Am I the only one that hates Barricades?

Lex

Lex

Semi-Pro
I just can't get these Barricade V's broken-in. They feel way too stiff for my preference. I've played maybe 4 matches in them, worn them around the house, added insoles, etc. They just feel too stiff and boxey. I don't feel like I move well in them.

I used to love the Adidas ATP tour shoe though.

Maybe I'm just a Nike guy?? I love the Nike Air tech's but hated the Breathe Cage II (too stiff).


Anyone have another suggestion??


DSCN0337.jpg
 
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rovex

rovex

Legend
I have this issue to. Now just waiting for the new Barricade VI since those will be the Greatest shoes of all time.
 
D

Dream_On

Rookie
I have had 2 pairs of barricades, the first ones hurt my feet and the seconds hurt my feet aswell just in a different place.
In fact the only shoes I have worn recently that havnt hurt my feet are nike breath cage 2's
 
tennismsands

tennismsands

Semi-Pro
and i thought i was the only 1 :D when i tried them on i felt they were too clunky and stiff. I decided to go with the Ballistec 1.3's, i guess i am a Nike guy too
 
Xenakis

Xenakis

Hall of Fame
My Vs were comfy from the beginning. No break-in required. Best tennis shoe I've used so far in terms of comfort and support.
 
uk_skippy

uk_skippy

Hall of Fame
No, you're not the only one. I had a pair of Barricade 4's I think. I found them too heavy and stiff. I wore them for less than a set. I'd come off Nike Air Implosions. I move onto to Feather III as they were lighter, more flexible and more comfortable.

But that's my opinion. Each to their own.

Regards

Paul
 
Xenakis

Xenakis

Hall of Fame
uk_skippy said:
No, you're not the only one. I had a pair of Barricade 4's I think. I found them too heavy and stiff. I wore them for less than a set. I'd come off Nike Air Implosions. I move onto to Feather III as they were lighter, more flexible and more comfortable.

But that's my opinion. Each to their own.

Regards

Paul
Click to expand...

This makes sense. My hitting partner told me his feet bled after he wore his BVs the first time, he said mine would be the same. Didn't happen, were comfy straight away. Who knows why.
 
the mania

the mania

Banned
me no like

i bought the neon green bv two years ago, forefoot cushioning is nonexistent, needless to say, they still look brand new as i never wear em
 
Nextman916

Nextman916

Professional
hoodjem said:
That's funny. I hated Nike. Too narrow and stiff. Go New Balance. (You'll never want to take them off.)
Click to expand...

New Balance quality has been extremely shoddy ever since they moved production to China, you should read up on their more recent reviews.
 
Lex

Lex

Semi-Pro
I've got a $100 Nike gift card coming to me in the mail in a few days. I'll give the CB 2.3's a try.

Thanks for the tips....and the validation that I'm not the only one uncomfortable in the 'Cades.
 
phishua

phishua

Rookie
Yes, you may be the only one. :)

But if you really don't like them at all, and they are size 11, please put them in a box and send them to:
130 Buttonwood Ave in Bowling Green, Ohio. I will gladly take them off your hands.

If they aren't size 11, then good luck finding a new shoe. You've come to the right place for advice!
 
A

adidasman

Professional
staedtler said:
Barricades are all right. I found them a little clunky. I prefer the feathers.
Click to expand...
I like my Barricades, but for comfort and fit the Feathers are just perfect. The tradeoff is the durability, but that's not been too bad for me; I don't mow through Feathers the way many people probably would. I'd be curious to try the new adidas CYD trainers, though - they look great and sound comfy.
 
B

bluetrain4

G.O.A.T.
I don't hate them, but they've never worked for me. I loved the Adidas a3 Prevail, which was never really marketed that much and has been discontinued.
 
SplitStepper

SplitStepper

Rookie
Such an easy fix. Stick them in the washer without the insoles. Then put them in the dryer for a half hour with blankets. Then wear them and let them mold to your feet. I've done this with every pair (about 15) and it works like a charm. The shoe is so weel built that it can stand up to many times in the washer. Anyone who disagrees simply has no experience in the matter.
 
rovex

rovex

Legend
To be honest as long as the new Barricades are significantly lighther (which they are) then you really can't get much better than that. Although i do wish the cushioning is just a little improved with the BVI.
 
*Val*

*Val*

Semi-Pro
I play in Barricades and think they're good, though they are a bit stiff and clunky - that is the flaw really. I'm thinking of picking up a pair of Nike CB 2.3's next time.

I removed the original sockliner and replaced with a sorbothane double strike insole. The footbed is quite firm and you can see from the little circle the blue adiPRENE in the heel which gives the comfort and shock absorption (has yellow AdiPRENE+ in the forefoot). The adiPRENE in the heel is really firm though and doesnt seem to have any give, but apparently is very good at absorbing shock - but it doesn't seem the most comfortable.

Any thoughts?
 
Lex

Lex

Semi-Pro
I agree!!

I added a memory foam insole. The shoe's midsole is probably good for heavier set players.

I have to be quick on the court and prefer something lighter and more flexible (former D1 sprinter in me won't die easily).


Looks like the Nike CB 2.3 is worth a try.
 
*Val*

*Val*

Semi-Pro
Lex said:
I agree!!

I added a memory foam insole. The shoe's midsole is probably good for heavier set players.

I have to be quick on the court and prefer something lighter and more flexible (former D1 sprinter in me won't die easily).


Looks like the Nike CB 2.3 is worth a try.
Click to expand...

I think the Barricade is a great shoe for bigger players -Tsonga, Verdasco and Murray all wear them. The Barricade is a very protective shoe and very much performance-oriented in this regard - they're tanks! But the feel isn't for everyone...

Everytime I play in my Barricades they feel better, last time I played I totally forgot I was wearing them, and they were quick, stable, and comfortable on court! That's what you want really.

