He really loved the Diadora B Icon which is a light speed shoe.
Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5
- Thread starter ericykchan
- Start date
JGads
G.O.A.T.
I've come to realize that if he hates a shoe I may like a lot. He hated the Mizuno 4s, I love them. Called the original Asics Court FF one of the worst shoes ever, and I thought it was one of the best. Also I can't understand his sizing recommendations - it seems every single shoe gets the same treatment: "It will fit narrow, medium and wide feet, but for 2E you might just want to go up a half size." Seems to say this for every single shoe and there is no chance some of those shoes worked on my wider foot when I tried them on, half size up or not.
Well B icon is more of a stability shoe with some speed features. It is not an ultra light weight shoe. (like 2-3 ounces overweight) Once again my opinion is he prefers stability shoes. There is lots to like about the B icon but it wouldn't be my first choice. If it was given to me I wouldn't hate my time in it.
I like he has a method to his madness. He tests shoes well and gives interesting feedback to how he feels he performs with said shoe. He talks about the material shoes are made of and how he feels it will perform. He mentions drop at least indirectly. He tests material for durability.
I dislike his sizing advice as it does seem to really help or relate to how I see shoes. I didn't notice weight being mentioned. Basically he likes a very stable shoe as far as I can tell. He likes inserts in a good number of shoes. I was that way a long time ago now I prefer a well fit lighter shoe with a more neutral feel and room for my wider forefoot while being locked in well.
RedBeard
Rookie
He does mention in the video that you have to "bring your own speed" with a shoe like the Exceed. And in other videos has admitted that he's not in the tennis shape he'd like to be in (which could describe a lot of tennis players). So he's probably naturally inclined to want a shoe that gives a little more "energy". At the end of the day I think his channel has been a great help at least quantifying some things to help me narrow down my options before I order. Unfortunately, the only way to really know is to get a shoe and play in it. Not as easy as it used to be when shoes have gotten both hard to find and more expensive.
Overall the problem with shoe reviews is you only have your pair of feet to test with...what works well for the reviewer might not work well for others. HE obviously like a certain type of shoe. I mean he did say the Exceed 4 was likely the best lightweight shoe: of 2020. He is surely biased towards stability shoes, at least from watching the XX reviews I watched.
AceyMan
Professional
Got my pair today. The heel fit seems great, I think I may like the elf style collar.
Forefoot cushion seems a mm thinner at least.
With insoles out they are 5 grams less than my lightly worn TE4 (Galatic colorway). Not worth giving up forefoot cushion from how I see things.
The armored upper is very supple and seems airy. This may be a great shoe for the hotter climes of TX, AZ, etc.
The flat, unpadded tongue is fail, as I was worried about. This is a "do not pass GO" issue for me, ymmv.
I may stand up in them while I string tomorrow but I suspect they are going back.
Too bad, Mizuno.
Forefoot cushion seems a mm thinner at least.
With insoles out they are 5 grams less than my lightly worn TE4 (Galatic colorway). Not worth giving up forefoot cushion from how I see things.
The armored upper is very supple and seems airy. This may be a great shoe for the hotter climes of TX, AZ, etc.
The flat, unpadded tongue is fail, as I was worried about. This is a "do not pass GO" issue for me, ymmv.
I may stand up in them while I string tomorrow but I suspect they are going back.
Too bad, Mizuno.
I was excited to see Mizuno shoes back in the line-up at Tennis Warehouse. The Wave Exceed Tour 4 were my favorite shoes since the Asics Gel Resolution 6. However, my honest review on the Wave Exceed Tour 5 is that some executive at Mizuno attempted to justify their salary by messing with perfection, and they should resign.
The toe box was noticeably wider, and overall, this is a wider fitting shoe. Although the Tour 4 was a snug fit, I personally found it comfortable and secure. With the Tour 5, I had to tightly lace the shoes and even use the back hole, and I still had some heel slippage. Also, Mizuno traded in the plush shoe tongue for a thinner and more rigid tongue which is less comfortable and does little to improve the overall ventilation of the line. I also feel like this iteration took a step back in arch support and stability.
