While browsing the web I found this interesting article on the evolution of the Mizuno Wave Rider up to the latest version – the 20th – on foroatletismo.com.
Since foroatletismo is a Spanish website in Spanish language, I asked them for permission to translate and republish and they kindly allowed us. If you understand Spanish, take a look at their site as it’s ripe with running information.
Here are 20 years of Rider evolution. Want to win a pair of the new Wave Rider 20? Click here!
Mizuno Wave Rider 1
In 1998, the Wave Rider 1 (362 grams) was debuting with Mizuno Wave system, with many typical “90s” design elements such as the volume and the “peppered” painting. The remarkable thing was that the Wave was completely surrounded by EVA. Its MSRP was $ 110.
Mizuno Wave Rider 2
The Mizuno Wave Rider 2 (326 grams) was launched in 1999 and the first that brought the parallel Wave, which proved to be efficient converting vertical impact into longitudinal and providing transition and stability. In addition, it reduced weight, price ($ 100) and ventilation was improved.
The result was a best-seller that began to form the foundation of the series.
Mizuno Wave Rider 3
In 2000, seeing the success of the second version, the Wave Rider 3 (334 grams) saw a few small improvements but without many changes. X10 was added to the sole for better durability, which increased weight a little. In addition, it added VS1 in the forefoot for a more pleasant feel.
The price continues to fall, to $ 90 list price.
Mizuno Wave Rider 4
In 2001, the Mizuno Wave Rider 4 (334 grams) added VS1 to the heel and made his debut with a technology known until today, the Intercool , a system of holes in the chassis to reduce indoor humidity and improve the flow of air shoe. In addition, a fastening strip in midfoot is added and both price and weight are maintained.
Mizuno Wave Rider 5
In 2002, the Mizuno Wave Rider 5 (326 grams) thins a bit thanks to a redesign of the upper which eliminates the strip versus the previous year and thanks to a new geometry, no extra support is needed. $ 90 list price.
Mizuno Wave Rider 6
The Mizuno Wave Rider 6 (2003, 323 grams) is one of the most important developments of this model as the wave passes from a plastic element to be composite, lighter and more flexible and resilient.
$ 90 list price.
Mizuno Wave Rider 7
The Mizuno Wave Rider 7 (2004, 323 grams) is one of the most successful Rider and undoubtedly one of the best ever made. Inherits all changes Rider 6, but is added with more inner comfort padding and a ventilated mesh.
Mizuno Wave Rider 8
With 311 grams of weight, Rider 8 was the step model to be what we know today as a training shoe with a lot of punch, much lighter than many of its rivals and very agile. It cut much weight by changing midsole to become fully AP (Accelerated Polymer).
Mizuno Wave Rider 9
The changes are minor in the Mizuno Wave Rider 9 (2006, 315 grams) as limited to a new sole that provides more traction and better feel.
Mizuno Wave Rider 10
In 2007, the Mizuno Wave Rider 10 (320 grams) was designed after a thorough research on the buying habits of runers, resulted in looking for a more aggressive look.
In addition, Mizuno began implementing specific shoe waves differentiated for different models and their need to bring stability or not. For the first time, the Wave Rider introduced a specifically neutral wave plate.
Mizuno Wave Rider 11
The Wave Rider 11 (2008, 317 grams) focused on improving the fit and comfort inside the shoe. For the first time it introduced the Dynamotion Fit, trying to keep fit in the foot at all times throughout the footstep cycle.
Mizuno Wave Rider 12
Mizuno Wave Rider 12 (2009, 320 grams) has created a new Wave Pebax Rnew, which is currently using. This material seems ideal for the needs of Wave because it is virtually indestructible, very flexible and lightweight.
The Rider 12 is the first that shows differences for men and women in terms of geometry. Its price increases to $ 100.
Mizuno Wave Rider 13
For the first time, the Rider goes below 300 grams of weight with this thirteenth version in 2010 (298 grams to be exact). It was one of the most successful among fans as it was the paradigm of what people wanted: a lightweight shoe, responsive, with stability and sufficient shock absorbtion.
Mizuno Wave Rider 14
In 2011, the Wave Rider 14 (300 grams) was a controversial version because, on one hand, the midsole material moved to AP + (which was an improvement), but the collar height has increased, resulting in chafing for a few runners. For this he was widely criticized, especially coming from the Rider 13 which was so popular.
Mizuno Wave Rider 15
The Mizuno Wave Rider 15 was the 2012 edition and weighted 300 grams, inherited the good points from the 14 but fixed the collar problem. In addition, the minimalist boom influenced the design to favor a more forefoot landing.
Mizuno Wave Rider 16
The Mizuno Wave Rider 16 (2013, 280 grams) was the one who made the leap to what has been the actual Rider, an ultralight shoe to which they cut 20 grams thanks to a synthetic upper with little strips.
Mizuno Wave Rider 17
The Wave Rider 17 (2014, 247 grams) was very well received and further reduced the weight of the upper and midsole materials, including U4IC. The price jumped to $120
Mizuno Wave Rider 18
The Rider 18 (2015, 263 grams) followed the path of the 17, with a very nice design and the addition of a millimeter to the midsole to have more cushioning.
It also sported a broader base and a slightly stiffer Wave plate. The shoe fattened a bit but always being among the lightests in its class and, in return, was a very fast shoe.
Mizuno Wave Rider 19
Finally, the Mizuno Wave Rider 19 (2016, 270 grams) does not receive major changes from the 18 with a design virtually unchanged. The major upgrade is the new footbed of U4ICX, which improves the cushioning. $ 120 list price.
The GIVEAWAY !
I pestered Mizuno and they agreed to send one pair of the brand new Wave Inspire 20 to one lucky reader!
