Wave Rider 29

Yes, for most runners the Wave Rider 29 fits true to size, so order your normal number. The heel and midfoot hold are secure and the lockdown is clean. The one thing to watch is the toe box, which is a medium fit and a little snug across the forefoot rather than roomy. If you have wider feet or like extra toe room on long runs, consider going half a size up or trying them on first, as there is no wide option in the standard UK range.

It is a strong choice for the bulk of marathon training. The cushioned, durable build handles easy runs, long runs and steady miles comfortably, and it stays consistent when your legs are tired late in a session. It is not a fast, plated shoe, so most runners pair it with something lighter and springier for tempo work and race day. As a workhorse to log your weekly volume in, though, the Wave Rider 29 is well suited and built to last a full training block.

Yes. Its forgiving cushioning, secure fit and stable, grounded platform make it an easy, low-fuss shoe to start running in. Beginners benefit from the soft landing and the durability, so one pair will see you through plenty of early miles. Just note it is a neutral shoe with no built-in support, so if you have been told you overpronate or need stability, look at a structured trainer like the Mizuno Wave Inspire instead.

The Wave Rider 29 continues Mizuno's move toward a softer, smoother ride, so it feels more cushioned and forgiving than the firmer Riders of a few years back and broadly in line with the recent Wave Rider 28. If you liked the 28, the 29 will feel familiar with refinements to fit and comfort. Longtime fans who preferred the old firm, snappy Wave Rider feel may find the modern versions plusher than they remember.

Durability is one of its strengths. Mizuno has a long reputation for hard-wearing shoes, and the Wave Rider 29 follows suit with a solid outsole and a well-built upper that resists early wear. Most runners can expect a full, reliable training life from a pair, comfortably into the hundreds of miles. That longevity is part of why it makes sense as a single do-everything daily trainer rather than a shoe you baby for special sessions.