Adidas Barricade 2021
- Thread starter Babolast
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d-quik
Hall of Fame
feels like theres been tonnes...
Znak
Hall of Fame
Anything written up or specific? I'm trying to decide if I should buy an older model on sale or hold off.
Biologydropout
New User
I’ve had 5 different pairs and haven’t noticed a difference in any of them since the original checkerboard ones. I don’t have the newest World Cup colorway but haven’t seen anything about any changes.
Znak
Hall of Fame
Appreciate the reply!
d-quik
Hall of Fame
yeah there was something about the 1st two colorways (it came out in 1 color only, the another color, then a many colors). the first two came out one at a time during the height of the supply chain problems. those two had something different about them, I can't remember what. It was the glitchy black/white one and the white+neon green ones that had something wrong with them (again, can't remember what) but I have neer heard of anything after those initial 2 colorways having differences or tweeks of any kind.
Znak
Hall of Fame
Cheers friend, by the time I went back to my local store they were sold out of my size, but good to know for my next purchase.yeah there was something about the 1st two colorways (it came out in 1 color only, the another color, then a many colors). the first two came out one at a time during the height of the supply chain problems. those two had something different about them, I can't remember what. It was the glitchy black/white one and the white+neon green ones that had something wrong with them (again, can't remember what) but I have neer heard of anything after those initial 2 colorways having differences or tweeks of any kind.
Biologydropout
New User
I found a pair with a difference days after I told you I hadn’t seen any. The white Barricades with blue stripes and white lettering (not the pair bisected that’s blue on one side white on the other) seem to have much better ventilation. All my other pairs have had the same outer that has been tough and not breathable. These are fabric with something (plastic I guess) along the inside of the foot but the tops are fabric.
volleynets
Hall of Fame
2023 edition will drop the Adidas word on the inner foot side (replace with 3 stripe logo) and get a softer upper. There will be a new toe rubber there by the big toes to prevent wearing a hole into the inner side shoe and toe drag and just a 3 stripes logo instead of the big Adidas letters.
The lace loops appear to be redone and fixed as well.
The lace loops appear to be redone and fixed as well.
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New toe rubber as in on the sole of the shoe? 'cause that's exactly where I destroyed my Barricades. They were still good everywhere else, I just wore a hole all the way through the big toe area only on the right shoe. Left shoe is still perfect.
Znak
Hall of Fame
I actually think I'm in the minority in saying that I like the adidas branding with letters on the side like they currently have it.
volleynets
Hall of Fame
The outsole will stay about the same.
I used to wear holes on the left shoe under the adidas big S letter sliding and stretching to forehand gets.
Now that area and more over and on side of the big toes will be beefed up with what looks nearly like the tread of an outsole.
volleynets
Hall of Fame
I don't mind either but lot of people refused to wear the shoes due to that look
d-quik
Hall of Fame
Originally it was supposed to say barricade on it not adidas.
This current Barricade is more pointy and narrower at the tip, there is some pressure medially against my big toe, similar to Vapor Pro, and I'm a skinnier player, nothing special. I still have/had 3 pairs, after the first I went half size up. Maybe they're doing it to make sliding easier, I really don't know, but it's a fail. Previous Barricades, Ubersonics and SCBs were rounder, I prefer that. Any update please?
millicurie999
Semi-Pro
I just got 2 diff colorways of the barricade and notice the hidden message is different. Is it different for each of the colorway? What does yours say?
millicurie999
Semi-Pro
Which colorway is yours?
volleynets
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately I don't have details on the fit/sizing of 2023 but I don't expect it to be too different as it's not a new design besides the mods I described.
My experience is opposite. Had to size down half a size from Vapor X since they seemed wider and longer. Vapor pro is stupidly skinny and I couldn't even size up in them cause they were already too long in my size but crush both sides of foot. Also the old barricades crushed the arch of my foot and the new ones seem wider to me.
First the green/blue one with Blame the Racquet, then the Tokyo Olympic one (The World is Watching), and another blue/black clay version (Slide L/R) made only for some EU retailers, not available elsewhere.
That's perhaps because they tightened the heel counter with the current Barricade, it was loose with SCB, so it seems they rearranged US sizing, but here the EU sizing remained the same. So US buyers sometimes needed to go half size down, compared to old Barricades, or other shoes, and we had to go half size up, if my deduction is correct. Well if the outsole remains the same then it's the same shape, they are probably still pointy, but maybe better padded or softer, or at least I hope.
