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Volleyball Shoes

Asics Metarise 2 vs Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8

Asics Metarise 2 and Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 are both volleyball shoes built for explosive court movement, but they solve different player needs. Metarise 2 is the premium jump shoe for hitters who want lift and ankle support, while Wave Lightning Z8 is the lighter speed model with quick transitions and better value.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

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Asics Metarise 2 logo — Volleyball Shoes comparison

Asics

Asics Metarise 2

A premium volleyball shoe designed to help outside and opposite hitters jump higher with a high-curvature toe, carbon-fiber-reinforced plate, FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, and MONO-SOCK ankle support.

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Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 logo — Volleyball Shoes comparison

Mizuno

Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8

A lightweight volleyball shoe for speed-focused indoor players, using Mizuno Wave, Mizuno Enerzy NXT, Mizuno Enerzy cushioning, XG Rubber, and a monofilament mesh upper.

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Specifications

FeatureAsics Metarise 2Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8
Product typePremium volleyball shoe for jump-focused hittersLightweight indoor volleyball shoe for speed and responsive cushioning
Official US price$235 on Asics United States product pageNot officially specified from the main Mizuno USA catalog during verification; official Japan listing is 16,500 yen tax included
Model / style code1051A089-700 for checked Bubblegum/Black Asics US listingV1GA2400 on official Mizuno product pages
Target playerOutside and opposite hitters who want to jump higherVolleyball players seeking cushioning at a light weight and faster, higher jumps; especially recommended for wing spikers on Mizuno global pages
Surface / sportVolleyball / indoor court useCourt / indoor volleyball
Main positioningHigher and more powerful jumps with premium takeoff supportResponsive cushioning and propulsive feel in a lightweight speed model
Midsole / cushioningFF BLAST PLUS foam for more bounce, more cushioning, energized jumps, and softer landingsMizuno Enerzy NXT and Mizuno Enerzy sockliner at forefoot, Mizuno Enerzy midsole, PoWnCe / Mizuno Enerzy NXT / Mizuno Enerzy listed on Mizuno specs
Plate / stability systemHigh-curvature toe design with plastic plate reinforced by carbon fibersMizuno Wave plate; plate extended on outside forefoot for support, stability, and energy return when jumping
Upper / fit systemModified upper with MONO-SOCK construction to hold ankle and heel area while moving naturallyMonofilament mesh upper; Dyna-Eyelet Wrap on Mizuno global pages for a wrapped fit feel
Outsole / tractionRubber sole outsole; official Asics pages do not name a specific rubber compoundXG Rubber outsole on official Mizuno specifications
WeightNot officially specified on official Asics US or Japan product pagesAbout 300 g per shoe at 27.0 cm
Offset / stackNot officially specified on official Asics US or Japan product pages11 mm offset; heel 31.5 mm / forefoot 20.5 mm
Width / fitStandard width on checked Asics US listing2E normal on Mizuno Japan listing; D standard on Mizuno New Zealand listing
Size rangeUS men sizes 8-15 shown on checked Asics US listingOfficial Japan range varies by color; Mizuno NZ lists 6-13, 14
MaterialsSynthetic resin, synthetic fiber, and artificial leather (synthetic leather) upper with a rubber sole outsole, per official Asics Japan product page (not broken out on the US product page)Synthetic fiber / artificial leather upper and synthetic sole on Mizuno Japan listing; monofilament mesh upper on Mizuno specs
InsoleRemovable Ortholite synthetic resin insole (compatible replacement insole listed as 1173A029/PERFORMANCE SOCKLINER), per official Asics Japan product pageRemovable Mizuno Enerzy insole
Country of originVietnam, per official Asics Japan product pageVietnam on Mizuno Japan listing
SustainabilityFF BLAST PLUS cushioning includes approximately 24% bio-based material, per the official Asics US Materials and Technology pageMizuno Japan lists recycled content in synthetic leather base fabric, upper lining textile, insole-surface textile, shoelace textile, and sugarcane-derived material in part of the midsole
WarrantyAsics US limited warranty: footwear manufacturing defects for 1 year from delivery to original consumerMizuno USA warranty support lists volleyball items with 1-year limited warranty from date of purchase

Pros & Cons

Asics Metarise 2 — Pros

✓Officially designed to help outside and opposite hitters jump higher
✓High-curvature toe and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic plate support powerful takeoffs
✓FF BLAST PLUS foam is used for bounce, cushioning, and softer landings
✓MONO-SOCK construction is designed to hold the ankle and heel with better stability
✓Official Asics US page provides clear $235 price and standard-width availability

Asics Metarise 2 — Cons

✕Much more expensive than Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 where official US pricing is available
✕Asics official product page does not list weight, heel drop, or full material breakdown
✕Jump-focused design may be more shoe than some defensive specialists or setters need
✕Standard width only on the checked Asics US product page
✕Players who prioritize light speed may prefer the Mizuno model instead

Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 — Pros

✓Official Mizuno sources position Wave Lightning Z8 as a speed-focused volleyball shoe
✓Listed weight is about 300 g per shoe at 27.0 cm on official Mizuno pages
✓Mizuno Wave plate, Mizuno Enerzy NXT, Mizuno Enerzy, and XG Rubber are listed in official specs
✓Official specs list an 11 mm offset and court-surface design
✓Usually a better value pick than the $235 Asics Metarise 2 if official US availability is confirmed

Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 — Cons

✕Official Mizuno USA price for this exact model was not found on the main usa.mizuno.com product catalog during verification
✕Less explicitly premium and jump-specialized than Asics Metarise 2
✕Does not list a carbon-fiber-reinforced plate like Asics Metarise 2
✕May provide less ankle hold than the Asics MONO-SOCK construction for some hitters
✕Regional Mizuno pages differ in available sizes, colors, and pricing

Best used for

✦Outside hitters who want a volleyball shoe built around higher and more powerful jumps
✦Opposite hitters who load hard through the forefoot before attacking at the net
✦Players who want a premium Asics build with a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic plate
✦Jump-heavy volleyball sessions where cushioning and softer landings matter
✦Athletes who want more ankle and heel hold from a MONO-SOCK construction
✦Front-row players who prioritize takeoff power over lowest possible shoe weight
✦Buyers who are willing to pay more for Asics top-end volleyball technology

Best used for

✦Volleyball players who want a lighter shoe for fast indoor court movement
✦Wing spikers who want cushioning, energy return, and quick jump transitions
✦Setters, liberos, and all-around players who change direction repeatedly
✦Players who want responsive cushioning without paying Asics Metarise 2 pricing
✦Athletes who value Mizuno Wave support and XG Rubber grip on court surfaces
✦Intermediate and advanced volleyball players who want a speed-focused model
✦Buyers who want a removable Mizuno Enerzy insole and standard/2E fit depending on market listing
⚖️

Our Verdict

Asics Metarise 2 is the better choice for outside and opposite hitters who want the most jump-focused shoe in this comparison, especially if takeoff power, softer landings, ankle hold, and premium Asics technology matter more than price. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 is the better choice for players who want a lighter, faster, more value-oriented volleyball shoe with responsive cushioning, Mizuno Wave support, XG Rubber grip, and a listed 300 g weight. Choose Asics if your game is built around repeated attacking jumps; choose Mizuno if you want speed, agility, and court coverage without paying Metarise 2 pricing.

Where to buy Asics Metarise 2
Buy Asics Metarise 2 on Amazon →

Paid link.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Asics Metarise 2 if...

→You are an outside or opposite hitter who wants a shoe built around jumping higher
→You want Asics FF BLAST PLUS cushioning for bounce and softer landings
→You want a high-curvature toe and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic plate for powerful takeoffs
→You value MONO-SOCK ankle and heel hold during aggressive volleyball movement
→You are willing to pay the $235 Asics US price for a premium volleyball shoe
→You care more about vertical attack support than lowest weight or best value
→You usually play front-row roles where repeated hard jumping is central to your game

Choose Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 if...

→You want a lighter volleyball shoe with an official listed weight around 300 g
→You want speed, responsiveness, and quick transitions across the indoor court
→You prefer Mizuno Wave support and XG Rubber grip for volleyball movement
→You want responsive cushioning from Mizuno Enerzy NXT, Mizuno Enerzy, and a removable Mizuno Enerzy insole
→You want a better-value alternative to the $235 Asics Metarise 2
→You play all-around, setter, libero, or wing roles where speed and direction changes matter
→You want an 11 mm offset and a shoe Mizuno positions for fast, higher jumping movement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Asics Metarise 2 better than Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8?

A: Asics Metarise 2 is better for jump-focused outside and opposite hitters who want premium takeoff support. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 is better for players who want a lighter speed shoe with responsive cushioning and better value.

Q: Which shoe is better for hitters?

A: Asics Metarise 2 is the more hitter-specific shoe because Asics says it is designed to help outside and opposite hitters jump higher. Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 can still suit wing spikers, but it is positioned more broadly as a lightweight speed model.

Q: Which shoe is lighter?

A: Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 has the clearer official weight claim at about 300 g per shoe at 27.0 cm. Asics does not list an official Metarise 2 weight on the checked US product page.

Q: Which shoe is better value?

A: Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 is likely the better value pick if official local pricing is available, because Asics Metarise 2 is listed at $235 in the US. The exact Mizuno US price should be checked on an official current Mizuno USA listing before publishing.

Q: Which shoe has more advanced jump tech?

A: Asics Metarise 2 has the stronger jump-tech story with a high-curvature toe, carbon-fiber-reinforced plate, FF BLAST PLUS foam, and MONO-SOCK support. Mizuno uses Mizuno Wave, Enerzy cushioning, and a plate structure for speed, stability, and jumping support.

Q: Which one is better for liberos or setters?

A: Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 is the safer fit for many liberos, setters, and all-around players because it is positioned as a lightweight speed model. Metarise 2 is more specialized for hitters who jump repeatedly.

Q: Should I buy Asics Metarise 2 or Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8?

A: Buy Asics Metarise 2 if your main priority is attacking jump performance and premium support. Buy Mizuno Wave Lightning Z8 if your priority is speed, lighter movement, responsive cushioning, and value.

Q: Does Asics Metarise 2 name its outsole rubber like Mizuno's XG Rubber?

A: No. Asics lists a rubber sole outsole on official product pages but does not name a specific rubber compound. Mizuno officially names XG Rubber as the Wave Lightning Z8 outsole material.

Sources & References

Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.

Last verified: August 2026

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