Asics Shoes - Which Model?

[TripleB]

Have been wearing a pair of the newest Prince T22 Lite for about two months now. They felt great when I first tried them on, felt good when I played wearing them the first few times (all on clay court), but when I made the switch over to hard courts I started having a lot of pain in my right heel. Now they hurt my left heel even if I just put them on. Before the T22 Lite I wore Asics Gel Speed 2 shoes (bought several pair on closeout) and never had a single instance of pain while wearing them.

I'm looking to try one of three different models:
- Asics Solution Speed FF
- K-Swiss Ultrashot
- New Balance MC 996v3

I'd appreciate your thoughts/comments/opinions/experiences/etc. with any of these three shoes that you have tried!

Thank you!!!

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

Is there a way to change the title of my post? After more reading and searching and watching I've narrowed my T22 Lite replacement down to three choices (mentioned above), only one of which is an Asics.

Thanks.

TripleB

 

[jim e]

Have been wearing a pair of the newest Prince T22 Lite for about two months now. They felt great when I first tried them on, felt good when I played wearing them the first few times (all on clay court), but when I made the switch over to hard courts I started having a lot of pain in my right heel. Now they hurt my left heel even if I just put them on. Before the T22 Lite I wore Asics Gel Speed 2 shoes (bought several pair on closeout) and never had a single instance of pain while wearing them.

I'm looking to try one of three different models:
- Asics Solution Speed FF
- K-Swiss Ultrashot
- New Balance MC 996v3

I'd appreciate your thoughts/comments/opinions/experiences/etc. with any of these three shoes that you have tried!

Thank you!!!

TripleB

Of the 3 you list above I have worn the Asics and the K swiss.
Of those 2 I have worn, the Asics not only fit better, they were more comfortable , no breaking in and felt great right out of the box, and are light weight.
The K Swiss were much smaller in size than listed, and had to stop wearing from discomfort. I suggest a half size larger than your normal size if you go with the Ultrashot.

 

[om panda]

NB 996V3 is a failure. I have one and it have long break in time, hard cushioning, stiff material at last eyelet that dig to your feet when cinching your shoe lace, and hot unbreathable upper

 

[TahoeTennis]

the Asics Speed Solution 2 is the best tennis shoe ever made, look for them, find them, love them.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

NB 996V3 is a failure. I have one and it have long break in time, hard cushioning, stiff material at last eyelet that dig to your feet when cinching your shoe lace, and hot unbreathable upper

I'm a long time New Balance fan, but I was totally let down by these shoes. Probably the first pair of New Balances I've ever truly hated. Very little cushioning and it always felt like the top of my toes were being crushed. I really had high expectations because the I've been wearing 990's for running and casual use for close to 20 years and always loved them. This is totally anecdotal, but I've never had a problem with any of their "Made in the USA" models.

 

[Syfo-Dias]

@TahoeTennis Why does it always seem like the greatest tennis shoes ever made are always the ones that aren't available anymore? lol

 

[TahoeTennis]

@TahoeTennis Why does it always seem like the greatest tennis shoes ever made are always the ones that aren't available anymore? lol

same reason Fed and Nadal never wear the same clothes the same time. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Tennis_Hands]

the Asics Speed Solution 2 is the best tennis shoe ever made, look for them, find them, love them.

That is stupid.

You are not " finding" them, unless some guy on some site offers them for sale after X years in his attic.

Fat chance that they will not be even the size one needs, if such a thing happens.

 

[TahoeTennis]

That is stupid.

You are not " finding" them, unless some guy on some site offers them for sale after X years in his attic.

Fat chance that they will not be even the size one needs, if such a thing happens.

not stupid at all, I found some earlier this summer.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

not stupid at all, I found some earlier this summer.

Well, you have been INCREDIBLY lucky that you found some AND they were your size.

 

[norcal]

I playtested the Ultrashot, I suggest you read the playtest thread and get a lot of opinions there. My experience was very positive, I found them extremely comfortable out of the box and very stable. I just bought another pair.

Considering the Ultrashot has a 6 month guarantee and is on sale for $80 it is way less than half the price of the Asics (if you take advantage of the warranty).

