d-quik
Legend
Most sizes already sold out Monday morning
Diadora Speed Blushield Fly 4
- Thread starter innoVAShaun
- Start date
I had ordered a bunch of other tennis shoes to try plus Fly 4 in 10 and 10.5, ended up returning all of them, kept Fly 4 in 10 (fit best with custom insole).what did you end up getting anyways? You said you went up to 10.5 yet in another post you said size 10 was 14.55 grams? Did you order both 10 and 10.5, but weighed the 10 but kept the 10.5?Very odd
d-quik
Legend
so after a few weeks now, do you regret not getting these sooner?
d-quik
Legend
What absolute and complete disregard for your own safety
Anyways you should check out items #404757567389, #404861699893, and of course #404861721728 if you also feel safe from your wife.
Lots of sizes with pretty good prices. That retailer has other colors too but maybe not all the sizes, so you can search around that seller too. Those 3 are just to show you what can be found. Just got 3 pairs (which I don't even need, prices were too good) for myself last week. Not sure if I should say "I am sorry" or if I should say "you're welcome". 
I was pretty cheese I didn't get in on the TW's Fly4 deal a few weeks ago but now I have redeemed myself.
What did you end up getting and from where? I'm not seeing any TW's deals ($48) anywhere on Fly 4s.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
I'm interested to know where your wear points are on the Flys? I tend to wear out the medial anterior area, especially under the big toe on serve.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
I think that is the one issue I have with the Speed Flys, the curved medial anterior profile of the outsole, where the thickness is a good 0.5-0.7mm shallower in rubber compared to the underfoot areas. I like the shoe, and can't argue with the cushioning, fit and durability of the rubber, but the thinner area for me means midsole is showing up earlier than say the Adidas Barricade, whose Lightstrike EVA just bags out before the outsole does.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
I recently put on a new pair of Speed Fly 4 I'd bought on sale, manufacturing from 2024, and it is 28.5cm/44.5EU size, but labelled as UK10/US11. This is different from my previous Speed Fly 3/4s, which were 29cm/45EU. The difference, besides the toe areas being 0.5 cm closer in, is in the anterior lateral area of the metatarsal area bending is now folding right on my metatarsal and causing discomfort. I unhooked the lateral lace to give it relieft and the issue is gone, but doesn't feel as snug anymore. It's a pity they switched out the sizing mid-production. My previous pairs had no such problem. Sad for Diadora to change without warning even on their website.
norcal
Legend
I am really enjoying these shoes and wish I picked up a couple more on sale. Fit like a glove with good cushioning and support. Only down side is durability isn't so great but the positives far outweigh that. Thanks to this forum I have several different shoes that fit my weird foot really well. Love this place!
I confirm that they are a super shoe and Struff confirms it too 
..
I noticed that on the European bay (but I think they also ship outside Europe) they are selling some including one in size 10 US, Spring/Summer 2023 version (To be clear, the one worn by Struff in that period).
..I noticed that on the European bay (but I think they also ship outside Europe) they are selling some including one in size 10 US, Spring/Summer 2023 version (To be clear, the one worn by Struff in that period).
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Interesting you say they aren't durable? Do you mean the Duratech outsole? In my experience, that rubber is a bit longer lasting than the Endurance II of Yonex, which better than Duralast,Adiwear and K-Swiss, and easily anything by Nike and NB.
It's a combination of extra depth (more rubber) and the toughness. It's not particularly hard, and definitely not as "squeaky" as the softer Endurance rubber. These shoes do have thinner "big toe area" outsole, so that wears out faster than the rest of the shoe, but it is one of the best wearing shoes I've had, and that includes the midsole, which maintains cushioning as well as AirZoom. I'll agree the upper in general is more fragile, but doesn't detract from the performance of the shoe.
I put a stability carbon insole, helped a tad, but not enough. After ~7months I'm on the hunt for a new shoe.
Anyone knows how Lacoste LG 23 ultra compare to Blushield fly 4?
d-quik
Legend
Even lower to the ground, narrower fitting, costs more, outsole wastes away faster, cushioning stays longer though but no as good as blushield when new. The cushioning is the reactive kind though, not as pillowy as blushield. Totally different. The uppers aren't as breathable as the the Flys, but what is? Better lockdown because of said uppers. Better pivoting because of said lockdown. Worse top speed because of slightly higher weight.
Good thing I did not buy the LG 23 then. Heavier and less durable is not what I'm looking for.
What alternatives do you recommend similar to Blushiel fly 4 in all aspects especially wide toe box, sock like fit, durability, but lower to the ground, and more balance/feedback/reactive?
d-quik
Legend
I don't know how the current generation B.Icon 3 and Torneo 3s are but the Blushield Fly line is pretty unique. I only tried the B.Icon 2.
While the B.Icon 2 had the low-to the ground feel and light upper, the toebox isn't wide.
