babolat sfx3

[ichaseballs]

it seems to be pretty popular at the club level. and seems to always sell out online, better than the other babolat shoes.

anyone who likes this shoe tends to have wide feet and finds most if not all other tennis shoes un-comfortable.
personally i have purchased a few pairs already. but the new color option is meh, and just the one. (the older color options are no longer made it seems)

please babolat release this great shoe sfx3 in more colors

 

[Tennisist]

Having used ~6 other shoes, I do find these the most comfortable . And yes, I wish they would improve the colors or at least made more of them.

They are narrower than all other shoes I used, so I am not sure they are for people with wide feet.

 

[Ronaldo]

Having used ~6 other shoes, I do find these the most comfortable . And yes, I wish they would improve the colors or at least made more of them.

They are narrower than all other shoes I used, so I am not sure they are for people with wide feet.

Can you get the SFX 3 in white?

 

[WildVolley]

Having used ~6 other shoes, I do find these the most comfortable . And yes, I wish they would improve the colors or at least made more of them.

They are narrower than all other shoes I used, so I am not sure they are for people with wide feet.

When you say that are narrower, what part of the shoe are you talking about? What other shoes are you comparing them to?

 

[Nostradamus]

it seems to be pretty popular at the club level. and seems to always sell out online, better than the other babolat shoes.

anyone who likes this shoe tends to have wide feet and finds most if not all other tennis shoes un-comfortable.
personally i have purchased a few pairs already. but the new color option is meh, and just the one. (the older color options are no longer made it seems)

please babolat release this great shoe sfx3 in more colors

Now what i am hearing about this shoe is that it has GREAT cushioning but it lack support meaning Lateral support is poor compared to other top tennis shoes in the market

 

[WildVolley]

Now what i am hearing about this shoe is that it has GREAT cushioning but it lack support meaning Lateral support is poor compared to other top tennis shoes in the market

I think that's generally true.

Also, the shoe is soft feeling underfoot. So while it is cushioned, it also allows a lot of foot movement, so I don't consider it to have a lot of support under the foot either. I prefer shoes with a slightly less soft feeling underfoot.

 

[Ronaldo]

I think that's generally true.

Also, the shoe is soft feeling underfoot. So while it is cushioned, it also allows a lot of foot movement, so I don't consider it to have a lot of support under the foot either. I prefer shoes with a slightly less soft feeling underfoot.

Suspect this is partially due to the factory insole

 

[Tennisist]

When you say that are narrower, what part of the shoe are you talking about? What other shoes are you comparing them to?

Toebox is narrower compared to Adidas, Nike, KSwiss, New Balance, Wilson and Head.

 

[WildVolley]

Toebox is narrower compared to Adidas, Nike, KSwiss, New Balance, Wilson and Head.

This is an interesting observation. When I playtested the SFX3, I found they were comfortable for my very wide toe spread (I have wide feet that aren't very high volume). This wasn't because the outsole is particularly wide in the forefoot, but because of the soft upper, my little toes were able to push out the side of the shoe without causing me pain.

I haven't played in Nike for a while, but I found the SFX3 squeezed my toes from the side less than KS Bigshot 2.5s I used to wear and less than Yonex Sonicage Wide, which I still use. I also play in Adidas SoleMatch Bounce shoes, which have good toe box room, but a flange on the outside that slightly constricts the width. My main shoes at the moment are actually Costco Adidas Court Spec shoes. Even though I'm wearing a 1/2 size up, they fit quite well and give me plenty of toe box room.

 

[WildVolley]

Suspect this is partially due to the factory insole

It is a highly cushioned insole. I pulled a pair out of the last pair I killed, but I haven't tried to swap them in my other shoes.

 

[Ronaldo]

It is a highly cushioned insole. I pulled a pair out of the last pair I killed, but I haven't tried to swap them in my other shoes.

Yes it is a highly cushioned insole. But flat with little support for the arch. Btw, most cushioned replacement ins0le IMHO is the Tuli Roadrunner.

 

[Power Player]

Toebox is narrower compared to Adidas, Nike, KSwiss, New Balance, Wilson and Head.