If you want light weight and don't care about durability go with the Asics.

 

[om panda]

Not interestwd with Asics Court FF?

 

[prjacobs]

the Asics Speed Solution 2 is the best tennis shoe ever made, look for them, find them, love them.

I love my SS 2s. (Clay version)...
That being said, the Court FFs are by far, for me[emoji4], the best tennis shoes I’ve ever worn.


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[JeffG]

I personally like the 996v3. They fit me very well (which I think is the key for any shoe), are very stable, and strike me as a nice balance between lighter, speed oriented shoes and heavier stability models. I wish there was slightly more forefoot cushioning but other than that I tend to forget I’m wearing them. They are snug in the toe box/forefoot area but relax a little after some use. I have narrow feet so might recommend a half size up or the wide version for others.

 

[TripleB]

I personally like the 996v3. They fit me very well (which I think is the key for any shoe), are very stable, and strike me as a nice balance between lighter, speed oriented shoes and heavier stability models. I wish there was slightly more forefoot cushioning but other than that I tend to forget I’m wearing them. They are snug in the toe box/forefoot area but relax a little after some use. I have narrow feet so might recommend a half size up or the wide version for others.

This morning I received three pairs of shoes, all in size 12.0: New Balance MC 996 v3, Asics Gel Court FF, and Adidas adizero Ubersonic 3.

After a quick wearing around the house I decided the Adidas were the worst of the three...couldn't get my left heel to be secure in the shoe (even used my normal runner's loop), my foot overall didn't feel secure or stable in the shoe , and the right heel pain I had from wearing my Prince T22 Lite shoes on the hard courts felt the same in these shoes. And most unimportant the look really wasn't my style.

The Asics are a bit awkward to get into but really feel great once on my foot. A very glove like, secure, and stable feel. They may be a half size too large because at the toe the top of the shoe has like two "dimples" that sort of cave in a bit. I feel a slight bit of pain still in my right heel but not as noticeable as it was with the Ubersonics and there feels like a slight pushing on my left heel. But, with an 11.5 instead of the 12.0 these two situations might not be there.

The New Balance felt a bit small to start with but after loosening up the laces a bit on my runner's loop they feel the best of the three. They are secure, stable, no movement anywhere, and most of all absolutely no right heel pain. The only two areas that are concerning are the breathability of the shoe (the toe area is like a cloth) and on my right foot the inner area around my ankle sort of digs in at the front of my ankle....not sure what the problem is here yet but will figure it out.

Weird thing is the New Balance fit/feel better with my Solinco socks and the Asics feel/fit better by Adidas socks.

I'll wear them around the house many more times but right now, even though they aren't perfect and still don't compare to my Asics Speed 2, the New Balance are my favorite just because they take care of my heel problem.

I haven't worn Nike shoes since they discontinued by favorite McEnroe shoes back in the 90's (or was it the 80's?)...they only lasted about 2 months before I had worn through to my toes, but they were the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Second most comfortable shoes was the Asics Speed 2...anything from Nike come close to the Speed 2? Yes, I'm so desperate I'll even give Nike a try!

TripleB

 

[prjacobs]

This morning I received three pairs of shoes, all in size 12.0: New Balance MC 996 v3, Asics Gel Court FF, and Adidas adizero Ubersonic 3.

After a quick wearing around the house I decided the Adidas were the worst of the three...couldn't get my left heel to be secure in the shoe (even used my normal runner's loop), my foot overall didn't feel secure or stable in the shoe , and the right heel pain I had from wearing my Prince T22 Lite shoes on the hard courts felt the same in these shoes. And most unimportant the look really wasn't my style.

The Asics are a bit awkward to get into but really feel great once on my foot. A very glove like, secure, and stable feel. They may be a half size too large because at the toe the top of the shoe has like two "dimples" that sort of cave in a bit. I feel a slight bit of pain still in my right heel but not as noticeable as it was with the Ubersonics and there feels like a slight pushing on my left heel. But, with an 11.5 instead of the 12.0 these two situations might not be there.

