Asics Gel Res 9 vs Court FF 3

[batikan]

Hey people, I went to a store to try both the shoes today. No matter the marketing Court FF's felt more substantial and tank-like than the Gel Res 9's. Outsole Durability Guarantee isn't a thing here and the price different isn't that much for some reason. Do you guys really feel Res 9's will be more durable? Thanks already for anyone that helped.

Player Data
I'm 6"3 and around 210 lbs, mainly an all court player with some counterpunching from time to time.

Shoe Background & Complaint
Nike Cage Rafa 4's for the most of my time I had proper shoes. As durable as the Rafa's are I do feel my feet get tired after a 2-hour session.

Looking for
Whatever will be more durable&stable on top of making me feel comfortable so I can play more. Not seeking speed at all, or amazing courtfeel.

Injury Situation
I don't have an injury history but the closest I come to is ankle sprains.

 

[socallefty]

For me the Court FF3 felt a bit clunky and oversized in fit compared to the GR9s - FF3s felt heavier than the 0.5 oz weight difference. I’ve been playing with the GR9s since they were released except for buying one pair of FF3. I generally replace my shoes when I start getting knee soreness and Achilles tightness along with the fit getting too loose and needing over-tightening of laces which can lead to plantar issues. I replaced the FF3 after 47 hours due to knee soreness whereas the GR8 and GR9 shoes have been getting replaced after 65-70 hours on average. I am about 220 lbs and play on hard courts.

 

[batikan]

For me the Court FF3 felt a bit clunky and oversized in fit compared to the GR9s - FF3s felt heavier than the 0.5 oz weight difference. I’ve been playing with the GR9s since they were released except for buying one pair of FF3. I generally replace my shoes when I start getting knee soreness and Achilles tightness along with the fit getting too loose and needing over-tightening of laces which can lead to plantar issues. I replaced the FF3 after 47 hours due to knee soreness whereas the GR8 and GR9 shoes have been getting replaced after 65-70 hours on average. I am about 220 lbs and play on hard courts.

That's great to hear for the durability part of it, what would you say about stability? I agree the FF's felt like there was too much material around my feet as if it effectively gave me a larger footprint.

 

[socallefty]

That's great to hear for the durability part of it, what would you say about stability? I agree the FF's felt like there was too much material around my feet as if it effectively gave me a larger footprint.

Stability is great. I’ve been playing with GR8/9 shoes for 3.5 years and they perform very well. Used to be a Barricade fan before that.

I needed to use a runner‘s knot using the last lacehole on the GR8 due to heel slippage, but don’t have that issue with the GR9 as they fixed that issue.

In general, I think most high performance tennis shoes are stable, but players play with them too long after the support has worn out and that is when they get unstable. If you listen to the aches/pain from your legs/knees/feet and replace the shoes in time before the support gets too bad, stability is not an issue. For big guys, lightweight shoes can wear out in 30-35 hours on hard courts while more durable shoes last 60-80 hours, but many players don’t want to replace their shoes so soon even if they are hurting and feeling unstable. Just like players play too long with poly strings after they start experiencing arm/wrist discomfort instead of cutting them out because they are ‘dead’.

 

[colan5934]

Stability: great on both. I prefer the bootie upper and sucked in feel of the ff3 but both are more than sufficient. Res is a more traditional feeling stability shoe.

Durability: res > ff3; rubber is thicker on the res and the tread takes longer to bald

Comfort: ff3 feel comfier on foot - they’re a bit more flexible and I feel fresher using those for short durations. Using them for long periods, my feet muscles can get tired because they’re flexible. The resolution is firmer underfoot and does not flex as much. The foam is dense and there’s a lot of it. I’m not raving about the cushioning experience. They’re firm and the ff3 is plusher but my feet aren’t dead when I’m out of the res.

If you’re used to the Rafas but want something a little more nimble, the resolution is the closer option. But the ff3 is nice in its own right. It takes time to break in and get into the shoe rather than on top of the midsole. It’s better once it doesn’t feel so high.

For reference: my foot is narrow with a medium arch. I really don’t have many foot issues except a couple hot spots.

 

[batikan]

Stability: great on both. I prefer the bootie upper and sucked in feel of the ff3 but both are more than sufficient. Res is a more traditional feeling stability shoe.

Durability: res > ff3; rubber is thicker on the res and the tread takes longer to bald

Comfort: ff3 feel comfier on foot - they’re a bit more flexible and I feel fresher using those for short durations. Using them for long periods, my feet muscles can get tired because they’re flexible. The resolution is firmer underfoot and does not flex as much. The foam is dense and there’s a lot of it. I’m not raving about the cushioning experience. They’re firm and the ff3 is plusher but my feet aren’t dead when I’m out of the res.

If you’re used to the Rafas but want something a little more nimble, the resolution is the closer option. But the ff3 is nice in its own right. It takes time to break in and get into the shoe rather than on top of the midsole. It’s better once it doesn’t feel so high.

For reference: my foot is narrow with a medium arch. I really don’t have many foot issues except a couple hot spots.