The Head Revolt Pros are wide and low, but less durable and doesn't come with a booty. They do have a warranty though, for what it is worth.
The Fusion-Rev line is very reactive but doesn't have a wide toebox and isn't low.
The only thing I can think of are the Lotto Raptors which is only available from DSG, and also the New Balance 996v6 in wide. None of these two come with a booty though.
The Raptors will be more responsive. The uppers are stronger but not as breathable. It can also be considered low to the ground but I don't remember how it compares to the Flys. It should be similar though. Besides not having a booty, the other downside is a slight increase in weight along with a higher price tag. These are durable, quality shoes though, so the increase in weight is totally worth it. People may disagree but I found the cushioning to be both more plush AND reactive than the Flys.
The 996v6 is narrow lasted, so the wide version is only just slightly wider than a medium. It isn't a true 2E, and also runs slightly short, so you will have to size up even in wide. These come with a warranty. Other than not having a booty, the Fuel Cell cushioning is also reactive but not as plush as Blushield, and bottoms out notoriously fast.
The Barricades from adidas are low compared to older Barricades, durable, but doesn't come with a sock liner and is slightly heavier. The toebox is around medium width but since the shoe also runs slightly short, it allows you to size up.
But yeah, as you can see, it is very hard to get one thats exactly like the Flys. I have not tried the Vapor 12 though, but if I had to guess when it comes to the current market, the V12s may be the closest thing. This is only based on feedback I have seen from others here, and unlike the other shoes I mentioned here, is not based on actual experience. I also don't know if it will be wide enough.
I have a feeling that this post caused more confusion than clarity. I tried my best but the Flys are simply too unique. I remember this being a problem when the Zoom Zeroes was discontinued and nobody could find anything similar either.
I tried the Torneo 3, it has heel slippage, does not feel agile like Fly 4. Maybe I'll try Icon 3, hopefully it's improved over Icon 2 flaws.
I have not tried Fuel cell, in general NB does not work for me, their arch, and sit higher on ground.
Do you think Raptors would have heel slippage? That's my main issue with most tennis shoes, so far only Fly 4 was perfect in that regard.
I considered latest Barricades, but there was a thread on here on how much pain and injury they caused, that steered me away from it. Any thoughts on that? I have always liked Adidas quality. It seems a good alternative to Fly 4.
Vapor 12 runs narrow, at least from my research when I looked into it. But yes it would have been another good alternative.
Looks like only Icon 3 and Barricades to consider.
d-quik
Legend
No slippage from me or anyone else I have heard. Those shoes are the widest of all the shoes I mentioned but the lacing and uppers are superb.
I also didn't experience any pain or suffering from the 'Cades either. What exactly were they complaining about? Achilles pads having too much friction?
d-quik
Legend
The Raptors are also big length-wise so you may need or choose to size down in them, despite having wide feet. I usually wear size 12 to 13 depending on the width of the toebox, and I can wear the Raptors in either 11.5 or 12. One of the few models where I can go 11.5 in. HUGE!
For reference, I can use both 12 and 12.5 in the Flys.
Why are you so inspired to find something better than the Flys? You already seem to like them a lot, why not just keep using it until they discontinue it? Maybe stock up a couple of extra pairs before discontinuation? Then worry about what to replace it with afterwards since the market offerings would have changed by then.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Well there are always compromises with shoes, I prioritize fit, comfort and breathability over feel, which is something I can get over. The Speed Flys are for me almost perfect for my criteria. Usually a low to the ground feeling equals less cushioning, and I use the Ad Accel for big match days, but usually that means durability lifespan of a Malawi Lake Fly.
For multi match days, the Speed Flys don't leave my feet,except for sock changes! haha. I recently played a ITF where I had to play 1 singles and 2 doubles for 3 straight days, cos I made the semis for all 3 events I played. I tried the 1st day with the Ad Accel, and my lower body felt it. Switched back to the Speed Flys and no aches again, then switched back to the Ad Accel for the 2 finals.
I've never understood the Torneo popularity. Yes it's well padded inside but the upper is still harsher than the D-Mesh on the Flys, if you are an aggressive mover with micro feet adjustments for groundies. And it's warm! I would not play in the day with them, and I'd break them in with a shoe stretcher first.
The Lotto Raptors had the same feel as the Sole Court Boost, huge and cavernous, but could be locked down for me. That, the scarcity and price tag, just put it on the "if nothing else is available" list for me.
My fave shoe from Adidas the last 3 years was the Barricade '23, which the 13 is based on but kept the Bounce foam, The new 13s lost the Bounce foam and thus that bit of comfort and longevity of the midsole. It was the most comfortable game day shoe I've played with from Adidas. The new 13s are just not great for me. That stiff Repetitor foam midsole is nothing like the Blushield.
