Thanks for all the tips on preventing toe jamming guys!!
Finally pulled the trigger on some shoes from the factory outlets today
First stop was Asics, tried on a Red/Black pair of the GR6s and they felt really great in the front section - snug fit up front as suggested by previous replies, but it felt very cushiony and supportive, like my whole front foot was wrapped up in pillows. Usually an RRP of $200 from what I've researched, but they were being offered at $140 so I was quite set on getting them. Asked the assistant to put em on hold while I went to the Nike outlet.
Secons stop, Nike...turns out they were having a fire sale! Asked the assistants if they had any tennis shoes and was disappointed to hear that they didn't. Had a gander at the clearance section and lo and behold..... Nike Vapor Tour 9.5s in my size!!!!!!! The Vapors felt roomier than the Asics, but still super comfortable and supportive as well. Only had the Grey/Blue colourway but at the price ($72 aud after all discounts), and I just had to snap up a pair! Tbh it took a lot of restraint to not buy two pairs, but I figured that I'd get a pair of both Nikes and Asics to compare as these are my first ever tennis shoe purchases... still wondering if I made the right choice as the Vapors were such great value. If they had another colour scheme... I'd most likely have left the shopping centre with 3 different pairs of tennis shoes
Interestingly enough, when I went back to Asics for a final try of the GR6s, the ankle / heel support did not feel as locked in as the Vapors. I'll have to see how both play out on the court before I can compare properly. Both shoes were size 10.5 US.
SO EXCITED, CANT WAIT TO TRY!!