Basketball shoes

v-verb

Hall of Fame
Yes I do. I picked up some light Adidas Own the Game shoes (now sadly discontinued)

They feel great, are light and lock in my ankles. No need for those ankle supports. My next set of shoes will also be BB shoes.

Here's the thing. I use what is right for me. I don't care what the crowd says or does. If it works for me - it's good.

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Keoni068

Rookie
Just wondering if anyone here uses basketball shoes for tennis and can share their experiences?

Adidas D Rose 5 boost for me. The full boost cushioning is great, excellent traction and good durability. I'm not very hard on my shoes, though. They have much better cushioning and stability then my Lunar Ballistecs.
 

Ramon

Legend
Tried out the Adidas D Rose 7 on a clay court. Great shoe for recovery! It has full length boost cushioning, full herringbone tread pattern, and best ankle support and heel lockdown of any shoe out there! However, it probably won't last too long on hard courts. It might slow you down a little bit, but compared to wearing uncomfortable ankle supports, I think this has it beat. My regular tennis shoe is the Adidas Barricade 2015 Boost.

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http://www.adidas.com/us/d-rose-7-p...USTOMIZE_IMG_D%20Rose%207%20Primeknit%20Shoes
 

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
Clay court opens up a lot of options.

For hard court, ive heard taht the rose 7 is the best of teh 'flagship' adidas basketball shoes wrt outsole durability. youre best bet is probably with a non-translucent outsole though.
 
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Ramon

Legend
Clay court opens up a lot of options.

For hard court, ive heard taht the rose 7 is the best of teh 'flagship' adidas basketball shoes. youre best bet is probably with a non-translucent outsole though.
The one I actually have is the black and white colorway with the mesh upper and solid white outsole.

The D Rose 7 is definitely a better outdoor option than the Crazy Explosive, but I'm thinking the Crazylight Boost 2016 with the Continental rubber outsole would be even better (albeit a low top shoe). I think the same outsole is in the D Lillard 2 Boost, which would probably have a more supportive upper.
 

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
yea definitely not the crazy explosive which is disappointing bc i hear it is crazy comfortable (feels like an ultraboost).

The crazylight's sizing is all screwed up. I'm waiting for the primeknit version to come out, which is supposed to fit more true to size. The non-detached tongue is supposed to help improve the lockdown.
 
I have switched over to basketball shoes for tennis. The only downside is their durability is even worse than tennis shoes including the Vapor Tour 9s and 9.5s. I have tried the Crazy Light 2016 Boost with full Boost technology and also the Under Armour Micro G Clutchdrive Fit Low. They offer better cushioning than any tennis shoes currently out in the market. The Nike KD 8s were the best but they don't last very long even though the full length AIr Zoom was one of the most cushioned shoes out there. The KD 8 outsole design isn't durable and the Air Zoom popped a couple times so I had to give up using them.
 

ricardo

Hall of Fame
Adidas Crazy Explosives, 10.5 Med

I have been using non-tennis shoes for a long time.
My primary problem with tennis shoes is the minimal selection for wide feet (4E, which means extra wide).

I tried Explosive at 10.5 medium and it fits my wide 4E foot perfectly. I normally use 10 4E.
It is also very cushioned (due to full foot Boost cushioning), helping my knees tremendously.

I only play recreational tennis.
Competitive tennis players may find these shoes too cushioned, which may reduce agility.
 

Ramon

Legend
Adidas Crazy Explosives, 10.5 Med

I have been using non-tennis shoes for a long time.
My primary problem with tennis shoes is the minimal selection for wide feet (4E, which means extra wide).

I tried Explosive at 10.5 medium and it fits my wide 4E foot perfectly. I normally use 10 4E.
It is also very cushioned (due to full foot Boost cushioning), helping my knees tremendously.

I only play recreational tennis.
Competitive tennis players may find these shoes too cushioned, which may reduce agility.

A lot of narrow footed reviewers like that shoe too. In fact, just about every reviewer loves it. My only concern was that the outsole wouldn't last more than a few weeks, otherwise it would have easily been my first choice. I was looking at it long and hard for sure.

