Barricade V's

[Rabbit]

I'm a long time Adidas wearer. I bought a pair of V's a couple of days ago and wore them first time tonight. I've been a fan of both the Feather and Barricade since the II's.

While I do think that wearing Barricade's too long isn't good for the knees, I can also report that the V's are a big improvement over the previous models. They are lighter, seem to have better insoles and better cushioning. The soles also have a whole lot better looking clay court sole with a wide herringbone pattern.

They also are lighter and lower to the ground.

All in all, I like the V's better than any previous version of the Barricade I've worn to date.

 

[jayserinos99]

Hi Rabbit, can you explain the big differences between the B2 and B5? I won't switch from the B2 because it's the only shoe that I've come across that fits my foot perfectly; the biggest problem is that the arch flattens out too quickly for my tastes.

 

[Rabbit]

The B2 runs considerably more narrow than the B5. I think the insole on the B5 is closer to the B2 than the other models. It does feel like it molds around your foot. It is definitely lighter.

 

[curvefan]

Hey Rabbit,

Could you explain your comment on the Barricades not being good for the knees?

I was thinking of getting a pair of BV's but after your knees comment I think I will wait for your explanation.

I have wore the B2's down through the years and never had knee problems with them. I did roll an ankle and then switched to NB 800 series which have been great for my ankles but your knee comment worries me.

Later,
John

 

[Rabbit]

Sorry, not just Barricades. I think wearing any shoe too long isn't too spiffy for the knees, especially when you get a little older.

I think the Vs have better cushioning, at least what I've seen so far.

 

[nickb]

I have only ever used barricade's (never had or worn another shoe)...just got the V's also...much lighter and great comfort!

Nick

 

[curvefan]

Rabbit,

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure what you're saying exactly. Do you mean as we get older we should use different brands depending on the cushioning of the particular shoe?

I am 53 and play at the 3.5 + level and am currently using the NB 803's which keep my ankles safe.

I also use a hinged knee brace for my right knee which was operated on for torn cartlidge 30 years ago. If I didn't use the knee brace my knee would swell up and be very sore.

So you can understand my reason for wanting a shoe that was good for knee safety.

One last question: I really liked how the B2's fit, so are you saying that the B5's are a little wider? I liked the glove like feel of the B2's and the only reason I switched was because of an ankle roll.

I'll now let you up for air!!

John

 

[Rabbit]

No, I'm sorry. What I'm saying is that while the outsoles on shoes may last, the cushioning of the shoe breaks down first. Way back, you'd wear your outsole out first, but now they make shoes tougher and the cushioning breaks down. I'm simply saying that it's kinda like your strings, just because they don't break it doesn't mean you shouldn't restring. Just because your shoes don't have holes in them it doesn't mean you shouldn't get a new pair.

The V's are a little wider in the toe box IMO, but it's been a while for me and the II's. The insole of the V's seems to hug your foot better though to make up for it. In other words, the insole seems to mold more around your foot giving you a better ride.

Sorry if it's clear as mud...

 

[curvefan]

Rabbit,

Now I understand what you were saying about the knees.

I'm a little sloooooow sometimes!

Thanks again. Now I just have to decide which color to get.

 

[rabidcow]

I agree about Rabbit about how improved the V's are, I can actually wear them without feeling like I have bricks strapped to my feet

 

[rooski]

I agree totally with Rabbit on his assessment of the B5. Spot on across the board. I have been a B2 user for many years (probably 12-15 pairs) and never even tried the B3 or B4 because I liked the B2's so much. Then I tried the new B5. Wow...So much better cushioning...so much lighter feeling...and waaaaay more breathable than the B2.

Goodbye B2's...The B5 is your new replacement.

 

[Ignorant Genius]

Barricade II mid's are the best Barricades I've ever worn by far and I've worn all of them except for the I's.

If you play a lot, you should get new shoes every six months (at least).

 

[Rabbit]

Barricade II mid's are the best Barricades I've ever worn by far and I've worn all of them except for the I's.

If you play a lot, you should get new shoes every six months (at least).

This is what I was trying to say! Just because your shoe soles last more than 6 months doesn't mean the guts of your shoes do.

I've worn my V's a 3rd time now and they are broken in completely. I can report that they are the most comfortable Barricades I've owned, the lightest, the most supportive, and the best cushioned.

I bought the white/grey ones as I had always bought the black/white ones before. I think they are the best looking Barricade's since the I's.

A buddy of mine gave me a pair of Nike Breath Free II's yesterday. He'd worn them once and decided they didn't fit. I'll try them for comparison...

 

[rabidcow]

Just a note, I agree with everything that Rabbit has said, but I feel the durability may not be AS good as the past Barricades. It is still the best durability shoe IMO however.

 

[Rabbit]

^I agree, but also don't have a problem with less durability on this shoe.

 

[rabidcow]

well the cushioning dies before the sole does usually in Barricades so maybe a little less durability will help some peoples knees