Does the foam in tennis shoes go dead before the tread is gone?

[2ndServe]

I’ve been using NB shoes. Great brand imo, the tread lasts a really long time. I’m on 6 months and the haven’t even worn through the soles.

The only thing is my calves, shins and knees feel awful now. It could be a multitude of things but I’m wondering if the EVA foam in these things goes bad and doesn't cushion after X months.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Yes.

 

[Rabbit]

To expand on the answer above, yes the insoles go dead long before the tread is gone especially if you play on soft courts as I do (or if you are older as I am and don't run quite as much). You calves and shins hurting doesn't sound like a cushioning problem as they don't take impact like your feet, ankles and knees do. In any event, if you're lower extremities are in pain, it's time for a new pair of shoes. I would also note just how long you wore the shoes before you started hurting and replace them prior to that time.

If you want a shoe that has a ton of cushioning and is long lived, the Diadora Blueshield Torneo is a great option. I've been wearing them for some years now and love them. Once broken in, they are really comfortable too.

Diadora Speed Blushield Torneo Men's Shoes | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Update 5/7/23 - another really, really good option for a well cushioned shoe is the KSwiss UltraShot 3. I love mine even more than the Diadora.

KSwiss Ultrashot 3 Wh/Celestial/Primrose Men's Shoes | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Depends on the type of foam. The regular eva will die pretty fast. Yonex powercushion, adidas boost, etc can last longer

 

[LOBALOT]

I am an older player and don't destroy a tread in a week like I did when I was a kid.

However, I do find that the cushioning goes away and do feel it in my knees, back, hips, etc. I play 4 or more times a week.

I have wide feet and used to wear New Balance 2E and their cushioning went away very quickly (say 2 months) and I grew tired of that. The 696 and 796 were awful and the 996 had slightly better but not great longevity. I haven't tried the Lavs as can't play in high heel shoes.

I now rotate 3 pairs of Wilson Rush Pro Ace tennis shoes in a variety of colors and get about 6 months before the cushioning is gone and I order another 3 pairs.

 

[d-quik]

haven't tried the Lavs as can't play in high heel shoes

 

[BenC]

for me, the insoles in the NB 1006 seem to go flat in no time at all. I use sof sole athlete insoles which have more cushion and last longer, or the spenco rx comfort insoles for more room.

 

[socallefty]

Yes. When your feet and knees hurt, time to change shoes. Just like if your arm/elbow hurts, it means you should have already cut out your strings way before that. Your body talks to you through pain to give you signals that you should change your equipment - maybe next time you will change before you get pain. Shoe soles don’t wear out before the shoes does anymore.

 

[ryohazuki222]

Haven’t been able to track down a numeric answer on how long shoes last but there’s some sports research that supports the thesis.

For basketball shoes, there’s some research correlating older shoes to more injuries. They seem to think that as the shoes themselves loosen and laces and everything the shoes themselves provide less support.

Ask any runner, and they’ll probably cite something about how running shoes are only supposed to last x hundred miles.

I I used to go until I burned holes through the rubber. Now the max I’ll go intentionally is til the tread depth runs bald. But hard to call it because it’ll depend on your specific wear patterns.

Hurts my soul to swap to a new pair when there “looks” to be so much life left in the last pair, but in the end I just hope for good karma by donating the old pair.

All that said… I do feel like the shoes themselves make a difference. For my old vapors, I definitely could feel the ball of my big toe wears down the rubber and foam to basically have no support left while the rest of the shoes is pretty good. For my new court nxts, the rubber wore really quick while the cushioning still feels like there’s some good life left. I was surprised to see foam coming through in my last pair…. Vapors never made it that far because my knees would start noticing.

 

[PBODY99]

Yes the midsole start to go before most mature players burn out the tread. As we start an d stop on the court every kilo we carry stress the cushioning system in addition to the deceleration loads we generate.

 

[LOBALOT]

I was going to say stilettos but couldn't remember their name although certainly remember what they look like. Thanks, for catching that!

 

[ey039524]

If you like the model you currently have, get a new pair and try them. If they feel like walking on a cloud, then yeah, the foam is compressed.

 

[WYK]

I feel the soles go after about 2 months. I dunno how folks can go 6 months, let alone worry about a 6 month warranty. Once the soles go, your joints take up the slack.
I usually replace the insoles twice with aftermarket, high arch supports, and then get new shoes and relegate the tennis shoes to walking shoes or casual shoes.

How Do I Know When It Is Time To Replace My Athletic Shoes

Learn how to know if it is time to replace you athletic shoes, to help prevent injuries and keep you active in the long run.

www.aapsm.org

 

[d-quik]

I was going to say stilettos but couldn't remember their name although certainly remember what they look like. Thanks, for catching that!

for real

I remember when LAV v1 came out, it replaced the 996 v3. They signed this ridiculous "lifetime contract" with Milos Raonic, then downgraded 996 v3 into a speed offering by releasing the 996 v4, and then finally made the LAV into the flagship in the v3's place.