I'm still keeping the D Rose 7's in my rotation. The tread is actually holding up better than I thought. I play mostly on clay but I did take it to a hard court once, and I never felt anything so comfortable and sticky on a hard court. When I wear my Barricade 2015 Boosts, I feel quicker, but my ankles really miss the support I get with the Rose 7 and my feet appreciate the full length Boost. It might not be quite as soft and bouncy as the Crazy Explosive, but there's probably no tennis shoe out there that can compare to it. I'm guessing that the Tennis Energy Boost doesn't even have that level of cushioning because the Boost midsole is a lot thinner.

Adidas has really been killing it this year with basketball shoes. The only problem is, you can't find their best shoes in a lot of retail stores. I had to get mine online. I think they're going to be breathing down Nike's back if Nike doesn't step up soon.
 
I love the Nike hyperrev just like the above . Had the red and silvers.
Also Nike zoom the one .
3 pair in different color ways .
And another pair of Nike can't remember the names now. Love them all of them ..
I like the way these shoes indent shake your foot in the arch unlike any tennis offerings .
 

luke_1983uk

Semi-Pro
I got these 3 weeks ago, under armour curry 3's and all i can say is im never going back to a actual tennis shoe again, these feel and perform unlike anything ive ever played in! i have horrific ankle and because of that i have rolled and broke my metatarsal twice, these really lock my ankle in and feel so much more protective on court!
For me 10/10



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Ramon

Legend
Everyone out there needs to watch Nike very closely. They are playing tricks on us. On one of their new basketball shoes, the Kobe AD, it looks like they have a big Zoom unit in the heel, but it's just artwork!! They really just have a tiny zoom unit that you can't even feel. This is not a cheap shoe! It retails for $160.

http://weartesters.com/nike-kobe-d-performance-review-2/

I happen to have a few Nikes in my closet myself, but I hope they lose a lot of sales because of this!
 

Ramon

Legend
I just ran across this sweet deal.

D Lillard 2 with Continental rubber for $74! I'm taking it. I'll see if the D Lillard 2 can do tennis!

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etd

Rookie
I have been using 3/4 top or full high top basketball shoes for tennis for many years. I used to play a lot of basketball and have always liked the ankle support of these types of basketball shoes. As mentioned above, do not choose basketball shoes with translucent soles as these are only meant for use on gym floors.
 

Ramon

Legend
I just tried out the D Lillard 2's on a hard court today. So far, so good! The only thing I'm worried about is if the tread pattern will last, but I heard that it holds up pretty well for outdoor basketball. The toe box is a bit roomy for my narrow foot, but the lockdown on the heel and midfoot is so good that containment is not an issue. The one-piece booty sock liner is so comfortable, I can wear this shoe all day. I'll take the D Lillard 2 over the D Rose 7 because it's not as bulky, and the Rose 7 actually goes overboard a bit when it comes to support. The Lillard 2's support is just right. Even though it's a low top the ankle support is great. In fact, the ankle collar goes up a little higher than the ankle collar on my T22 mids.

The Bounce cushioning on this shoe is incredible! It's better than the cushioning on any tennis shoe I ever wore. I would even say I like the cushioning as much if not more than the full length Boost on the Rose 7. The Rose 7 is a little softer but I feel like I get more energy return with the Lillard 2. Why don't they put this kind of cushioning on tennis shoes?! I know that the young sturdy pros would prefer the court feel of the Barricade or Ubersonic, but I know there's a lot of older tennis players out there that would love this kind of cushioning.

UPDATE: Played on Har-Tru, and it performs similarly. Traction is quite good. Particles accumulate in certain spots, but a gentle tap gets rid of most of it.
 
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ricardo

Hall of Fame
The Bounce cushioning on this shoe is incredible! It's better than the cushioning on any tennis shoe I ever wore. I would even say I like the cushioning as much if not more than the full length Boost on the Rose 7. The Rose 7 is a little softer but I feel like I get more energy return with the Lillard 2. Why don't they put this kind of cushioning on tennis shoes?! I know that the young sturdy pros would prefer the court feel of the Barricade or Ubersonic, but I know there's a lot of older tennis players out there that would love this kind of cushioning.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/adi...Wh_Bk_Mens_Shoe/descpageMSADIDAS-AMBCBWB.html
 

Dark_Angel85

Semi-Pro
I've always wondered bout the durability since logically basketball soles are indoor soles. Maybe someone can do a comparative review?

