Can’t find suitable shoes

[Fluffy_Skye]

Guys, I need some help. I’ve tried a dozen different shoes I can find in my local mall and nothing seems to fit my foot right. Here is the breakdown of what hasn't worked:

• ASICS Gel Resolution X: I’m not a fan of the fat tongue, but more importantly, my heel won’t stop slipping.
• ASICS Speed FF 4: These are fine otherwise, but again—constant heel slip.
• ASICS Court FF 3: The fit is on the narrow side but comfortable and secure, but the outside ankle support is too high and rigid. After 10 minutes, it’s digging into my bone and killing me.

• Nike Vapor 12: The forefoot is too narrow (narrower than the Court FF 3) and there's not enough toe box room. Also, the heel fit is too wide, so I’m also getting heel slip.
• Nike Challenge: The fit is better than the Vapor 12, but the heel still slips.

• Diadora Torneo 3: If I go with my usual size, the fit is a bit wide. If I size down, the toe tapers too sharply and squeezes my pinky toe.

• Roger Clubhouse Pro: In my usual size, I get heel slip. If I size down, the toe box is too small. Also, the shoe feels too flimsy compared to the other ones on this list.
• Roger Pro Fire: The tongue design is ridiculous—it actually hurts just to walk in them.

For context, I wear ASICS GT-2000 for daily use. I generally find ASICS to be modeled closer to my foot shape—roomier in the forefoot than Nike, but not quite a true "wide" fit.

I really want to like the Speed FF 4, but even in the smallest size I can fit into, my heel still slips. The heel design is too vertical and doesn’t hug the heel enough. I also want to like the Court FF 3, but the ankle collar is just too high and rigid and with each step it cuts deeper into my bone. Really a shame here because it’s otherwise the best I’ve tried.

Any suggestions for something with a locked-in heel that still has a decent toe box?

UPDATE:

• Wilson Rush Tour / Wilson Rush Pro / Wilson Rush Lite: All three shoes are heavily cushioned, notably in the upper, which creates a secure and tight fit of the forefoot. However, wearing just 10 minutes, I felt significant fatigue, due to the reduced blood flow. Out of the three, Rush Pro has the most room in the forefoot, though still not enough, and the best heel lockdown after using runner's knot. The Tour and Lite gives me heel slip and super tight forefoot.

• Lacoste AG LT Pro / Lacoste AG LT Ultra: Both shoes heavy a wide forefoot and tight ankle & heel design. The heel padding is also high. This gives me decent lockdown on the heel and reasonable space in the forefoot. I do, however, experience minor pinky squeeze on both shoes. The AG LT Pro has a stiffer toe guard and the pinky squeeze is not acceptable, but somewhat okay on AG LT Ultra with a softer toe guard.

Actually, I would prefer Wilson Rush Pro if they could make more room in the forefoot. It is very cushioned and would likely be pretty comfortable if there is enough room. However, right now, I would have to settle with the Lacoste AG LT Ultra, hoping the pinky situation would improve after some wear in.

Meanwhile, I still welcome any new suggestions. I plan to try Yonex eclipsion 5 if I can find them.

 

[phazis]

Wait this sounds like my foot type. Having similar issues - narrow heel and wide forefoot.

 

[phazis]

Your mention of the outside ankle support on the court ff3 is confusing me - you sure you’re not getting it confused with the Gel Res 10?

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Your mention of the outside ankle support on the court ff3 is confusing me - you sure you’re not getting it confused with the Gel Res 10?

Not confused at all. And I’m not the only one who suffers from this. Some reviews on tennis warehouse and on Reddit complains about the same thing. The outside ankle collar is positioned awkwardly and very stiff. Seems like a design flaw to me but clearly only a small percentage of people suffer from this.

 

[phazis]

Not confused at all. And I’m not the only one who suffers from this. Some reviews on tennis warehouse and on Reddit complains about the same thing. The outside ankle collar is positioned awkwardly and very stiff. Seems like a design flaw for me but clearly only a small percentage of people suffer from this.

OK. Fair enough. I enjoyed those shoes but yeah the metatarsal area is maybe a tad too narrow for me. I had a little bit of heel slip with them.

I've been struggling with the shoe journey too, especially as often I can only really tell once I try them on court and end up losing a lot of money that way (not much money to spend as a student :[ ).

