Delpo’s Air Max Cage

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After coming back, it is still nice to see he’s using the air max cage under a paint job. Thoughts?
juan-martin-del-potro-us-open.jpg

His shoe made to look like the cage 2.
new-york-september-grand-slam-champion-juan-martin-del-potro-argentina-wears-custom-nike-tennis-shoes-us-open-match-101079059.jpg

Meant to look like the cage 3.
 
Nike should make a re-issue of the CB 4.3 or 2.3 to offer at least one decent Air Max option and give new colors
Agreed. Air max wildcard has great cushioning and support, but durability is bad. Bring back the 4.3 and give it an outsole warranty, Nike has transcended reality.
 
Totally agreed. The newer cages just simply suck.
I hated how the 3 stretches out after awhile. The 2 has a weird midsole shape, and the 4 looks to be stiff and not comfortable. I can see why Delpo continues to use the air max cage.
 
Doesn't Nadal still wear the Court Ballistecs with paint job on it ?
Right now he’s using the cage 3, but during the entire lunar ballistic phase he used the 4.3 with a lunar ballistic upper. It had fake flywire, and what’s interesting is he had the rubber built up to cover the air max bubble on the inside. But he’s stuck with the 2.3 outsole since 2010, but I hope he fixes his problems with the cage 4 and uses that. I looked at some of his 2018, 2019 pictures of his shoes and the foam looks lower and shaped differently than retail cage 3.
 
Nike should make a re-issue of the CB 4.3 or 2.3 to offer at least one decent Air Max option and give new colors
I remember the threads about the CB4.3's eyelets breaking, or the Air Max bubble in the heel cracking or popping. I wouldn't mind seeing the original Air Max Cage back with a tighter heel, but the durability wasn't amazing. The outsole was grippy but pretty soft below the toe box.
 
I remember the threads about the CB4.3's eyelets breaking, or the Air Max bubble in the heel cracking or popping. I wouldn't mind seeing the original Air Max Cage back with a tighter heel, but the durability wasn't amazing. The outsole was grippy but pretty soft below the toe box.
I think it would be smart of Nike to do what Nadal does and have a rubber wall over the inner side of the air bag. That’s where most pops happen I presume.
 
I absolutely loved the Air Max Cage, it was in fact my first legit tennis shoes after I picked up tennis. The Air Zoom cage was okay, but was a bit narrow. And the new Air Max Wildcard with similar tooling as the Air Max Cage from reviews is also likely a bit too narrow for me. Which sucks. In the meantime I love that regardless of paintjob DelPo sticks to what works his Cage's and his racquet. Haha.
 
I absolutely loved the Air Max Cage, it was in fact my first legit tennis shoes after I picked up tennis. The Air Zoom cage was okay, but was a bit narrow. And the new Air Max Wildcard with similar tooling as the Air Max Cage from reviews is also likely a bit too narrow for me. Which sucks. In the meantime I love that regardless of paintjob DelPo sticks to what works his Cage's and his racquet. Haha.
The wildcard gets wider as you wear it. The durability is crap, but I went from painful narrow to comfortable wide after a week. Make sure you get a comfortable size and then it will get wider.
 
I remember the threads about the CB4.3's eyelets breaking, or the Air Max bubble in the heel cracking or popping. I wouldn't mind seeing the original Air Max Cage back with a tighter heel, but the durability wasn't amazing. The outsole was grippy but pretty soft below the toe box.
Air max Cage was a good shoe but too wide for me, the 4.3 was amazing, the cover around the ankle, the comfort and secure fit is one of a kind. The perfect shoe for me, is true that the eyelets were a flaw but still was a great performance shoe, that why I put the 2.3 or 4.3 in this post because 2.3 have even better outsole and eyelets but heavier and thats something most people don't like and now we have sole good stable shoes without the extra weight
 
I'm shocked he's not still wearing the same pair he wore when he won the '09 US Open:

Juan_Mart%C3%ADn_del_Potro_at_the_2009_US_Open_02.jpg


Just add some Shoe Goo and you're good to go...
 
I'm shocked he's not still wearing the same pair he wore when he won the '09 US Open:

Juan_Mart%C3%ADn_del_Potro_at_the_2009_US_Open_02.jpg


Just add some Shoe Goo and you're good to go...
Those are the air breathe free’s, but they are very similar.
 
I loved the Cage 2's - super comfy, fairly light, looked good, and super easy to wear through so you always got 2 for the price of one!
 