If they don't make no difference in durabilty, I don't mind switching cause in my place, easier to get basketball shoes than tennis!

Plus, some look so cool!
 

Ramon

Legend
I've always wondered bout the durability since logically basketball soles are indoor soles. Maybe someone can do a comparative review?

If they don't make no difference in durabilty, I don't mind switching cause in my place, easier to get basketball shoes than tennis!

Plus, some look so cool!

You're right. Most basketball shoes are made for indoor courts, but there are some that are made to play outdoors too, and if they hold up to outdoor basketball, they will hold up to tennis too. Also, Nike shoes with XDR rubber and Adidas shoes with Continental rubber hold up pretty well too. Here's a link to a review of some outdoor models. It's a bit dated, but it will give you an idea of what to look for.

 

Dark_Angel85

Semi-Pro
You're right. Most basketball shoes are made for indoor courts, but there are some that are made to play outdoors too, and if they hold up to outdoor basketball, they will hold up to tennis too. Also, Nike shoes with XDR rubber and Adidas shoes with Continental rubber hold up pretty well too. Here's a link to a review of some outdoor models. It's a bit dated, but it will give you an idea of what to look for.


Thanks for the tip! I didn't know those were the indicators! I'll keep my eye out. Cheers
 

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
Gotta be careful about continental rubber on adidas shoes. Some colorways have continental while other colorways of the same model do not have continental. Look for the logo.
 

Rouzy

New User
I really enjoyed this thread and keen to get basketball shoes to play tennis with. Unfortunately the last post is a few years old - keen to hear what models you guys have enjoyed and would recommend? The main motivation being I want to use the same shoe for both sports. Thanks in advance!
 

omni2k7

New User
I normally play in vapor 9/X but I recently started playing in LeBron Soldier 11 and Kyrie 3. I'm a bit of a sneaker head so I ended up buying several pairs of 11s and found that not only are they light, the forefoot zoom really helps with cushioning. I noticed this after when I go back to my Vapor X Kryie which has very little cushioning. I also love the ankle support. I always hoped they would make high top tennis shoes and with the Soldier 11s, it's basically amounts to an ankle strap. I have big feet which makes the 11s feel a bit tight to begin with but also helps with lockdown so my feet feel pretty secure in these.

The cons is that obviously durability - I can see the sole starting to flatten out a bit and I suspect I probably got 1-2 months left in them. The sole also seems super grippy because I can't slide in them (compared to sliding around in a Vapor X) so that was something to get used to when I'm on a dead run.

I feel the same way about the Kyrie3 but just that it has less cushioning. The lockdown is still there but a tad bit heavier. I tried playing in the Soldier 12s but they felt a bit heavy/clunky so went back to the 11s.

Overall, I think tennis sneakers can take a lot from basketball sneakers. I casually wear the LeBron line and I think they would be even better as tennis sneakers because of the huge cushioning but I'll probably burn out the soles in a couple of months.
 

KANZA

Semi-Pro
I used the Nike Kyrie 5 a lot last year after I felt a bit of ankle soreness. Not sure how well they stabilized the ankle, but I felt great wearing them. They are 3/4 top shoes and weigh just as much as my Asics FF2. Highly recommended
 

PistolPete23

Professional
Yes, I like a mid top to protect my ankles. I also think it keeps pressure off my toes.

I've also played a lot of basketball.

Nike 2015 zoom hyperrev

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These were great for basketball! Still have a pair in the closet. Maybe I'll try wearing them for tennis some time.
 

omni2k7

New User
I'll add that with the Kyrie3, because the forefoot sole is very rounded (I guess designed for quick lateral cuts a la Kyrie's style), I do feel slightly less stable when I'm trying to plant myself to take a swing but easier to transition to moving laterally when compared to the soldier 11/12 which has those out-riggers (great for stability and rollover protection).
 
I’m never buying court shoes again . I am on my feet all day teaching and running shoes have no durability what so ever . All my basketball shoes made for outdoor use last no problems ..
 

trackballerz

New User
In fact I'm the opposite, I'm looking for tennis shoes to play outdoor basketball. All the bball shoes that I used wont last more than 3-5 months.. Would you guys say tennis shoes are still a good choice? Or should i go back to bball shoes?

