innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
New for 2026.
Diadora Speed Blushield Fly 5+
- Thread starter innoVAShaun
- Start date
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
Shaded Spruce/Black/White
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Inspecting this shoe some more, looks like the upper changes will change the fit characteristics from the 4. One of my fave parts of the 4 is the 2nd lace eyelets on the outer D-Skin at the collar. These eyelets when used with the inside eyelet, keeps the laces from sliding back after cinching, so there is no need to hold the laces with tension.
The lacing is now offset to the lateral side to make space for the medial toe guard. The 4 doesn't have a lot of toe height, so the shoe fit might change. Ankle collar looks like it is higher too and they got rid of the heel loop and replaced it with a very short tab. That's just silly to leave out for a sock liner shoe as the loop helps with donning the shoe.
Well after messing with the length of the last from 3 - 4, they have now changed how the shoe is tied down. Looks like I will have to go to the store to try them instead of ordering online. Sigh.
The lacing is now offset to the lateral side to make space for the medial toe guard. The 4 doesn't have a lot of toe height, so the shoe fit might change. Ankle collar looks like it is higher too and they got rid of the heel loop and replaced it with a very short tab. That's just silly to leave out for a sock liner shoe as the loop helps with donning the shoe.
Well after messing with the length of the last from 3 - 4, they have now changed how the shoe is tied down. Looks like I will have to go to the store to try them instead of ordering online. Sigh.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
I love Diadora, and I have a pair of the Fly 4's (as well as several other pairs of other models), and the only thing I don't like is that they are on the heavier side.
The sock liner is annoying to put on, but OK, and they are very comfortable. Prefer the Torneo 4's to be honest though.
The sock liner is annoying to put on, but OK, and they are very comfortable. Prefer the Torneo 4's to be honest though.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Torneo is still at 3 and now if you look at MSRP, is $10 cheaper. The new Flys are $20 more than the last model. The B-Icon are now the flagship shoes by price, then Flys, then Torneo.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
You are right, mine are actually the Torneo 2! (Must have gotten confused). Anyway, despite not being their top model, I really like them a lot.
But all my Diadoras (tennis, soccer, casual...) fit great and are excellent quality.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
The Torneos are heavier than the Flys, which are the lightest of all the top 3 shoes from Diadora. My Fly 4s range from 406-421g, the B-Icon 3 from 421-432, the Torneo 3 (only 1 pair cos I didn't like it), was by far the heaviest 447g, all US11.5 without insole.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
You know better, since you have actually weighed them, but I just had the impression that my Fly's were heavier.. But, and it's an important BUT, my Fly's have a clay sole, while my Torneo's the all-court sole.
Maybe the clay sole is heavier? Maybe they just start to feel heavier with all the clay they pick up?
d-quik
Legend
Clay is heavier. Different compound. It makes your impressions based on an unfair comparison
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Ok, that makes sense. Still, I also prefer the traditional tongue of the Torneo over the sock of the Fly.
Badlad4023
Rookie
Nice look. Conservative but fun color scheme. Diadora has a nice portfolio of footwear these days.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Unfortunately it is following the trend of pastel colors, and worst, less mesh! That means more break in. One of the nicest things about the 3 and 4, was the minimal break in.
Not necessarily. I've found the Diadora B-Icon 3 to be slightly heavier in AG vs clay. Now I only have a pair of each so no even a sample size. And 10g is within the manufacturing tolerances so could be that too.
Dadof2wildmonkeys
Rookie
Just played with the Speed Fly 5, first time in the line. I am a B icon 2 and 3 user. The Flys are More comfy both underfoot and uppers while still very supportive, better for the knees than the b icon. Wonderful shoe overall, i am 11.5 or 12, high volume foot, went with the 12 and the angle of the outside forefoot really is sharp and is harsh on the pinky toe. This is the only issue i have, there was some numbness there first time out. Lacing system is awesome. Will fit lots of players but would likely work best for low to medium width/volume players. Overall amazing if it works for you, so impressed with Diadora, excited to try Torneo
Sardines
Hall of Fame
That's about right. I also bought the 5 and it fits a little snugger than the 4 from the mid to the front. The collar is also a smidge higher than the 4s. My biggest fit issue is the medial big toe area, due to the thicker TPU, which has less give than the 4s. So it needed a break in. I walked for about a mile and it still was stiff, so I put in the shoe stretcher, with a big nub right at the big toe. After 2 days, it fits fine.