I stopped considering Nike years ago. The rubber and fit are just nonsense for me. Air Zoom is great, but quality control is the worst of the big brands. The only shoe that the glue breaks down after 1.5 years in storage.
I suggest you just keep the Speed Flys for daily tennis pounding and switch to game day shoes like the B-Icon (which didn't fit me well!), or Ad Accel for the important matches.
I watched some videos on Raptors, they look bulky as you suggested. See below on answer and follow up question.
That's good to know about Adidas & Nike. I use their shoes in lifting and working out, I figured they would be as good in tennis.
I'm on my last pair of Fly 4 with 5 months in them (3 sessions a week), they have been out for a while, I thought there are some better alternatives. But I guess not.
I tripped in my last week's match on hard court, landed on my shoulder, scuffed my knee pretty good. It's mostly my fault but Fly 4 feel and high on ground design attributed to part of the fall.
I also prioritize fit, comfort, breathability, agility over feel. So I'm looking for something a bit more agile and grounded than Fly 4s.
Was it Icon 2 or 3? Why did not it fit you?
Which pair would fit closest to Fly 4 (width, size, sock like feel, etc...)? Ad Accel, B.Icon 2, B.Icon 3, Barricades?
Does Ad accel run true to size? I had to go up half a size in Fly 4.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Sorry to hear about the fall. Personally I move fine with the Speed Flys, I don't think they are too high off the ground, but the cushioning is just so good, the feel is more cushy and for lack of a better word, "cloudy". The reason I use the Ad Accel is the soft rubber traction and squeakiness, allows me to know my feet are moving.
As for the B-Icons, I just find the upper to be less padded and uncomfortable, even the new 3. I tried it in the store, and the moment I laced up and jumped, I felt pressure on my MTPs and lateral arches. I won't use my feet to break it shoes anymore. Granted I have very lean feet, and they probably is why I favor higher mesh and less-PU uppers shoes. Padded heavy TPU cages are ovens.
As for a replacement, from my limited experience, there is no like sock fit, comfortable, durable and cushioned shoe like the Speed Fly, especially with low to the ground feel.
The Asics FF3 Court has low to ground feel, but not the same cushioning comfort (at least for my feet), and durability in the outsole and midsole.
The Ad Accel has the fit, low to ground feel, and enough comfort padding, but not the cushioning and definitely not the outsole durability. For me it's true to size, based on the sizing,
The Barricade 13 doesn't have the sock like fit, or cushioning, but is comfortable and is quite durable, except for the midsole, which is harder. Fitwise, it runs a little short if you look at the sizing, especially the Asian sizing showing 29cm JP but 28cm CHN. So, like the Diadoras, but worse, I don't know what the hell Adidas is thinking with this mixed sizing nonsense. I no longer just buy shoes on US sizing because of the incongruency of US/UK sizing. Makes sense since all shoes are made in Asia, so look at that sizing more.
I recently received the Roland Pro from Joma, and their sizing is even more crazy since they give and range in metric, but US/UK/EU is just ½ sizes. I get there's manufacturing variance but Joma is probably the best manufacturer for length sizing charts right now.
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I tried FF3, they caused pain in toe area, was not wide enough, but it had great heel lock and stability. Maybe the wide version could work.
This is great feedback! I'll give Ad Accel a shot. Going by JPN CM length Yonex runs half a size large looks like in US/UK size confirming mismatch you mentioned.
POWER CUSHION AD-ACCEL (MENS)
Elevate your game with these tennis shoes. Designed with POWER CUSHION+ technology for unmatched comfort and stability, they allow for quick, responsive movements on the court. Enhance your agility and performance with each step, thanks to advanced cushioning technology.
us.yonex.com
I hope ad accel toebox is as wide as the Fly 4's. It looks narrow in the pics. Or should I go with wide?
Sardines
Hall of Fame
I'm a D width and the non-wide YAA fit me fine. Knowing your width by getting it measured is probably the best way to know. For me the fit issue is the toe box shape. The Speed Flys have a pointy inflare, but just manages to fit my toe splay with the 290cm. The 4s are 285 which put slight pressure on my 5th (pinky) metatarsal, which was why I posted here about the sizing change by Diadora.
If you don't know your width, go to a store to try them or any shoe store to get your foot measured.
If you don't know your width, go to a store to try them or any shoe store to get your foot measured.
I tried FF3, they caused pain in toe area, was not wide enough, but it had great heel lock and stability. Maybe the wide version could work.
This is great feedback! I'll give Ad Accel a shot. Going by JPN CM length Yonex runs half a size large looks like in US/UK size confirming mismatch you mentioned.
click on size guide.POWER CUSHION AD-ACCEL (MENS)
Elevate your game with these tennis shoes. Designed with POWER CUSHION+ technology for unmatched comfort and stability, they allow for quick, responsive movements on the court. Enhance your agility and performance with each step, thanks to advanced cushioning technology.