I'm currently wearing the Wilson Rush Pro Ace, but they have too much heel slip and I don't think I could get away with sizing down (might be able to as forefoot is fairly high volume but IDK if I want to try).

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

OK. Fair enough. I enjoyed those shoes but yeah the metatarsal area is maybe a tad too narrow for me. I had a little bit of heel slip with them.

I've been struggling with the shoe journey too, especially as often I can only really tell once I try them on court and end up losing a lot of money that way (not much money to spend as a student :[ ).

I'm currently wearing the Wilson Rush Pro Ace, but they have too much heel slip and I don't think I could get away with sizing down (might be able to as forefoot is fairly high volume but IDK if I want to try).

Wait, you are getting heel slip even from Court FF 3? That integrated sock design is the most secure shoe I’ve wore.

And I have heard that Wilson rush pro ace is a very comfortable shoe. I need to find one to try.

 

[phazis]

Wait, you are getting heel slip even from Court FF 3? That integrated sock design is the most secure shoe I’ve wore.

Well, tbh - its been a while. Now that i think about it, there wasn't any heel slip, but I did sometimes slide forward in the shoe and jam my big toe against the front. They were the best shoes I've worn in terms of lockdown too, but I did tend to get a bit of lace irritation when cranking the laces down (could probably be fixed with wider flat laces).

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Well, tbh - its been a while. Now that i think about it, there wasn't any heel slip, but I did sometimes slide forward in the shoe and jam my big toe against the front. They were the best shoes I've worn in terms of lockdown too, but I did tend to get a bit of lace irritation when cranking the laces down (could probably be fixed with wider flat laces).

Yeah they are the long narrow type. So if you’re comfortable with the width, the length might be a bit much which might cause jamming the toes when moving more aggressively.

 

[phazis]

Width was never quite right - always had a bit of ball of foot / metatarsal squeezing on lateral size (mostly just my right foot which I think is wider and shorter than the left foot).

The B.Icon 3 seems like an interesting proposition (but expensive to try if it doesn't work out) but might end up with a slightly too narrow forefoot (I'm quite sensitive to the pinky toe squeeze).

(FWIW I do pop in a superfeet blue active support insole in place of the factory insole).

 

[Sardines]

For Diadora, try the tighter fitting Speed Fly for lock down like the Court FF3, and a narrower fit than the Torneo 3, you may have to go ½ size up because of the toe taper. Less court feel than the CFF3, but the same feel of running with socks but on better cushy clouds. Outsole is as good as Asics if not better for durability and traction.
For Yonex, try the Eclipsion 5, which is built like the GRX, but lower heel collar, less voluminous, much better lockdown. Only problem is the TPU may bend the wrong way for your foot.
The Ad Accel is even better for heel lockdown, a slight slimmer fit in the mid foot, and a bit lighter TPU cage. The midsole is a little thinner than the E5 and the rubber grippier. Yonex tend to run true to length.

 

[Robert F]

Wait, you are getting heel slip even from Court FF 3? That integrated sock design is the most secure shoe I’ve wore.

And I have heard that Wilson rush pro ace is a very comfortable shoe. I need to find one to try.

I've been wearing Wilson Rush and Pro Ace. It has been a great shoe. Decent toe box, and can tie down to keep heel in place. But I think they stopped making the Pro Ace and just have the pro which is similar but pricey. The 4.5 Pro compared to Pro Ace was a little stiffer but also leaner. The only bad thing about pro Ace was ventialtion. Not the worst but not its strong point.

 

[phazis]

I've been wearing Wilson Rush and Pro Ace. It has been a great shoe. Decent toe box, and can tie down to keep heel in place. But I think they stopped making the Pro Ace and just have the pro which is similar but pricey. The 4.5 Pro compared to Pro Ace was a little stiffer but also leaner. The only bad thing about pro Ace was ventialtion. Not the worst but not its strong point.

I’m thinking I could go down a half size in the Pro Ace to get the lockdown I need but unsure how the toebox will be. In current size I get too much lace irritation before I can get enough lockdown. Might try.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

I've been wearing Wilson Rush and Pro Ace. It has been a great shoe. Decent toe box, and can tie down to keep heel in place. But I think they stopped making the Pro Ace and just have the pro which is similar but pricey. The 4.5 Pro compared to Pro Ace was a little stiffer but also leaner. The only bad thing about pro Ace was ventialtion. Not the worst but not its strong point.