You'll find the Torneo is a bit more generous in space. I do find it interesting that you fit the B-Icon 3 in the forefoot but not the Fly. I find the B-Icon forefoot to be less comfortable than the Flys, because the Flys are mesh and the B-Icon is almost fully TPU upper, and thus there is less give. And yes I hate that there is not collar hoop to slip on the shoe... just cheap and silly to leave it out on a sock liner shoe.
Dadof2wildmonkeys
Rookie
What shoe stretcher do u use?
The b icon shape is more round on the outside fronts, so while it still hits my pinky toe (and is way stiffer) it doesn’t hurt the way the sharp angle of the fly does, even though the Fly upper is softer mesh. Still though, awesome shoe and it might break in.
if u had to pick a comfortable alternative to the b icon for a bigger guy, would it be the torneo or the fly?
Cowboy
Professional
This is good to know! I have a pair of BS4s that I bought prior to getting a deal on some other shoes with a 6 month warranty. Figured I needed to use the others first. My foot measures as a true US10, but I order all my shoes in US11. Even still the BS4s are a tight fit. Guess I will go 11.5 if I ever decide to order the BS5.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
These stretchers with the metal spot stretch have saved my feet. I don't have bunions or anything, just a neutral D width foot but very lean with 10% body fat so I can't break in shoes with my feet without feeling it.
footfitter.com
From my experience, the Torneo is spacious, but I didn't like the upper feel after a 2 hr match, where my feet were aching from the pounding. Never had that with the Flys because of the snugger fit on the midfoot. I would also suggest you try the Asics GRX, which has dual eyelets for a more voluminous foot lock down. I don't like the way it feels so like the Torneo, it's in the locker room as backup shoes when I forget to bring my shoes along. Or when I perspire too much and want a dry shoe for the 3rd hour of play.
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There's a thread where I wrote about sizing with certain brands. The classic "US" sizing is no longer a valid measuring point with certain brands, you will have to look at the "fits foot length" measurement for accurate length sizing.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Honestly, I hate the sock liner system, and wouldn't buy another pair of shoes with it, but leaving off the hoop just seems insane to me!
Maybe it's because of my feet (some bone spurs), but I've had shoes with sock liners from both Diadora and Lotto, and while the shoes were great once one (and both brands usually have great products), I just found the process of putting them on wasn't worth the hassle. Plus, real or perceived, it feels like the sock liner just adds extra and unnecessary weight.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Ah well to each their own. For me, the snug support removes the need to cinch down the laces,which helps the comfort a lot. All that aids with the feel of the shoe is part of my feet is the best for me to move on court. Tongued gussets do an ok job, but often feel like my foot is being cinched down onto a block of EVA and rubber.
Now not all sockliner style shoes work for me. The Court FF3 didn't. And I like some gusseted tongue shoes like the Ad Accel, B-Icon 3, Adidas Barricade 2023 ( the model between the '21 and the 13). Fit is individual though. I also have to be fair to Diadora that they do have a tab on the top heel counter to aid with foot ingress. However, it's not as useful as a hoop.
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Yes, the fit with the sock liner shoes is definitely good and comfortable, and like you said it's barely necessary to cinch down the laces tight at all.
That said, I don't have that same "foot cinched down to a block of eva and rubber" feeling with more traditional shoes, that you describe having. The Lotto Mirage 100 series fit and feel like a glove on my foot, very natural and connected. And my Torneo 2's feel more padded than the lottos, but similarly comfortable and connected.
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Sardines
Hall of Fame
I've been trying many different shoes the last 2 months, and last night I slipped back into my Speed Fly 5s and other than the stupid lack of a heel loop, I'm wondering why I bother with other shoes. Diadora needs to be a little more consistent with their sizing but otherwise, this shoe is an excellent multi-match day shoe, with excellent cushioning/response, lockdown/stability, ventilation and durability. The biggest caveat is the forefoot fit for those with even toe length, because that toebox taper is quite pronounced.
Dadof2wildmonkeys
Rookie
B icon 3 user here. Completely agree with the above. The fly 5 maybe could have worked for on court use only if i broke them in more or went up another size. My pinky toe was going numb a bit.
But the cushion was great, would be perfect for a lighter guy, especially with a narrower foot, for me as a bigger guy with a high volume foot, it could have been a tad firmer and wider overall. Again, probably could have made them work.
I wish i could merge tge bi3 and fly 5, the absolutely incredible fitting heel cup and anima foam and the width of the bi3, and the amount of forefoot foam and heel cushion on the fly5. Honestly tough to go wrong with either, both of them have fantastic support.