I like the look of the CB2.3, they have a molded Ortholite Sockliner and I really like Ortholite - have them in my Salomon trail runners and my Merrell walking shoes. Best foam insoles you can get with a shoe.
 
R

royfrombigd

Rookie
Lex said:
I just can't get these Barricade V's broken-in. They feel way too stiff for my preference. I've played maybe 4 matches in them, worn them around the house, added insoles, etc. They just feel too stiff and boxey. I don't feel like I move well in them.

I used to love the Adidas ATP tour shoe though.

Maybe I'm just a Nike guy?? I love the Nike Air tech's but hated the Breathe Cage II (too stiff).


Anyone have another suggestion??


DSCN0337.jpg
Click to expand...

Consider me an Adidas hater as well. They just don't fit my foot well and I can't understand the appeal. I played for a while in a version of the Nike Breath series, but rolled my ankle. I tried the KSwiss Defier and and that had to be about 3 years ago. I'm probably on my 12th pair. From a former Nike wearer, try KSwiss. I am looking at lighter weight shoes, but the Defier is the best I've ever tried. Hope that helps.
 
H

hondas2k

Rookie
same here too. Barricade V was my last shoes (also it was my first adidas tennis shoe ever) but it got me blisters and worn out faster than I expected. I mean it looks durable than nike thats why i bought it. but not really. it looks too funky and weird to me.

I switched back to nike again. comparing to my nike 1.3, i would prefer nike over adidas.
 
K

KiNG

Rookie
Barricade sucks. Heavy, stiff and slow. Every generations looks so similiar(boring). I don't like anything from Adidas. When they try to be stylish, they fail. When they try to make lightweight speed shoes, they lack cushioning. They put those stupid three strips on ALL their products. Might be good for older guys. But for style and performance, Nike wins. Who wants a pair of match day shoes that require breaking in?? Thats crazy. The only one I like is the a3 Prevail.
 
Z

Zues

New User
royfrombigd said:
Consider me an Adidas hater as well. They just don't fit my foot well and I can't understand the appeal. I played for a while in a version of the Nike Breath series, but rolled my ankle. I tried the KSwiss Defier and and that had to be about 3 years ago. I'm probably on my 12th pair. From a former Nike wearer, try KSwiss. I am looking at lighter weight shoes, but the Defier is the best I've ever tried. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
How are your Breathe Cages?
 
Lex

Lex

Semi-Pro
The Breathe Cage's are a bit stiff. I put some insoles in them and that helped a little.

I just ordered a pair of the CB 2.3's (I cashed in some hotel points for a $100 Nike gift Card).


The Barricades are size 11.5 (US)
 
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brownbearfalling

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
Lex said:
I just can't get these Barricade V's broken-in. They feel way too stiff for my preference. I've played maybe 4 matches in them, worn them around the house, added insoles, etc. They just feel too stiff and boxey. I don't feel like I move well in them.

I used to love the Adidas ATP tour shoe though.

Maybe I'm just a Nike guy?? I love the Nike Air tech's but hated the Breathe Cage II (too stiff).


Anyone have another suggestion??


DSCN0337.jpg
Click to expand...

Going off of your preference for the Challenges over the Barricade and other Nikes, I have to say that your feet don't suit all the "modern" stability technologies. I see the trend that shoes are just like tennis racquets, all the technology is making the shoe stiffer. And there are advantageous reasons for that. Where the material in the racquets in getting stiffer, I think it is the outsole material that makes the barricade stiff. The advantage of that is durability of course as well as other things.

For shoes that you might like, be sure to try the Nike Oscillates. They are a classic shoe and have attributes that you are looking for. Also the Vapor 6 are suppose to be the softest shoes out there. They are like nike free's is what I have heard and you can bend them into a pretzel. I would recommend the Vapors over the CB for you. Maybe try some Nike Air flares. I have a pair in size 9.5 if you wear that size, maybe we could work a trade for your barricades or Cages if they are not too worn.

For myself, I love the barricade. The stiffness helps me with stability. Shoes that are softer give more when you are making directional cuts. The shoe works for me. I have flat feet, which narrows down suitable shoes, but I've worn a number of nikes and barricades and enjoyed them. For people that think the barricades are too stiff, I don't know what to say. I have seen 60+ year old men playing in them and don't say they are stiff. I am surprised you didn't mention anything about comfort. they are bulky because there is a lot of cushion built in.
 
brownbearfalling

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
Another suggestion:
I think that royfrombigd has a good suggestion also. Even though the Kswiss defier is not designed as edgy or modern looking as it looks like you prefer, they are a very comfortable and soft shoe. Other shoes might be the Head prestige pro and Head speed pro. The cushion in them is very soft right out of the box, I did not play in them but worn them around the shop while stringing and working.
I have also heard the Asics revolution 2 is a good bet. I believe their gel technology is the same in their tennis shoes as it is in their running shoes and their running shoes have made lots of runners happy.
 
Lex

Lex

Semi-Pro
I just got the CB 2.3's today (black/grey). Out of the box, they feel awesome. Very similar feel to my Air Tech Challenge shoes...much more tame colors though.

Thanks for the suggestions folks!


The shoes only cost me $30 (after my hotel points for a Nike gift card).
 
dincuss

dincuss

Hall of Fame
I personally think that barricades are the single best shoe for grip (on hard-courts).
A little on the heavier side but I prefer fairly heavy shoes because of the durability.

That being said I really want to try out Lunarlites, 2.3's and barricade 6's. But I cant because my barricades last so damn long :D
 
slamshock

slamshock

Rookie
Adidas needs more cushioning. I used to like adidas until I started wearing nike. I don't think I'll ever switch back. Especially with those new vapors coming soon.
 
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