Mizuno Wave Stealth, handball shoes

Wave Stealth Elite, designed for high-level players

Mizuno claims to have created the Elite for high-level players, with two priorities: lightness and stability. Its upper combines synthetic leather and technical mesh, in a half-sock for a tighter fit. A plate on the outside of the upper helps with quick direction changes, and an external heel counter stabilises the back of the foot. Mizuno states that the shoe weighs around three hundred ten grams.

Enerzy XP at the front, XG+ rubber underneath

Under the front of the foot, the midsole made of Enerzy XP cushions and returns energy with every push, and the insole uses the same material, the bounciest according to Mizuno. The outsole made of XG+ rubber grips more than the previous XG, for sharper direction changes. The Wave plate in the middle balances cushioning and stability.

Wave Stealth Pro: a Wave all the way

The Pro relies, according to its retailers, on a continuous Wave construction and Enerzy NXT foam for cushioning and energy return, with an insole made of Enerzy. It is available in a unisex version and a women's version. It's the Stealth for regular players who want the brand's technology without going up to the Elite.

Wave Stealth Neo: the knitted upper

The Neo is recognisable by its textured knitted upper. Mizuno combines it with a full-length Wave plate for stability and grip, lightweight PoWnCe foam, and Enerzy NXT for cushioning. Several generations of Neo coexist on the page, in both unisex and women's styles.

Elite, Pro or Neo: which one to choose?

• Elite: for competitive players who want the most bounce at the front of their foot and a locked-in feel at the laces.
• Pro: for regular club players who want a complete Stealth.
• Neo: for those who prefer the comfort of a knitted upper that fits the foot like a sock.

The Wave Stealth for women

Elite, Pro, and Neo come in women's versions, with their own colours, from white and aqua to blue and white. The women's filter groups them in one click for side-by-side comparison.

Starting with the Stealth, or choosing another Mizuno

For a first club, the Stealth Star, which Mizuno targets at beginners, is available on the Mizuno shoes page. The two other families for handball are the Wave Mirage, lightweight and close to the ground, and the Wave Phantom, focused on the balance between cushioning and stability.

A discounted Stealth

To spend less, check out the closeout deals on the shoe clearance and the discounts on special offer shoes. A previous generation Stealth keeps the essentials: the Wave plate and an indoor sole designed for handball.

Frequently asked questions

Which Wave Stealth for a winger?

The Elite, lightweight and very responsive at the front of the foot, is suitable for the starts of a winger playing in competition. In clubs, a Neo or a Pro works very well. If you're looking for lightness above all, compare it with the Wave Mirage.

Are the older Wave Stealth still worth it?

Yes, if the size and colour suit you. From one generation to the next, the base remains the same: Wave plate, indoor rubber, and an upper designed for handball. The changes mainly involve the foams and the material of the upper.

Wave Stealth or Stealth Star to start?

The Stealth Star is designed for beginners: very flexible flat sole, shape that fits many feet, removable insole. It is enough for a first season. The Wave Stealth comes into play when training intensity increases.

How to avoid slipping on a dusty floor?

Wipe the sole with your palm or clean it with a damp towel between actions. And keep the pair for the court: a single trip on foot is enough to dirty the rubber.

How long does a pair of Wave Stealth last?

The lifespan depends on the number of hours played, the build, and maintenance. Keep an eye on the rubber under the front of the foot: when it becomes smooth, grip decreases quickly, and it's time to replace them.