I am not particularly hard and heavy on my feet and cushioning with EVA over the years has worked well. So as long as it doesn't feel harsh to me, especially in the forefoot, then it's good cushioning. The Stycon's Bounce has a lot of court feel, combined with the snug, low feel, and outstanding stability, allows for quick, clean footwork that belies its 468g weight. The SCB is bouncy in the heel no doubt, but I don't need that sort of bounciness on the heel much on court. I play mostly on my forefeet, and forefoot cushioning shouldn't be just plush but also be responsiveness and stable on abrupt stops. I can see why heel cushioning is important for those with plantar fasciitis, or pound their heels.
Yes, I do understand where you are coming from. That said, my point was regarding the comparison you made with Solecourt Boost suggesting that they both have similar level of cushioning. Every time you do a split step, every lateral or forward movement etc, you aren't just using your toes or forefoot no matter how light you are on your feet. The heel takes an impact with every single movement imaginable (unless one walks and runs on tippie toes I would imagine). The Boost cushioning in Barricades and Solecourt Boosts isn't just for people with plantar fasciitis or those who pound on heels. The material enhances cushioning for the entire shoe as a whole taking away impact shocks. I can not begin to tell you how popular the Barricade Boosts were with college kids here some of who are like Energizer bunnies and so damn quick that will make a decently fit mid thirties guy like myself feel slow and old. The Boost midsole is plush yet responsive and that is why I personally like it so much. And I don't even pound my heels. Here is an old picture of my Sprint Pros just to show you how I wear out my shoes.
I felt that the Stycon, while low to the ground and with it's snug feel, lacks the plush feedback all around, not just at it's heel. And you are right, the shoe has a lot of court feel - all the more reason why I would want some cushion (catch 22, I know).
Also, I don't think I agree that Stycons feel light. I can definitely feel the shoe weight for what it actually. Same as Solecourt Boost although Solecourt Boost are a tad lighter. The shoe that actually felt light to me was the Solematch Bounce. But it's almost 3 oz lighter so that is an obvious reason right there. It also has the best ventilation out of all three in my opinion.
You've repeated many of my posted observations, which means there is at least some consensus on certain characteristics of the shoe. It is , obviously, a like or dislike issue, and also how 'adaptable' the user is to new sensations of shoe feedback. Obviously Tsitsipas and Thiem both did not enjoy new things, and if I were in their 'shoes', I'd do the same. It's my bread and butter and I can experiment when I'm done playing the tour. My original assessment of the stability was tempered, and I can say after using the shoe for a month, I'd say the shoe has outperformed expectations and
I do find the primeknit in the Stycon has better breathability than the TPU upper in the SCB. The stycon upper is basically the same material as the Ubersonic 3, and that's a very breathable shoe. Both those shoes I can feel the car ac cooling my feet when wet. I can't with the SCB as much. My guess is that more of the foot, including the ankles, are covered with the midcut construction, so that's why it feels warmer than the Ubersonic 3. What helps somewhat is using a thinner sock, since, there is already a sockliner in the Stycon. I can't do that with the SCB, because of the harder upper with slightly looser fit, so I wear thicker Thorlo socks which adds warmth.
Yes, I must have missed your review. Will go and read up. In the end, I think everyone should try and see if this would work for them. It definitely isn't for everyone but I am sure for some it will click.
Also, I think the inner lining is the reason why Stycon gets hot. You are right that it seems to share the same upper material with Ubersonic 3 (TW has some great sales on those btw, I snagged one not too long ago) and those Ubersonic 3s don't get as hot. I think that the inner lining, and obviously with ankle high raised construction with compression is the reason why Stycons run so hot. Also, for comparison, while Solecourt Boosts definitely gets hot in summers for outdoor play, I've never felt like my foot was suffocating as it does in Stycons, and I'm talking indoors here for Stycons, not even outdoors yet.
As for the Solecourt Boost, they do have TPU upper that doesn't breathe well and if you wear the Thorlos Classic (Level 3) I can see how your feet will get very hot because those Thorlos are very thick indeed.
