Wave Rider 28

Yes, for most runners the Wave Rider 28 fits true to size, so order your usual number. The fit is secure and slightly snug rather than roomy, with a medium toe box. If you have wide feet or want extra toe room for marathon-length runs, half a size up is worth considering. The heel and midfoot lockdown are excellent, so you should get a clean, slip-free hold in your normal size.

Yes. Its firm, stable and forgiving ride makes it a sensible first proper running shoe for new runners building a base. The traditional 12mm drop and planted platform suit heel strikers, and the durable build means it will handle months of learning mileage. Just know it is firmer than the soft, bouncy trainers many beginners expect, so if you want plush cushioning underfoot you may prefer a softer daily shoe.

You can run a marathon in it, but it is not built as a racing shoe. The Wave Rider 28 is a firm daily trainer with no carbon plate and modest energy return, so it is better suited to training miles and long runs than chasing a personal best. Over 26.2 miles its firmness can start to feel like less protection than a softer shoe. Save it for building fitness and use a lighter race shoe on the day if speed is the goal.

Both are neutral daily trainers, but they feel different. The Nike Pegasus 42 is lighter and a touch more responsive with a lower drop, while the Wave Rider 28 is firmer, heavier and more planted with a traditional 12mm drop. If you want a versatile shoe that can pick up the pace, lean Pegasus. If you want structure, stability and a dependable steady ride, the Wave Rider suits better.

Durability is one of the Wave Rider 28's strengths. The firm midsole holds its shape well and resists packing out, and the road outsole wears slowly, so many runners get 500 to 800 kilometres from a pair depending on weight, gait and surfaces. That longevity, combined with the RRP of 140 pounds, makes it reasonable value per mile for a daily trainer built to take a beating.

No, it is a neutral shoe with no medial post. It does feel more stable than many neutral trainers thanks to its firm foam and wide, planted base, so mild overpronators often get on well with it. But if you need genuine motion control or have been prescribed a stability shoe, choose a purpose-built stability model instead rather than relying on the Wave Rider's inherent structure.