The New Balance felt a bit small to start with but after loosening up the laces a bit on my runner's loop they feel the best of the three. They are secure, stable, no movement anywhere, and most of all absolutely no right heel pain. The only two areas that are concerning are the breathability of the shoe (the toe area is like a cloth) and on my right foot the inner area around my ankle sort of digs in at the front of my ankle....not sure what the problem is here yet but will figure it out.

Weird thing is the New Balance fit/feel better with my Solinco socks and the Asics feel/fit better by Adidas socks.

I'll wear them around the house many more times but right now, even though they aren't perfect and still don't compare to my Asics Speed 2, the New Balance are my favorite just because they take care of my heel problem.

I haven't worn Nike shoes since they discontinued by favorite McEnroe shoes back in the 90's (or was it the 80's?)...they only lasted about 2 months before I had worn through to my toes, but they were the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Second most comfortable shoes was the Asics Speed 2...anything from Nike come close to the Speed 2? Yes, I'm so desperate I'll even give Nike a try!

TripleB

I’d suggest going down 1/2 size with the court FFs and get a shoehorn. That’s what worked for me.


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[Shaolin]

Former Asics wearer. Switched to Nike air zoom zeros last year and wont go back unless they stop making them.

 

[TripleB]

After trying out the following shoes around the house (T22 Lite on court):

- Asics Solution Speed FF
- New Balance MC 996v3
- Asics Gel Court FF
- New Balance MC 1296v2
- Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3
- Adidas Barricade 2018 Boost
- Prince T22 Lite

the Asics Gel Court FF is definitely the most comfortable and allows me to use my runner's loop to secure my heel in. Still trying to decide whether to go with the 11.5 or the 12.0 and the only thing I don't care for is the thinner laces (but they don't seem to 'cut' into my foot or ankle like other thin laces have)...with my luck they will probably stop making them.

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

Can anyone compare the Gel Court FF to the Gel Court Speed to the Gel Resolution 7?

Thanks!

TripleB

 

[Ramon]

After trying out the following shoes around the house (T22 Lite on court):

- Asics Solution Speed FF
- New Balance MC 996v3
- Asics Gel Court FF
- New Balance MC 1296v2
- Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3
- Adidas Barricade 2018 Boost
- Prince T22 Lite

the Asics Gel Court FF is definitely the most comfortable and allows me to use my runner's loop to secure my heel in. Still trying to decide whether to go with the 11.5 or the 12.0 and the only thing I don't care for is the thinner laces (but they don't seem to 'cut' into my foot or ankle like other thin laces have)...with my luck they will probably stop making them.

TripleB

I think you'll find the runner's loop unnecessary with the Court FF. The bootie is surprisingly effective in securing your heel. In fact, my shoe laces were untied while I was playing and I didn't notice it until I looked down! This is my favorite all around shoe. I used the Gel Res 6 in past, and for me the Court FF is miles ahead of it, especially when it comes to cushioning.

 

[TripleB]

I think you'll find the runner's loop unnecessary with the Court FF. The bootie is surprisingly effective in securing your heel.

Funny you should mention this. I have the 12.0 and the 11.5 trying to figure out which size is the best fit. The 12.0 feels just a tad large (and there is something in it pushing into the back left side of my heel with the 12.0) and the 11.5 feels just a bit tight if I've been on my feet a while.

So to try and make the 11.5 feel larger I took my runner's loop out of the 11.5 yesterday and you're exactly correct - this shoe surrounds the foot where the heel doesn't slip at all without the runner's loop that I've used for 20 years.

Still not sure if the 11.5 will stretch out in time so that it doesn't continue to feel a bit small, but taking out the runner's loop helps it feel some better.

Thanks!

TripleB

 

[Ramon]

Funny you should mention this. I have the 12.0 and the 11.5 trying to figure out which size is the best fit. The 12.0 feels just a tad large (and there is something in it pushing into the back left side of my heel with the 12.0) and the 11.5 feels just a bit tight if I've been on my feet a while.

So to try and make the 11.5 feel larger I took my runner's loop out of the 11.5 yesterday and you're exactly correct - this shoe surrounds the foot where the heel doesn't slip at all without the runner's loop that I've used for 20 years.

