Mizuno2025 Review
Mizuno Wave Stealth V
In stock at Amazon; you can see the price on their site.
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Mizuno's Wave technology within everyone's reach. Guaranteed solidity.
Fit
Who is it for?
- Position
- WingBackGoalkeeper
- Player weight
- 75 – 90 kg · 90 – 110 kg
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate
We recommend it if…
- Beginner-to-intermediate wings and goalkeepers
- Players who train 2-4 times a week and want real cushioning
- Those who want Wave technology without the high-end price
- Women looking for a handball shoe with a wide size range
Pick another if…
- Advanced-to-professional players who need the best grip
- Pivots who need dedicated lateral stability
- Very wide feet (narrow fit in the toe box)
- Those looking for a shoe that's ready from the first wear without break-in
Our test
The good and the bad
Pros
- Wave technology at a good price
- Great cushioning for its range
- Very durable
- Available in women's sizes
Cons
- Grip below the Wave Stealth Neo
- Somewhat stiff at first
Before you order
Sizes and fit
- Fit
- Regular
- Weight
- 295 g
- Drop
- 11 mm
Where to buy
Price at each shop
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Amazon.es
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See price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)How we score it
Score by category
- Grip
- 8.2
- Cushioning
- 8.5
- Stability
- 7.8
- Durability
- 8.4
- Value for money
- 9.2
Gorka Cabañas' opinion
Journalist. Former handball player and coach. Co-founder of Liftados
There's a question I get asked a lot at Liftados: "is it worth paying double for the Wave Stealth Neo if the Stealth V already has Wave technology?" My honest answer is that it depends on how many days a week you train and what category you compete in.
The Wave Stealth V has something few shoes in its price bracket offer: real cushioning, not marketing cushioning. Mizuno's Wave plate redistributes impacts mechanically, without depending on the density of the foam. That means that after six months of use, the joint protection is still there. The basic EVA of its competitors can't say the same. For intermediate wings and goalkeepers who train regularly, this durability is the strongest argument.
What the Stealth V doesn't have is the Neo's GUM8 compound: the GUM5 outsole is good, but the jump in grip quality is noticeable on very demanding courts. For División Provincial or school categories, GUM5 is more than enough. If you reach División de Honor or an equivalent level, GUM8 starts to make a difference. That's the real dividing line between the two models.
Published on 22 February 2026 · Liftados.com
On-court review
Full review
Grip and traction
The Mizuno Wave Stealth V uses the GUM5 indoor outsole, one of the Japanese brand's benchmark compounds for court sports. With an 8.2 for grip, it's clearly ahead of beginner models with generic EVA outsoles, and it delivers very reliable performance for the level it's aimed at. The difference from the Wave Stealth Neo (with GUM8 or GUM8+) is noticeable in field tests, especially on courts with built-up dust or resin, where more aggressive compounds have a significant advantage. For beginner-to-intermediate training and competition, GUM5 more than does the job and keeps its properties well throughout the season. The outsole pattern particularly favours lateral changes of direction and stops in the wing and goalkeeper positions.
Cushioning and energy return
The Mizuno Wave Stealth V's big advantage over similarly priced shoes is its cushioning system. Wave technology combined with AP+ foam offers joint protection that clearly surpasses the basic EVA of beginner models. With an 8.5 for cushioning (the highest score among models in its price bracket in the catalogue), the Wave Stealth V is an especially attractive option for players who train several times a week and build up volume. The 11 mm drop is the highest in the Stealth range, which makes it suitable for players with a higher heel or a tendency towards Achilles tendon overload. The Wave plate distributes impact forces efficiently and offers some energy return, although without the responsiveness of the Neo's U4icX+.
Stability and support
The Dynamotion Fit mesh upper on the Wave Stealth V wraps the foot evenly, adapting to movement without creating pressure points. With a 7.8 for stability, it's adequate for the positions it targets (wing, back, goalkeeper) without being the most supportive option on the market. For goalkeepers who make extreme stretches and need lateral hold in very open positions, the Wave Stealth Neo offers a more structured upper. The Stealth V is somewhat stiff in the first training sessions (a common trait of Wave technology) but moulds to the foot after 3-4 sessions. The standard-to-narrow fit in the toe box suits standard European foot shapes well.
Who this shoe is for
The Mizuno Wave Stealth V is the gateway to Mizuno's Wave technology and represents some of the best value for money in the catalogue within its price bracket. With a 9.2 for value for money, it's the logical choice for beginner-to-intermediate players who want Wave cushioning without going for the high end. Compared with the Asics Gel-Rocket 11, the Stealth V offers better cushioning thanks to the Wave plate, although Asics' GEL is more comfortable from the first wear. For goalkeepers and wings looking for a durable shoe with real cushioning technology, it's hard to find a better option at this price.
Liftados verdict · 7.9/10
The Mizuno Wave Stealth V brings Wave technology within reach of beginner-to-intermediate players. With the best cushioning in its price bracket (8.5/10) and outstanding durability, it's the smart choice for those who want Mizuno quality without going for the premium range. Especially recommended for goalkeepers and wings who train regularly.
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Comparisons
Which one suits you best?
What you ask us about the Mizuno Wave Stealth V
Which position is the Mizuno Wave Stealth V for?
What's the difference between the Mizuno Wave Stealth V and the Wave Stealth Neo?
Does the Mizuno Wave Stealth V have good cushioning for its price?
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