners and triathletes love for training and racing!
- Smooth Ride – This shoe is known for its smooth ride and comfortable footbed. It has a padded tongue that prevents any chafing on the top of your foot, as well as a reinforced toe cap for added protection.
- Flexibility – The Mizuno Wave Rider 21 has a flexible upper that conforms to your foot, allowing for an almost sock-like fit.
- Responsiveness – The Mizuno Wave Rider 21 is responsive, so you can run at any pace without feeling out of control. When you want to pick up speed, it will respond with ease.
If you are looking for a running shoe that will provide you with comfort and support during your run, try the New Balance 1260 series. You won’t be disappointed with all of its great qualities!
It has a lightweight design and is designed with stability in mind. The only real difference is that this one uses synthetic leather instead of mesh uppers, so it looks a bit different from the Mizuno Wave Rider shoes.
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2. Saucony
Saucony (Available on Amazon) is another brand that often comes up when talking about the Mizuno Wave Rider. Its Triumph ISO model, in particular, is a very similar shoe and is also slightly less expensive than the Wave Rider.
Others say that Saucony’s Kinvara model is also comparable to the Mizuno Wave Rider but with better cushioning and comfort.
The reasons why Saucony is a good Mizuno Wave Rider alternative can be narrowed down to two key points:
The two shoes have similar DNA
Saucony and Mizuno are both well-known running shoe brands that have been in the industry for decades. Each brand has a loyal following of runners who love the performance and feel of each shoe. Both brands create comfortable, reliable running shoes with excellent cushioning and support.
Each brand also has its fair share of lightweight trainers and racing flats, as well as minimalistic running shoes. In addition, both brands offer shoes with features like midfoot strike zones and impact guidance systems.
Saucony Ride ISO
The Saucony Ride ISO is a neutral running shoe that features the same cushioning system as the Kinvara 9. The PWRFOAM midsole is 8mm thick, which is thicker than most of Saucony’s road-running trainers.
It comes equipped with the FORMFIT technology, a foot-conforming insert that is made from three different types of foam. This component helps provide a superior fit and adapts to the runner’s foot shape. Compared to similar technologies (like Brooks DNA LOFT), this one delivers even better underfoot comfort.
Saucony Freedom
The Saucony Freedom 3 is a lightweight trainer that delivers plush underfoot cushioning without compromising performance and responsiveness. It features two different midsole technologies: EVERUN and PWRFOAM. EVERUN is placed directly under the heel, while PWRFOAM takes care of the forefoot area. Both materials work together to deliver enhanced energy return and maximum shock attenuation.
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3. Nike Free Series
The Nike Free (Available on Amazon) isn’t as cushioned as many other running shoes, but it does provide excellent support and stability for its low weight, making it an ideal race-day shoe for lightweight runners who need stronger support than offered by most racing flats. The shoe also has plenty of traction for wet or slippery conditions — perfect for rainy days.
Nike Free is a good Mizuno Wave Rider alternative and the reasons for it can be the following:
Better toe box
The new Nike Free has a better toe box meaning that you don’t have to worry about your toes getting sore or blistered. This is very important because if your feet aren’t comfortable, you’re not going to do your best while running and you can also risk an injury.
Flexible sole
The sole is also very flexible and provides excellent traction on all types of terrain, which makes them perfect for trail running. They are also great for short races like 5ks or 10ks because they are light enough that they won’t slow you down too much but still provide enough cushioning so that your feet don’t get too sore after a race.
Improves Your Foot Strength
Nike’s free run shoes improve your foot strength and mechanics by allowing your foot to move naturally. They have minimal cushioning, which allows you to feel the ground with more accuracy. This results in a better running form, which can help reduce the risk of injury. The Free shoes are also very flexible, which improves your ankle mobility and strengthens your feet too.
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4. ASICS Gel Nimbus
If the Mizuno Wave Rider is not available, then ASICS Gel Nimbus (Available on Amazon) may be a good alternative to consider. The two shoes are similar in many ways.
For example, they are both designed for neutral runners who need maximum cushioning and shock absorption. Both shoes offer a high level of support and stability as well as a flexible yet responsive ride.
However, there are also some differences between these two running shoes. The ASICS Gel Nimbus has a more supportive upper while the Mizuno Wave Rider provides a more responsive stride. Both models feature proprietary midsole technologies that offer great support, stability, and comfort throughout the gait cycle.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus is a good alternative to the Wave Rider. It offers more cushioning and support than the Wave Rider. The upper is made of mesh material that is breathable and flexible but still provides sufficient structure for long-distance runs.
