Goodbye Adidas

[SCSI]

After using Adidas tennis shoes for the last 6-7 years, I am done with Adidas. I just ordered a pair of Asics Resolution 2s instead of Barricades like I have always done. Adidas, if you don't change your ways soon, you will lose many more customers for sure.

By far my favorite tennis shoes had been Adidas Barricade IIs. Then, Adidas came out with a joke of shoes, Barricades IIIs. First, the sizing seemed to have changed. They ran quite a bit bigger than the IIs. Plus, they were pretty terrible tennis shoes overall; just too stiff and didn't perform well like the IIs. In addition, the IIIs had sharp and hard edges on the side such that it would damage my rackets when I tried to tap on the them to get the clay off. Do these designers of the newer Barricades play tennis???

The IVs were slight improvement to the IIIs, but they still had the same sort of issues. It took a long time to break them in, and, in fact, they seemed to be in perpetual break-in mode. The Vs were the worst joke of tennis shoes ever. They were just terrible.

So, because of all these blunders that Adidas has made, I just figured that I will just continue using the IIs. Well, it turns out, Adidas no longer offers 6-month warranty on the IIs anymore. Not sure when they stopped it, but that's just the last straw, and I knew I had to look for another brand.

Adidas, please listen up for your own sake:

1. Continue producing Barricade IIs and also restore the 6-month wear guarantee immediately.

2. Get rid of all the junk technologies on the VIs or whatever new version of Barricades you are working on. Just make it like the IIs but make them lighter and make the bottom sole more durable. Making them more breathable may be a good improvement that many players would appreciate.

Unless you do the above, I will never come back to Adidas tennis shoes again. I have spoken to many other serious players and they share similar sentiment.

 

[Sup2Dresq]

Congrats on leaving adidas.

 

[Leelord337]

interesting post, i would have to argue that the 2s were my least favorite as they had a high center of gravity compared to the 3's (which were my fav pair), but i switched to the nike zoom airs which are my fav's for sure, i have a pair of nike vapor 5's but like these better than the vapor 5's

 

[JavierLW]

My Barricade V's are awesome!!! They are the best non-mid high shoe I have ever worn, but I agree that the breakin takes awhile.

(I drill on some pretty gritty indoor courts and it usually takes 3 hours of play before they dont hurt my feet)

I could make a post just like yours about Wilson. I was using the 2006 model of Mid high Wildcard until I couldnt find it anymore, and they stopped making mid high length shoes altogether. And from perspective most of the newer models of their shoes are crap after I had a lot of success with their shoes in the past (no breakin time required, really comfortable)

At least Adidas still makes the Barricade II for those people who enjoy it.

It's rare these days that a company will continue making a old product, other companys just discontinue it, come up with newer items (which may totally suck from someone's perspective) and then you are left to leave them altogether.

Way to go Adidas!

 

[Sup2Dresq]

interesting post, i would have to argue that the 2s were my least favorite as they had a high center of gravity compared to the 3's (which were my fav pair), but i switched to the nike zoom airs which are my fav's for sure, i have a pair of nike vapor 5's but like these better than the vapor 5's

Leelord to Nike for the win!!!

 

[eeytennis]

I am not a guy so I have worn the women's versions of Barricades II-V and I too was a little disappointed with the Vs at first...when I got them I got this cut on the back of my foot...it seemed as if there was a bump in the back of the shoes that rubbed the skin off...after awhile the cut healed and I haven't have any problems since with my Barricades. The IVs were the best in my opinion and the IIs second best...

 

[lawlitssoo1n]

LOL. what makes u think adidas is going to change what you care about. there shoes are great and are getting better ive been wearing since III's.

 

[SCSI]

I guess Adidas deserves some credit for making the IIs still available. But, I still don't understand why they would come out with shoes that are radically different when they had a winner already. I have never met someone who didn't like the IIs. Do any pro still play with the IIs? I now Henin used to.

 

[SCSI]

Why don't you guys read the user reviews on both Vs and IIs and how they compare?

 

[Capt. Willie]

If you wrote this after the release of the IV, I could understand your feelings. To me the IV was the worst Barricade...but I feel the V is a tremendous inprovement.

 

[JavierLW]

I guess Adidas deserves some credit for making the IIs still available. But, I still don't understand why they would come out with shoes that are radically different when they had a winner already. I have never met someone who didn't like the IIs. Do any pro still play with the IIs? I now Henin used to.

Companys do things like that because they are run by a bunch of business majors who thrive on marketing, and it's not exciting marketing the same old product over and over again.

I think that they feel that somehow it looks bad if they dont have anything new, and it makes it even better when they dont make the best products because they have room to improve them from year to year.