I'm looking for those with the stickiest grip and durability.. Am using adidas gamecourt now and thinking about solecourt boost, GP turbo or court FF 2..
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I have considered it but I managed to find a cross-trainer that fits well enough to work on the tennis court. It is also a heavy solution but my toes don't feel pinched. There is far more variety available in running shoes but running shoes don't hold up to tennis.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
Guys. An amazing shoe. And a crazy low price.
Durable. Light. Stable. Springy.
I’m using them for tennis. They rock.
Nike Renew Elevate.
 

airchallenge2

Hall of Fame
In fact I'm the opposite, I'm looking for tennis shoes to play outdoor basketball. All the bball shoes that I used wont last more than 3-5 months.. Would you guys say tennis shoes are still a good choice? Or should i go back to bball shoes?

I'm looking for those with the stickiest grip and durability.. Am using adidas gamecourt now and thinking about solecourt boost, GP turbo or court FF 2..

Here you go:

 

etd

Rookie
Guys. An amazing shoe. And a crazy low price.
Durable. Light. Stable. Springy.
I’m using them for tennis. They rock.
Nike Renew Elevate.
Yes, this shoe got a very good review for outdoor basketball use by one of the popular basketball shoe Youtube reviewers.

How wide does the shoe run.
 

etd

Rookie
In fact I'm the opposite, I'm looking for tennis shoes to play outdoor basketball. All the bball shoes that I used wont last more than 3-5 months.. Would you guys say tennis shoes are still a good choice? Or should i go back to bball shoes?

I'm looking for those with the stickiest grip and durability.. Am using adidas gamecourt now and thinking about solecourt boost, GP turbo or court FF 2..
Yes, tennis shoes are fine for outdoor basketball.

I recently got a pair of K Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 shoes. Great shoes, especially for wide feet. They would work very well for outdoor basketball.
 

Ryebread

Hall of Fame
Yes, this shoe got a very good review for outdoor basketball use by one of the popular basketball shoe Youtube reviewers.

How wide does the shoe run.

I think it runs narrow to normal IMO

If you have a wide foot, go up a half size. And buy from somewhere who accepts returns.
 

PistolPete23

Professional
As a recreational basketball player, I've always really enjoyed the comfort of basketball shoes but never considered using them for tennis. I recently tried playing with the Nike PG 3, Paul George's 3rd signature shoe. I've tried a lot of tennis performance sneakers in my life, most recently wearing the Gel Resolution 5, Gel Solution Speed 3, and Vapor X, and I have to say that in terms of comfort, midsole cushioning, and support, the PG3 shoe beats them all. They also feel much lighter on foot than the tennis shoes. My only concern is durability of the outsole. Maybe from now on I'll train with the tennis shoes but reserve the basketball shoes for match day.
 

airchallenge2

Hall of Fame
As a recreational basketball player, I've always really enjoyed the comfort of basketball shoes but never considered using them for tennis. I recently tried playing with the Nike PG 3, Paul George's 3rd signature shoe. I've tried a lot of tennis performance sneakers in my life, most recently wearing the Gel Resolution 5, Gel Solution Speed 3, and Vapor X, and I have to say that in terms of comfort, midsole cushioning, and support, the PG3 shoe beats them all. They also feel much lighter on foot than the tennis shoes. My only concern is durability of the outsole. Maybe from now on I'll train with the tennis shoes but reserve the basketball shoes for match day.

Honestly curious: don't you feel that you are not as close to the ground in basketball shoes? My Vapor X are not the most comfortable shoes and they do make me feel like I am the fastest I can be.
 

PistolPete23

Professional
Honestly curious: don't you feel that you are not as close to the ground in basketball shoes? My Vapor X are not the most comfortable shoes and they do make me feel like I am the fastest I can be.

There are a wide range of basketball shoes, some lower to the ground than others. For example, Kyrie Irving's shoes are very low to the ground to fit his dynamic style of play but also has comfortable cushioning from the low profile Zoom Air cushioning. I didn't feel that the PG3 was higher off the ground than say, the Gel Resolution line. The PG3 also feels lighter than the Vapor X. Maybe basketball shoes used to be clunky and heavy in the 80s and 90s, but many current offerings are lighter than tennis specific shoes. Again, my only concern would be durability because many of the premium hoops shoes are designed for indoor courts so don't feature XDR rubber.
 
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