Tried about all those brands on today and did not find that to be the case. The SFX3s were the widest and most comfortable.

 

[Power Player]

Yes it is a highly cushioned insole. But flat with little support for the arch. Btw, most cushioned replacement ins0le IMHO is the Tuli Roadrunner.

Would these be a good replacement for the Babolat insole? I ask because I'd like more cushion under the base of my big toe.

 

[Ronaldo]

Would these be a good replacement for the Babolat insole? I ask because I'd like more cushion under the base of my big toe.

Discovered the MegaComfort.com insoles. Pretty remarkable, great arch support

 

[Power Player]

Discovered the MegaComfort.com insoles. Pretty remarkable, great arch support

Nice, which model for tennis?

 

[Ronaldo]

Nice, which model for tennis?

Any model. Wore the Personal Anti-fatigue in both running and tennis shoes.

 

[innoVAShaun]

I just picked up a pair of the Wimbledon Babolat SFX3. They definitely feel very light and wide. The insoles feel very cushioned and when I put my custom orthotics inside, I felt even lower to the ground. I think maybe too low. I'll keep the original insoles in for now.

They will definitely get into rotation once I finish burning through my Nike Vapor X Wides.

Sorry Nike... but not sorry. Too good a deal to pass up on the comfort.

 

[d-quik]

I just picked up a pair of the Wimbledon Babolat SFX3. They definitely feel very light and wide. The insoles feel very cushioned and when I put my custom orthotics inside, I felt even lower to the ground. I think maybe too low. I'll keep the original insoles in for now.

They will definitely get into rotation once I finish burning through my Nike Vapor X Wides.

Did these also run long? (I assume you ordered your regular size)

 

[innoVAShaun]

Did these also run long? (I assume you ordered your regular size)

Yes. I tried them on with my thick winter socks around the house and felt there was more room left in the front. Once I switch into my custom orthotic insoles, there is a significant amount of room in the toe box. I could definitely go down half a size if I wanted to.

On another note, switching to my orthotics, I can sense the huge sacrifice of comfort and cushion provided by the stock insoles. I will provide a photo of the stock insoles next.

I plan to try them out on the (indoor clay) courts today. I am currently using Nike AZ Oscillates on the Har Tru.

 

[innoVAShaun]

While on the search for these, I spoke to two shops and they both did say they were expecting restocks of the SFX3 by the end of the week.

 

[innoVAShaun]

Wimbledon Babolat SFX3 stock insoles. The technology (or brand?) says Ergo-Motion.

 

[innoVAShaun]

Just got done playing with them on clay. They are very light and comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. I say that because they feel very plush and cushioned. Almost like I was playing in gel inserts which I am not use to. I found myself a bit of a step behind because the cushioning was not as responsive.

I will use them with my stiff custom orthotics next week.

 

[d-quik]

Just got done playing with them on clay. They are very light and comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. I say that because they feel very plush and cushioned. Almost like I was playing in gel inserts which I am not use to. I found myself a bit of a step behind because the cushioning was not as responsive.

I will use them with my stiff custom orthotics next week.

Did you also find your heel slipping (either upwards or to the side)? The original playtesters from 4 years ago say the opening of the shoe was too wide

 

[innoVAShaun]

Did you also find your heel slipping (either upwards or to the side)? The original playtesters from 4 years ago say the opening of the shoe was too wide

I did not notice any heel slippage with the stock insoles.

I put my orthotics in them and walked around outside. I'm definitely concerned about my heels slipping after creating more room with my insoles.

 

[Ronaldo]

I did not notice any heel slippage with the stock insoles.

I put my orthotics in them and walked around outside. I'm definitely concerned about my heels slipping after creating more room with my insoles.

Could you add a flat insole under your orthotics to fill in the extra room?

 

[mhkeuns]

It is a great casual playing shoes, such as warm-ups and rallies. Though it was super comfortable, it lacked the proper cushioning and stability during competitive matches on hard courts. It was by far the most comfortable shoes for my wide, duck feet.

 

[d-quik]

wide, duck feet.

