Cement Overshoes

[Cindysphinx]

I can't take it anymore. I need to change my brand of shoes.

I was doing a lesson today, and we were (again!) trying to straighten out my awful footwork. Pro was hand-feeding balls to my forehand. I was to do the proper footwork to get in position to hit these balls.

I swear, it felt like I was wearing concrete shoes. I wear Barricade Vs, and they are just plain heavy and inflexible. Then when you add the orthotics I need plus a couple of pairs of socks, they might as well be made of lead. My running shoes feel like they weigh half of what these Barricade Vs weigh.

Not only that, I get hot spots on the balls of my feet when I actually do the footwork correctly. I blame this too on the Barricades.

I need some recommendations for new shoes. I will probably have to order something on-line sight unseen, as the number of stores with a good selection of shoes around here is quite poor.

I have used Barricade II, Barricade V and KSwiss. The KSwiss gave me horrible blisters, but they did feel lighter.

Then there's this: I am in recovery from a nasty case of plantar fasciitis from last year. I had one plantar fascia rupture, and the other one will act up without good support. The Barricade Vs provide that support, which is why I have stuck with them. But I have reached the point where I've gotta try something else, preferably something lighter.

Any suggestions?

 

[rasajadad]

If you want to change shoes, go ahead, but I found a pair of "Superfeet" insoles to cure most sneaker ills. Most people on the boards go with Blue or Green.

 

[jrod]

Asic GEl Resolutions

Cindy- I used to wear BII's and swore by them until I tried Asics Gel Resolutions. They perform as well or better than the Barricades, are lighter and provide much better cushioning. The only negative is they are not as durable.

When I switched, I felt my feet were released from prison. Definitely worth a try.

EDIT --> I use custom orthotics instead of the ASIC insole.

 

[Xisbum]

Cindy- I used to wear BII's and swore by them until I tried Asics Gel Resolutions. They perform as well or better than the Barricades, are lighter and provide much better cushioning. The only negative is they are not as durable.

When I switched, I felt my feet were released from prison. Definitely worth a try.

EDIT --> I use custom orthotics instead of the ASIC insole.

I second the nomination. ASICS Resolutions are the best tennis shoes I've worn - ever.

 

[sillisquid]

I was playing on some cheapo Nike City Courts ($50), and my feet were screaming after every outing. Based on the recommendations on the forum, I picked up some Asics Resolution IIs, and my feet couldn't be happier.

 

[chess9]

Cindy:

1. It's probably not the shoes.
2. Check with your orthotics guy and make sure your feet haven't changed, or maybe they need to be re-fit?
3. I hate to mention this, but <cough, ahem, cough> have you lost weight?
4. I've found the two best exercises for my FEET are squats and calf raises. I am not kidding....
5. The Asics shoes have been the most comfy shoes I've every owned, FWIW. The Gel Resolution is very nice.

Best of luck.

-Robert

 

[TheShaun]

Cindy,

Asics Gel Resolution are a gift to your feet. Light and commfy! I wear them and so do a couple of my hitting partners, one of them is female and she raves about them too.

 

[robkat]

Another recommendation for the Asics Gel Resolutions. They are the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn !

 

[Cindysphinx]

OK, I will order a pair right now. Coincidentally, I told my friend about this issue tonight before my match, and she said to go get a pair of Asics.

Chess, I don't understand the question about my weight. My weight is great. It's actually down a bit more than I would like, actually . . . My PF foot injuries are managing nicely, and I have no problem with the orthotics in running shoes. It's the hot spots/pre-blisters in the tennis shoes that are bothersome.

 

[Nellie]

I see a lot of ladys in the K-Swiss
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageWSKSWISS-GSCDW.html

 

[TheShaun]

you won't regret it! please leave your feedback.

 

[goosala]

The Asics are great shoes.

 

[Xisbum]

you won't regret it! please leave your feedback.

I have the blue ones, and love the look AND the cushioned comfort. Looks like we've converted another player to the ASICS bandwagon. Good job.