Found the rush pro in the mall today. Used to walk past Wilson and only think it sells rackets.

The rush pro has a pretty low forefoot. Largely because of the very thick and cushioned upper. Not only does this contribute to poor ventilation, it also squeezes my forefoot very tightly, which does create a more secure fit, but wearing it for 10 minutes caused significant fatigue due to reduced blood flow. If I go up half size however, again, heel slip.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Width was never quite right - always had a bit of ball of foot / metatarsal squeezing on lateral size (mostly just my right foot which I think is wider and shorter than the left foot).

The B.Icon 3 seems like an interesting proposition (but expensive to try if it doesn't work out) but might end up with a slightly too narrow forefoot (I'm quite sensitive to the pinky toe squeeze).

(FWIW I do pop in a superfeet blue active support insole in place of the factory insole).

I tried Wilson and Lacoste today. Ended up getting the Lacoste ag lt ultra. I recommend it to you as well.

Overall the feel is similar to the Diadora Torneo but with a much huggier and secure ankle and heel design and an ever so slightly less aggressive toe taper. The heel padding is also pretty high. Its main feature is a roomy forefoot and a tight ankle and heel fit. Funnily though, I read a negative review complaining exactly about the tight ankle yet wide forefoot.

I do however experience a little bit of pinch on my left pinky, as my left foot is ever so slightly larger than my right. This is more obvious on the new Lacoste ag lt pro which is stiffer in that region. But I really need a pair of shoes to play tennis with and this is the best I've tried so far. Maybe it will grow to my foot after some time.

 

[akish23]

Guys, I need some help. I’ve tried a dozen different shoes I can find in my local mall and nothing seems to fit my foot right. Here is the breakdown of what hasn't worked:

• ASICS Gel Resolution X: I’m not a fan of the fat tongue, but more importantly, my heel won’t stop slipping.
• ASICS Speed FF 4: These are fine otherwise, but again—constant heel slip.
• ASICS Court FF 3: The fit is on the narrow side but comfortable and secure, but the outside ankle support is too high and rigid. After 10 minutes, it’s digging into my bone and killing me.

• Nike Vapor 12: The forefoot is too narrow (narrower than the Court FF 3) and there's not enough toe box room. Also, the heel fit is too wide, so I’m also getting heel slip.
• Nike Challenge: The fit is better than the Vapor 12, but the heel still slips.

• Diadora Torneo 3: If I go with my usual size, the fit is a bit wide. If I size down, the toe tapers too sharply and squeezes my pinky toe.

• Roger Clubhouse Pro: In my usual size, I get heel slip. If I size down, the toe box is too small. Also, the shoe feels too flimsy compared to the other ones on this list.
• Roger Pro Fire: The tongue design is ridiculous—it actually hurts just to walk in them.

For context, I wear ASICS GT-2000 for daily use. I generally find ASICS to be modeled closer to my foot shape—roomier in the forefoot than Nike, but not quite a true "wide" fit.

I really want to like the Speed FF 4, but even in the smallest size I can fit into, my heel still slips. The heel design is too vertical and doesn’t hug the heel enough. I also want to like the Court FF 3, but the ankle collar is just too high and rigid and with each step it cuts deeper into my bone. Really a shame here because it’s otherwise the best I’ve tried.

Any suggestions for something with a locked-in heel that still has a dec

Could you just go with a runner's knot? I used to have heel slippage a bunch, but found a runner's knot helped tremendously.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Could you just go with a runner's knot? I used to have heel slippage a bunch, but found a runner's knot helped tremendously.

That is heel slip even with a runner's knot. On some shoes the heel slip would go away after using runner's knot such as Wilson Rush Pro and Diadora Torneo, but on the others I've mentioned, that is heel slip even when using runner's knot.

Shoes with a naturally tighter ankle and heel design such as ASICS Court FF 3 and Lacoste AG LT Ultra, wouldn't give me heel slip at all even without using a runner's knot.

 

[AZJ1973]

I tried Wilson and Lacoste today. Ended up getting the Lacoste ag lt ultra. I recommend it to you as well.

