Best Asics shoe?

[Bronc10is]

I used to wear the Adidas Barricades and enjoyed the stability but man, were they heavy! I have been wearing Asics running shoes for 2+ years and never really thought about their tennis shoes but looks like the Gel Resolution 8 is well liked on here and the Novak shoes have caught my eye. What is the best Asics shoe? Is the Novak Court FF the real deal or an example of great marketing? I am probably going to wait for the new colorways to come out which I read were this month but would appreciate any feedback on Asics shoes that I can get. Stability would be my priority since I've had ankle injuries in my past.

 

[Chezbeeno]

Based on experience with past generations, I'd say that the Resolution would be Asics' more stability (and cushioning) oriented shoe. That being said, depending on which barricades you used, I don't know how much lighter they would be (probably still a good amount, but I'm not sure how much weight variance there is between different barricade models).

 

[Bronc10is]

Based on experience with past generations, I'd say that the Resolution would be Asics' more stability (and cushioning) oriented shoe. That being said, depending on which barricades you used, I don't know how much lighter they would be (probably still a good amount, but I'm not sure how much weight variance there is between different barricade models).

When I was wearing Barricades, it was the 4.0 and 5.0 versions that were current. It wasn't so much the weight as it was the bulkiness. I put them on a few years ago and it felt like wearing a box on each foot.

 

[bwongman]

I haven't tried the Gel Res 8, but I have tried both the Speed FF and the Court FF. I am sorry but I have to say both are not very good shoes. The hard rubber material on the shoes don't flex well and makes a lot of noise when you are moving around. The Court FF's rubber material dug into my big toe when I was really pushing off the shoe. The Speed FF also didn't have good heel lockdown, my heels were always sliding up and down in the shoes. Will be staying away from Asics shoes for a while... probably the worst generation of Asics shoes I have tried.

 

[armandogomes]

Having used Gel Res 7 and 8, Court FF 2, and Solution Speed, I would have to say that Gel Res has the best price/quality/comfort ratio.

It's not that I dislike Court FF, but the shoes only started to feel good when the side of it started to open up a bit. I also had to get other insoles for it, given the sock-like shape of it. Then you have the price, which I think it's really overpriced compared to Gel Res. If it would cost the same as Gel Res, it would make it a more serious contender.

I prefer the Gel Res 7 to the 8, but the 8 haven't had any break-in period for me, so that's a plus.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

When I was wearing Barricades, it was the 4.0 and 5.0 versions that were current. It wasn't so much the weight as it was the bulkiness. I put them on a few years ago and it felt like wearing a box on each foot.

Asics shoes are excellent shoes, if they fit you well. It has been a while since the Barricade 4/5s

The most important question is whether you want a speed oriented shoe or a stability shoe.

If speed - SS FF or SS3 if you can find them
If stability - Gel Res 8 or previous generations of the Resolutions

Note: all Asics models are medium-narrow, with the exception of Gel Res 8s and Gel Challenger 12, which are Medium.

The Gel Challenger is a surprisingly good shoe: probably the best "second tier" shoe from any brand.

 

[McLovin]

The Speed FF also didn't have good heel lockdown, my heels were always sliding up and down in the shoes.

This and the 'clicking' sound are the two main reasons I won't wear Speeds anymore.

From what I've heard from friends, the GR8 is a great shoe. I'm just not prepared to pay over $100 for a pair of tennis shoes.

The Court FFs are a decent shoe, but I'm not a fan of the sock-fit design due to wearing ankle braces all the time (Its a huge PITA getting them on). Also, like the GR8s, it is next to impossible to find them under $100.

 

[MasterZeb]

Court FF2 is the best shoe I’ve tried.

 

[blablavla]

From what I've heard from friends, the GR8 is a great shoe. I'm just not prepared to pay over $100 for a pair of tennis shoes.

that's why I stocked up on GR7 when they were at sales, preparing the entrance of the GR8

 

[McLovin]

that's why I stocked up on GR7 when they were at sales, preparing the entrance of the GR8

Yes, I have 2 pairs of GR7s sitting in my closet that I'll use once I burn through my current shoes (K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme). I snagged the GR7s for ~ $75...got lucky during a TW sale that had my size. But, I've not been lucky enough w/ the GR8s. I suspect manufacturers are getting better at knowing how many of a certain size to make so there aren't many leftovers to mark down.

 

[liftordie]

Resolution 7 and 8. Best tennis shoes ever, by far.

 

[Bronc10is]

This and the 'clicking' sound are the two main reasons I won't wear Speeds anymore.