Yes old Barricades had that plastic envelope below, it worked great for me as I need more support, but they were too heavy and clunky for my style of play, good for defensive players always on their heels though. These Barricades are so much lower/lighter/faster for the same stability, I can throw myself into the corners on hardcourt without thinking really, I love it. And I think players who need that supportive/cushioning large heel still have it too. A win-win.
Vapor Pro is even more pointy, I really don't understand their thinking. It's obvious from the TV screen that all pros wear them full size larger, or more, to compensate for both width and pointy toe box. There's so much space behind their Achilles' and the shoe, it's so obvious, like they are wearing home slippers. And plus they have the hard plastic laterally, great for stability but it hurt my right foot also, and I don't even have a wide foot. New Barricade is a much better shoe for me, similar weight, better stability, much much longer lasting, Vapor Pro broke very quickly, like most Nike shoes I ever had, so disappointing.
That's perhaps because they tightened the heel counter with the current Barricade, it was loose with SCB, so it seems they rearranged US sizing, but here the EU sizing remained the same. So US buyers sometimes needed to go half size down, compared to old Barricades, or other shoes, and we had to go half size up, if my deduction is correct. Well if the outsole remains the same then it's the same shape, they are probably still pointy, but maybe better padded or softer, or at least I hope.
Yes old Barricades had that plastic envelope below, it worked great for me as I need more support, but they were too heavy and clunky for my style of play, good for defensive players always on their heels though. These Barricades are so much lower/lighter/faster for the same stability, I can throw myself into the corners on hardcourt without thinking really, I love it. And I think players who need that supportive/cushioning large heel still have it too. A win-win.
Vapor Pro is even more pointy, I really don't understand their thinking. It's obvious from the TV screen that all pros wear them full size larger, or more, to compensate for both width and pointy toe box. There's so much space behind their Achilles' and the shoe, it's so obvious, like they are wearing home slippers. And plus they have the hard plastic laterally, great for stability but it hurt my right foot also, and I don't even have a wide foot. New Barricade is a much better shoe for me, similar weight, better stability, much much longer lasting, Vapor Pro broke very quickly, like most Nike shoes I ever had, so disappointing.
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Just got the parley version and I can confirm the upper is extremely soft and comfortable because most of that plastic overlay is gone. Heel tab flexes extremely well too, so there's 0 pain.
The eyelets placement tho was very annoying, so I punched holes on both medial and lateral sides to create proper eyelets. Also removed that top loop that was supposed to be the top eyelet but sucks so bad.
The eyelets placement tho was very annoying, so I punched holes on both medial and lateral sides to create proper eyelets. Also removed that top loop that was supposed to be the top eyelet but sucks so bad.
Howard Pollack
New User
anyone else getting blisters on the back part of the heal ?
n80aoag
Professional
I wear thick thorlo tennis socks with my barricades and have zero issues with blisters or pain
My recent Barricades were the smelliest shoes I've ever had. They stunk. Now using the Courtjam Control and they are extremely breathable.
n80aoag
Professional
Stay away from New Balance fresh foam lavs, they’re the most comfortable but also least breathable tennis shoes i’ve ever owned
Service Ace
Hall of Fame
This is a terrible shoe.
Orion
Semi-Pro
Never noticed the tongue messages. Another dub for Father Time. 
I wear a mix of Adidas socks. The thin and thicker styles that ***** sells but can be grabbed from Marshalls or TJ Maxx on the regular. Been keeping shoes in my bag, they've replaced Ubersonic 4 as my goto shoes. Once the uppers broke in they have a supportive flex I really like. The neoprene tongue gives a little odor but it's only noticeable when i hold the shoe over my noe.
I wear a mix of Adidas socks. The thin and thicker styles that ***** sells but can be grabbed from Marshalls or TJ Maxx on the regular. Been keeping shoes in my bag, they've replaced Ubersonic 4 as my goto shoes. Once the uppers broke in they have a supportive flex I really like. The neoprene tongue gives a little odor but it's only noticeable when i hold the shoe over my noe.