Sounds like another vote for the Res 9's. I'm somewhat used to my Rafa's yet my priority is better comfort instead of anything nimble. I was ready to go FF3's if they were durable enough yet doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[socallefty]

Sounds like another vote for the Res 9's. I'm somewhat used to my Rafa's yet my priority is better comfort instead of anything nimble. I was ready to go FF3's if they were durable enough yet doesn't seem to be the case.

Durability: res > ff3; rubber is thicker on the res and the tread takes longer to bald

All the 6-month sole warranty shoes have long-lasting soles these days and at least for me playing 15 hours per week on hard courts as a big guy, the shoe support wears out long before the sole. So, I have to replace the shoes while the soles still look great or my legs/knees are too achy.

8-10 years ago the soles wore out before the shoe support did and I could take advantage of the sole warranty - but not the case anymore as sole durability has improved so much while shoes are getting lighter and support is wearing out faster.

 

[batikan]

All the 6-month sole warranty shoes have long-lasting soles these days and at least for me playing 15 hours per week on hard courts as a big guy, the shoe support wears out long before the sole. So, I have to replace the shoes while the soles still look great or my legs/knees are too achy.

8-10 years ago the soles wore out before the shoe support did and I could take advantage of the sole warranty - but not the case anymore as sole durability has improved so much while shoes are getting lighter and support is wearing out faster.

That's really interesting, is changing insoles after a certain period helpful?

 

[socallefty]

That's really interesting, is changing insoles after a certain period helpful?

I don’t do it and can’t comment. However I think it is the shoe support around your feet wearing out and becoming too soft/loose that I notice more than any insole cushioning getting worse.

 

[colan5934]

All the 6-month sole warranty shoes have long-lasting soles these days and at least for me playing 15 hours per week on hard courts as a big guy, the shoe support wears out long before the sole. So, I have to replace the shoes while the soles still look great or my legs/knees are too achy.

8-10 years ago the soles wore out before the shoe support did and I could take advantage of the sole warranty - but not the case anymore as sole durability has improved so much while shoes are getting lighter and support is wearing out faster.

I’m still wearing out the gel res in about 10 weeks of 2-3x per week which is actually less time than when I wore the 7s and the earlier models back to the 2...not sure I would have called the resolution a durability shoe until the 4 or 5. Support is still going strong by then. I’m not a big guy but not scrawny either. No injury issues or anything. I’ve been retiring shoes to gym/off court conditioning use for years when the soles are gone because support is usually still sufficient. OP asked about durability which I answered from my perspective and from some measured numbers like outsole rubber thickness.

I agree with you, though: If you’re cautious of joints with more wear and tear and/or injuries, switching shoes when cushioning and support wanes is a good idea whether the outsole is in good shape or not.

 

[colan5934]

That's really interesting, is changing insoles after a certain period helpful?

The stock insoles are flimsy in general and don’t do much to provide support. Adding an otc insole can help prolong or revive a shoe that has seen a little wear. I use an otc orthotic in the resolution for fit purposes - I have a narrow foot, especially in the heel, and having a more stout base under my ankle helps with heel slippage. It makes the shoe feel a little quicker too. I can play the res fine without the aftermarket insole but prefer it with. After break-in, I do not feel the need for any modifications to the ff3. It’s difficult to go wrong with either shoe as long as they fit you well and you like them, honestly.

 

[Fintft]

For me the Court FF3 felt a bit clunky and oversized in fit compared to the GR9s - FF3s felt heavier than the 0.5 oz weight difference. I’ve been playing with the GR9s since they were released except for buying one pair of FF3. I generally replace my shoes when I start getting knee soreness and Achilles tightness along with the fit getting too loose and needing over-tightening of laces which can lead to plantar issues. I replaced the FF3 after 47 hours due to knee soreness whereas the GR8 and GR9 shoes have been getting replaced after 65-70 hours on average. I am about 220 lbs and play on hard courts.

I use GR on clay (deepest thread) and don't mind the cluckiness of FF3s on hard courts, b/c I only play a few times per year....

 

[batikan]

Honestly I was all too ready to get a pair of FF's up until trying them and now seeing the comments. Res 9's felt more nimble on my foot and the overall comfort was better. For my true width/neutral arch foot they both fit just fine but FF's were a little roomier in the toe area. I just realized that I tried them half a size smaller thanks to Asics sizing being half a centimeter shorter than Nike's at EU 45. Pretty certain Resolution 9's with the correct size will be perfect, and hopefully last a long time.

 

[Klitz]

Hey people, I went to a store to try both the shoes today. No matter the marketing Court FF's felt more substantial and tank-like than the Gel Res 9's. Outsole Durability Guarantee isn't a thing here and the price different isn't that much for some reason. Do you guys really feel Res 9's will be more durable? Thanks already for anyone that helped.

Player Data
I'm 6"3 and around 210 lbs, mainly an all court player with some counterpunching from time to time.

Shoe Background & Complaint
Nike Cage Rafa 4's for the most of my time I had proper shoes. As durable as the Rafa's are I do feel my feet get tired after a 2-hour session.