 

[mtommer]

Actually,

I wonder if you are in the transition from bad to decent regarding your footwork. I know it seems like the shoes are a problem but I highly doubt they have anything to do with your footwork. My guess is that you're either over thinking (thus tensing up) or things are starting to come together and you're working little support muscles you don't normally use. As you continue to improve the footwork the burning issue and sense of slowness will start to fade.

 

[jimwh]

Cindy,
I ruptured my plantar fascia in Nov. I have been back playing since Feb. wearing Asics gel resolutions with my custom orthotics. I have tried wearing Babolats and Nike BC 2's, but I could feel some pain coming back. Iced foot for 30 minutes and wore my night splint. You will be thrilled with the Asics. Good luck!

 

[chess9]

OK, I will order a pair right now. Coincidentally, I told my friend about this issue tonight before my match, and she said to go get a pair of Asics.

Chess, I don't understand the question about my weight. My weight is great. It's actually down a bit more than I would like, actually . . . My PF foot injuries are managing nicely, and I have no problem with the orthotics in running shoes. It's the hot spots/pre-blisters in the tennis shoes that are bothersome.

Ok, Great! I just remember a thread from about 18 months ago when you said you were heavier than you wanted to be. My VERY bad. Please forgive me.

-Robert

 

[Cindysphinx]

Ok, Great! I just remember a thread from about 18 months ago when you said you were heavier than you wanted to be. My VERY bad. Please forgive me.

-Robert

Hey, it is possible that you are remembering correctly.

I became a quasi-vegetarian about a year ago (no beef, pork, chicken, turkey, but I eat fish and shellfish). I did this because my teen daughters did it for political/environmental reasons, and I followed along 'cause I ain't gonna cook two dinners. My weight has been inching down ever since.

My mom thinks I am too thin and I look like I need to eat a sandwich. I am mildly concerned about it -- weight loss is supposed to be hard work. But nothing else seems wrong, so I guess I will relax and enjoy it.

Cindy -- whose cholesterol levels have plummeted also . . . hey, isn't this the shoe forum?

 

[Cindysphinx]

Actually,

I wonder if you are in the transition from bad to decent regarding your footwork. I know it seems like the shoes are a problem but I highly doubt they have anything to do with your footwork. My guess is that you're either over thinking (thus tensing up) or things are starting to come together and you're working little support muscles you don't normally use. As you continue to improve the footwork the burning issue and sense of slowness will start to fade.

I don't want to give the impression that the shoes are causing my horrific footwork. I mean, pros wear the Barricades and they can do the footwork. The shoes are causing my feet to have hot spots, which makes me more likely to skimp on footwork. I resent the extra weight of the shoes because I am aware of it at times. I feel I would be much happier on the court if I wore my running shoes (except for the obvious reasons one doesn't wear running shoes for tennis).

Learning footwork is a [bleep].

 

[Jim A]

if you are getting hotspots you need to look at socks as well, it is friction between the footbed/socks/foot that cause this

sometimes you just need to poke some holes in the footbed or a little bodyglide on the foot before putting on the sock

 

[remrusty]

i have some orthotics made from eva, they are great, just like regualr innersoles, but all the support, if you do see the podiatrist again, mention your intrest in a lighter eva made orthotic.

 

[Cindysphinx]

The Asics have arrived!

They do feel lighter and more flexible. In fact, they feel different in every way.

The weird thing is that I can feel the arches when I put my orthotics in them. In other words, I now feel like there is something under my arches. Didn't get that sensation with the Barricades.

I guess I'll take them for a test drive tomorrow in a 90-minute clinic. I'll bring the Barricades also, just in case . . . .

 

[120mphBodyServe]

Eat a few roast chickens, or a juicy rare STEAK!!!
mmmmmmmm STEAK...
*hugs Cindy*

 

[Xisbum]

The Asics have arrived!

They do feel lighter and more flexible. In fact, they feel different in every way.

The weird thing is that I can feel the arches when I put my orthotics in them. In other words, I now feel like there is something under my arches. Didn't get that sensation with the Barricades.

I guess I'll take them for a test drive tomorrow in a 90-minute clinic. I'll bring the Barricades also, just in case . . . .

