On the textile side, Mizuno sponsors the National Handball League, but it's indoors, at the players' feet, that the Japanese brand has made a name: the Mizuno shoes on the page, starting with handball, rely on the same technology, the Wave plate.
Low-top or mid-top, women's and junior versions, from the Wave Stealth for high-level players to lightweight indoor ones for wingers and quick backs, with a few extra pairs for racket sports.
Mizuno describes Wave as a midsole technology that absorbs impact when the foot hits the ground, then disperses it, marrying cushioning and stability. Its shape varies depending on use: on the Wave Lightning, the plate extends outward from the front of the foot to support impulse, while on the Wave Momentum Pro, it works at the heel. Around it, Mizuno stacks its foams: Enerzy, soft and dynamic, Enerzy NXT, nitrogen-infused, and Enerzy XP, which the brand presents as its most bouncy insole material.
Three Mizuno families of handball have their own page. The page Wave Stealth brings together the Elite, Pro and Neo versions, from the pair designed for top-level players to the knitted upper of the Neo. Lightweight and close to the ground, the Wave Mirage primarily targets side players. The Wave Phantom seeks to compromise between cushioning and stability for lateral movements.
Beyond the three handball families, the page brings together indoor shoes designed for lightness and jumping, which handball players adopt for their lightness or cushioning. Each family has its own page.
The handball player brakes, pivots and makes contact: the choice depends mainly on their position. The Mizuno handball models focus on lateral support, with, for instance, a plate on the outside of the upper of the Wave Stealth Elite. A quick and lightweight winger or back can easily play in Wave Lightning or Wave Momentum, whose cushioning helps absorb the landing from a jump shot. A powerful back or a pivot that takes a lot of contact will be better supported in a handball shoe.
Mizuno also thinks about first seasons. The Stealth Star is presented as a handball shoe for beginner players: very flexible flat sole, shape that fits many feet, and removable insole. The Cyclone Speed, also flat and very flexible, follows the same logic for first sessions. Several models are also available in junior sizes, like the Thunder Blade or Wave Momentum Mid: the age filter highlights them.
Not all Mizuno on the page are indoor shoes. The Wave Exceed and Wave Enforce are made for tennis, with soles for clay or all surfaces, and the Break Shot along with a few other models follow the same court logic. Their rubber and sole pattern are designed for courts: on a wooden floor, they grip poorly and can damage the floor.
The size advice changes from one model to another. For the Wave Momentum Pro, Mizuno even suggests going a half size down, for a snugger fit. Before ordering, measure the length of your foot in centimeters and read the product sheet's recommendation: it is better than a conversion done from memory with another brand.
To situate Mizuno, the page shoes gathers all brands. For handball models, check out the shoes adidas, shoes Hummel, or shoes Kempa. For a lightweight indoor shoe for wingers, the shoes Asics and the shoes Nike are the natural comparisons.
The special shoe offers group together current discounts, across all brands, and the shoe clearance keeps end-of-lines. The Black Friday, followed by the shoe sales after the holidays, are other key times to watch.
For intensive club use, a Wave Stealth or a Wave Phantom will hold the foot better during contacts and lateral braking. For quick positions and recreational play, a Wave Lightning or a Wave Momentum, being lighter, will cushion landings well and may suffice.
In the families that have both, Elite refers to the most advanced version and Pro a version inspired by the Elite, which is simpler. The Wave Lightning Pro for example takes the Wave structure from the Elite, with a PoWnCe foam instead of the duo Enerzy NXT and Enerzy XP.
Yes. Several models are available in junior sizes, like the Thunder Blade, and the Stealth Star targets beginner handball players. Check the size chart on the sheet: children’s sizes have their own centimeter correspondence.
The Stealth Star, which Mizuno presents as a handball shoe for beginner players, features a very flexible flat sole. The Cyclone Speed or the Thunder Blade, lightweight and comfortable, are alternatives for a young player. The Wave Mirage, Wave Phantom or Wave Stealth families are suitable when the training pace increases.
This varies by model: for the Wave Momentum Pro, Mizuno recommends going a half size down. Measure your foot in centimeters and follow the size guide on the sheet.