Head-to-Head
Wave Rider 29vsVaporfly 4
The Wave Rider 29 is a daily trainer shoe while the Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe. The Wave Rider 29 retails for $150 while the Vaporfly 4 comes in at $260 — a $110 difference. The Vaporfly 4 is the lighter shoe at 5.9 oz versus 9.3 oz for the Wave Rider 29. In our ratings, the Wave Rider 29 edges out the Vaporfly 4 — 9.0/10 versus 8.9/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.9 / 10 | |
| Price | $150✓ | $260 | |
| Weight | 9.3 oz | 5.9 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | High | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 10 mm | 6 mm | |
| Stack | 39 mm | 35 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Wide | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | High✓ | Medium | |
| Durability | Decent✓ | Bad |