I feel like this shoe would be a step forward for the Wave Exceed SL2 AC. However, if you were a fan of the Wave Exceed Tour 4, this version is a step backward. If you found that 4 was too snug, the Wave Exceed Tour 5 shoes may be a good try for you.
The toe box was noticeably wider, and overall, this is a wider fitting shoe. Although the Tour 4 was a snug fit, I personally found it comfortable and secure. With the Tour 5, I had to tightly lace the shoes and even use the back hole, and I still had some heel slippage. Also, Mizuno traded in the plush shoe tongue for a thinner and more rigid tongue which is less comfortable and does little to improve the overall ventilation of the line. I also feel like this iteration took a step back in arch support and stability.
I feel like this shoe would be a step forward for the Wave Exceed SL2 AC. However, if you were a fan of the Wave Exceed Tour 4, this version is a step backward. If you found that 4 was too snug, the Wave Exceed Tour 5 shoes may be a good try for you.
d-quik
Hall of Fame
which video does he say this in? Did he take it down? I have these still unused
JGads
G.O.A.T.
It was in a casual chat/interview with him done by another tennis youtuber, not in a review. I can't remember the video or source exactly.
d-quik
Hall of Fame
Dude I have the FF1s and I don't find anything wrong with them. He rates the FF2s as the best shoe right now (along with the Raptors) so I wonder what the differences are. Never tried the FF2s
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Any further experiences with these?
And mainly: is everyone staying in the same size as the 4s or actually sizing down? I ask because I'm a 44/10.5US in the 4s, which fit me a little long but the overall shoe locks me in enough (with aftermarket insole) where I'm good to go, not slipping, width more accommodating. But some people have reported this one to be an even wider foot, or softer in the uppers, which makes me wonder if the 44/10.5US would be too big in these and i should size down if indeed these are at all more generous either in length or width.
Really love the 4s. Seems they're all gone now in my size.
And mainly: is everyone staying in the same size as the 4s or actually sizing down? I ask because I'm a 44/10.5US in the 4s, which fit me a little long but the overall shoe locks me in enough (with aftermarket insole) where I'm good to go, not slipping, width more accommodating. But some people have reported this one to be an even wider foot, or softer in the uppers, which makes me wonder if the 44/10.5US would be too big in these and i should size down if indeed these are at all more generous either in length or width.
Really love the 4s. Seems they're all gone now in my size.
I have had a pair for about 1 month now:
I'm a US 11. Ordered the same size before the TW review suggesting to go down 0.5 size. Glad I got the same size b/c it doesn't feel long, and I think my toes would've been cramped w/ a 10.5.
Very lightweight, nimble shoe. Despite the hard outsole, they feel grippy on the court. Easy to slide on hardcourt, though very squeaky/loud. Cushioning seems thin, but don't hurt my feet after playing for a couple of hours (I use orthotics).
Looking forward to a new pair if I can wear through the outsole w/in the 6-month warranty period.
Overall, I'm very pleased w/ the 5 (I usually favor Adidas shoes), and I don't think I'll go back to a heavy model after this.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Pretty great you’re able to slide on HC as that’s the one thing I would change on the 4s (and 5s seem to have the same outsole): that extreme stickiness I seem to find which prevents me from finding those slide-stops on HC that I can get easily with Asics. Others seem to find this as well with the Mizunos, so you sliding on HC so early, you must be a fast mover/good technique or have slicker courts? Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I’m still wondering whether I’ll need to go down a half size from the 4s or not but it sounds like you didn’t have the 4s.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the 4s, so I can't compare.
