Poll: When do you declare a shoe is done?

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Hey y'all, I'm curious to see when you retire a pair of shoes.

I've been cycling through 6 pairs of Nike Vapor 8's for the last year, and none of them have any tread left on the big toes area (I slide on hard courts).

I have some Vapor 9's that I will start cycling once the V8's are done. So I'm debating whether or not to retire the V8's.

On one hand, I am concerned about the lack of tread in the most abused area and my safety. On the other hand, tennis shoes ain't cheap and they're still wearable technically.

Or, you can think of it as: "How cheap are you? :twisted: "

Thanks, and have fun!

 

[dr. godmode]

I would say if you start slipping when you should or when you can see foam switch em out

 

[PhotoBlue]

When there's a good amount of midsole foam showing or I slip from lack of traction.

 

[parasailing]

Once it goes into the foam area, it's time to use them for other purposes such as gardening or housework. I wouldn't risk injury wearing shoes with limited traction on hard courts given how expensive medical expensive and loss time from playing tennis.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Once it goes into the foam area, it's time to use them for other purposes such as gardening or housework. I wouldn't risk injury wearing shoes with limited traction on hard courts given how expensive medical expensive and loss time from playing tennis.

I do that too, I had a pair of V8's that was in bad shape, so I used it for serving practice. (If i slip and twist my own ankles on a serve, I should just give up tennis altogether)

Now I have 6 more pairs of V8's for serving practice... -.-

Or I can donate them!

 

[Deleted member 232704]

When my toe starts to bleed from shredding on the court, I think it may be time for me to switch.
Just to the point where i can see my insole.

 

[Bobby Jr]

...I've been cycling through 6 pairs of Nike Vapor 8's for the last year, and none of them have any tread left on the big toes area (I slide on hard courts

So your issue is the shoes now have too much grip now to slide?

 

[NickJ]

A shoe is done when i see something else i like!!
I am nothing but a magpie, searching for shiny things to adorn me . . . . Gel Noosas on order.

I still wear all my old shoes, I just dont wait for one pair to fall apart until I buy some new ones. The wife hates it!

 

[dr325i]

I go through a pair of Barricades every 3-5 months dpending on my travel schedule.
Unfortunately, I totally destroy the sole on the right foot only, toe area (dragging on serves and FHs), the rest of the shoe usually looks 8/10...

 

[smarog]

I switch mine out when I where through the tread on the bottom and I see the other "stuff" underneath the rubber tread. I wear different shoes for clay and hard courts, so my "worn" hard court shoes look perfect except for the wear on the bottom. From there - this year's hard court shoes turn into next year's casual sneakers - this year's casual sneakers turn into next year's lawn mowing shoes. The cycle repeats every year!

 

[PhotoBlue]

I go through a pair of Barricades every 3-5 months dpending on my travel schedule.
Unfortunately, I totally destroy the sole on the right foot only, toe area (dragging on serves and FHs), the rest of the shoe usually looks 8/10...

Yeah, I'm gonna send in my Barricade 7's this weekend and the left toe is destroyed while the right toe is just starting to lose tread. It's strange

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

So your issue is the shoes now have too much grip now to slide?

Man, you don't read or are you just having a bad day and you'd like to pick a fight with me, again? I said I think my shoes are done (or getting close to being done) because I slide quite a lot, and the area nearby my toes don't have anymore tread left.

But yeah, sure, my "issue" is that new shoes have too much grip for me to slide. I sand them down just so I can slide. Whatever makes you happy, believe it.

Anyway, do you have anything positive to contribute to the discussion? If not, go pick a fight somewhere else.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Yeah, I'm gonna send in my Barricade 7's this weekend and the left toe is destroyed while the right toe is just starting to lose tread. It's strange

I'm the opposite, right toe goes way sooner than my left toe.

 

[ollinger]

Since you can get excellent tennis shoes from TW for $50 if it's a discontinued model (I use Prince, the T9 Roadsters, which they seem to keep restocking), maybe the more intelligent thing to do is stop trying to squeeze maximum wear out of the $130 shoes you buy, get a cheaper model that you'll feel more comfortable about discarding when it's still got some tread on it, and then relax a bit about it. Or do you actually believe there are year-to-year advances in shoes rather than silly marketing hype?