I hope ad accel toebox is as wide as the Fly 4's. It looks narrow in the pics. Or should I go with wide?
@d-quik I think you were on the Fila Speedserve thread awhile back, how did the Flys compare to the speedserves? So far those have been my go to for a wide width, lower to the ground with some cushion shoe and they are dirt cheap still on Amazon. I’m considering stocking up unless the Flys can offer some better performance and cushioning which is my only gripe with the SS
d-quik
Legend
The Diadoras are much better shoe in terms of quality but definitely not as wide. I have wide feet and wear 12 in both though so it isn't like the Flys are super tight or anything. Although I have not sized up, I am confident that the Flu would have worked in 12.5
Mind you, I wore the Fly 3 befire they changed the stupid sizing for the Fly 4. For my Fly 3s 12US was 46EU, but for the 4th generation, 12US is not 45.5EU for some dumb reason. So if I were to go a half size up in the Fly 3s, it would be 12.5US, then add another 0.5 for the Fly 4s, it is possible that I could go 13US in the current generation, but I haven't tried. VERY convoluted/confusing.
Both are lower to the ground shoes. The SpeedServes did have some pretty comfortable cushioning so I think your gripes with the SS's cushioning probably has more to do with how long it lasts as opposed to how much shock is actually absorbed.
Flys were also several magnitudes better in the ventilation department but I don't know how important that is for you.
Good deals can be found on Tennis "blaza" and also "chewbacca" on the bay right now but I dont know if you can still get your size. Chewbacca also has speedserves too for $40-$50
Hopefully this provided more clarification than confusion.
Any more specific questions on the Flys can be directed at @FloridaAG as he has used both generations of the Flys, but I don't think he has any experience with the FILAs though.
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
does it have good cushioning /SPEED BLUSHIELD FLY 4 + AG
MSRP: $145.00 USD
Tennis shoes for hard surfaces or clay - Man
WHITE/BLUE CORSAIR/FIERY RED
Item: 101.179507_D0274
Appreciate the detailed response! It does help clarify and I went ahead and ordered a pair of 3s since they were cheaper along with some Torneo 2 wides to compare. Ventilation is important since I play during the summer on HCs here in the states which is why my Wave Enforce Tours don't get worn much. Looking forward to trying the flys in that regard. I like a lot of Diadoras offerings but with a wider foot their narrow tapering toe box doesn't usually work well for me.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
is it better shoes than Ubersonic any of the ubers ? is cushioning more or less respoinsive ?
d-quik
Legend
Never worn ubers in my entire life
d-quik
Legend
Also meant to say that the Flys do have more plush cushioning than the SS, but I am not actually sure it will absorb more shock. I can only say that it FEELS more plush. I don't know what the results would be like if you measured the shock absorption with a machine.
Blushield cushioning isn't foam-based, so it feels a bit different than most other
Not sure - I wear the Fly 4s in 10.5 - which is my normal size -
d-quik
Legend
Most of the Blushield is in the forefoot right? @Cowboy be looking for cushioned shoes right now but prioritizes the forefoot more than the heel. Can these (either current or previous generations) be recommended to him? I don't think I have heard many (any?) people complaining about the Flys.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Depends on your foot and how they fit the 3. The metric sizing shows the 4s are 5mm shorter, which doesn't show up in US sizing for my size. I didn't realize this with my first 3 paids of the 4s, but the subsequent newer ones were more pronounced fit issues. I suspect it was manufacturing tolerances that I didn't notice the size change initially.
Thanks for the info!
I think this is correct - have not done a shoe breakdown or anything but that is how they feel to me
Cowboy
Semi-Pro
SPEED BLUSHIELD FLY 4 + AG
MSRP: $145.00 USD
Tennis shoes for hard surfaces or clay - Man
WHITE/BLUE CORSAIR/FIERY RED
Item: 101.179507_D0274
What does AG designate in the name?
I've just ordered this colorway in my normal US size 11.
@d-quik , I will post my thoughts here upon arrival.
d-quik
Legend
I ordered this colorway and like it a lot. Compared to the Fila Speedserve I also wear these aren't quite as wide in the forefoot but the lockdown and stability is much better. The Speedserve is lower to the ground and lighter so not sure which I like better.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
haha well if the choice is low to ground and lighter vs less cushioning, good fit and stability, I know which I would pick for a tennis shoe. Only if it's a single match on 1 day, I'd probably only choose the less cushioned/lighter shoe if it was as secure a fit and as stable. I've tried "fast shoes" for multi match days, and there is a slight deleterious effect of less cushioning on the body. I can learn to move on a shoe that has less feedback, but I can't undo wear and tear from pounding on the joints.
Cowboy
Semi-Pro
Correct. And thank you for the explanation.