Overall the fit is similar to the Diadora Torneo but with a much huggier and secure ankle and heel design and an ever so slightly less aggressive toe taper. The heel raise is also pretty high. Its main feature is a roomy forefoot and a tight ankle and heel fit. Funnily though, I read a negative review complaining about the tight ankle yet wide forefoot.

I do however experience a little bit of pinch on my left pinky, as my left foot is ever so slightly larger than my right. This is more obvious on the new Lacoste ag lt pro which is stiffer in that region. But I really need a pair of shoes to play tennis with and this is the best I've tried so far. Maybe it will grow to my foot after some time.

Nice that you found your shoe. I am still trying to find my shoe after the GR9's were replaced. I tried the Lacoste AG-LT Ultra and thought I would love them. I have worn shoes that were uncomfortable but I could still play in them. Then I tried the Lacoste and it actually was painful. I am not sure why, but I tried them right out of the box and they hurt my feet, both the shoe and major lace irritation. I tried breaking them in and changed out the laces. I put them on and I couldn't even get thru the warm up, the pain was crazy and the laces continued to hurt my feet. So many people love these shoes, but for some strange reason I feet are allergic to them.

I was able to get a pair of Asics FF3 for under $100 and even tho I think they feel super elevated, I am going to commit to these shoes. I hope that if I break them in they will feel lower to the ground and more connected. Since they were release a couple of years ago, I have tried several pairs on in tennis shops, and every time I feel so high off the ground. This time I am going to walk around the house, run on the treadmill, even do a HIIT workout or two in them, and just see if I cannot get over that elevated and awkward feeling.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Nice that you found your shoe. I am still trying to find my shoe after the GR9's were replaced. I tried the Lacoste AG-LT Ultra and thought I would love them. I have worn shoes that were uncomfortable but I could still play in them. Then I tried the Lacoste and it actually was painful. I am not sure why, but I tried them right out of the box and they hurt my feet, both the shoe and major lace irritation. I tried breaking them in and changed out the laces. I put them on and I couldn't even get thru the warm up, the pain was crazy and the laces continued to hurt my feet. So many people love these shoes, but for some strange reason I feet are allergic to them.

I was able to get a pair of Asics FF3 for under $100 and even tho I think they feel super elevated, I am going to commit to these shoes. I hope that if I break them in they will feel lower to the ground and more connected. Since they were release a couple of years ago, I have tried several pairs on in tennis shops, and every time I feel so high off the ground. This time I am going to walk around the house, run on the treadmill, even do a HIIT workout or two in them, and just see if I cannot get over that elevated and awkward feeling.

I was gonna ask if the pain on AG-LT Ultra is due to the tight ankle and heel fit, but then you are fine with Asics FF3. I have yet to hit the court with the Lacoste. Will have to see if it remains comfortable.

 

[phazis]

I tried Wilson and Lacoste today. Ended up getting the Lacoste ag lt ultra. I recommend it to you as well.

Overall the feel is similar to the Diadora Torneo but with a much huggier and secure ankle and heel design and an ever so slightly less aggressive toe taper. The heel padding is also pretty high. Its main feature is a roomy forefoot and a tight ankle and heel fit. Funnily though, I read a negative review complaining about the tight ankle yet wide forefoot.

I do however experience a little bit of pinch on my left pinky, as my left foot is ever so slightly larger than my right. This is more obvious on the new Lacoste ag lt pro which is stiffer in that region. But I really need a pair of shoes to play tennis with and this is the best I've tried so far. Maybe it will grow to my foot after some time.

Sounds awesome. Do let me know if the forefoot stops squeezing upon break-in. Interested to know as I have that same issue but on the right foot!

Will give Lacoste a go - I think there is one near university so may go when I'm back after Easter or otherwise will order a pair to try. Have you played in them yet? I find that my biggest problem is being able to tell how shoes will feel when I play in them, without playing in them as that obviously stops any chance of returning them and getting my money back.

EDIT: just seen @AZJ1973 comment about lace irritation from the AG-LT Ultra. This may be an issue with me but will have to see. I think my foot is rather high volume above the arch and tend to get irritation from shoelaces when I crank them.

 

[AZJ1973]

I was gonna ask if the pain on AG-LT Ultra is due to the tight ankle and heel fit, but then you are fine with Asics FF3. I have yet to hit the court with the Lacoste. Will have to see if it remains comfortable.