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Since you can get excellent tennis shoes from TW for $50 if it's a discontinued model (I use Prince, the T9 Roadsters, which they seem to keep restocking), maybe the more intelligent thing to do is stop trying to squeeze maximum wear out of the $130 shoes you buy, get a cheaper model that you'll feel more comfortable about discarding when it's still got some tread on it, and then relax a bit about it. Or do you actually believe there are year-to-year advances in shoes rather than silly marketing hype?

That's why I buy off season shoes. The V9's I have are from last year.

 

[jatnut]

Since you can get excellent tennis shoes from TW for $50 if it's a discontinued model (I use Prince, the T9 Roadsters, which they seem to keep restocking), maybe the more intelligent thing to do is stop trying to squeeze maximum wear out of the $130 shoes you buy, get a cheaper model that you'll feel more comfortable about discarding when it's still got some tread on it, and then relax a bit about it. Or do you actually believe there are year-to-year advances in shoes rather than silly marketing hype?

I wish it was that simple. I bought those same T9 and had to turf them as my well beat up and worn out Asics felt waaaaay better on my knees than the T9s.

 

[NJ1]

When I reach the foam, which usually occurs within c.30(CB 3.3) to c.50 hours (B7) (4 months or so as I don't play much) of 6 mo warranty shoes as I'm hard on the area under toes. Normally the front of the left shoe in particular (I'm a righty). Vapors would last me about 5 matches, and I find even the 6mo warranty shoes wears a hole long before the cushioning or grip becomes dangerous. Bought from TW on sale, this represents not only the best value for me, but also allows the use of top level shoes so it's a win-win.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

When I reach the foam, which usually occurs within c.30(CB 3.3) to c.50 hours (B7) (4 months or so as I don't play much) of 6 mo warranty shoes as I'm hard on the area under toes. Normally the front of the left shoe in particular (I'm a righty). Vapors would last me about 5 matches, and I find even the 6mo warranty shoes wears a hole long before the cushioning or grip becomes dangerous. Bought from TW on sale, this represents not only the best value for me, but also allows the use of top level shoes so it's a win-win.

5 MATCHES?! :shock:

Assuming you buy them in-season, fresh off the showroom, that comes out to be $26/match!

 

[grolson1993]

Man, you don't read or are you just having a bad day and you'd like to pick a fight with me, again? I said I think my shoes are done (or getting close to being done) because I slide quite a lot, and the area nearby my toes don't have anymore tread left.

But yeah, sure, my "issue" is that new shoes have too much grip for me to slide. I sand them down just so I can slide. Whatever makes you happy, believe it.

Anyway, do you have anything positive to contribute to the discussion? If not, go pick a fight somewhere else.

Lol, it seems like you are the one who is angry...

 

[NJ1]

5 MATCHES?! :shock:

Assuming you buy them in-season, fresh off the showroom, that comes out to be $26/match!

Yup that's just an estimate given that I put a hole right through to my socks in the toe section of CB 3.3s inside 30 hours. Maybe would be more like like 8 matches for Vapors, but it's no wonder I only buy discounted 6 month warranty shoes. A couple of my close friends are strong open level players so I'm continually tearing around court trying to catch up to their shots. Plus I drag on my backhand and serve.

I wish I could justify wearing Vapors, they sound like very comfortable, light and stable shoes.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Man, you don't read or are you just having a bad day and you'd like to pick a fight with me, again? I said I think my shoes are done (or getting close to being done) because I slide quite a lot, and the area nearby my toes don't have anymore tread left.

No, I'm not trying to pick a fight.

When the tread is worn off a shoe in a high wear spot the grip can go up. Hence why I asked. Maybe you prefer the known level of grip you have on newer soles and even an increase is not ideal for you.

Ever wondered why race cars have slick tires for dry conditions? Because it's far, far far more grip than tread patterns. It's very simple physics.

Now, as long as the type of rubber still remaining is the same and you haven't worn through to a completely different type of material - all things being equal the grip should increase in dry conditions on flat surfaces (i.e. hard courts).