From what I've heard from friends, the GR8 is a great shoe. I'm just not prepared to pay over $100 for a pair of tennis shoes.

The Court FFs are a decent shoe, but I'm not a fan of the sock-fit design due to wearing ankle braces all the time (Its a huge PITA getting them on). Also, like the GR8s, it is next to impossible to find them under $100.

so with ankle braces, did you go half size up?

 

[McLovin]

so with ankle braces, did you go half size up?

It depends on the shoe. For Gel Resolutions & Speeds, I wear 10.5. For Court FFs and Hypercourt Supremes, I wear 10.

 

[TEZ555]

I used to wear the Adidas Barricades and enjoyed the stability but man, were they heavy! I have been wearing Asics running shoes for 2+ years and never really thought about their tennis shoes but looks like the Gel Resolution 8 is well liked on here and the Novak shoes have caught my eye. What is the best Asics shoe? Is the Novak Court FF the real deal or an example of great marketing? I am probably going to wait for the new colorways to come out which I read were this month but would appreciate any feedback on Asics shoes that I can get. Stability would be my priority since I've had ankle injuries in my past.

I've been using Asics shoes for the past 7 years. Started with Solution speeds, then Gel Resolutions 6/7/8 and recently tried Novak's Court FF2. And here is what I think:
- Resolutions and Court FF2 are Asics top of the line, rest are all decent but not as good (depends on your price point)
- Personally, I've wide feet and wear 11s so Court FF2s are bit narrow- so it's tough to wear ankle brace with it which I tried (you can't just go up a size for that as it'll mess up the fit). So for me Gel resolutions are better choice as they're roomier to fit the brace.
-Another thing, is the shoe surface area I observed when I wear FF2s I tend to slide or even slip more (may be that's how Nole does it LOL) since they've lesser sole area in contact with the surface compared to Gel Resolutions- which tend to stay low to the ground and provide stability. On the positive side, FF2s are so lightweight and hug your feet so good that you won't feel them

So basically it boils down to your feet- if you've wide big feet and want the feel go for resolutions otherwise FF2s are great athletic shoes.

 

[WNB93]

Anyone got any comparison with the fit of Gel Resolution 8's to Nike Vapor X? In terms of size, width?

 

[TEZ555]

Anyone got any comparison with the fit of Gel Resolution 8's to Nike Vapor X? In terms of size, width?

ASICS are wider compared to Nikes especially in the middle of the foot

 

[WNB93]

ASICS are wider compared to Nikes especially in the middle of the foot

That's what bothers me with Nikes the most. Thanks!
What about size? I'm 45.5 (EU) / 11.5 US with the Nikes. There's no chance to try anything now with everything closed. Have to order online.

 

[TEZ555]

For the most part, they’re true to fit. I’m not sure if you’re aware but those Vapors don’t last long if you play competitive tennis and not sponsored- will wear out every 2 months

 

[WNB93]

For the most part, they’re true to fit. I’m not sure if you’re aware but those Vapors don’t last long if you play competitive tennis and not sponsored- will wear out every 2 months

Yeah that's my beef with them. I had them for about 7 months now around the 3.5 level. I love them but they're torn on the outside. Not from sliding. Just from bending my toes basically.
Talking about clay...the HC ones are also pretty bald already. Had them for a year but I rarely play on a HC. Altogether, I usually play on average 3 times per week I guess.

With Asics, I have the option of 45 or 46. So have to roll the dice on one size I guess.

 

[TEZ555]

Having said that- I generally wear 11.5 US for athletic shoes but had to wear 11 US gel resolutions and still can fit ankle brace. If you’ve the option to return better buy your regular size and a size down

 

[TEZ555]

That's what bothers me with Nikes the most. Thanks!
What about size? I'm 45.5 (EU) / 11.5 US with the Nikes. There's no chance to try anything now with everything closed. Have to order online.

I play 4.0-4.5 matches 4 times per week on HCs and gel resolutions last almost 6 months that’s practically summer tournament season

 

[WNB93]

Having said that- I generally wear 11.5 US for athletic shoes but had to wear 11 US gel resolutions and still can fit ankle brace. If you’ve the option to return better buy your regular size and a size down

I play 4.0-4.5 matches 4 times per week on HCs and gel resolutions last almost 6 months that’s practically summer tournament season

Thank you so much!

 

[liftordie]

That's what bothers me with Nikes the most. Thanks!
What about size? I'm 45.5 (EU) / 11.5 US with the Nikes. There's no chance to try anything now with everything closed. Have to order online.

