Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsWave Rider 29
The Nucleo 2 and Wave Rider 29 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Wave Rider 29 comes in at $150 — a $15 difference. The Wave Rider 29 is the lighter shoe at 9.3 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Nucleo 2. Both score 9.0/10 in our ratings.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 9.0 / 10✓ | |
| Price | $165 | $150✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 9.3 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | High | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 10 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 39 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Wide | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Good✓ | Decent |