The third generation of the 996 (I don't know if you ever tried these) were my favourite shoes of ALL TIME so I was pretty pissed they would change it SO MUCH with the fourth generation

Anyways, NB customer service would always just tell me to try the LAVs instead and when I would tell them that the heel was too high, they would always tell me it wasn't a big deal.

Except to me, it was, indeed, a very big deal. So it was very refreshing to see your exaggeration (regarding the heel situation) as this would mean I had now found another individual (you!) who agreed with me.

 

[LOBALOT]

for real

I remember when LAV v1 came out, it replaced the 996 v3. They signed this ridiculous "lifetime contract" with Milos Raonic, then downgraded 996 v3 into a speed offering by releasing the 996 v4, and then finally made the LAV into the flagship in the v3's place.

The third generation of the 996 (I don't know if you ever tried these) were my favourite shoes of ALL TIME so I was pretty pissed they would change it SO MUCH with the fourth generation

Anyways, NB customer service would always just tell me to try the LAVs instead and when I would tell them that the heel was too high, they would always tell me it wasn't a big deal.

Except to me, it was, indeed, a very big deal. So it was very refreshing to see your exaggeration (regarding the heel situation) as this would mean I had now found another individual (you!) who agreed with me.

100% and I get the concept but someone athletic does not need help getting on their toes....

In addition, I am being told I am old now and the last thing I need is a shoe to place me in a balance position I am not used to. I can see myself running up for a drop shot and doing the old man awkwardly doing that uncontrolled half falling half running and then finally falling thing and rolling up in the net like a giant tuna in a fishing net.

 

[d-quik]

half falling half running and then finally falling thing and rolling up in the net like a giant tuna in a fishing net.

I can not read minds, nevermind read people's minds over the internet, but if I had to guess, you are a professional writer of some kind (journalist/author/critic/etc...) because if you are like, just an insurance salesman or something, that would just be an utterly tragic waste of talent.

 

[LOBALOT]

I can not read minds, nevermind read people's minds over the internet, but if I had to guess, you are a professional writer of some kind (journalist/author/critic/etc...) because if you are like, just an insurance salesman or something, that would just be an utterly tragic waste of talent.

Thank you. Actually, I have my bachelors and masters in electrical engineering and work as a healthcare project manager.

I do write a lot of proposals but the reason I was able to do it is I have done it!

I have also done it the opposite way going back for an over head and instead of sideways crossover stepping like I should I do the backwards steps followed by the misjudge not back far enough...back roll.. head bang....racquet toss..hat fly off. I think I did that once playing with a couple younger really good playing gals and went and licked my wounds in the corner.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

This is a great video on the subject.

 

[airchallenge2]

I’ve been using NB shoes. Great brand imo, the tread lasts a really long time. I’m on 6 months and the haven’t even worn through the soles.

The only thing is my calves, shins and knees feel awful now. It could be a multitude of things but I’m wondering if the EVA foam in these things goes bad and doesn't cushion after X months.

The first thing that goes dead is the insole (unless it's PU.) So, I'd replace the insoles with some quality ones and feel good again.

 

[2ndServe]

The first thing that goes dead is the insole (unless it's PU.) So, I'd replace the insoles with some quality ones and feel good again.

Yes I’ve replaced the insoles with good aftermarket ones

 

[Alexh22]

Yes they flatten out with time. Add a layer of thin insole will rectify this. Continue to use them till the outsole tread is gone. Buy new shoes after.

 

[WildVolley]

I'm not highly cushion sensitive. So I have yet to personally have a shoe feel uncomfortable due to compression of foam midsoles prior to the outsole wearing out.

 

[d-quik]

I'm not highly cushion sensitive.

yeah same. I think three quarters of the discussion here about shoes revolves around impact protection and it is kind of tiresome. Obviously this is speaking very selfishly and I am fully aware that it is a privilege to be able to afford to not pay any attention to cushioning, but I have worn some pretty hard/stiff but good fitting shoes without issues

 

[2ndServe]

I am an older player and don't destroy a tread in a week like I did when I was a kid.

However, I do find that the cushioning goes away and do feel it in my knees, back, hips, etc. I play 4 or more times a week.

I have wide feet and used to wear New Balance 2E and their cushioning went away very quickly (say 2 months) and I grew tired of that. The 696 and 796 were awful and the 996 had slightly better but not great longevity. I haven't tried the Lavs as can't play in high heel shoes.

I now rotate 3 pairs of Wilson Rush Pro Ace tennis shoes in a variety of colors and get about 6 months before the cushioning is gone and I order another 3 pairs.

was this the 796v3 version?

