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MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 23 Performance Review

More than two decade ago, due to the limit of media information and economic level, most running lovers did not have a professional research about running shoes and they didn’t actually understand the relevant knowledge of running shoes. But the Mizuno was the on top of the running shoes field because of such features as stable, comfortable and durable. However, as time passed by, the running shoes market has changed and  Mizuno has lost its influence. But this doesn’t mean its running shoes are inferior or unreliable. Since its inception in 1997, the Wave Rider, which was an important series of the brand, has been favored by many professional runners. So at the time the MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 23 was released, many asked whether this model would continue the classic Wave Rider series. And here is the answer.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 here is all black. Simple and monotonous as it looks, it is still cool and nice. But different people have different views in this respect. Some may not like it while others may prefer such a simple design without much decoration.

MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 23 is slender, so it might not be that friendly to wide-footers.

The vamp of Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is made of traditional breathable mesh. Compared with the previous edition, the mesh is more delicate. And the protective layer of the toe has also been changed into a built-in solid TPU, which provides good protection for our toes.

The Mizuno LOGO covers the entire eyelet and extends to the rear part of the shoe. Actually, the combination of the two forms a certain support for the upper and the arch while the vamp and the upper use different weaving techniques to enrich the its texture.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 has a built-in rigid TPU at the rear, which is conducive to landing stability by offering a moderate support. And the black and gray horizontal markings indicate the shoe’s identity. 

The foam filling of the muzzle and tongue of the Mizuno Wave Rider 23 is firm and full but not chunky and will not affect its appearance.

 

There is a saying that “The midsole is the soul of a pair of  running shoes.” In other words, it is the midsole of a running shoe that matters. Although other setups are also important, the midsole plays a key role of evaluating a shoe’s overall performances. The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 adopts the standard midsole that were also equipped in the previous several editions. The full-foot U4ic and the U4ICX double density shock-absorbing material, between which a CloudWave is placed, are both of great help in relieving shock during running.

The CloudWave is the core tech of this brand. It provides us with long-lasting and stable  cushioning. On top of that, with the U4IC  and the U4ICX, the three combined can give us  nice running experiences.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 retains the X10 carbon rubber outsole, which is a high wear-resistant tech. The durability of Mizuno running shoes should be largely credited to the X10.

The cushioning layer and shock absorbing insoles  further add comfort for users.

A single shoe of Mizuno Wave Rider 23 of size 9.5 weighs 290g which is not that lightweight, but is acceptable for the massive runners.

Overall:

The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 retains the core structure of the previous editions of Wave Rider series. And since only the shoe’ vamp is changed, there is no big differences in its overall performances. It still continues the characteristics of this series, so this Mizuno Wave Rider 23  can be suitable for long distance running and daily jogging.