Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 Review

As a passionate tennis player, I always seek the best equipment to enhance my game. And when it comes to tennis shoes, finding the right pair can be a game-changer.

That’s why I was excited to try out the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5, a shoe making waves in tennis.

Some notable professional tennis players who have been seen wearing the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 include former world number one and Grand Slam champion Kei Nishikori, Roberto Bautista Agut and Italian player Matteo Berrettini (recently snapped up by Asics with a new deal)

These players and many others have recognised the shoe’s high-quality materials, comfortable fit, and excellent performance on the court.

Many recreational players and avid tennis enthusiasts have also adopted the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 as their go-to tennis shoe, thanks to its impressive combination of style, comfort, and support.

I’m excited to share my experience with this shoe in this review, including its standout features and performance on different surfaces. Let’s go.

About Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5

The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 is Mizuno’s flagship tennis shoe and comes in various colour options, so there is something for everyone.

Like many other modern tennis shoes, it has a bootie sock-type construction with the tongue attached to the upper.

I opted for the light blue and grey pair, which looked great on the court. I was immediately impressed with the design and fit of the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5. 

Key Features of the Wave Exceed Tour 5

The fifth generation of the Wave Exceed Tour brings in Enerzy technology designed to give more rebound into your step to help maximise foot speed.

Mizuno has also reduced the weight compared to the last version, and the upper material is lightweight, breathable and flexible to enhance comfort.

Mizuno’s wave technology is the mainstay of this line and is again present. This tech uses Pebaxmaterial to distribute the shock from landing all over the shoe platform rather than concentrating in one spot, reducing the risk of injuries.

On the bottom, Mizuno’s DuRubber outsole is a durable rubber to withstand the wear and tear of courts. A six-month outsole durability guarantee also backs it.

Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 Playtest

GET THE MIZUNO WAVE EXCEED TOUR 5

First Impressions

From the moment I slipped on these shoes, I could tell they were different from anything I had worn.

The lightweight design felt like a second skin, and the snug fit provided the support I needed to make quick movements on the court.

Design and fit are two critical factors that can make or break a player’s performance on the court. Within the first twenty minutes of playing, I noticed the shoe to be particularly lightweight.

This characteristic allowed me to move easily and quickly on the court. Nevertheless, Mizuno managed to maintain its steadiness even with minimal weight.

The shoes’ low profile provided me with better stability and balance. The upper part of the shoe felt durable and sturdy.

Moreover, the padded tongue and collar significantly positively impacted my comfort level, protecting my skin from forming painful blisters.

Comfort

I have tried many high-performance shoes, including Asics Gel Resolution, Solution Speed, K-Swiss Hypercourt supreme, and many more.

However, it did not take long to realise that for me, the comfort level of the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 is unmatched, and they are some of the best tennis shoes you can buy right now.

The shoes have a cushioned insole, which provides excellent comfort and support. I have worn these shoes for several hours on the court, and my feet did not feel fatigued or sore.

The shoe’s overall fit is snug but not tight, allowing for a comfortable and natural feel while playing. I appreciated that the shoe wasn’t too narrow, which can be a common issue with some tennis shoes, especially those with wider feet.

Another aspect of the design that I appreciated was the ample cushioning around the heel and ankle. This added comfort and support, which I immediately noticed during long matches and practices.

The shoe’s padding helps absorb shock and prevent discomfort or pain, especially for players with foot or ankle problems.

Stability

The shoe’s shape hugs the foot tightly, providing a secure and supportive fit.

This is especially important in a sport like tennis, where quick movements and sudden stops can strain the feet greatly.

The Wave Exceed Tour 5’s design helps keep the foot stable and prevents any slippage, which can significantly distract during play.

The tongue of the shoe is also worth mentioning. It’s attached to the inner lining, which prevents it from slipping around during play, as I’ve experienced with other shoes. The laces are thick and durable, which helps keep the foot in place and prevents slippage.

The Wave Exceed Tour 5’s design provides excellent support and stability, which is crucial for tennis players.

Durability

Regarding tennis shoes, durability and price are two factors that often go hand in hand. While some shoes may be more affordable, they may not offer the same level of quality as more expensive options.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5’s quality-price ratio. While these shoes aren’t the most affordable option on the market, they offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability.

One of the things I appreciated about the Wave Exceed Tour 5 was its durability. The shoe’s materials are of high quality and built to last.

As I said before, despite regular use, I’ve worn these shoes for several weeks, and they show no signs of wear and tear.

This is especially important for tennis players who tend to put a lot of stress on their shoes during play. Also, remember that the shoe’s performance on the court is impressive.

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 offers an excellent quality-price ratio. While they may not be the most affordable option on the market, their high-quality materials, durability, and impressive performance on the court make them an excellent investment for any tennis player looking to up their game.

Traction

Choose Your Version: Clay or All-Court Surfaces?

As a tennis player who primarily plays on clay courts, I had the opportunity to try out the clay court version of the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5.

The herringbone outsole pattern provided excellent traction on the clay surface, allowing me to quickly stop and turn without slipping.

The shoe’s low-profile design also helped me maintain balance and stability on the uneven clay surface. I was impressed with the shoe’s durability, as it showed no signs of wear and tear even after several matches and practices.

However, when I played on hard courts, I found that the clay court version of the shoe didn’t perform as well as I had hoped.

The herringbone pattern didn’t provide enough traction on the harder surface, and I slipped more often.

This is where the all-court version of the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 came in handy. The modified herringbone pattern is suitable for various surfaces, making it a more versatile option for players who play on different court types.

Thus, choosing the right shoe for the surface, you play on is essential for optimal performance. As mentioned above, I primarily play on clay courts, making the clay court version of the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 an excellent choice for me.

However, the all-court version becomes my best option when I play on hard courts. Regardless of which Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 I ultimately decide to wear, I can confidently say that it is a high-performance tennis shoe that combines comfort, support, and durability.

Weight

My Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour are a size US 8.5, UK 6 and EU 39. On the scales, they weighed in at 266g (9.4oz)

This puts them firmly on the lighter side of the scale, and for comparison, one of the heaviest shoes is the Asics Court FF 3, which comes in at 366g in the same size.

Wave Exceed Tour 4 vs Wave Exceed Tour 5

As someone who has tried both the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 and the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4, I can say that the newest version significantly improved over its predecessor.

The most noticeable difference is the weight of the shoe. The Wave Exceed Tour 5 is lighter and more comfortable than the Wave Exceed Tour 4. Mizuno achieved this by using a new sole material that is lighter and more durable.

The new version also features an improved fit, with a more secure and snug feel around the foot. Additionally, the Wave Exceed Tour 5 has better ventilation, which helps keep your feet cool and dry during long matches.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 is an excellent tennis shoe with impressive performance, comfort, and style.

The shoe’s top-notch design and fit provide a secure and stable feel on the court. The shoe’s cushioning and support make it an excellent choice for those with foot or ankle problems, as it helps absorb shock and prevent discomfort.

One of the standout features of the Wave Exceed Tour 5 for me is its durability. The shoe’s materials are high quality and built to last, making it a good buy for tennis players who want a shoe that will withstand regular wear and tear.

I highly recommend the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 to anyone looking for high-quality, comfortable, stylish tennis shoes.

Whether you’re a recreational player or a seasoned professional, the Wave Exceed Tour 5’s combination of performance and style makes it a shoe worth trying.

Pros

Cons

The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour is available in both men’s and women’s versions.

Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour line of shoes? If so, do you prefer the five over the four? Any questions about them? Let me know in the comments.