Anyway, do you have anything positive to contribute to the discussion?

I'll contribute however I feel is appropriate.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Yup that's just an estimate given that I put a hole right through to my socks in the toe section of CB 3.3s inside 30 hours. Maybe would be more like like 8 matches for Vapors, but it's no wonder I only buy discounted 6 month warranty shoes. A couple of my close friends are strong open level players so I'm continually tearing around court trying to catch up to their shots. Plus I drag on my backhand and serve.

I wish I could justify wearing Vapors, they sound like very comfortable, light and stable shoes.

They are. And I don't think I'm that rough on my shoes anymore, at least not after hearing from you.

If I stay with just one pair of V8, they'll last me about 1 and a half month, 2months at most. And I do play a lot.

Definitely more than ~5-8 matches with one pair.

 

[PhotoBlue]

I'm the opposite, right toe goes way sooner than my left toe.

Yeah and I'm right handed. I just toe drag with my left foot and that's the foot I slide with on HC. Right now my B7 that I've been rotating out with V9 for about 3 months is ready for warranty.

 

[Ronaldo]

Anyone try to cover the area that wears quickly? Used Shoe Patch, Eternal Toe, even duct tape. Skid Row tennis

 

[vandre]

"when you see toe, the shoe got to go!"

 

[hcb0804]

After I've worn them 3-4 times.....

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Bringing up a dead thread!

Are these done? I was cycling these 2 pairs of Vapor 9 for the past year. I haven't slipped yet, but I am seeing another layer of stuff...

Thanks!

 

[Ronaldo]

Bringing up a dead thread!

Are these done? I was cycling these 2 pairs of Vapor 9 for the past year. I haven't slipped yet, but I am seeing another layer of stuff...

Thanks!

Re-defines never let me slip, cause if I slip then I'm slipping

 

[NJ1]

Hey bud. They are close to toast, but if you still have full traction I'd consider keep using them for another few hours apiece. Or you could just send them in to Goodwill and begin with your stash of V9s (I think that was you, if so you'll enjoy having shoes with ventilation) First sign of abnormal slippage though, I'd trash them or pass them on.

 

[ArliHawk]

For me, it's a matter of when the cushioning is gone. This usally happens before the outsole wears out.

 

[NJ1]

For me, it's a matter of when the cushioning is gone. This usally happens before the outsole wears out.

How many hours is that for you? I've never gotten close to wearing out cushioning before holes in the toes and underfoot are forming.

Good point though, a lot of it is how long your shoes are able to last you.

 

[3fees]

cushioning gone and tread is smooth

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Hey bud. They are close to toast, but if you still have full traction I'd consider keep using them for another few hours apiece. Or you could just send them in to Goodwill and begin with your stash of V9s (I think that was you, if so you'll enjoy having shoes with ventilation) First sign of abnormal slippage though, I'd trash them or pass them on.

Yeah it was me :twisted:

I've got 3x Purple Flame, 1x Blue/Silver, 1x Fabulous Pink left. Bought all of them on sale for ~$65 each.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

How many hours is that for you? I've never gotten close to wearing out cushioning before holes in the toes and underfoot are forming.

Good point though, a lot of it is how long your shoes are able to last you.

Don't know how many hours exactly, but I play a lot. 5x a week at least and for multiple hours each time.

 

[Overdrive]

Is it too hard for shoe companies to release 'tank' shoes? I read that they have before, but I see they are following the 'lightweight' trend..

 

[Peedub]

Barricade 7 - hole under right toe - I can see my sock (I drag my foot on my pinpoint serve). Play mostly on indoor carpet 4-8 hrs per week - had them just under a year. Rest of both shoes pristine.

I thought about patching them up but got a good deal on some Vapor 9s and as soon as I tried them on I binned the barricades. Vapors are so much more comfortable.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Hey bud. They are close to toast, but if you still have full traction I'd consider keep using them for another few hours apiece. Or you could just send them in to Goodwill and begin with your stash of V9s (I think that was you, if so you'll enjoy having shoes with ventilation) First sign of abnormal slippage though, I'd trash them or pass them on.