 

[tennislover2]

Foot doctor is great. However tennis shoes life may be more like 200 miles max( not 500 miles ). Also USTA guideline is to replace the shoe after 50 tennis sessions (of 2 hrs singles).
One thing I do is I always have two pairs of shoes. One pair of shoes that I use regularly and another pair very rarely ( and is my reference shoes ). If I feel extra tired and or feel sore more than usual each time after two tennis sessions, then for the 3rd session I pull out my reference shoes and play in that. If I feel as tired and sore, then I know my body needs some break. If I dont feel as tired and sore then I know my regular shoes have worn out and time to replace them. Now my reference shoes becomes my regular shoes and I order a new pair to replace my reference shoes.

 

[LOBALOT]

was this the 796v3 version?

Heck no in my opinion they are way to plasticky. During the pandemic when I couldn't get 996 2E I did try the 896 but quickly found they too were not rubbery enough so transitioned them to when I walk about. I did play with the 996 which I would get a few months out of but those are their speed / low profile shoe so by design are not the most cushioning and don't last that long before losing what they have so there lies the problem.

 

[2ndServe]

Seemed wasteful eventhough the soles weren't worn down but I have the same pair of shoes and used those and I had a lot less joint pain after. I'd say something in the midsole/shank went well before the outsoles.

 

[onehandbh]

Because tennis doesn't involve a lot of jumping like basketball, I don't find the cushioning as important to me. For myself I want stability and a locked-down feel without heel slip, traction and comfort in terms of fit and no weird seams inside the shoe.

When I played basketball, I looked for shoes that were low to the ground and had good shock absorption.

*caveat: I am fairly light for my height so I may not be as hard on my shoes as other people.

 

[norcal]

Because tennis doesn't involve a lot of jumping like basketball, I don't find the cushioning as important to me. For myself I want stability and a locked-down feel without heel slip, traction and comfort in terms of fit and no weird seams inside the shoe.

When I played basketball, I looked for shoes that were low to the ground and had good shock absorption.

*caveat: I am fairly light for my height so I may not be as hard on my shoes as other people.

Yeah I would think weight would obviously be a big (no pun) factor. I'm 5'8 140, so fortunate in that sense.

When I was younger I would get the durability guaranteed shoes and get 2/1.

Now I *can* wear out shoes in 6 months but I can afford to rotate shoes to keep them fresh and replace before I've worn holes in the shoes. Always use a good aftermarket insole as well.

I think after 40 years on hardcourts the cushioning in my knees is what is worn out.

 

[tennis3]

I'm not highly cushion sensitive. So I have yet to personally have a shoe feel uncomfortable due to compression of foam midsoles prior to the outsole wearing out.

Same for me. And I weigh around 230 lbs. But I play on my toes / balls of my feet. I play on my calves, not my knees / lower back. I really don't depend on my shoes for cushioning the impact.

The way you move will have a big impact on how often you need to replace your shoes (and how often you get injured).

As a runner, I'd get 1,500 miles out of a pair of shoes. I also run on my toes / balls of my feet.

 

[ulunxtns]

Same for me. And I weigh around 230 lbs. But I play on my toes / balls of my feet. I play on my calves, not my knees / lower back. I really don't depend on my shoes for cushioning the impact.

The way you move will have a big impact on how often you need to replace your shoes (and how often you get injured).

As a runner, I'd get 1,500 miles out of a pair of shoes. I also run on my toes / balls of my feet.

1,500 miles? The doctor usually recommends 500 miles max, then the running shoes are done.
Also playing on your toes doesn't mean you don't need cushioning, the shock from impact will transfer through your legs, not only impacting just certain contact areas. Even minimal/speedy shoes have some kind of cushioning tech as well.

Personally, a pair of tennis shoes usually last me about 3-4 months (8-10 hours a week). The outsole will be almost gone, and at the same time, I do feel the EVA is flattened out.

 

[d-quik]

100% and I get the concept but someone athletic does not need help getting on their toes....

In addition, I am being told I am old now and the last thing I need is a shoe to place me in a balance position I am not used to. I can see myself running up for a drop shot and doing the old man awkwardly doing that uncontrolled half falling half running and then finally falling thing and rolling up in the net like a giant tuna in a fishing net.

Milos heard me talk **** about him and decided to return

 

[LOBALOT]

Milos heard me talk **** about him and decided to return

Can you imagine being like 20 feet tall and wearing those shoes????

He is still young and getting paid to wear them but wait until he gets a tad older. I bet he swaps them out.

In fact from this it looks like he designed them so not a shocker he is wearing them.

Tennis Warehouse TV Spot, 'Worn by Milos Raonic'

Tennis Warehouse promotes New Balance Fresh Foam Lav tennis shoes, inspired by Milos Raonic. The spokesperson claims that Raonic not only inspired the design but came up with it and tested it. Raonic agrees that the product will give you confidence, comfort and pride in wearing them.

www.ispot.tv

 

[BlueB]

Use proper aftermarket insoles and don't worry about "cushionning". Also, moving properly helps a lot.