Still not sure if the 11.5 will stretch out in time so that it doesn't continue to feel a bit small, but taking out the runner's loop helps it feel some better.

Thanks!

TripleB

I normally wear a 9.5, but with the Court FF I easily fit into the 9.0, and it does stretch so it sounds to me like the 11.5 is better for you.

It's interesting how the weaknesses in the Gel Res 6 are actually the biggest strengths in the Court FF. I liked the Gel Res 6 as far as comfort and stability, but the cushioning did not protect my knees and the heel slippage was so bad that I needed the runner's loop (it's the only shoe where I needed it) which took away some of the comfort. The Court FF completely addressed those issues. In fact, it's the most secure feeling shoe I have.

 

[prjacobs]

I normally wear a 9.5, but with the Court FF I easily fit into the 9.0, and it does stretch so it sounds to me like the 11.5 is better for you.

It's interesting how the weaknesses in the Gel Res 6 are actually the biggest strengths in the Court FF. I liked the Gel Res 6 as far as comfort and stability, but the cushioning did not protect my knees and the heel slippage was so bad that I needed the runner's loop (it's the only shoe where I needed it) which took away some of the comfort. The Court FF completely addressed those issues. In fact, it's the most secure feeling shoe I have.

Agreed...


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[topspn]

the Asics Speed Solution 2 is the best tennis shoe ever made, look for them, find them, love them.

That is so true. I bought 3 of them when they were being fazed out but wish I had purchased 20.

 

[PigPen]

Love the court ff. Wish Asics would make a clay version (hint, hint).

 

[jacob22]

That is stupid.

You are not " finding" them, unless some guy on some site offers them for sale after X years in his attic.

Fat chance that they will not be even the size one needs, if such a thing happens.

I know such a person.

 

[stapletonj]

asics gel resolution. bit heavier, but best cushioning money can buy

 

[Ramon]

Love the court ff. Wish Asics would make a clay version (hint, hint).

I actually found the all court version to be more than adequate on clay. I suppose if you're a really serious top level player it might make a difference.

 

[TripleB]

I normally wear a 9.5, but with the Court FF I easily fit into the 9.0, and it does stretch so it sounds to me like the 11.5 is better for you.

The 12.0 was a bit large and had something stiff in the heel that poked the left side of my heel. Sent them back and went with the 11.5...and now they feel too small so I'm a bit worried of how they will feel when the weather gets above 45 degrees. The difference between the 12.0 and the 11.5 actually felt more like a full size difference. Very strange!

TripleB

 

[DTdragons645]

Bit of a tangent but I went to an Asics outlet near me the other day and saw some leftover GR6s and a pair of SS2s in the clearance wall. They were all like a mutant size 15 though so I couldn't try them out.

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[SC in MA]

Can anyone compare the Gel Court FF to the Gel Court Speed to the Gel Resolution 7? Thanks!

I can't compare the Court FF to the Speed, but I can give a bit of comparison to the GR7.

I'm a long time Gel Res user. In Gel Res 1-5, I wore size 11. In Gel Res 6 & 7, size 11 is too long and size 10.5 is a bit too short, although GR6-Wide in 10.5 did work for me. Unfortunately, Asics did not continue the Wide option in GR7.

Anyway, after trying out the GR7 and not finding it a good fit, I recently tried on and bought the Court FF, which I received yesterday, in size 10.5 (a half size down from my normal size 11) and the length feels like it will work (though I haven't played with them yet).

The Court FF has a more glove like fit and is lighter than the GR, which has a heavier, more substantial build quality to it. In terms of fit, the Court FF reminds me a lot of a lighter version of the GR2, which I have a worn pair of to compare it to.

I should have a better feel for the Court FF over the next few days once I get on a court with them.

 

[topspn]

How is the Gel Court Speed? I have a speed FF and a res 7 and like them both. The gel court speed looks like a good deal but will it give comparable comfort and stability? It looks like it may be similar to the speed 2

 

[IowaGuy]

I like Gel Court FF. 1/2 size smaller than I wear for other brands.

Glove-like fit on my feet, no stability issues whatsoever. Good cushioning and fairly lightweight for being so cushioned...