Looking for
Whatever will be more durable&stable on top of making me feel comfortable so I can play more. Not seeking speed at all, or amazing courtfeel.

Injury Situation
I don't have an injury history but the closest I come to is ankle sprains.

Sounds like you are looking for the Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour.

 

[colan5934]

Honestly I was all too ready to get a pair of FF's up until trying them and now seeing the comments. Res 9's felt more nimble on my foot and the overall comfort was better. For my true width/neutral arch foot they both fit just fine but FF's were a little roomier in the toe area. I just realized that I tried them half a size smaller thanks to Asics sizing being half a centimeter shorter than Nike's at EU 45. Pretty certain Resolution 9's with the correct size will be perfect, and hopefully last a long time.

Hard to go wrong with either. Ff3 is close to the court and once you break it in. But really you’re choosing between two great shoes. Res is more durable which sounds like your primary concern.

 

[batikan]

Sounds like you are looking for the Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour.

Without convincing arguements this is just a pop up.

 

[batikan]

Hard to go wrong with either. Ff3 is close to the court and once you break it in. But really you’re choosing between two great shoes. Res is more durable which sounds like your primary concern.

I don't exactly look for court feel for now, as playing more is my current priority with the minimal amount of fatigue. You mentioned your feet feeling better with the Gel Res, exactly what I seek. Still surprised how FF's felt much more durable and yet don't seem to last as long.

 

[Soundbyte]

Without convincing arguements this is just a pop up.

They're great shoes, but the sole durability on the Mizunos is lacking. But they have a warranty...

 

[colan5934]

I don't exactly look for court feel for now, as playing more is my current priority with the minimal amount of fatigue. You mentioned your feet feeling better with the Gel Res, exactly what I seek. Still surprised how FF's felt much more durable and yet don't seem to last as long.

Yeah I mean, the gel res doesn’t feel plush under foot except maybe in the heel. The foam is firm. But they’re stout and supportive. Ff3 no slouch there either but a bit more flexible. For playability, there are benefits to both. I like the responsiveness in the forefoot and quicker launch from the corners of the ff3. And I like the stability of the resolution because it still has some pop.

I guess I can summarize as: In the resolution, my foot is steady in the shoe and held in place. It’s a proper stability shoe. The court ff3 moves with my foot and helps it do work when I’m on the edges of the court.

 

[batikan]

They're great shoes, but the sole durability on the Mizunos is lacking. But they have a warranty...

Quite sure that's not the case here. Plus I mentioned durability being a concern, I guess people say what they are going to regardless.

Yeah I mean, the gel res doesn’t feel plush under foot except maybe in the heel. The foam is firm. But they’re stout and supportive. Ff3 no slouch there either but a bit more flexible. For playability, there are benefits to both. I like the responsiveness in the forefoot and quicker launch from the corners of the ff3. And I like the stability of the resolution because it still has some pop.

I guess I can summarize as: In the resolution, my foot is steady in the shoe and held in place. It’s a proper stability shoe. The court ff3 moves with my foot and helps it do work when I’m on the edges of the court.

Well if I was playing tournaments or getting the shoes for performance related reasons FF's would have made enough sense to at least try.

 

[Soundbyte]

Quite sure that's not the case here. Plus I mentioned durability being a concern, I guess people say what they are going to regardless.

Not sure what you mean. I was commenting that the Mizunos sole durability is lacking compared to other shoes.
Someone else mentioned the Mizunos, you commented "without convincing arguments this is just a pop up." I added on my opinion that the Mizuno are great shoes with subpar sole durability.

You didn't mention where you are located. In the US (this is a US-based forum), Mizuno has a 6 month warranty on the outsole.

If durability is a concern for you, the better value is probably buying two pairs of a budget shoes instead of one pair of high end shoes.

Both the asics are great shoes. Which one is better is personal preference.

I say this as someone whos current two pairs of tennis shoes are the GR9 and FF3s

 

[batikan]

Not sure what you mean. I was commenting that the Mizunos sole durability is lacking compared to other shoes.
Someone else mentioned the Mizunos, you commented "without convincing arguments this is just a pop up." I added on my opinion that the Mizuno are great shoes with subpar sole durability.

You didn't mention where you are located. In the US (this is a US-based forum), Mizuno has a 6 month warranty on the outsole.

If durability is a concern for you, the better value is probably buying two pairs of a budget shoes instead of one pair of high end shoes.

Both the asics are great shoes. Which one is better is personal preference.

I say this as someone whos current two pairs of tennis shoes are the GR9 and FF3s

I know, I'm not talking about you personally. I'm talking about the idea of that Mizuno being recommended to me which I know you are not. Also thanks for your opinion+feedback that allows me to cross them off my list before even appearing on it. On my original post outsole durability guarantee not being a thing where I live is mentioned, which clearly isn't US. (This is the thread based on my Original Post.) I have heard of stacking budget shoes to outlast flagship models but I once got a pair of Vapor Lites and they got worn to perfectly smooth carpet shoes in a matter of months unlike my Rafas that barely show any wear. I'm feeling Gel Res 9's