U no try Diadora Blushield or Slazenger Icons?

concerned about my heels slipping

That's not good

 

[mhkeuns]

Did you also find your heel slipping (either upwards or to the side)? The original playtesters from 4 years ago say the opening of the shoe was too wide

Yeah, I was one of the playtesters. After wearing the shoe for a few hours I did feel my heels slipping to the side perhaps due to the shoe (*heel area) not being supportive enough. It wasn’t really bad like the ASICS Gels Resolution heel slippage (*different upwards slipping).

 

[d-quik]

After wearing the shoe for a few hours I did feel my heels slipping to the side perhaps due to the shoe (*heel area) not being supportive enough

Why didn't you mention this in the original thread?

 

[mhkeuns]

Why didn't you mention this in the original thread?

I believe it was my first shoe playtest and didn't want to be too negative. Actually, the shoes are quite nice but made a bit too wide for most people, even for my wide feet. Most playtesters who had narrow or regular width mentioned it being a bit too wide. I believe it being wide and soft makes feet slip inside the shoes. Also, as mentioned, it is a great leisurely playing shoes. The support and cushioning wasn't made for competitive plays. It is comfortable, though, almost like a walking shoes.

Actually, I remeber during quick steps and stops, side heel slippage was noticeable. That's when I also felt all the cushioning wore out, maybe after 30+ hours of usage on hard courts.

 

[innoVAShaun]

Could you add a flat insole under your orthotics to fill in the extra room?

I just tried it and it's actually very comfortable. I wouldn't play with them like that though. I've sprained my ankles too many times when my feet feel that high.

 

[innoVAShaun]

I have decided that the SFX3 are a bust for me. Maybe, if I find another deal too good to pass up, I'll pick them up in a half size smaller.

I will use these for casual and eventually the gym/training since they are more comfortable than my running shoes (with orthotic insoles).

 

[d-quik]

I believe it was my first shoe playtest and didn't want to be too negative. Actually, the shoes are quite nice but made a bit too wide for most people, even for my wide feet. Most playtesters who had narrow or regular width mentioned it being a bit too wide. I believe it being wide and soft makes feet slip inside the shoes. Also, as mentioned, it is a great leisurely playing shoes. The support and cushioning wasn't made for competitive plays. It is comfortable, though, almost like a walking shoes.

Actually, I remeber during quick steps and stops, side heel slippage was noticeable. That's when I also felt all the cushioning wore out, maybe after 30+ hours of usage on hard courts.

What do you think would happen if you went half size down?

 

[mhkeuns]

What do you think would happen if you went half size down?

I think it might work out better because the SFX3 was made just bigger/wider overall. But, honestly, I think it matters more if your feet are narrow. Only after the shoes have been worn for a while and well broken in, there was some noticeable heel sliding. But, that was only felt during real competitive plays where I had to make lots of quick sprints, side & cross streps and quick stops. The only shoes that held my feet in place tightly without any heel or feet slippage was Head Sprint Pro (*2.0, I believe), but I think most shoes lose the locked in feeling after they get broken in. The SFX3 is designed more for comfort, so the locked in feeling goes away quicker, imo.

I think choosing the right shoes is tougher than choosing a racket. Only after I developed foot, knee and hip problems, I began to try all the top of the line shoes. Before that, I wore anything and everything from basketball shoes to cross-trainers on clearance.

 

[d-quik]

choosing the right shoes is tougher than choosing a racket

Ya plus with racquets, once you find the right one, you use it forever.

With shoes, once you find the right one, it gets worn out, it gets discontinued, you have to consider stockpiling them, so many headaches.

 

[Subway Tennis]

Did you also find your heel slipping (either upwards or to the side)? The original playtesters from 4 years ago say the opening of the shoe was too wide

i tie the laces with a runner's loop and don't get any heel slippage at all.

Basically what people have mentioned on here already is spot-on:

- They are a wide fit
- They are an amazingly comfortable shoe
- extremely soft underfoot and in the upper
- There isn't a huge amount of lateral support.

A great step up from these if you still want Babolat comfort with more upper support would be the Babolat Jet Mach III's.

 

[d-quik]

runner's loop and don't get any heel slippage at all.

I think that's generally true.

