In previous Rider midsoles, Mizuno mixed and matched a handful of foams-ranging from its firmer U4ic to U4icX-both above and below the wave plate. Part of that is because the brand delivered on the promise that it teased us with in the Rider 24: a full-length midsole layer of luxuriously soft Enerzy foam. One longtime tester pegged this one as his favorite yet, and another said it’s definitely the softest and most cushioned. Twenty-five marks a huge milestone for the Rider, and that’s not just because Mizuno has now filled a quarter century with models of this shoe.
Throw in some stability features-an external TPU heel counter, wider platform, and secure lacing system-and you have a well-rounded trainer that locks in your foot and guards against ankle rolling. “It was like running in a soft moccasin that held your foot secure without any unwanted motion.” The Phantom’s coziness puts it in the same class as the Brooks Glycerin and Altra Paradigm. “I found the cushioning to be top-notch from front to back,” said one tester who’s a self-described heel striker. But the standout feature is the two-piece midsole, which provides firm cushioning and shock absorption-perfect for high mileage and runners with an aggressive cadence.
Some testers scoffed at the appearance of such a wide toebox, but appreciated how its odd shape prevented black toenails and blisters. Preserving the original’s traits, the new Phantom provides an accommodating fit with a generous amount of toe room.
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