Nike should make a re-issue of the CB 4.3 or 2.3 to offer at least one decent Air Max option and give new colors

Here's my airmax rankings (I've worn a ton of them):

1. Airmax Breathe Cage 1 (2007) - the best combination of speed and cushion ever in a nike shoe. Totally flexible upper with lots of mesh (so breathable). Really lightweight upper due to the mesh cutouts and thin plastic cage overlay. The airmax is executed perfectly, not stiff, just enough give. The bread and butter is the forefoot, the only post-2007 cage shoe to feature zoom in the forefoot (correct me if Im wrong there). Sweet color options too:

_42986333_nadal_416.jpg


2. Airmax Cage (2014 - Del Po favorite) - heavier offering, but just fantastic comfort/traction. GOAT shoe tongue. This baby is like a cold pillow on its first voyage. Plush and really welll done. Cushions the front of the ankle with a high rise. This traction pattern is a good on hardcourt and meh on clay. Great for sliding on hardcourt, a little less dig in the forefoot traction lets the foot really glide then come to a halt as soon as the rubber around the midfoot pattern catches the ground. Only criticism is that it never really did it for me in the forefoot. The cushlon foam has a tendency to compress, making it sort of mold to the foot after a few months, in a bad way.

BSzEtopCIAAlmql.jpg


3. Airmax Breathe Cage 2 (2008) - great shoe. Just a few fatal flaws. Firstly the bootie was way more restrictive than the 2007 version, esp in the mid/forefoot. Just totally cups you there (will breakin over time). Traction is as excellent as the BC1, same pattern. The removal of the zoom forefoot is this shoe's ultimate fatal flaw. It completely destroyed the cushion's longevity, as the foam in the forefoot was less impressive than most midsoles of shoes sold at Target. Great colorways and design stylistically, sick looking shoe. Upper breathability was good, esp in the forefoot.

-6ON1KoiDlVkRCDJPcJKMT9Fhshsax49P1PpnXCSEg9J2N0e8QYCsBoEVMjTKvkAEK_IMKfp81_0M3YzDTNYJnPQS6OkHKwVP0JeE6sijO-fbxJZr1r-Z-VyRMVx0Q4x1hruoiMGa5wSYlH0DKH-XWze


4. Aixmax Courtballistec 1.3/2.3 (2009) - What a surprise from Nike. The lunarlon is the forefoot was a brilliant move. Really well done. I think some of the best things about this shoe is the traction and the last. Really wide/stable last that made every step secure and comfy. Traction on inside of the toe could have been better (shallow cross pattern). Ventiliaion on the 1.3 was poor, 2.3 is better ventilated, 1.3 slightly more durable because of that more thick plastic upper.

nadal2010shoes7.jpg


5. Airmax Courtballistec 4.3 - similar to the Breathe Cage 2, but with a smaller toe box and less plush tongue. Weird thing about the tongue is that it's locked in place. Hard to pull-up after initial insertion of the foot. Still a solid/well-cushioned/comfy shoe. Big fan of the fitframe on the heel, lightweight but so good at containment. Traction on clay with the hardcourt version is surprisingly excellent. I'd play a match in these anyday.

8bbef3_36c857ce28b2473ba73abd3899633b71~mv2.webp
 
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Here's my airmax rankings (I've worn a ton of them):

1. Airmax Breathe Cage 1 (2007) - the best combination of speed and cushion ever in a nike shoe. Totally flexible upper with lots of mesh (so breathable). Really lightweight upper due to the mesh cutouts and thin plastic cage overlay. The airmax is executed perfectly, not stiff, just enough give. The bread and butter is the forefoot, the only post-2007 cage shoe to feature zoom in the forefoot (correct me if Im wrong there). Sweet color options too:

_42986333_nadal_416.jpg


2. Airmax Cage (2014 - Del Po favorite) - heavier offering, but just fantastic comfort/traction. GOAT shoe tongue. This baby is like a cold pillow on its first voyage. Plush and really welll done. Cushions the front of the ankle with a high rise. This traction pattern is a good on hardcourt and meh on clay. Great for sliding on hardcourt, a little less dig in the forefoot traction lets the foot really glide then come to a halt as soon as the rubber around the midfoot pattern catches the ground. Only criticism is that it never really did it for me in the forefoot. The cushlon foam has a tendency to compress, making it sort of mold to the foot after a few months, in a bad way.

BSzEtopCIAAlmql.jpg


3. Airmax Breathe Cage 2 (2008) - great shoe. Just a few fatal flaws. Firstly the bootie was way more restrictive than the 2007 version, esp in the mid/forefoot. Just totally cups you there (will breakin over time). Traction is as excellent as the BC1, same pattern. The removal of the zoom forefoot is this shoe's ultimate fatal flaw. It completely destroyed the cushion's longevity, as the foam in the forefoot was less impressive than most midsoles of shoes sold at Target. Great colorways and design stylistically, sick looking shoe. Upper breathability was good, esp in the forefoot.

