Asics Gel Kayano Vs Mizuno Wave Rider: Which Is The Best Option For You? [2022]

[aff_disclosure]

Asics Gel Kayano and Mizuno Wave Rider are very consistent running shoes throughout their history. They will provide you with good cushioning and will last you for a good amount of time.

Then which one will be the best for you?

To find that out, we have compared Asics Gel-Kayano 28 and Mizuno Wave Rider 25 in this post. At the time of writing this post, these two are the current versions of the shoes.

In the sections below we have tried to provide you with as much detail as possible. So, without further ado let’s check out what we found when we compared Asics Gel Kayano Vs Mizuno Wave Rider.

This is our winner

The main differences between Asics Gel Kayano Vs Mizuno Wave Rider

• The heel-to-toe drop of Mizuno Wave Rider is 12mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Asics Gel-Kayano is 13mm for women and 10mm for men.
• Asics Gel-Kayano is a stability plus neutral running shoe whereas Mizuno Wave Rider is a neutral running shoe.
• Mizuno Wave Rider is a bit lighter than Asics Gel Kayano. For women, Mizuno Wave Rider weighs around 8.3oz or 235.3g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 9.1oz or 258g. For men, Mizuno Wave Rider weighs around 10.1oz or 286.33g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 10.9oz or 309g.
• For both versions of the shoes, Asics Gel Kayano has one more size available than Mizuno Wave Rider.
• Mizuno Wave Rider has multiple toe-box widths available whereas for Asics Gel-Kayano there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
• The latest generation of Asics Gel Kayano is 28 whereas the current generation of Mizuno Wave Rider is 25.

Mizuno Wave Rider Vs Asics Gel-Kayano – An Overview

Asics Gel Kayano is a neutral plus stability running shoe whereas Mizuno Wave Rider is a neutral running shoe. Both of them are good at providing you with cushioning and shock absorption.

However, the way they provide cushioning is different. Asics Gel Kayano uses a derivative of foam cushioning whereas Mizuno Wave Rider uses foam derivative along with their Cloud Waves.

Both of them are high mileage running shoes and will prove to be a good companion for your running.

In the following sections, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of Asics Gel-Kayano and Mizuno Wave Rider.

So, without further ado let’s proceed…

Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Vs Mizuno Wave Rider 25 – Features at a glance

Mizuno Wave Rider Vs. Asics Gel Kayano – A head to head comparison

In the above sections, we have covered a brief overview and some broader differences between Brooks Ghost and Asics Nimbus.

In the following sections, we have covered an in-depth comparison of the major features of these two shoes.

Outsole

The outsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider is made from blown rubber in the forefoot. This improved the cushioning and responsiveness.

Also, it has the X10. It is located in the heels and is a type of carbon rubber. This improves durability and traction.

Also, it has the Flex Controllers placed in the high flex areas. This acts as miniature wave plates for improved flexibility and an overall reduction of weight.

The outsole of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from AHAR or Asics High Abrasion Rubber. It is placed in critical areas.

This is a durable rubber that will enhance the overall lifespan of the shoe.

Also, it has grooves in the forefoot that ensures proper flexibility while running.

Midsole

The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider is made from U4ic. This is a lightweight foam that provides you with optimal shock absorption.

This foam is resilient and will provide you with a bouncy ride.

The midsole looks different on both sides. On the outer edge, it has a shaded colored line which is in sharp contrast to the sole colors. Whereas on the medial side, it laser engravings from almost heel to toe.

It has the Mizuno Enerzy which is a more responsive version of U4ic. This delivers a soft and cushy underfoot feel and will provide excellent impact resistance.

Also, the Mizuno Wave’s design is updated and the elastic, thermal plastic wave runs from the heel to the midfoot. This will provide you with a springy and we-cushioned ride.

The midsole of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from FyteFoam BLAST. This is a lightweight and durable material and will provide you with springy cushioning.

This is an environmentally friendly material and will decrease your overall carbon footprint.

Also, it has a gel cushioning system on both the rearfoot and the forefoot. This makes them excellent with shock absorption.