I wish i would have nerded out on shoes as opposed to rackets, they are so key for health.
But the cushion was great, would be perfect for a lighter guy, especially with a narrower foot, for me as a bigger guy with a high volume foot, it could have been a tad firmer and wider overall. Again, probably could have made them work.
I wish i could merge tge bi3 and fly 5, the absolutely incredible fitting heel cup and anima foam and the width of the bi3, and the amount of forefoot foam and heel cushion on the fly5. Honestly tough to go wrong with either, both of them have fantastic support.
I wish i would have nerded out on shoes as opposed to rackets, they are so key for health.
d-quik
Legend
Health in terms of safety? I hope you don't mean some kind of organ failure from bad shoes. That would be saddening.
What shoes did you go to before you started nerding out oh shoes though? I also am wide-footed (but not as wide as @widefoot who's foot is so wide that he made it his username) so I am curious what you had deployed in the past.
Dadof2wildmonkeys
Rookie
One time i had tennis leg, a torn calf muscle. My Achilles also have been tight and sore and i barely ran on court for fear of tearing something. Using shoes like ct rally, rafa 4.
Since using the diadora b icon 2 and 3 all that fear of injury, tightening of the foot/leg, tendonosis has diminished 90%. They are so supportive its insane, this is also mostly true for fly 5 as well.
I am a high volume foot, regular/wide foot, went true to size in b icon 3 and perfect, but think i would also have liked the next size up too for the toe box. For fly 5 and b icon 2 go up 1/2 a size at least.
Really want to try the torneo 3, they never are discounted
Since using the diadora b icon 2 and 3 all that fear of injury, tightening of the foot/leg, tendonosis has diminished 90%. They are so supportive its insane, this is also mostly true for fly 5 as well.
I am a high volume foot, regular/wide foot, went true to size in b icon 3 and perfect, but think i would also have liked the next size up too for the toe box. For fly 5 and b icon 2 go up 1/2 a size at least.
Really want to try the torneo 3, they never are discounted
Sardines
Hall of Fame
That's my point. The trials with shoes has been about "making it work" and other compromises that really aren't worth the effort when one can buy a pair of shoes, prestretch it with a shoe stretcher for a day or 2, put in a custom orthotic, lace it up and just go out to play for 50-60hrs until the SF5 is done. Most other shoes I've had to jump hoops like heat gun heel collars (BI3, CG2, GRX), figure out lace patterns for best lockdown (GRX is the worst!), play with different custom orthotic thickness to get the best fit etc etc. just to make it work.
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Oh I just looked at the label and of course Diadora just had to do something weird. US11.5 is now UK11, where as with the 4s it was UK10.5. Now all made in China and not Vietnam like the 4s. And on the box, there is no sizing in CM, which is just messed up, cos that was the only consistent thing they had!
Sardines
Hall of Fame
A couple of DMs asked me to compare the SF4 to the 5. I wore my 4 last night to get a real comparison.
Fit: The toe taper looks narrower, and it is by a few mm, but it is also slightly taller. It doesn't affect me at all, but could for those with wider toe splays. The midfoot is still very secure as before, but the lacing is different now. It is effective for lockdown, but the last 2 eyelets are now only on the heel wrap and not on the upper. What I liked about the SF4 is that once you cinched up the laces up to the 2nd last eyelet, it would stay cinched without much sliding back. The new system slides a bit. Also for those with high arches, the off center lace line means there is a possibility that the new opening could cause discomfort. My normal arch did not have any trouble.
The heel collar is a little higher, especially at the rear.
Performance:
The new fit maintains the secure supported and stable feel of the 4s. The off center lacing system still locks down the foot without have to cinch down too hard. The forefoot bends properly for my toes and the new toe guard does not pinch my big toe.
The mid/outsole feels the same. The new protection in the upper front does protect the vamp toe area, especially with the outsole pattern, which protects better than the old smooth SF4 TPU,which scuffed easily.
The midsole is still exposed on the medial side, which meant my rare slides caused the midsole to get roughed up. The new upper protection does help protection better.
Overall, I miss the heel loop for easier ingress, the outer upper eyelets for easier lacing, and I wish the laces were thicker.
The US/UK sizing issues cause more confusion than before, so measure your feet in metric and use the size charts.