-6ON1KoiDlVkRCDJPcJKMT9Fhshsax49P1PpnXCSEg9J2N0e8QYCsBoEVMjTKvkAEK_IMKfp81_0M3YzDTNYJnPQS6OkHKwVP0JeE6sijO-fbxJZr1r-Z-VyRMVx0Q4x1hruoiMGa5wSYlH0DKH-XWze


4. Aixmax Courtballistec 1.3/2.3 (2009) - What a surprise from Nike. The lunarlon is the forefoot was a brilliant move. Really well done. I think some of the best things about this shoe is the traction and the last. Really wide/stable last that made every step secure and comfy. Traction on inside of the toe could have been better (shallow cross pattern). Ventiliaion on the 1.3 was poor, 2.3 is better ventilated, 1.3 slightly more durable because of that more thick plastic upper.

nadal2010shoes7.jpg


5. Airmax Courtballistec 4.3 - similar to the Breathe Cage 2, but with a smaller toe box and less plush tongue. Weird thing about the tongue is that it's locked in place. Hard to pull-up after initial insertion of the foot. Still a solid/well-cushioned/comfy shoe. Big fan of the fitframe on the heel, lightweight but so good at containment. Traction on clay with the hardcourt version is surprisingly excellent. I'd play a match in these anyday.

8bbef3_36c857ce28b2473ba73abd3899633b71~mv2.webp
I like the tongue in the Air Max Cage forget about that detail and agree with traction on the Breathe Cage 1 and 2 is AMAZING, but still the best for me was the 2.3 had everything a nike durable shoe must have plus the comfort, close is the 4.3. Nike should listen to this and reissue this shoes, I'm glad for the people who asked for a reissue of the ATC and updates of those shoes but is clear they lack at some point the need for performance (Breathability-Durability- Weight) and are made in nice colorways. Even the wildcard is a poor shoe and just for the air unit is getting good sales, hopefully we can also be lucky to get some 2.3 or 4.3 reissues just like Adidas did a few years ago with barricade 5. Nike is also the most succesfull company in avoiding customers suggestions so keep the nice pics of this shoes and the samples some have thay are cool asf
 
I like the tongue in the Air Max Cage forget about that detail and agree with traction on the Breathe Cage 1 and 2 is AMAZING, but still the best for me was the 2.3 had everything a nike durable shoe must have plus the comfort, close is the 4.3. Nike should listen to this and reissue this shoes, I'm glad for the people who asked for a reissue of the ATC and updates of those shoes but is clear they lack at some point the need for performance (Breathability-Durability- Weight) and are made in nice colorways. Even the wildcard is a poor shoe and just for the air unit is getting good sales, hopefully we can also be lucky to get some 2.3 or 4.3 reissues just like Adidas did a few years ago with barricade 5. Nike is also the most succesfull company in avoiding customers suggestions so keep the nice pics of this shoes and the samples some have thay are cool asf
Lol, Nike truly is the best when it comes to not giving a flip about what customers say. Though technically they listened when people said they burned holes into their cage 3’s at the toe, so they beefed that up.
 
I like the tongue in the Air Max Cage forget about that detail and agree with traction on the Breathe Cage 1 and 2 is AMAZING, but still the best for me was the 2.3 had everything a nike durable shoe must have plus the comfort, close is the 4.3. Nike should listen to this and reissue this shoes, I'm glad for the people who asked for a reissue of the ATC and updates of those shoes but is clear they lack at some point the need for performance (Breathability-Durability- Weight) and are made in nice colorways. Even the wildcard is a poor shoe and just for the air unit is getting good sales, hopefully we can also be lucky to get some 2.3 or 4.3 reissues just like Adidas did a few years ago with barricade 5. Nike is also the most succesfull company in avoiding customers suggestions so keep the nice pics of this shoes and the samples some have thay are cool asf

You'd hope they'd listen. I created a thread with 88k views and over 22 pages of content essentially calling for Nike to make more cushioned shoes. Haven't seen much since I published that thread in 2014 :(

Decline of proper cushion
 
You'd hope they'd listen. I created a thread with 88k views and over 22 pages of content essentially calling for Nike to make more cushioned shoes. Haven't seen much since I published that thread in 2014 :(

Decline of proper cushion
The closest I think they’ve gotten to the old school cushioning of the breathe free’s was the zoom zero and air max wildcard, along with the air max cage.
 
The closest I think they’ve gotten to the old school cushioning of the breathe free’s was the zoom zero and air max wildcard, along with the air max cage.
Zoom zero was refreshing. Especially on the heels of them discontinuing the lunar ballistic, which was a really well cushioned shoe. Air max wildcard or any “budget” offering tend to disappoint me. Not sure if anyone here has worn a pair
 
Zoom zero was refreshing. Especially on the heels of them discontinuing the lunar ballistic, which was a really well cushioned shoe. Air max wildcard or any “budget” offering tend to disappoint me. Not sure if anyone here has worn a pair
I own a pair of the wildcard. The cushioning comes from the insole, which is extremely plush and has a very soft forefoot. The only one problem is the fit, which is very narrow out of the box but after awhile it stretches and feels amazing, even for my semi-wide foot.
 