Also, the shoe is soft feeling underfoot. So while it is cushioned, it also allows a lot of foot movement, so I don't consider it to have a lot of support under the foot either. I prefer shoes with a slightly less soft feeling underfoot.

Tried about all those brands on today and did not find that to be the case. The SFX3s were the widest and most comfortable.

Did any of you highly cultured gentlemen size down with the babolats?

 

[Subway Tennis]

Did any of you highly cultured gentlemen size down with the babolats?

Annoyingly long answer: I am "usually" an 11.5 with some exceptions. In the Nike GP Turbos I am a 12, and in most Adidas shoes I am an 11. But I go with my "usual" 11.5 size with the SFX3's.

 

[d-quik]

But I go with my "usual" 11.5 size with the SFX3's.

Would SFX3 have worked in 11 for you? People are saying it ran long...

 

[Subway Tennis]

Would SFX3 have worked in 11 for you? People are saying it ran long...

There is some room for me at the 11.5 size, and the uppers are soft, so maybe, but that is pure speculation. I never tried them at size 11 and I dont know how much shift there is between half sizes in Babolat, so I couldnt say for sure. I have only ever bought the SFX3s in 11.5.

If you do end up buying some, welcome to the club. These shoes are truly one of the absolute bargains of tennis (a sport where there aren't many bargains to be had)

 

[d-quik]

have only ever bought the SFX3s in 11.5.

Have you tried the GR8 2E or Ultrashot 2 in 11.5? Does the SFX3 have similar length/width as those?

Last question, I promise!

 

[Subway Tennis]

Have you tried the GR8 2E or Ultrashot 2 in 11.5? Does the SFX3 have similar length/width as those?

Last question, I promise!

I havent tried either of those shoes.

I tried the regular width GR8s in an 11.5 and was very disappointed with the width.

I used to wear the regular width Asics GR6s in an 11.5 and they were good.

 

[d-quik]

I havent tried either of those shoes.

I tried the regular width GR8s in an 11.5 and was very disappointed with the width.

I used to wear the regular width Asics GR6s in an 11.5 and they were good.

Very grateful for the highly informative insight. I will remember this when I win the U.S. Open wearing these.

 

[Subway Tennis]

Very grateful for the highly informative insight. I will remember this when I win the U.S. Open wearing these.

I can just picture it..... you win the US Open and have reps from Puma, Nike Lacoste, Asics beating down your door with endorsement deals but you tell them all to get fxxxed because you prefer your trusty SFX3s !

 

[WildVolley]

Did any of you highly cultured gentlemen size down with the babolats?

I didn't. They may be slightly long, but I didn't feel they were a 1/2-size longer. On the other hand, I feel that my feet are becoming slightly larger, perhaps because I spend so much time off the courts without wearing shoes.

 

[innoVAShaun]

 

[innoVAShaun]

 

[d-quik]

Found these locally and went to try them on. The diagonal line on the insoles under the arch is pronounced. You really feel it and it helps you make diagonal stops

 

[innoVAShaun]

Found these locally and went to try them on. The diagonal line on the insoles under the arch is pronounced. You really feel it and it helps you make diagonal stops

Did you try your regular size and/or go a half size smaller?

 

[d-quik]

Did you try your regular size and/or go a half size smaller?

I tried both. Both feel good. If the upper was made from a stiffer material I would stay true to size bit since it isn't I would probably go down 0.5 size. The softness allows your feet to slide a bit so the baseline hold has to be tighter to compensate. If the upper was hard though I would not size down.

This happened to me too with the MC1296V2s from several years ago. Soft uppers make me go after a tighter fit

But back to the SFX3 I do get how people have differing opinions on it. I mainly believe it is due to the upper. Had it been a stiffer material I think people would have more confidence in it. The heel isn't the greatest and forces the runner's loop.

Other than literally those two aspects the shoe has (in my totally subjective opinion) no other problems. Another bias I have is that I pay no attention to cushioning, which people here, conversely, put quite a bit of value in so I come up short here. Being on your heels is bad anyways

If I had to add a very low-resolution comment it would probably be that "while it doesn't FEEL particularly soft the sole somehow suspiciously still takes a lot of the shock away".