Fit: The toe taper looks narrower, and it is by a few mm, but it is also slightly taller. It doesn't affect me at all, but could for those with wider toe splays. The midfoot is still very secure as before, but the lacing is different now. It is effective for lockdown, but the last 2 eyelets are now only on the heel wrap and not on the upper. What I liked about the SF4 is that once you cinched up the laces up to the 2nd last eyelet, it would stay cinched without much sliding back. The new system slides a bit. Also for those with high arches, the off center lace line means there is a possibility that the new opening could cause discomfort. My normal arch did not have any trouble.
The heel collar is a little higher, especially at the rear.
Performance:
The new fit maintains the secure supported and stable feel of the 4s. The off center lacing system still locks down the foot without have to cinch down too hard. The forefoot bends properly for my toes and the new toe guard does not pinch my big toe.
The mid/outsole feels the same. The new protection in the upper front does protect the vamp toe area, especially with the outsole pattern, which protects better than the old smooth SF4 TPU,which scuffed easily.
The midsole is still exposed on the medial side, which meant my rare slides caused the midsole to get roughed up. The new upper protection does help protection better.
Overall, I miss the heel loop for easier ingress, the outer upper eyelets for easier lacing, and I wish the laces were thicker.
The US/UK sizing issues cause more confusion than before, so measure your feet in metric and use the size charts.
d-quik
Legend
So both US11 and US11.5 are UK11? That doesn't can't be right...
innoVAShaun
G.O.A.T.
Clay
Rutabaga/Black/Grape Compote
Rutabaga/Black/Grape Compote
Sardines
Hall of Fame
And for me, it is the best part of the shoe and the part that makes it a great shoe. A snug fit where the shoe moves with your feet, not a clunker like the GRX.
galahad
Rookie
the sock liner needs to GO. They have plenty of other ways of keeping the tongue straight
robyrolfo
Hall of Fame
Yes, I totally agree here! While the shoe does feel good with the liner once it is on your foot, it's not so dramatically different that it outweighs the inconvenience.
I have Diadora tennis shoes with and without the sock (and I also have Lotto shoes with and without, if that matters), and I can honestly say that the sock really adds no benefit for me.
They are WAY harder to put on, and once they are on they do feel snug, but you can get nearly the exact same feeling by tying the laces of a regular shoe tighter. What's more, that snug feeling doesn't necessarily hold up during very hard play, as the liner has some softness to it. And perhaps the worst part, on hot days the liner absorbs sweat and makes the shoes heavier than usual.
I am with you - I have always loved the sock liner on these as I did with the original Asics Court FFs (pre-Novak version) which these remind me of
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Well the bootie construction is the very thing that makes the shoe a fast yet stable shoe. The snugness means the shoe moves with your feet as one, vs a traditional tongue which sometimes feels like you're latching down onto the bottom of the shoe. This design eliminates heel slip as well. Of course such a design is not without drawbacks, especially ingress for high arched and "thicker" feet. A shoe horn can help, but like every other shoe, if you don't like it, don't wear it. Doesn't mean it's not an excellent bootie construction shoe.
For me the design is actually the best compromise for all court speed shoe with cushioning, breathability and stability. Even the upper protection is good enough for most, except for the elite heavy sliders who tear up most non-tank shoes (but those like the TPU cages GRX, Eclipsion 5 or even the thinner Ad Accel also get chewed up but just last longer upper wise).
For me the design is actually the best compromise for all court speed shoe with cushioning, breathability and stability. Even the upper protection is good enough for most, except for the elite heavy sliders who tear up most non-tank shoes (but those like the TPU cages GRX, Eclipsion 5 or even the thinner Ad Accel also get chewed up but just last longer upper wise).
Sardines
Hall of Fame
Only used the V2 for about 40 mins and hated it. Not enough lockdown without a runner's knot hole, and that weird midsole design with a strange arch hump. If you use an orthotic, I think it'd be worse!
RIPStick18
Rookie
I would probably buy these if they had a sole warranty. I went through my 4s in less than 4 months. They were definitely super comfortable and supportive under foot. I actually still use them for workouts!
Sardines
Hall of Fame
That they can last 3+ months is already good for me. Don't need replacement warranties, since I don't play through the outsole to the point where there's a hole where midsole is clearly showing. I find all outsoles lose performance, particularly with traction in the high wear bald spots. So when the treads are gone, I just relegate those to spare back up shoes in the car etc. The best thing about Diadora is the design has essentially stayed true to the Speed Fly 3 in fit and performance, except for the sizing change. In a new age of tennis shoes morphing into VERY different shoes every time they revamp the design, sameness is a great thing.
It's a pity Diadora is limiting this model to one release a year.
It's a pity Diadora is limiting this model to one release a year.
