Mizuno Wave Rider 10

Wave Rider 10

Mizuno’s revolutionary Wave cushioning helped launch the Wave Rider running shoe in 1998, leading to a line of successful silhouette’s. 2007’s Wave Rider 10 was a particular fan-favourite, so in 2020, this classy mesh runner was brought back as part of the brand’s growing Sportstyle category of retro-infused lifestyle sneakers.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 10’s nostalgic upper features a highly breathable base layer of open-cell mesh and layers of durable synthetic panels. These bring sturdy structure to the heel, ensuring that it holds the foot firmly and provides solid lockdown, as a dual mudguard protects the toe. Meanwhile, generous padding around the collar and across the tongue combine with the cushy insole to ensure soft comfort throughout.

The sole unit of the Wave Rider 10 is filled with heritage performance technologies, making it incredibly supportive. A foam compound called U4ic delivers lightweight comfort, and shock-absorbing VS-1 cushioning reduces the chance of injury to the feet and joints. Alongside this, the undulating shape of the nature-inspired Wave Plate is specially designed to provide impact protection, stabilisation and energising propulsion. Powerful X10 rubber forms the outsole, its highly durable surface incorporating a variety of complex tread patterns for outstanding grip, particularly at the heel strike.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 10 is a striking sneaker with a classy throwback aesthetic. Everything flows from its dynamic Wave Plate, including the billowing overlays that create beautifully rolling curves over the upper and the eye-catching design lines that ripple across the midsole and meander through the outsole. Thorn-like spurs add an energising touch to the ankles as they point towards the branded heel badge. A shield-shaped patch etched with Mizuno’s charismatic RunBird adorns the tongue, echoing the larger logos on the sidewalls. The shoe’s technological components, from the X10 rubber to the VS-1 cushioning and the Mizuno Wave, are subtly labelled with debossed lettering, and Wave Rider 10 text stands out on the lateral ankle.

When the Mizuno Wave Rider 10 returned in 2020, it was part of Mizuno’s Kazoku initiative, which aims to bring together a community of sneaker-related brands into one family dedicated to growing the future of footwear design. The brand launched two expressive collaborative editions with contemporary Danish streetwear label Wood Wood alongside a series of general release colourways honouring the shoe’s noughties heritage.

Many subsequent versions have been inspired by aspects of Japanese history and traditions, such as the mysterious Yokai Pack, which is based on supernatural beings from the country’s deep folklore, while others, like the Millenium Pack, reflect elements of global culture. Collaborations are also a key part of the Wave Rider 10’s story, with notable sneakers coming from Italian streetwear shop One Block Down, British fashion retailer END. and London-based sneaker boutique Footpatrol.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 10 exemplifies the brand’s expertly designed performance technology and exceptional build quality while also expressing vintage sporting charm and providing comfort that lasts all day.