Head-to-Head
Wave Rider 29vsLaunch 12
The Wave Rider 29 and Launch 12 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Wave Rider 29 retails for $150 while the Launch 12 comes in at $120 — a $30 difference. The Launch 12 is the lighter shoe at 8.9 oz versus 9.3 oz for the Wave Rider 29. In our ratings, the Wave Rider 29 edges out the Launch 12 — 9.0/10 versus 8.2/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.2 / 10 | |
| Price | $150 | $120✓ | |
| Weight | 9.3 oz | 8.9 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Balanced | |
| Drop | High | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 10 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 39 mm | 35 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Wide | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | High✓ | Medium | |
| Durability | Decent | Good✓ |