I think we visually like the same shoes. I also really wanted the new Wilson line to work out for me, any I may eventually need to try to loosen them up at home too. I love how locked in I feel, but even the lady that was helping me at the Wilson store cound't figure out how the 10.0's seemed too short and the 10.5's were way too long. The Tour fit better than the Pro, with the Pro the 10's were just crushing my toes so much that I couldn't imagine that pain would go away with an extended at home break in. The Tours felt like they had potential. My left foot is a 10.0 and my right foot is a 9.5, and my right foot fits perfectly. My left foot (big toe) is the issue. It rubs against the edge of the shoe, but if the shoe would just loosen up a tiny bit I think it could work. But at $210 I figured I would try some other shoes before committing.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

I think we visually like the same shoes. I also really wanted the new Wilson line to work out for me, any I may eventually need to try to loosen them up at home too. I love how locked in I feel, but even the lady that was helping me at the Wilson store cound't figure out how the 10.0's seemed too short and the 10.5's were way too long. The Tour fit better than the Pro, with the Pro the 10's were just crushing my toes so much that I couldn't imagine that pain would go away with an extended at home break in. The Tours felt like they had potential. My left foot is a 10.0 and my right foot is a 9.5, and my right foot fits perfectly. My left foot (big toe) is the issue. It rubs against the edge of the shoe, but if the shoe would just loosen up a tiny bit I think it could work. But at $210 I figured I would try some other shoes before committing.

Diadora speed fly was also recommended above. It’s hard for me to find Diadora here. Have you tried this one?

 

[AZJ1973]

Diadora speed fly was also recommended above. It’s hard for me to find Diadora here. Have you tried this one?

I have not tried the Speed Fly but that shoe does interest me. I am currently playing in the Torneo 3. I don’t love the Torneo 3 but it’s acceptable to use until I find a go to shoe.

 

[phazis]

@Fluffy_Skye Did you go for the same size in the AGLT Ultra as you did in the FF3? Was this UK or US or EU size? (Just trying to understand as the sizing scales and conversions between systems can be different for different brands).

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

@Fluffy_Skye Did you go for the same size in the AGLT Ultra as you did in the FF3? Was this UK or US or EU size? (Just trying to understand as the sizing scales and conversions between systems can be different for different brands).

I wear 42.5 on ASICS and most brand with a narrow profile such as Nike. But for brands like Diadora and Lacoste that had a wider profile I tend to go 42. EU size.

 

[AZJ1973]

@Fluffy_Skye Did you go for the same size in the AGLT Ultra as you did in the FF3? Was this UK or US or EU size? (Just trying to understand as the sizing scales and conversions between systems can be different for different brands).

FF 2 I was a 9.5
FF 3 I am a 10.0

For the Lacoste I tried both the 10 (TTS) and 10.5. Ultimately I went with the 10, as the 10.5 seemed too long and after break in I would probably be swimming in them.

 

[phazis]

OK so if its a slightly wider forefoot than the FF3 then I'm guessing the same size will be perfect. Might give these a go. Thanks

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

OK so if its a slightly wider forefoot than the FF3 then I'm guessing the same size will be perfect. Might give these a go. Thanks

I'll likely play early next week. Will update.

 

[Shaolin]

Guys, I need some help. I’ve tried a dozen different shoes I can find in my local mall and nothing seems to fit my foot right. Here is the breakdown of what hasn't worked:

• ASICS Gel Resolution X: I’m not a fan of the fat tongue, but more importantly, my heel won’t stop slipping.
• ASICS Speed FF 4: These are fine otherwise, but again—constant heel slip.
• ASICS Court FF 3: The fit is on the narrow side but comfortable and secure, but the outside ankle support is too high and rigid. After 10 minutes, it’s digging into my bone and killing me.

• Nike Vapor 12: The forefoot is too narrow (narrower than the Court FF 3) and there's not enough toe box room. Also, the heel fit is too wide, so I’m also getting heel slip.
• Nike Challenge: The fit is better than the Vapor 12, but the heel still slips.

• Diadora Torneo 3: If I go with my usual size, the fit is a bit wide. If I size down, the toe tapers too sharply and squeezes my pinky toe.