Zoom zero was refreshing. Especially on the heels of them discontinuing the lunar ballistic, which was a really well cushioned shoe. Air max wildcard or any “budget” offering tend to disappoint me. Not sure if anyone here has worn a pair
Well cushioned, terrible traction and as stable as playing with bare socks. I'm glad nike discontinued that shoe to be honest
 
Airmax Breathe Cage 2 (2008) - great shoe. Just a few fatal flaws. Firstly the bootie was way more restrictive than the 2007 version, esp in the mid/forefoot. Just totally cups you there (will breakin over time). Traction is as excellent as the BC1, same pattern. The removal of the zoom forefoot is this shoe's ultimate fatal flaw. It completely destroyed the cushion's longevity, as the foam in the forefoot was less impressive than most midsoles of shoes sold at Target. Great colorways and design stylistically, sick looking shoe. Upper breathability was good, esp in the forefoot.
FWIW, I'm 99% sure that the BC2 has Zoom unit in the FF.
 
At the time, the players are all asked to wear new models at the Australian Open - the first main distribution of new product of the year. (That's why the players are typically wearing last year's outfits and shoes for Hopman/Sydney/lead up events to the Oz Open). If you're a lesser tier player, you get what you get and you might have a choice of new models. Top players will already wear test the shoe for 6 months leading up to Oz Open - and manufacturers hope to coincide the retail launch of product with seeing it on players.

You mentioned a few hiccups when players want more time to get familiar with product or want modifications. Another one that comes to mind is Roger skipping out wearing the Vapor III for the entire year. He slipped during wear testing and tweaked his ankle and forever lost confidence in that model.
 
At the time, the players are all asked to wear new models at the Australian Open - the first main distribution of new product of the year. (That's why the players are typically wearing last year's outfits and shoes for Hopman/Sydney/lead up events to the Oz Open). If you're a lesser tier player, you get what you get and you might have a choice of new models. Top players will already wear test the shoe for 6 months leading up to Oz Open - and manufacturers hope to coincide the retail launch of product with seeing it on players.

You mentioned a few hiccups when players want more time to get familiar with product or want modifications. Another one that comes to mind is Roger skipping out wearing the Vapor III for the entire year. He slipped during wear testing and tweaked his ankle and forever lost confidence in that model.
Yeah, I’ve wondered why so few tour players(besides Nadal’s modifies cages) actually use the cage on tour. Edmund uses it but the only other player I ever saw wear a cage 3/2 was Dan Evans and Benoit Paige. I wonder why, maybe to keep the marketing focus on Nadal?
 
Yeah, I’ve wondered why so few tour players(besides Nadal’s modifies cages) actually use the cage on tour. Edmund uses it but the only other player I ever saw wear a cage 3/2 was Dan Evans and Benoit Paige. I wonder why, maybe to keep the marketing focus on Nadal?
The Cage 3 isn't particularly comfortable (can't speak about the Cage 4, never wore it) and the Cage 2 had a rather singular fit. As a Top 100 pro, you probably can wear whatever shoe you want as long as you can afford lugging dozens of pairs around across the world. You probably would use more comfortable or lighter shoes than these with custom orthotics. I recall Dolgopolov saying he changed shoes almost every match as he threw them into the crowd.
 
As a Top 100 pro, you probably can wear whatever shoe you want as long as you can afford lugging dozens of pairs around across the world.

It's probably been mentioned before, but the most pairs that the average player has to lug is around 5-6 pairs.
There are a few key distributions of gear that the major brands hold during the year.
  • Australian Open - First big distribution to hand out new season's footwear and apparel to get them through to Indian Wells/Miami. If there are Davis Cup/Fed Cup needs on different surfaces, clay shoes might also be handed out. Quantity varies, but usually around 5-6 pairs of shoes, 5-6 pieces of each top/bottom. 12 pairs of socks, 6 hats/headbands, 12+ wristbands, practice gear.
  • Indian Wells/Miami. - Refresh apparel usually with new seasonal range and new color way of footwear and hand out clay footwear in preparation for clay court swing.
  • French Open - New apparel for FO and start of grass court swing. New footwear with grass court outsole.
  • Wimbledon - New apparel for Wimbledon and also for hard court swing. New footwear with hard court outsole.
  • US Open - New apparel for US Open and Asia swing.


  • Top players (Roger, Rafa, Djokovic, Serena, et al) will get more frequent updates and stuff shipped either home or to tourneys for them.
 
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