Is that smart? Does that mean they make more money? Im not sure.

All I know that is in college in almost any field (math, engineering, computer science) the people who cant hack it seem to flock to the school of business because "it's easy" and that's usually the people who get management positions in these companys.

 

[Topaz]

Congrats on leaving adidas.

Ha! Why am I not surprised to find you on this thread!!!

OP, it is all about finding what you like and what works for you. If Adidas isn't rocking your boat anymore, then hopefully you'll find something else that does.

The whole 'discontinue and improve' cycle drives me nuts with running shoes. They seem to go in and out faster than any other type of shoe. Sure enough, as soon as you've found something you like and that works for your feet, they discontinue it and come out with a new and 'improved' version. Ugh!

 

[lawlitssoo1n]

If you wrote this after the release of the IV, I could understand your feelings. To me the IV was the worst Barricade...but I feel the V is a tremendous inprovement.

agree!!!!!!

 

[foLster]

Barricade V has been fine for me. :S

 

[SCSI]

Have those of you that like the Barricade tried Barricade IIs? Barricade Vs were so uncomfortable for me, I don't want to use them even as walking shoes.

 

[Lendl and Federer Fan]

Even though I am a Nike guy, but I like Barricade V &IV.

 

[lawlitssoo1n]

i think shoes is all personal preference. just like tennis strings
wear what is comfortable and what u like best
and play with whatever strings you like best

 

[stician]

After using Adidas tennis shoes for the last 6-7 years, I am done with Adidas. I just ordered a pair of Asics Resolution 2s instead of Barricades like I have always done. Adidas, if you don't change your ways soon, you will lose many more customers for sure.

By far my favorite tennis shoes had been Adidas Barricade IIs. Then, Adidas came out with a joke of shoes, Barricades IIIs. First, the sizing seemed to have changed. They ran quite a bit bigger than the IIs. Plus, they were pretty terrible tennis shoes overall; just too stiff and didn't perform well like the IIs. In addition, the IIIs had sharp and hard edges on the side such that it would damage my rackets when I tried to tap on the them to get the clay off. Do these designers of the newer Barricades play tennis???

The IVs were slight improvement to the IIIs, but they still had the same sort of issues. It took a long time to break them in, and, in fact, they seemed to be in perpetual break-in mode. The Vs were the worst joke of tennis shoes ever. They were just terrible.

So, because of all these blunders that Adidas has made, I just figured that I will just continue using the IIs. Well, it turns out, Adidas no longer offers 6-month warranty on the IIs anymore. Not sure when they stopped it, but that's just the last straw, and I knew I had to look for another brand.

Adidas, please listen up for your own sake:

1. Continue producing Barricade IIs and also restore the 6-month wear guarantee immediately.

2. Get rid of all the junk technologies on the VIs or whatever new version of Barricades you are working on. Just make it like the IIs but make them lighter and make the bottom sole more durable. Making them more breathable may be a good improvement that many players would appreciate.

Unless you do the above, I will never come back to Adidas tennis shoes again. I have spoken to many other serious players and they share similar sentiment.

you're going to love Asics for its comfort and performance. Durability isn't its forte but traction is.

 

[SempreSami]

Don't come crying back when durability issues strike. :roll:

 

[dr325i]

I have had B2, B4 and now I have B5s (3rd pair).
IMO, they are all improved over the previous model (I never tried the 3's).
B5s are by far the best and most satisfying shes I ever had. I tried Vapors and Cages and would never put Nike on my feet again...

 

[JavierLW]

Have those of you that like the Barricade tried Barricade IIs? Barricade Vs were so uncomfortable for me, I don't want to use them even as walking shoes.

I stopped using tennis shoes for walking years ago. They are made for tennis, the point is you can run full speed, stop on a dime and not break your ankle.

Walking or running shoes are better for walking.

I havent tried the BII's and maybe they are nice, but I like the BV's. At least they work for me, Im sure they dont work for everyone but no shoe can claim that.

The thing I like the most about the BV's is they are really stable so Im going to stick with those. Ive had issues in the past with rolling ankles, etc...

It might just be me, but it seems that people that are lighter and shorter can get away with wearing any shoe that's comfortable because they dont have as much weight to move around out there. (at least until the shoes wear out from the inside)

 

[jrod]

BII's --> Asic Gel Resolution 2's

I too made the switch from BII's to Asic Gel Resolutions. The only thing the BII's have over the Asic's is durability. My experience suggests the BII's last about 30% longer. Aside from durability, the Asic's win in every other dimension. Fantastic shoe.

 

[jimwh]

You will love the asics. I have noticed that a lot of the tour players are wearing them now, especially French players.

