Horizon VS Wave Rider? In my book, the Wave Rider wins! Unfortunately I decided to return this shoe, but the decision didn’t come easy. The package arrived later in the evening, and I was anxious to try it on. My initial reaction was that it felt like heaven as the cushion was quite noticeable. The Mizuno Wave Rider has been my Go-To for many years, and suddenly I was starting to wonder if I had just stumbled upon a new favorite. I began thinking that this shoe, cushion wise, was much like my Asics Nimbus, and naturally I then tried one on for comparison. What I found was the Nimbus seems to have the most cushion, but the Mizuno Horizon runs a close 2nd. The shoe has a substantial bottom and a great feel. At this point I set the shoes aside to give them a better look in the daylight. I then took to Amazon to see what other colors are available since I was so impressed. This shoe is typically more costly than the Wave Rider, but I happened to find them at a discounted price, making them the cheaper option. Thus, my reason for deviating and ordering a different model, but certainly with high expectations. The following morning I went to check this shoe out again. I loved the way it looked and felt, but unfortunately noticed a couple details which ultimately resulted in my return. Perhaps the biggest issue I found was the way the cushion curves around the ankle. Previously I broke my fibula, which makes my ankle very sensitive. This cushion was just a touch high and although it is soft, I was concerned that long term this would irritate me. I tried on two pairs of Wave Riders that I had handy (19 & 21) and neither of these shoes rubbed my ankle in this way. The second thing I noticed was that when stepping over things, or on a surface that was not flat, the cushion did not hold me in place and my foot seemed to slide a little. Tightening the laces did help, but not 100%. Due to my old injury, my foot will never be the same, and I didn’t want to welcome a flare up, or even worse, re-fracture. The ever popular Wave Rider has a 12mm drop versus the Horizon which has a 10mm drop. Both of these shoes offer cushion, but the Horizon has noticeably more. If you look downward at the Horizon, you can see how the bottom sole is slightly wider than the rest of the shoe and provides quite a base. In addition, the Horizon also weighs a little more than the Wave Rider. If I had my foot measured at a shoe store, I would measure a 7.5-8, but in Mizuno I always order a 9. This sizing was consistent for both the Wave Rider and the Horizon. I have been wearing the Wave Rider since model 17, and have always taken the size 9. For sizing reference, I also take a size 9 in the Brooks Adrenaline. As I mentioned, I have a pair of Asics Nimbus which are 9.5, but tend to rub the ankle. I have recently purchased a pair of Asics GT 2000 9 which are also a size 9.5. In summary, although there was much to like about the Mizuno Horizon, I decided that long term I would probably be happier with another pair of Mizuno Wave Riders. If you like cushion, then I would definitely recommend the Horizon. If I didn’t have a bum ankle that is so sensitive, then I would probably have kept this shoe and been very pleased. Mizuno makes great running shoes, and is by far my preferred brand. If you haven’t tried them, then you don’t know what you’re missing; take that step and don’t look back! ????