"Close to toast" is my initial assessment, just wanted more feedback.

And I decided to not push my luck with these and dig into my stash of Vapor 9s.

 

[Rozroz]

Besides the outsole, there's a time when I feel the whole shoe turns less 'secure'. The shoe doesn't hold the foot as it should.

 

[Rusty669]

Do you guys all play on hard courts??
I play on clay myself throughout the season, and my soles don't look anywhere near that condition even after a year:shock:
I guess playing on hard courts is more expensive concerning shoes and balls...
Although it is probably more fun than clay!!

 

[Lukhas]

^More fun than clay... Not in my opinion. Used to play on clay, now on hard courts, and clay is much funnier IMO. The sliding, the drop shots, I really find it fun when it's well maintained. And clay is pretty terrible on balls too.

Personally, I switch when my knees say "no more", or when the outer heel is bare. I'm not that hard on my shoes, but cushioning is important for me and when it's gone I change shoes. I waited for too long with my previous pair, and sometimes my knees recall me of it. Next time it'll be Yonex I guess.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Do you guys all play on hard courts??
I play on clay myself throughout the season, and my soles don't look anywhere near that condition even after a year:shock:
I guess playing on hard courts is more expensive concerning shoes and balls...
Although it is probably more fun than clay!!

All hard court for me, SF/Bay Area has no clay court open to the public.

 

[BLX_Andy]

When I slip and fall multiple times

 

[TennisCJC]

When the thread is gone on most of forefoot, I tend to go on to the next pair. I will use the new pair for league and practice matches, but will still wear the old pair if just hitting on wall and practicing serving. Usually the support fears like it is gone by this time too.

Even the decent (vapors, barricades, air max cage) shoes are pretty much shot at 3 months of mostly doubles 3-4 times a week with a wall practice session once a week. 85% hard court, 15% clay.

 

[Overdrive]

When the thread is gone on most of forefoot, I tend to go on to the next pair. I will use the new pair for league and practice matches, but will still wear the old pair if just hitting on wall and practicing serving. Usually the support fears like it is gone by this time too.

Even the decent (vapors, barricades, air max cage) shoes are pretty much shot at 3 months of mostly doubles 3-4 times a week with a wall practice session once a week. 85% hard court, 15% clay.

I have a question: do you use the same shoes on clay? There are people at the clubs here that are adamant on wearing clay court shoes.

 

[srimes]

I don't have a problem with traction going. Even a bit of foam showing grips well. But after the foam is showing they get more rounded and less stable. I don't like when it feels like they just roll forward off the toe.

Barricade 8s lasted less than 3 months. Still waiting on the replacements, not sure it's worth the bother. Plus my big toes got beat up pretty good.

 

[parasailing]

If the tread is gone and you are in the foam, it's time to get rid of them. I go through 3 pairs a year but that's mainly because I only get a chance to play on the weekends and the occasional midweek.

It's just not worth injury for a few pair of shoes considering how expensive medical costs and physical therapy will end up costing you on top of lost time and pain management.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Hate wearing brand new shoes

So I dug into my stash of new Vapor 9s and I remember why I hated brand new shoes. Something about brand-spanking new uppers, they hurt the top of my foot.

 

[Fintft]

I don't have a problem with traction going. Even a bit of foam showing grips well. But after the foam is showing they get more rounded and less stable. I don't like when it feels like they just roll forward off the toe.

Barricade 8s lasted less than 3 months. Still waiting on the replacements, not sure it's worth the bother. Plus my big toes got beat up pretty good.

For me once the thread starts to go (usually around the toes on my right feet) and I start to slip, the shoes are ready for warranty replacement, thanks to the great TW service!
I'm just trying to help other people, with this info, that's all:

 

[Fintft]

All hard court for me, SF/Bay Area has no clay court open to the public.

Yeah and the wind in SF usually wreaks havoc on my game when I visit lol. Just slightly off topic.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Yeah and the wind in SF usually wreaks havoc on my game when I visit lol. Just slightly off topic.

The wind does suck from time to time.