It’s also lighter than the Wave Rider, which means you’ll feel less fatigue during your run. You’ll have more energy after each training session because you won’t need to carry around an extra weight like you would in other running shoes.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus also has an Ortholite insole that provides additional support and comfort as it absorbs impact from every step you take while running or walking around town easily without any discomfort due to soreness afterward.
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5. Brooks Ghost
There are a few reasons why Brooks Ghost (Available on Amazon) is a good alternative for Mizuno Wave Rider. First of all, Brooks Ghost is durable, dependable, and supportive. In the past decade, it has been one of the most popular running shoes in the market.
This shoe has a great cushioning system which makes it comfortable to wear during long runs or half marathons. It also has a wide toe box which makes it possible for runners with wide feet to use this shoe as well.
Brooks Ghost has lightweight but has a very durable upper mesh design which prevents material breakdown over time.
It also provides enough support for runners who have high arches and overpronators because it contains BioMoGo DNA midsole and Omega Flex Grooves on its outsole. These features provide a smooth ride for every step you take.
Brooks Ghost comes in different styles which make it a great cross-training shoe as well. You can wear them for your daily workout at the gym or just go out and walk around with friends at the mall.
These shoes are perfect for people who are looking for an everyday sneaker that they could wear without worrying about getting tired feet after a few hours of walking around town.
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6. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus
When it comes to a neutral running shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus (Available on Amazon). It’s a versatile shoe that can be used for everyday training, fast workouts, and racing.
This shoe is a great alternative to the Mizuno Wave Rider because it provides similar cushioning and versatility while being more affordable.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is one of the most popular shoes for runners and it’s no surprise why. They have a lot of features that can help improve your running by giving you the right support, cushioning and comfort that you need. You don’t even have to worry about the price because they are very affordable.
Nike Pegasus is a great everyday trainer and will last you many miles of training. It’s not a minimalist shoe – the Nike Pegasus has plenty of cushioning to give you nice comfort while you run.
It’s not as heavily cushioned as some other shoes (like Hoka One One), but that’s not what most runners are looking for anyway.
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7. Altra Escalante Racer
Altra has been around since 2011 and has gained a lot of traction in the last few years. Their shoes are known for their wide toe-box, which gives your feet more room to move and breathe. Also, the zero-drop feature makes the shoes more comfortable when running.
This shoe is no exception. Altra Escalante Racer (Available on Amazon) is a lightweight shoe that can be used as an everyday trainer or a shoe for racing.
It has a responsive cushioning system that was designed from top to bottom to provide a smooth and efficient ride. The fit of this shoe is also very comfortable due to the knit upper, which conforms well with your foot.
Here are some of the reasons why Altra Escalante Racer is a good Mizuno Wave Rider alternative:
Lightweight upper
Altra Escalante Racer features an upper that is lightweight and flexible. It’s not as thick and stiff as the upper on Mizuno Wave Rider, which I think gives it a better fit. It also feels more versatile as it doesn’t feel as structured and specific as the upper on Mizuno Wave Rider.
Flexible sole
The sole on Altra Escalante Racer is very flexible, which makes it feel different than the sole on Mizuno Wave Rider. The flexibility creates a more natural feel when running in Altra shoes compared to running in Mizuno shoes. If you like that natural feeling when running, Altra Escalante Racer will be a good option for you.
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8. HOKA One One Clayton
Both the HOKA One One Clayton (Available on Amazon) and the Mizuno Wave Rider are running shoes that are generally suitable for road running. But there are some important differences that can help you decide which shoe best fits your needs.
As far as running shoes go, this shoe offers a lot to runners looking for a shoe that offers extra cushioning. The Clayton also provides enough support for those who need it, but still maintains its neutral characteristics that are important for those who don’t need support.
One thing you will notice about most HOKA ONE ONE shoes is their soft cushioned feel and lightweight construction.
The Clayton is no exception, as it weighs in at 7 ounces for men and 6 ounces for women. This makes it one of the lightest shoes in HOKA’s lineup, which offers more cushioning than most of their other models.
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9. Merrell Bare Access Flex Knit
The Merrell Bare Access Flex Knit (Available on Amazon) is the perfect shoe for those who are looking for an alternative to the Mizuno Wave Rider because of its flexible nature, which allows it to be used in all types of weather conditions.
From hot summer days when you want something light and cool on your feet, cold winter months where you need something warm but not heavy feeling as well as wet rainy days where you’ll appreciate having such an adaptable shoe!
- The Mizuno Wave Rider is a great running shoe. The Merrell Bare Access Flex is also a great running shoe, but maybe a better fit for you if you have wide feet.
- The Merrell Bare Access Flex comes in wider sizes than the Mizuno Wave Rider. We recommend going up a half size from what you normally wear in the Merrell Bare.