Try before buy!

 

[WNB93]

Try before buy!

As I said before, unfortunately that's no-go since everything is closed due to Covid. I will just pull the trigger on US 11's as that's what matches the cm measurement. I can always return them.

 

[liftordie]

As I said before, unfortunately that's no-go since everything is closed due to Covid. I will just pull the trigger on US 11's as that's what matches the cm measurement. I can always return them.

Or you can buy the two size and return the wrong one.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Had to make an investment in shoes recently. Like a lightweight, low profile shoe and fortunately there were still some court speed ff available from where I don't remember but it was about a 50% discount so I was happy. Had read reviews about how nobody could put them on and it was tricky a little at first, but after the 2nd wearing, they all fit great, and I have a wide foot.

 

[McGradey]

Just grabbed the GR8 clay soles
Perfect fit and the Tokyo grey/orange colourway is decent

Seems like a winner

 

[liftordie]

Just grabbed the GR8 clay soles
Perfect fit and the Tokyo grey/orange colourway is decent

Seems like a winner

Tokyo grey/orange?
Can you send a pic please?

 

[Bronc10is]

Honestly, the ASICS shortage of supply is causing me to go elsewhere. On their website, Resolution 8’s sold out in all color but one with any size between 10-11 and no estimate on when it may arrive. Shame that they’re running into difficulties, assume because of covid with restocking.

 

[McGradey]

Tokyo grey/orange?
Can you send a pic please?

I think they’re listed as red, but it’s very much orange in person

 

[McGradey]

Had my first hit in the GR8 clays today. Playing on artificial grass.
Super comfortable and felt totally locked in and confident to move aggressively from the get go. No break-in pain/pressure points, and could happily wear them to walk around in after play finished.

They're everything I liked abut the Solecourt Boost without the break-in niggles, plus no need to wear thick socks or two pairs of socks which is a massive plus when heading into summer. Winner!

 

[bluejay205]

I really wanted to like the Asics GR 8. I bought two clay court versions and found that compared to my go-to sneaker:

1. The fit was smaller - I wear 11 and had to wear 11.5 (I've seen comments that people had to go down a size which was opposite for me. Make sure you try and expect to go up or down a size)
2. They gave me a severe case of plantar fasciitis within a month. The same happened to a friend of mine as well a few months after.

My preference is the Asics GR7. Unfortunately this feels like a case similar to Nike Vapor 9.5 where the upgrade is worse then the original...despite the rave reviews...

 

[armandogomes]

For the most part, they’re true to fit. I’m not sure if you’re aware but those Vapors don’t last long if you play competitive tennis and not sponsored- will wear out every 2 months

That's just a little less than how long I can make Gel Res last.

 

[Nostradamus]

I used to wear the Adidas Barricades and enjoyed the stability but man, were they heavy! I have been wearing Asics running shoes for 2+ years and never really thought about their tennis shoes but looks like the Gel Resolution 8 is well liked on here and the Novak shoes have caught my eye. What is the best Asics shoe? Is the Novak Court FF the real deal or an example of great marketing? I am probably going to wait for the new colorways to come out which I read were this month but would appreciate any feedback on Asics shoes that I can get. Stability would be my priority since I've had ankle injuries in my past.

I really think Novak shoe is the best. some say Gel res is the best because of that Dynawall making you faster. but i don't like the gel res 8, it has heel slippage and feel unsecure. however Novak shoe is extremely secure in the heel and ankle with just as good of cushioning. they should have put the Dynawall in Novak shoes too, it would have been a perfect shoes

 

[Bronc10is]

I really think Novak shoe is the best. some say Gel res is the best because of that Dynawall making you faster. but i don't like the gel res 8, it has heel slippage and feel unsecure. however Novak shoe is extremely secure in the heel and ankle with just as good of cushioning. they should have put the Dynawall in Novak shoes too, it would have been a perfect shoes

I ended up buying a pair of the Vapor Cage 4’s and I think it has a similar fit and stability system as the Novak shoes -which I may buy a pair of also to compare and sell one!

 

[Nostradamus]

I ended up buying a pair of the Vapor Cage 4’s and I think it has a similar fit and stability system as the Novak shoes -which I may buy a pair of also to compare and sell one!

Sell one ? who's going to buy used shoes ? it has fungus all inside

 

[Bronc10is]

Sell one ? who's going to buy used shoes ? it has fungus all inside

If it was used one for 2 hours, it’s practically new. I mean I literally just bought the Nike shoes, ha.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Regular practice/play - GR8

Matches - Court FF2

 

[jugheadfla]

I think they’re listed as red, but it’s very much orange in person

I don't think they made a clay version in that colorway, at least not in the US

 

[McGradey]

I don't think they made a clay version in that colorway, at least not in the US

Ah, must be only in other markets. I picked them up in Australia.

