As I review the newly launched Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2, I can confidently say it’s a top-tier professional sports shoe, perfect for highly intensive activities such as volleyball and handball. Athletes have particularly found it useful as it offers stability, cushioning, and responsiveness in one shoe. Now, let’s explore how this latest model sets itself apart from the rest.
Design and Fit
Upper Construction: The shoe has a knit upper with embossing, which is stylish and resistant to wear. This material provides additional strength and rigidity necessary for lateral movements characteristic of volleyball. Compared to other top volleyball shoe models, the newly released Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2 stands out for its enhanced breathability and durability, ensuring players have the most up-to-date performance technology, such as those in this volleyball shoe guide.
Fit
This shoe is specially made for players with average arch height, narrow heels, or average foot width because it will give them a snug fit to boost stability. This heel pull tab is functional, and the shoe can easily be slipped on and off. But then again it may be a little small for those players who have wider feet. In such circumstances, it is advisable to take a pair half size up to eradicate the problem.
For women looking for more shoe options with a tailored fit and extra support, explore our volleyball shoe options for women.
Comfort & Sole Construction
Mizuno ENERZY NXT Foam: The most prominent feature of Wave Stealth Neo 2 is the Mizuno ENERZY NXT foam which provides the best cushioning and shock absorption for the fast cutting and jumping inherent to volleyball. This foam is 17% softer and rebounds 15% better than previous models and that makes it one of the best for players who require best shock absorption.
Mizuno Wave Technology
The Wave plate located in the midsole helps distribute the impact forces across the larger area of the foot, relieving your joints. Whether you are a middle blocker or an outside hitter, this technology will help you feel comfortable upon landing and is excellent for players with issues with their knees and joints.
PoWnCe Midsole
Another feature is the PoWnCe midsole, which is 10% lighter than conventional midsoles and also provides the characteristics of rebound and shock absorption. The lighter weight also allows players to retain their speed and mobility during longer matches, when switching from defense to offense, for instance.
Outsole & Traction
D-FLEX Groove and Dynamotion Groove: The D-FLEX Groove in the outsole can support maximum speed and power during turns and the Dynamotion Groove can help stabilize by offering flex grooves for smooth transitions. These features make this shoe one of the best choices for players who are looking to be on the field and have the best grip as explained in this best volleyball shoes guide.
Non-Marking Rubber Outsole: The XG rubber outsole does not cause marking on indoor surfaces, therefore allowing the Wave Stealth Neo 2 to be used on both volleyball and handball courts.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional cushioning: The Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam offers shock absorption and energy rebound. | Narrow fit: Players with wide feet may find it too tight during prolonged use. |
| Stability & support: Ideal for quick lateral movements, thanks to the Mizuno Wave technology. | Less flexible midsole: Some players might want more flexibility for added comfort. |
| Durable outsole: The XG rubber outsole provides excellent traction on both clean and dusty surfaces. | |
| Lightweight and breathable: Perfect for long matches, keeping feet cool and nimble. |
Stability & Performance
Raised EVA Lateral Sidewall: For the players who make sudden and fast movements across the court, the raised EVA lateral sidewall provides a stability factor. Whether you’re diving for the ball for a dig or jumping to block a shot, this feature decreases your ability to roll your ankle.
Lightweight Design
For a shoe that offers this kind of support, this one is amazingly light at only 355 grams. This does not, however, mean that it is a less stable shoe as it is designed for those players who require flexibility on the field.
In contrast to other volleyball shoes like the Nike HyperSet, the Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2 offers a perfect blend of cushioning and lightweight which are important aspects for a volleyball player.
Key Features Recap
Upper Material: The use of mesh technology integrated with a knit upper also increases the breathability and support of the shoe.
Midsole: The Mizuno Wave Technology and Mizuno Enerzy NXT both come with functional double-layer cushioning and shock dispersion.
Outsole: This high-traction rubber outsole will afford multi-directional movements in the court with optimum grip.Outsole: High traction rubber outsole with special grooves to maximize the grip while making multidirectional movements on the court.
Conclusion
All in all, The newly launched Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2 is one of the top volleyball shoes on the market, offering the latest innovations in stability, support, and responsiveness. No matter if you are a middle blocker or a setter or an outside hitter, you can simply concentrate on your performance without any concern about the shoe. With the help of a lightweight build complemented by the Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam, it is a perfect fit for any volleyball player.
For more details and the latest pricing, check out:
The Athlete’s Foot – Mizuno Wave Stealth Neo 2