The ASICS Crew expects a full report (we need the vindication, I guess). Did you get the blues?

 

[Cindysphinx]

The ASICS Crew expects a full report (we need the vindication, I guess). Did you get the blues?

Yes, they are blue and white.

I put them on with one pair of socks and decided they were too loose in the forefoot, so I added another pair of socks and headed out.

The best way to describe how they felt is . . . well, I don't know. I was completely unaware of my feet while I played.

Which means the Asics are perfect! I consider myself properly converted. I will use the Asics for matches and lessons and use the Barricades for social tennis.

'Cause if you think I'm throwing away two perfectly good sets of Barricade Vs, you are out of your mind!

Thanks, all!!

Cindy -- stoked that the Asics do not come in Toddler Pink like the KSwiss and the Barricades

 

[TheShaun]

congrats, Cindy. Very glad that you like them!

 

[P8ntballa]

Wow, u hate the barricade V and i couldnt live without them! Iv tried a ton of diff shoes and i keep comin back to the barricade line... The gel 2s were nice but i thought they gave me no lateral support, i felt like i was gonna roll my ankle if i slid to hard or somethin like that.

 

[Xisbum]

Yes, they are blue and white.

I put them on with one pair of socks and decided they were too loose in the forefoot, so I added another pair of socks and headed out.

The best way to describe how they felt is . . . well, I don't know. I was completely unaware of my feet while I played.

Which means the Asics are perfect! I consider myself properly converted. I will use the Asics for matches and lessons and use the Barricades for social tennis.

'Cause if you think I'm throwing away two perfectly good sets of Barricade Vs, you are out of your mind!

Thanks, all!!

Cindy -- stoked that the Asics do not come in Toddler Pink like the KSwiss and the Barricades

Too cool. Your feet will thank you every time you wear them. Welcome to the ASICS Club.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Wow, u hate the barricade V and i couldnt live without them! Iv tried a ton of diff shoes and i keep comin back to the barricade line... The gel 2s were nice but i thought they gave me no lateral support, i felt like i was gonna roll my ankle if i slid to hard or somethin like that.

Slide? Huh? What is this sliding of which you speak?

The only sliding I do is if I fall on my butt.

Say, do you need a couple of pairs of Barricade Vs, size 9, barely used? One is orange and the other is pink. Very snazzy!

 

[nickynu]

I still use barricade II . I cant live without them - Im coming to NYC in late Aug. Anybody know where I can get 4 or 5 pairs in size US 8&1/2 (uk 8 ) ?

I really would prefer to get them from TW but the taxes for shipping to the UK would be horrendous!

 

[jrod]

Wow, u hate the barricade V and i couldnt live without them! Iv tried a ton of diff shoes and i keep comin back to the barricade line... The gel 2s were nice but i thought they gave me no lateral support, i felt like i was gonna roll my ankle if i slid to hard or somethin like that.

Huh? The lateral support offered by the gel's is equal or better to that of the B's. It's a lower profile shoe so there is less roll than with the B's. This is true even with custom orthotics installed. As for sliding, the gel's are superb on the dirt as well. I'm way to old to slide on HC's so I can't comment on that...besides, my sense is anyone who slides a lot on a HC is going to regret it sooner rather than later.

 

[P8ntballa]

Slide? Huh? What is this sliding of which you speak?

The only sliding I do is if I fall on my butt.

Say, do you need a couple of pairs of Barricade Vs, size 9, barely used? One is orange and the other is pink. Very snazzy!

Im a dude, sz12 lol! And i slide when i run fast on hardcourts. Ever played on clay? Try not to slide on it

 

[P8ntballa]

Huh? The lateral support offered by the gel's is equal or better to that of the B's. It's a lower profile shoe so there is less roll than with the B's. This is true even with custom orthotics installed. As for sliding, the gel's are superb on the dirt as well. I'm way to old to slide on HC's so I can't comment on that...besides, my sense is anyone who slides a lot on a HC is going to regret it sooner rather than later.

I dont slide on every shot mind u, that would b dumb, id hav no balance! And i just really felt that the gels were to soft, felt more like runnin shoes then tennis shoes.