• Roger Clubhouse Pro: In my usual size, I get heel slip. If I size down, the toe box is too small. Also, the shoe feels too flimsy compared to the other ones on this list.
• Roger Pro Fire: The tongue design is ridiculous—it actually hurts just to walk in them.

For context, I wear ASICS GT-2000 for daily use. I generally find ASICS to be modeled closer to my foot shape—roomier in the forefoot than Nike, but not quite a true "wide" fit.

I really want to like the Speed FF 4, but even in the smallest size I can fit into, my heel still slips. The heel design is too vertical and doesn’t hug the heel enough. I also want to like the Court FF 3, but the ankle collar is just too high and rigid and with each step it cuts deeper into my bone. Really a shame here because it’s otherwise the best I’ve tried.

Any suggestions for something with a locked-in heel that still has a decent toe box?

UPDATE:

• Wilson Rush Tour / Wilson Rush Pro / Wilson Rush Lite: All three shoes are heavily cushioned, notably in the upper, which creates a secure and tight fit of the forefoot. However, wearing just 10 minutes, I felt significant fatigue, due to the reduced blood flow. Out of the three, Rush Pro has the most room in the forefoot, though still not enough, and the best heel lockdown after using runner's knot. The Tour and Lite gives me heel slip and super tight forefoot.

• Lacoste AG LT Pro / Lacoste AG LT Ultra: Both shoes heavy a wide forefoot and tight ankle & heel design. The heel padding is also high. This gives me decent lockdown on the heel and reasonable space in the forefoot. I do, however, experience minor pinky squeeze on both shoes. The AG LT Pro has a stiffer toe guard and the pinky squeeze is not acceptable, but somewhat okay on AG LT Ultra with a softer toe guard.

Actually, I would prefer Wilson Rush Pro if they could make more room in the forefoot. It is very cushioned and would likely be pretty comfortable if there is enough room. However, right now, I would have to settle with the Lacoste AG LT Ultra, hoping the pinky situation would improve after some wear in.

Meanwhile, I still welcome any new suggestions. I plan to try Yonex eclipsion 5 if I can find them.

I have similar issues, I think I have a narrower heel than normal because I have a lot of heel slippage issues.

Recently Ive been playing/coaching in the Diadem Court Burst, it's been a great shoe. No heel slippage at all, good forefoot width, nice stability and cushioning. Def worth a try. Not sure why TW doesn't have them as they carry Diadem strings but you can get them directly or from some of TW competitors.

 

[Kafel69]

try mizuno wave enforce tour 2. love these shoes, and they're still trucking 3 months in (will def wear them out before the warranty period, tho).

 

[esgee48]

@Fluffy_Skye , I just realized you have not mentioned New Balance or K-Swiss. Those are my brands of choice cuz they have slightly wider toe boxes. To get around any heel slip, I generally keep the shoe laces loose (the first 3 shoe lace holes) and start tightening around mid arch to the end to lock the heels against the back of the shoes. YMMV but NB and KS are really good for wider feet. You do not need to get their wider versions if their D width works.

 

[Airspun]

Try the vapor cage 4 they are amaze

 

[t3nn1st1m3]

I have similar problems especially the heel slip, the Adidas Ubersonic 5 has been the best fit for me

 

[Robert F]

I have similar problems especially the heel slip, the Adidas Ubersonic 5 has been the best fit for me

With heel slippage have you ever tried the runner's knot? I don't like it and for most shoes don't need it, but if you can tolerate it i locks the heel in.

 

[dr325i]

Meanwhile, I still welcome any new suggestions. I plan to try Yonex eclipsion 5 if I can find them.

The Eclipsion 5 are similar but less padded and less durability than the Head Revolt Pro 5.0 and do not offer 6-month warranty:
- not best suitable for narrow/skinny heel area -- may have some slippage
- lower heel padding/height

The revolt Pro 5.0 offers better padding, better durability, 6-month replacement warranty.

 

[phazis]

With heel slippage have you ever tried the runner's knot? I don't like it and for most shoes don't need it, but if you can tolerate it i locks the heel in.

I find it really helps on some shoes, but my instep is quite high so I struggle with the lace irritation.

 

[t3nn1st1m3]

I find it really helps on some shoes, but my instep is quite high so I struggle with the lace irritation.