 

[FloridaAG]

I thought the original (maybe not original) but previous version of the Court FF's were my favorite - Now in GR 8s and they are good but no where near as comfortable as the Court FF and heavier (feeling anyway)

Have not tried the Court FF 2 due to some bad responses from friends who tried them, and inability to find any deals on them

 

[tennisboy2121]

I thought the original (maybe not original) but previous version of the Court FF's were my favorite - Now in GR 8s and they are good but no where near as comfortable as the Court FF and heavier (feeling anyway)

Have not tried the Court FF 2 due to some bad responses from friends who tried them, and inability to find any deals on them

Totally agree. Wish I could by ten pairs of the court ff. Just about to retire my last pair. The court ff2 I didn't like at all compared to the ff. I am getting a gr8 in the mail today. I will give them a try on but they are not on sale. I am probably going away from asic but I am not happy about it.

 

[bluejay205]

I thought the original (maybe not original) but previous version of the Court FF's were my favorite - Now in GR 8s and they are good but no where near as comfortable as the Court FF and heavier (feeling anyway)

Have not tried the Court FF 2 due to some bad responses from friends who tried them, and inability to find any deals on them

I agree that the Court FF's are top tier as well (I completely forgot that in my response). I'm not sure why since those where my go-to sneakers before the new FF's came out. My issue was that I wanted a clay only oriented shoe and the court FFs come in only all-surface. They are super comfortable and play well, but if you find yourself on poorly maintained clay courts and need better traction

I heard the same about the FF2's not being as good as the previous version, and for the increased price I didn't want to experiment (considering my recent trials with Mizuno, Yonex, Wilson, and K-Swiss). I found that the GR7's were comparable although I'd give the FF's a higher rating. I found myself stacking up on the clay version of the GR7s that I could find on **** in my size to last hopefully until the upgrade comes out with the GR9's which will hopefully be a step back.

The one plus with the GR8's are the color schemes. The minus is the material: play on clay for an hour an it will look like you've owned the sneaker for a month. The laces are also not as thick as GR7's unfortunately.

On a side note, the combination of Thorlo socks (thanks to the recommendation on a previous thread) and return to GR7's has helped me a little bit with the plantar fasciitis.

 

[berneology]

I really think Novak shoe is the best. some say Gel res is the best because of that Dynawall making you faster. but i don't like the gel res 8, it has heel slippage and feel unsecure. however Novak shoe is extremely secure in the heel and ankle with just as good of cushioning. they should have put the Dynawall in Novak shoes too, it would have been a perfect shoes

Haven't tried the Gel Resolution 8 on the courts yet but I do feel the heel slippage just by walking on it. Feels even more obvious when I have the thick Thorlo socks on. Having said that, the resolution 8 is probably the most comfy tennis shoes I had just by jogging around my house with it.

 

[Nostradamus]

Haven't tried the Gel Resolution 8 on the courts yet but I do feel the heel slippage just by walking on it. Feels even more obvious when I have the thick Thorlo socks on. Having said that, the resolution 8 is probably the most comfy tennis shoes I had just by jogging around my house with it.

Agree, Gel res 8 Suck big time. heel slippage is totally unacceptable

 

[d-quik]

Resolution 7 and 8. Best tennis shoes ever, by far.

How do the fit of those two differ from each other?

 

[Fintft]

I've only used GRs 7 and 8 and they seem the best clay shoes, due to the deepest thread and they feel fast, while supportive. Bisters prone though, especially with hammer toes, due to a stich and narrowness.

On hc I don't trust GR7 since they lack frontal support since version 5.
Prefer Nike.

 

[armandogomes]

How do the fit of those two differ from each other?

Long time since I've used GR7, but GR8 feels bulkier and seems to be wider than GR7 at the front.

Agree with the heel slippage, but I'm used to it now. And I also use them mostly in HC without any issues.,

 

[liftordie]

How do the fit of those two differ from each other?

Take one size down with the 8.

 

[JGads]

To give the sides of my feet a break from the usual GR8 squeeze I busted out an old pair of the original Court FFs last night. It makes me angry how good those shoes are/were. Light and cushioned enough and so comfy around the foot. No post hit ache as I get with the GR8s. Man I wish these or the Speed 2s could be reissued.