I am fast, so maybe that's why it's easy to slide on HC (and it is the slide/stop that happens naturally). Due to the supply shortage, I've been trying different brands of shoes, other than my go-to adidas. I don't remember any other brand squeaking (Diadora, Wilson) as much as the 5s.
d-quik
Hall of Fame
The squeak is literally the sound of unlazy but indecisive footwork. If there is no squeeze it means your footwork is either lazy like a sloth OR god tier and super decisive (nothing in between) whereby you are not making small quick adjustments and already know where the contact point is going to be on every shot. Acquiring this level of movement means you are seeing the ball super early and have amazing judgement of the ball's trajectory
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
At home trying on the 5’s right now with the 4’s on the other foot. Same size (10.5) but I like the 4’s better and the 4’s have many many hours on them. 5’s are slightly wider and lighter, but the upper is more flimsy. If I put the same Cadence insole in the 5, my heel slips out. Side to side, the upper of the 5 doesn’t hold up and it’s just too flimsy. Could be due to the wider fit that I’m feeling from the 5. Regardless, open stance groundstrokes recovery steps feel way more stable/faster in the 4’s (I think it’s called the slalom, idk) I’m not bothered by the tongue of the 5 but I like the extra cushioning of the traditional tongue in the 4.
Fit on the 5 is generous. I have a somewhat wide foot and I can actually splay my toes. These would be great for walking tbh
Cushioning underfoot is similar
Looks I guess are cooler (I have the white blue orange 4’s, and the white blue 5’s)
I’m also trying the Revolt Evo’s since the Pro’s aren’t in stock right now. Those are better than the 5’s but I like these 4’s the best. The Evo’s have too much mesh on the lateral side of the upper and the recovery is eh.
I might wait for the Pro’s but these 4’s are almost through.
Fit on the 5 is generous. I have a somewhat wide foot and I can actually splay my toes. These would be great for walking tbh
Cushioning underfoot is similar
Looks I guess are cooler (I have the white blue orange 4’s, and the white blue 5’s)
I’m also trying the Revolt Evo’s since the Pro’s aren’t in stock right now. Those are better than the 5’s but I like these 4’s the best. The Evo’s have too much mesh on the lateral side of the upper and the recovery is eh.
I might wait for the Pro’s but these 4’s are almost through.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Length between 4/5 is the same for you? Just a slight width difference?
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
I like these better than that Wave exceed tour 4 because they ride a little lower to the ground and I can feel the court better and feel much faster. The 4's were 5 percent more comfortable just walking around but the on court performance wasn't nearly as good because they were bulkier and sat up higher. I am rotating these and the Ubersonic 4, and the zoom NXT. but am finding myself reaching for these more often. The ubersonic 4 Clay have the better traction on clay. The zoom NXT looks the best. but the exceed tour 5 win in every other category. looking forward to more colors.
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
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Kevin T
Hall of Fame
Agree 100% regarding the lower ride. I actually much prefer the 5 even with slightly less cushioning because the heel to toe drop is a bit lower. The 4's made me feel like my heels were a bit too high and I prefer lower drop shoes in running and other sports, so the 5s work well. The upper is extremely comfortable vs something like the Solution Speed FF, which is stiff and constricting for my slightly wider than average foot. I'm a big dude at 6'4" and ~230# and a supinator with a high arch, so the lower degree of support is perfect for me. Someone with flat feet and/or pronation might need more structure/support. I've been wearing Asics tennis shoes for nearly 10 years but I'm pretty happy with my 5's.
AceyMan
Professional
411 => they are a whopping five grams less than the 4s–in my size US11.5–but yet so much more flimsy, it should be at least twenty grams lighter. But it's not <shrug>.
So, unless stability and cushion are *actually negatives*, as for you weirdo supinator / high arch types
then the ET5 is not the better shoe of the two designs, imho.
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dsp9753
Semi-Pro
I am really enjoying the mizunos and they are very comfortable. I have 2-3 cons with the shoes.
1. Soles are too grippy. I know strange, but when I want to slide, I feel like I am about to trip as it grips the courts too well.
2. The laces are super super long. I had to cut them short.
3. This may be a pro or con, but I am only about 6? 7? weeks in and I have already almost worn through the forefoot sole.
But these are probably my new favorite shoes. Close second would be the Babolat Jet Mach 3. I may need to do a thorough side by side comparison of the 2. I am coming from Nike 9.5s and 10s.
1. Soles are too grippy. I know strange, but when I want to slide, I feel like I am about to trip as it grips the courts too well.
2. The laces are super super long. I had to cut them short.
3. This may be a pro or con, but I am only about 6? 7? weeks in and I have already almost worn through the forefoot sole.