 

[Roddickalltheway]

After using Adidas tennis shoes for the last 6-7 years, I am done with Adidas. I just ordered a pair of Asics Resolution 2s instead of Barricades like I have always done. Adidas, if you don't change your ways soon, you will lose many more customers for sure.

By far my favorite tennis shoes had been Adidas Barricade IIs. Then, Adidas came out with a joke of shoes, Barricades IIIs. First, the sizing seemed to have changed. They ran quite a bit bigger than the IIs. Plus, they were pretty terrible tennis shoes overall; just too stiff and didn't perform well like the IIs. In addition, the IIIs had sharp and hard edges on the side such that it would damage my rackets when I tried to tap on the them to get the clay off. Do these designers of the newer Barricades play tennis???

The IVs were slight improvement to the IIIs, but they still had the same sort of issues. It took a long time to break them in, and, in fact, they seemed to be in perpetual break-in mode. The Vs were the worst joke of tennis shoes ever. They were just terrible.

So, because of all these blunders that Adidas has made, I just figured that I will just continue using the IIs. Well, it turns out, Adidas no longer offers 6-month warranty on the IIs anymore. Not sure when they stopped it, but that's just the last straw, and I knew I had to look for another brand.

Adidas, please listen up for your own sake:

1. Continue producing Barricade IIs and also restore the 6-month wear guarantee immediately.

2. Get rid of all the junk technologies on the VIs or whatever new version of Barricades you are working on. Just make it like the IIs but make them lighter and make the bottom sole more durable. Making them more breathable may be a good improvement that many players would appreciate.

Unless you do the above, I will never come back to Adidas tennis shoes again. I have spoken to many other serious players and they share similar sentiment.

they still have the II's i just got a pair look on TW

 

[SCSI]

I know that they still sell the IIs, but I wasn't happy that 6 month warranty is no longer offered on the IIs.

BTW, I just got a pair of Asics Resolution 2s. To me, they seem like an improved version of Barricade IIs: Comfortable, lighter and more breathable. I wish Adidas will come out with an improved version of IIs with 6-month warranty. I would then consider coming back to Adidas.

After all, we are talking about tennis shoes here, so I don't know why Adidas keeps coming out with tennis shoes that are as stiff as hiking boots and require a long break-in period. For god's sake, my all-leather Asolo 520 hiking boots require less break-in period than newer Barricades. This ain't right! I don't need that kind of support on my tennis shoes. I like my tennis shoes to be comfortable, light, and durable. So, Adidas, please don't try too hard to live up the name "Barricade" and try to barricade my feet with super stiff shoes.

 

[adidasman]

Have you tried the A3s? They have the guarantee, and might suit your feet better. Just a thought. All I can tell you is that a lot of people seem to like the new Barricades, obviously - adidas must be doing something right.

 

[zapvor]

i love my Vs. i think it depends on person. everyone feet is different, and playing style is different, so a particular shoe may be better for one as opposed to another person

 

[snoopy]

So you stopped wearing Barricade 2s even though they fit you well, you liked them, and they are still readily available because Adidas no longer offers a 6 month warranty. You replaced them with a shoe that has a similar fit but is more expensive, less durable, and also doesn't offer a 6 month warranty. Ooooooooo k.

 

[SCSI]

TW competitor offers a 6-month guarantee. Plus, Asics Resolution 2s are superior because they are lighter with better breathability and cushioning.

 

[SCSI]

In addition, I had compliments from nearly everyone I ran into on the court in the last couple of days for the new Asics. The Resolution 2s much cooler looking than the B2s.

 

[tacotanium]

shoes are not universal. it's different for everyone, depending on how they play and such because we all different feet in size and shape. if you want good shoes get custom fitted insoles, which are about $200. haha. worth it tho (i heard).

i wear the barricades V the other day and damn my feet loves them. if the BV ever go on sale again im ordering em. sometimes i like heavy shoes. more work out. better shoes won't make you a better player anyways. i love addidas. : )

 

[SCSI]

I understand that each model of shoes are gonna be different and not for everyone. My gripe is that I don't understand why the fit and sizing seem to have changed so much from B2 to B3 and newer versions, when they already had a winner.

Also, tennis shoes should not have a long break-in period like hiking boots.

 

[Bad Dog]

i love my Vs. i think it depends on person. everyone feet is different, and playing style is different, so a particular shoe may be better for one as opposed to another person

Zapvor is a man of wisdom. For the reasons Zapvor stated above, Barricade V works very well for me -- but Barricade IV, not so much.

 

[nickynu]

erm you already know that the barricade II last an age compared to most so whats the problem, I dont get your issue but you seem like you are really "let down" -----very strange