- If you like running on treadmills or on the track, then the Mizuno Wave Rider would be the better option for you because it has more cushioning than the Merrell Bare. If you are looking for a shoe that is lightweight but not minimalistic, then try out the Merrell Bare Access Flex.
- If you want to try out a more minimalistic shoe, then go with the Merrell Bare Access Flex over the Mizuno Wave Rider.
The neutral cushioning of the Merrell Bare Access Flex Knit makes it a good alternative to the Mizuno Wave Rider because it is able to provide excellent cushioning without adding too much weight to the foot.
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10. Under Armour HOVR Sonic
The Under Armour HOVR Sonic (Available on Amazon) is a good alternative to the Mizuno Wave Rider. It’s not as cushioned as the Wave Rider and offers less support, but what it lacks in cushioning and support it makes up for in its surprisingly lightweight feel for a neutral trainer. It also has a snug fit and a good amount of traction on the bottom of the shoe.
The ride of the UA HOVR Sonic is pretty smooth, but it does tend to land with a small amount of impact on your foot. The shoe feels very natural and allows you to run with a quick turnover rate and it has enough flexibility to allow your foot to move naturally with each stride.
Fit and Feel.
The fit of Under Armour HOVR Sonic is true to size and it’s very comfortable. It doesn’t have any irritating seams or hot spots. The upper feels nice and light on your foot due to its seamless construction. The tongue is light and thin which helps prevent it from sliding around too much during your runs.
The laces are nice and thin which helps secure your foot snugly in the shoe without causing any discomfort in the forefoot area or pinching areas across the top of your feet.
Cushioning.
Under Armour HOVR Sonic has a good amount of cushioning that provides a soft and smooth ride without feeling mushy or overly firm underfoot. The cushioning will also be able to provide enough protection against impact forces as long as you are running on relatively smooth surfaces such as sidewalks or concrete.
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11. Adidas Ultraboost
If you have been looking for a good Mizuno Wave Rider alternative, then I would suggest you take a look at the Adidas Ultraboost range (Available on Amazon). It is a shoe that is not just as good as the Wave Rider but is also cheaper.
The Adidas Ultraboost vs Mizuno Wave Rider battle has been going on for quite some time now. Both brands are well known for their high-quality and durable running shoes. Here are some of the reasons why I think the Ultraboost is better than the Wave Rider:
It has more cushioning than the Wave Rider This is one of the main reasons why I prefer the Ultraboost over the Wave Rider.
The Adidas shoe has a much thicker and softer sole which provides much more cushioning than its counterpart. This means that your feet will not get tired as quickly when running on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
Another reason why I think that these shoes are better than others is that they are so versatile. You can wear them while walking around town or even while working out at home!
They come in many different colors so there isn’t anything stopping you from wearing them all day long without ever having to change out of them once during your entire day off work!
Another reason why Adidas Ultraboost is a good Mizuno Wave Rider alternative is its sole unit. It has an expanded landing zone, which gives you more room for your toes to breathe. This makes the shoe suitable for people with wide feet. The midsole also uses Adiprene, which gives it excellent cushioning.
The upper part of the shoe is also breathable and flexible, thanks to its Primeknit material. If you’re looking for a good running shoe that has excellent comfort and support, this is definitely one to consider.
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12. Reebok Floatride Run
There are many reasons why you should look at the Reebok Floatride Run as the Mizuno Wave Rider alternative. Both shoes have similar features and characteristics that make them appealing to runners, but the Reebok Floatride Run (Available on Amazon) is a new model running shoe, while the Wave Rider has been around for a while.
The Reebok Floatride Run is an excellent alternative to the Wave Rider because it offers better cushioning and stability than its competitor does. This can be very important if you are used to running in a pair of shoes that don’t provide enough cushioning or stability.
You will need something that provides you with more than just comfort; you will also want something that helps keep your feet stable and balanced during your workout.
The Reebok Floatride Run is a lightweight neutral running shoe, which offers an excellent blend of cushioning and stability. It’s currently one of the best shoes on the market for those who are looking for comfort and value for money.
The shoe has a very generous toe box, with room to spare for your toes to move around freely. This means that it won’t feel cramped or uncomfortable even after long runs. The cushioning on offer is good enough to keep you going for miles without any discomfort at all.
The shoe is also very stable, so it won’t wobble or roll over when you make sharp turns or quick stops. It has been designed to be as close to your foot shape as possible, so there is no risk of blisters or chaffing even if you spend hours wearing it every day.
The sole unit of the shoe is made from EVA foam, which is quite soft and comfortable underfoot. It provides good impact absorption and makes sure that your feet don’t get sore after long runs.
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In summary, The Mizuno Wave Rider is a great shoe for running, jogging, and working out. Hopefully, this list will help you find a suitable replacement for your new off-the-shelf shoes! Good luck!
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