But these are probably my new favorite shoes. Close second would be the Babolat Jet Mach 3. I may need to do a thorough side by side comparison of the 2. I am coming from Nike 9.5s and 10s.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Yep, the grip is my main gripe with the 4s on hardcourt. So sticky and wish I could slide-stop more. The 5s I got in the clay version for matches there because I saw the 5s have the same sole as the grippy 4s.
But for these cons, Mizuno has still made two shoes here that will please many.
I decided to try the 5’s for the first time for an hour and some last night. They worked out just fine. The newness of the outsole helped with stability. I didn’t mind the fit and I wasn’t thinking about them too much. Pretty light and fast feeling. Comfortable too.
I still like the fit of the 4’s around my ankle though. It’s more secure with the padded tongue and I prefer the traditional heel.
The 4’s I was able to slide in. The 5’s I’ve only slid in once so far
I still like the fit of the 4’s around my ankle though. It’s more secure with the padded tongue and I prefer the traditional heel.
The 4’s I was able to slide in. The 5’s I’ve only slid in once so far
JGads
G.O.A.T.
After playing in the 5s again I have to say this is spot on - the stability and cushioning comfort a bit better in the 4s, but not huge; court feel much better with these. I just realized those Zoom NXTs are said to have a roomier fit, possibly for wide feet. True? The Mizuno 5s are super for my wider foot.
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
The zoom NXT's are a medium/wide-ish fit but the Upper on the exceed tour 5's are more stretchy/elastic so they feel roomier.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
And sounds like you much prefer the Mizunos?
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
100%
If i'm a little sore and need a little more support/bulk under me then I like the Zoom Nxt to mix it up. It's a great shoe but the mizuno is the fastest, most comfortable shoe I've tried.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Superfeet blue for me, as I did with the 4s. But the heel was a bit more locked in with the 4. I’m not so sure the heel design actually works. Don’t know the science behind it, but objectively looking at it I’m not sure how effective a higher heel is when it falls away from the actual heel? Been wondering about this. Anyway, still, the 5 is a good shoe I’m using more as a fast match shoe sometimes on clay, but longer training sessions on hard I’m still using the Mizuno 4s for now. (And just added a last pair I could find in my size, unfortunately in the quite loud red colorway.)
Vicious49
Legend
I took the factory insole out and replaced it with SuperFeet green. Seems to work fine for me.
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
Where did you wear through? Uppers or sole? If it was the sole, I bet the toe area wore through on one side.
MoxMonkey
Semi-Pro
ericykchan
Rookie
New color!
I finally got a pair (as gift from a good friend) in black. They are very light. Since I played with GP turbo and Court FF2, the difference is night and day. I didn't get any of the ankle rolling problem so these are really great shoes. Cushioning is the same as Court FF2 but make me moves so much faster on court. Love them!
【All Court】Wave Exceed Tour 5 AC [Unisex] |61GA2276| Shoes | Tennis | Mizuno Official Online
I finally got a pair (as gift from a good friend) in black. They are very light. Since I played with GP turbo and Court FF2, the difference is night and day. I didn't get any of the ankle rolling problem so these are really great shoes. Cushioning is the same as Court FF2 but make me moves so much faster on court. Love them!
【All Court】Wave Exceed Tour 5 AC [Unisex] |61GA2276| Shoes | Tennis | Mizuno Official Online
ericykchan
Rookie
I have slightly wider feet but fits into usual size, US 8.5. It is a little long but still works well. No experience with Yonex shoes I am afraid.
Forgot to mention in previous post, the tongue is indeed too short, not a deal breaker but enough for me to consider to get a second pair or try Speed FF2 instead.
Just picked up a pair on sale. Wow. Coming from GP Turbos and was looking for something lighter and lower to the ground and these are indeed both. Fit is true to size, no heel slippage, a bit of extra space in the toe box but not enough to size up a half size. Also with Asics the plastic toe box dug into my toes when stepping. No such issue with the Mizunos. As people have mentioned the tongue is super thin and too short but no issue w. laces digging. Super grippy as well. Need a couple more hours of play time but all good with these so far.
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