As mentioned earlier, Asics Gel Kayano is a stability plus neutral running shoe. To achieve that, it uses Dynamic DuoMax Support System. This reduces your pronation by controlling the movement of your foot. This also helps you to have a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

It has the Space Trusstic. This reduces the weight of the sole while providing stability and retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

Also, the gender-specific trusstic is adapted for men’s and women’s biomechanical needs. This provides each of them with protection and a smoother ride.

Also, the IGS or the Impact Guidance System is designed to provide you with a smooth and balanced heel-to-toe transition.

Upper

The upper of Mizuno Wave Rider is made from Eco-Friendly Engineered Air Mesh. This is a lightweight mesh that will provide you with good breathability and airflow.

Also, being eco-friendly will not increase your carbon footprint in this world.

This mesh comes with the usual bells and whistles like other mesh uppers. This stretches with your feet providing you with a more natural movement.

It has the traditional lace closure and it keeps this shoe securely fastened to your feet. It has the Mizuno Road Runner printed on the side along with some other patterns to make this look more stylish.

Mizuno Wave Rider has a traditional tongue and collar and is yet to adopt the extended Achilles support. 

This running shoe will provide you with a very comfortable in-shoe experience and will make your runs pleasurable.

The upper of Asics Gel-Kayano is made from Engineered Mesh as well. It is a lightweight mesh that provides you with good breathability and ease of movement.

This also helps to maintain structure and being non-sew, it will not irritate your skin.

This one also comes with traditional lace-up closure. Also, the laces are updated to a flat one. However, this one is also as good as the previous round laces and doesn’t come undone while running.

Also, the collar and the tongue are also like the previous model and it is yet to be upgraded to the more modern extended Achilles support.

Weight

In terms of weight, Mizuno Wave Rider is lighter than Asics Gel-Kayano.

Mizuno Wave Rider weighs around 8.3oz /235.3g for women and 10.1oz/286.33g for men.

Asics Kayano weighs around 9.1oz/258g for women and 10.9oz/309g for men.

Price

The price of Mizuno Wave Rider is lesser than Asics Gel-Kayano. If you compare the latest versions of these two running shoes, then Asics Kayano will cost you around $25 more. (At the time of writing this post).

This may be a bit of decision time for a neutral runner, however, for an overpronating runner, the only choice between these two shoes is Asics Gel-Kayano.

In the above sections, we have provided a very detailed comparison of Asics Gel-Kayano and Mizuno Wave Rider.

However, there are a few alternatives that can provide you with a similar running experience. They can be great options for your shoe rotation. Check them out below.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel-Kayano 28

Asics Gel-Kayano is a stability plus neutral running shoe. It has shock-absorbing cushioning and will provide you with an excellent running experience.

Its in-shoe environment is also very comfortable and the upper material provides unrestricted airflow for a healthy environment.

Another running shoe that can provide a similar running experience is New Balance 860. It is also a stability running shoe and will provide you with a very comfortable run.

1,410 Reviews

New Balance 860v11 Running Shoes

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Running Shoes Similar To Mizuno Wave Rider 25

Mizuno Wave Rider is a neutral running shoe. It is bouncy, agile and will provide you with a very comfortable running experience. It also has a very premium step-in feel and will provide you with a comfortable in-shoe environment.

A running shoe that will provide you with a similar running experience is Brooks Ghost. It will provide you with a balanced cushioning and is very comfortable to run in. This is one of the best alternatives to Mizuno Wave Rider.

34,442 Reviews

Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoes

• THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 14 offers a simplified midsole construction which creates more seamless transitions. This Brooks Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
• SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The Ghost 14 offers neutral support while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 13
• BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever. DNA LOFT now makes up the entire midsole, for a softer, smoother, ride.

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, you will find a lot of similarities and differences between Asics Gel-Kayano Vs Mizuno Wave Rider. However, we liked one of them a bit more than the other.

Asics Gel-Kayano has gel cushioning and is excellent at shock absorption. Also, The updated heel counter will provide a lot of ankle stability. Also, technically they are able to support both neutral and overpronating runners. Also, more sizes are available for both versions than Mizuno Wave Rider.

These are the reasons that we chose Asics Gel-Kayano over Mizuno Wave Rider.

If you happen to own any of these running shoes, we would love to share your experience with our readers. Do let us know in the comments section below.

Brooks Ghost Vs Asics Kayano

Brooks Adrenaline VS Asics Kayano