VAPORHEAD
Rookie
These look way better to me! https://www.thetennisinsider.com/post/adidas-barricade-2023-tennis-shoes-release-and-early-access
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
How are the courtjam control with regards to sole life and comfort, I am after a barricade type solid feel the floor sole. I used the older gen barricades (pre 2017) I tried the barricade boost and found it too squidgy and sponge, I like it stay firm an solid on court to get my footing. I tried some solematch bounce on and they felt comfortable a while ago so maybe an option though I k ow the have newer models. It's currently winter in UK so breathable not biggest concern but I want them for year round usage and the old barricades were sweat boxes also. Not good if you are coaching and wearing them for extended periods.
The sole is basically very similar to the Barricade both in overall shape and structure and also the tread pattern itself. There is a plastic stiffening shank/plate thing in the middle of the sole but it is not as heavy duty as the Barricade's. Grip/tread pattern is currently holding up very well. I think the sole is more flexible in the forefoot/toe area than the Barricade was. The upper is much more flexible and less supportive than the Barricade. Overall a good shoe. Very good value for money. If you were coaching it's probably more than sufficient. If you are really pushing yourself in singles you might want more support.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Yes, that makes sense and sounds like good advice thanks, I moved over this year to try some asics but I had the solution speed ff, they felt very comfortable until I tried to play tennis in them, it was possible but just not as firm and was actually a little off putting when I set my feet up to play shot. Great for running fast as the barricades always feel a bit workmanlike and heavy duty but I guess they are and they last very well considering hours used. I may try some of the new barricades as a few of the posts on here mention that the ventilation has improved in some models but I know some have issue with the stiff heels, the problem is until you have played in then a little it is hard to know isn't it how they are suiting your feet. That's the reason why I tried to keep with the same style barricade design for so many years as it was tried and tested for my feet.
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
volleynets
Hall of Fame
Huh weird I didn't expect the 2023 colors for AO to use the 2021-22 model... I wonder what point of the season the updated version will take over
MZ9526
New User
Just got the parley version and I can confirm the upper is extremely soft and comfortable because most of that plastic overlay is gone. Heel tab flexes extremely well too, so there's 0 pain.
The eyelets placement tho was very annoying, so I punched holes on both medial and lateral sides to create proper eyelets. Also removed that top loop that was supposed to be the top eyelet but sucks so bad.
I plan on modifying my pair too. I have the white/black/red model with the stiff plastic upper.
I plan on drilling ventilation holes in the toe and medial and lateral sides since I live in SW AZ.
I will probably end up drilling a hole just as you did for the laces.
I already replaced the laces (too thin and flimsy) and the trash ortholite insole.
Howard Pollack
New User
Boxing day sale 40% I pulled the trigger and copped a pair. They can't be any worse than the zoom court nxts.... Right?
I bought a few pairs and after a brief break in they are the best Barricades ever released. Adidas did the research and came out with a primo product. I know a lot of guys in here don't agree with my assessment but at least for me they are a solid tennis sneaker. Let me know how you like them after the initial break in. At the price TW was selling them it was a no brainer ..
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
Znak
Hall of Fame
Got them last night, 11.5 I could feel my right toe at the end of the toe box, ordered 12s and my heel slips. I might try on 2 pairs of socks, otherwise unforunately I may need to send these back
Znak
Hall of Fame
Is that padding on the sock under the ankle?
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
Not sure. I don’t own any Adidas socks.
marslondon
New User
I’ve got those socks, and the latest version does have some padding under the ankle, mostly at the back, I’d say it’s not much and isn’t hugely effective. (I actually have an issue with Barricades rubbing at the front of my ankle by the top eyelet, which the socks don’t really help!)
Howard Pollack
New User
Send them back right away ... two pairs of socks is not an option. You know the saying "if the shoe fits"Got them last night, 11.5 I could feel my right toe at the end of the toe box, ordered 12s and my heel slips. I might try on 2 pairs of socks, otherwise unforunately I may need to send these back
Znak
Hall of Fame
Yeah just tried with 2 socks no bueno, kinda bummed, really wanted to like these. Holding out now for the vapor 11s!Send them back right away ... two pairs of socks is not an option. You know the saying "if the shoe fits"
jasonfoong
New User
2023, Asics owned Adi, with 2 new releases ( GR9 & FF3/Novak)
