Comparison Overview
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is the latest evolution of the Wave Rider 28 line. We recommend the Wave Rider 28 for most runners.
How the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 and Mizuno Wave Rider 29 differ
The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 and the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 are both daily trainer shoes from Mizuno, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 comes in roughly 0.6 oz lighter (9.9 oz vs 9.3 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (12mm on the Mizuno Wave Rider 28, 10mm on the Mizuno Wave Rider 29) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 rides on the taller stack (34mm/22mm vs 32mm/22mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is $10 cheaper at MSRP ($140 vs $150).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Mizuno Wave Rider 28 | Mizuno Wave Rider 29 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Mizuno | Mizuno |
| Model | Wave Rider 28 | Wave Rider 29 |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 9.9 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Drop | 12mm | 10mm |
| Price | $140 | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 or the Mizuno Wave Rider 29?
- The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 is the lighter shoe at 9.3 oz versus 9.9 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is the more affordable option at $140 compared to $150.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 has a 12mm drop and the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 has a 10mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Mizuno Wave Rider 28 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Mizuno Wave Rider 29 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.