Yes that exactly. And lots of pressure unless super loose right on the ankle. Even with my thorlos on

 

[phazis]

Yes that exactly. And lots of pressure unless super loose right on the ankle. Even with my thorlos on

Same here. I like a locked in fit all the way down the foot so i tend to crank the laces but then I end up with a metric sh*t ton of lace irritation which means i have to loosen up the laces (especially forefoot) on my FF3s.

 

[Robert F]

I find it really helps on some shoes, but my instep is quite high so I struggle with the lace irritation.

To make it more complicated have you tried Bar lacing with the runner's knot.
The bar can be a pain to tighten but once tight locks in pretty well and less likely to irritate the foot.

 

[t3nn1st1m3]

A couple of times but it was in GRX so I think it was just a mess all around. Those were super loose with the bar

 

[Airspun]

Vapor cage 4 and vapor 3

 

[phazis]

A couple of times but it was in GRX so I think it was just a mess all around. Those were super loose with the bar

Yes I struggled with GRX too. Very hard to achieve the right lockdown especially with a narrow heel.

 

[phazis]

Currently my ff3 are much more suitable than the rush pro ace - better lockdown, can move about the court better, and no need to massively crank down the laces.

In terms of containment, I could go down a size in the RPA but then I think I would experience a ton of forefoot problems.

Note: soles of my feet are also MUCH less fatigued after playing in the ff3.

 

[AZJ1973]

Well, my search is over. I finally found my go to shoe to replace the Asics GR9. Surprising, it is a shoe I tried three years ago and hated. The Asics Court FF 3 is my new shoe. When they were released back in 2023? I tried them on and the fit was perfect, but they felt so high off the ground, and felt like I had lifts in my shoes. Since, I have been having a hard time finding shoes that fit my feet, I figured I would try them again after I was able to get a pair for $97 in a color way I liked (Tuna Blue and Pure Silver). My hope was if I broke them in walking around the house the elevated feeling would subside. It worked. They arrived last Thursday, and just walking around the house for a few hours on Thursday night made me confident. Another few hours on Friday night and they were in my tennis bag for the weekend. Played 8 hours of tennis the last three days and they are perfect. Great fit. Excellent support. Lock down. Feel fast. Now, I just need Asics to hire a new designer so acceptable colorways become available soon.

 

[ichaseballs]

wide forefoot here. been using the babolat SFX for a while now since 1st gen.
lacks some horizontal stability, but comfort is great.

kswiss would be my next brand if not SFX.
NB wides, asics wides, yonex wides are all too narrow.

 

[t3nn1st1m3]

wide forefoot here. been using the babolat SFX for a while now since 1st gen.
lacks some horizontal stability, but comfort is great.

kswiss would be my next brand if not SFX.
NB wides, asics wides, yonex wides are all too narrow.

I also have a pair of the Ultrashot 4 clay that work great, so Kswiss definitely an option

 

[phazis]

Played about 3h total in my old (not that old tbh) FF3s.

Heel lockdown was good (slight irritation from runners loop though).

Had some mega forefoot / ball of foot pain in the right foot, mostly went away when I loosened the lower down laces. Maybe my problem isn’t wide forefoot but rather just great sensitivity to lace pressure and also pressure from the sides of the shoe (tpu and other plasticky elements) when tightened too much.

 

[phazis]

To make it more complicated have you tried Bar lacing with the runner's knot.
The bar can be a pain to tighten but once tight locks in pretty well and less likely to irritate the foot.

Tried this but couldn’t figure out how to do bar lacing on the FF3s?

 

[Robert F]

Tried this but couldn’t figure out how to do bar lacing on the FF3s?

Yeah I can see how the way it lacks typical eyelets could make that really difficult if not impossible.
If I had a pair I'd toy around with it. My Daughter has some Ascis, when I get a chence I'll grab them and play around if the set up is similar to the FF3s.

 

[Jonwj86]

If you’re still looking after the ff3, try the mizuno wave enforce tour version 1 if you can find them. Haven’t tried the version 2 so not sure if the lockdown is as good but version 1 had the best heel lockdown I’ve found while having a generous toebox

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

If you’re still looking after the ff3, try the mizuno wave enforce tour version 1 if you can find them. Haven’t tried the version 2 so not sure if the lockdown is as good but version 1 had the best heel lockdown I’ve found while having a generous toebox

Yeah I just found a mizuno store. Will try.