Hunting for a new pair of tennis shoes, been about 4 years since I bought a pair.

MasturB

Legend
HELP A LONG TIME POSTER OUT PLZ. I haven't posted in a very long time. Posting JUST because I have no idea what shoes to get.

I have had the same pair of Solution Speed FF's I bought in like 2020. I've been doing more standing coaching, than actual playing coaching. But that's all changing in the next few weeks.

Looking to get back into hitting and playing again. I have no idea what the market looks like. From 2006 to 2017 I basically used Vapor Tours that Fred used. 2018 I bought Asics mostly because the Vapors were getting ridiculously high priced, and the Solution Speeds were a bit more affordable.

Now I can say that price isn't my main concern anymore.

I'd like something on the lighter side, stability, and able to slide on hardcourt. I never used to slide on hard court that much just clay, but even as I get older I've added it to my game (gotta be able to do it, to teach it to the next wave of juniors, since sliding on hard has become the norm now for pros of all sizes).

I see the Solution Speed FF's are on their 3rd generation now. I also was looking at Novak's court FF 3's. I kinda miss buying Nike, are the Air Zoom Vapor 11's any decent? (I like the oreo colorway). There seems to be a premium vapor 11 and a regular one. I would imagine Novak's shoes are engineered in mind for hard court sliding players moreso than probably any other shoe on the market.

Also, was looking at maybe giving the ON Roger's a try. I've never bought a pair, have no idea how they actually play for tennis. But my man love for Lord Fedr still exists. They look clean and classic.
 

SinneGOAT

Hall of Fame
Nike shoes have gotten pretty uncomfortable and not great cushioning wise. Asics has been top tier in the comfort department since 2020 basically, I’d check out maybe a pair of gel resolutions if you are willing to spend that money, and if not I’d check adidas and the barricade.
 

MasturB

Legend
Nike shoes have gotten pretty uncomfortable and not great cushioning wise. Asics has been top tier in the comfort department since 2020 basically, I’d check out maybe a pair of gel resolutions if you are willing to spend that money, and if not I’d check adidas and the barricade.
Honestly, had the interior heel not been worn out on my 2020 Solution FF's, I'd still be fine wearing them. They still feel great when I rallied in them. But I know it's long overdue for me to get a new pair of tennis shoes.
 

gino

Legend
stay away from all new nike vapor offerings, including the vp2, v11, and vapor cage 4. especially if you want to get an elongated period of time out of them

couple ideas if you want to go back to nike:

vapor 9.5 reissue (youve prob worn these, good sliding shoe, but not that durable)
gp turbo (get them while you can) - probably the best bet for a new nike shoe
gp challenge 1 (have not yet tried but good feedback from foot doc zach)
 

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
stay away from all new nike vapor offerings, including the vp2, v11, and vapor cage 4. especially if you want to get an elongated period of time out of them

couple ideas if you want to go back to nike:

vapor 9.5 reissue (youve prob worn these, good sliding shoe, but not that durable)
gp turbo (get them while you can) - probably the best bet for a new nike shoe
gp challenge 1 (have not yet tried but good feedback from foot doc zach)

Bro you are buggin. The VC4 is an ATG shoe. I can't destroy them before the cushioning wears out. And they're fast

I mostly play in the GP Turbo because they're so comfy but if I want single-match performance (like a tournament final) I will reach for the VC4 every time
 

gino

Legend
Bro you are buggin. The VC4 is an ATG shoe. I can't destroy them before the cushioning wears out. And they're fast

I mostly play in the GP Turbo because they're so comfy but if I want single-match performance (like a tournament final) I will reach for the VC4 every time

Ya idk man, I’ve worn cages since 2005. Literally every shoe with cage in the moniker I’ve tried since 2005. They leave a lot of be desired in terms of comfort, weight, breathability, and upper flexibility. Durable as hell? Yup. Cool rocker heel? Yup.

I’d definitely push back on the cushion, it’s the least cushioned shoe with cage in the name I ever remember. Zoom forefoot and basic phylon foam? Come on dog. That’s weak

personally hate how the foot frame layers over the midsole cushion, that’s why you can’t wear it out, similar to the new vapor 11. Nice barricade competitor for those who want durability for sure

All time great? Man we gotta slow that roll. What atp pro uses it? Edmund for a min?
 

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
Ya idk man, I’ve worn cages since 2005. Literally every shoe with cage in the moniker I’ve tried since 2005. They leave a lot of be desired in terms of comfort, weight, breathability, and upper flexibility. Durable as hell? Yup. Cool rocker heel? Yup.

I’d definitely push back on the cushion, it’s the least cushioned shoe with cage in the name I ever remember. Zoom forefoot and basic phylon foam? Come on dog. That’s weak

personally hate how the foot frame layers over the midsole cushion, that’s why you can’t wear it out, similar to the new vapor 11. Nice barricade competitor for those who want durability for sure

All time great? Man we gotta slow that roll. What atp pro uses it? Edmund for a min?

ATP pros get free shoes. Durability means nothing to them.

I loved the Cage 2, 3 was good too. But 4 is the best IMO. That and the GP have actually made me play better.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I love the GR9s for heavier, durable shoes. The Court FF3 shoes in contrast are clunky. If you want lightweight shoes, keep buying the Solution Speed FF2 models
 
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jhick

Hall of Fame
I agree on the Asics GR9's. I currently use/have the GR8s but the GR9s feel like an upgrade (more comfortable and laces are improved). I typically wait for them to go on sale and then buy. Most of the time I can get them around $100 or so.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Long time wearer of Nike. Most recently the Vapor line, but the latest ones just don't fit right no matter what I do. Nikes now hurt my feet now despite size in the Vapro line.

Because they were so cheap I gave Wilson Rush 3.5 and 4.0. I can't believe a cheaper shoe is 10 times better than the new Nikes. Very comfortable, good outsole. Good durability
 

Alexh22

Professional
To me gr8 and 9 has better wrap around and midsole cushion than the speed. I feel these and support are very important even they feel heavier than the speed. Gr 8 is narrower but ok.
If I can find my size 9 for $100 I would be more than happy but it has yet to happen.
 

SinneGOAT

Hall of Fame
What do you mean a bit more maximum than the speed exactly?
They probably mean it’s more solid/stable and better cushioning. It’s designed for people who put wear on their shoes and need the durability and support/stability.
 
I like my Lotto shoes.

My favorite are the Mirage 100 line.

But the Raptors are great too and most seem to prefer those.

The Solution Speed ff series are great and ridiculously lightweight.

But I don't get quite the cushion in them that I get out of the Mirage 100.

Keep in mind, the Mirage 100 are somewhat narrow.

I buy a half size up and put my HapJump insoles(Amazon) in them.

But man it's really comfortable.

I have Raptors as well. Not as narrow as the Mirage 100. I bought them in my normal size(9) and they fit well just like my Solution Speed.


 
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