I need some help with new SHOCK ABSORBENT shoes for hard courts
- Thread starter Tmano
- Start date
A couple tennis shoes you can try are the Prince T22 and Asics Court FF. The T22 is more cushioned but the Court FF is lighter and still has nice cushioning. If you really want the ultimate in shock absorption you can try the Adidas Crazlight Boost. It's a basketball with lots of Boost cushioning and it works for tennis if you don't mind the sole wearing out a little quicker than a tennis shoe. It protects NBA players with over a 30" vertical leap, and they need it more than anybody.
M Pillai
Rookie
I have seen someone with a similar prior history, get back on court with "hoka one" shoes. I thought those would hurt your angle, since they stand too tall for tennis use, and not enough side support, but he seem to be happy with them.
I still do think, "hoka one" s does not provide the same stability and side movement, of regular tennis shoes. But he has proven that you can build your game around it, and still remain very competitive, if cushion is your main objective.
I still do think, "hoka one" s does not provide the same stability and side movement, of regular tennis shoes. But he has proven that you can build your game around it, and still remain very competitive, if cushion is your main objective.
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
I am 6'6", 62, and with knee and back issues. My personal go to shoe (although it is relatively heavy) is the asics gel resolution.
I run in Hoka one ones and highly recommend them for running, general wear, weight room, gym, etc.
I would be scared to death to even begin to try to play tennis in them though.
I tried once hitting cooperatively on a hard court for about 3 minutes one time as an experiment.
I took them off to keep hitting because it felt like my ankle was going to roll if they stayed on for even another 5 minutes. They are just that tall and unstable.
I run in Hoka one ones and highly recommend them for running, general wear, weight room, gym, etc.
I would be scared to death to even begin to try to play tennis in them though.
I tried once hitting cooperatively on a hard court for about 3 minutes one time as an experiment.
I took them off to keep hitting because it felt like my ankle was going to roll if they stayed on for even another 5 minutes. They are just that tall and unstable.
JEDI MASTER
Semi-Pro
agreed..... got my first pair of Barricade Boost last fall...and it's the best cushioned shoe I've ever tried on... my Vapor X got pushed to the bottom of the pile..
Wilson Rush Pro 3.0. Cushioning is really, really good. For me, this is the best shoe ever.
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
The Blue Shields do not have as much cushion as the Nike Zoom Zero, which has better cushioning than the FF2 ( I have both). I tried on the Wilson and Mizuno and really liked both. Will probably try the Wilson next. I have heard that shoe has great cushioning. Felt good in the store but did not put through paces.
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n8dawg6
Legend
these do not absorb shock ... or very little, at least
WestboroChe
Hall of Fame
Head Pro Revolt has really plush cushioning. Runs small.
WestboroChe
Hall of Fame
If you are looking for cushioning avoid any shoe that uses speed in the name or the marketing. It basically means it’s lighter. There’s really only one place to reduce weight on a tennis shoe. Wanna guess where?Thanks n8dawg6 and Bluefan75!!!!
I saw on TW some Asics solution speed FF on sale. Is this the shoes you guys are talking about being very good cushioned? I'm confused, there are too many models!
Tmano
Professional
Thanks Westboro and n8dawg6. I'm now getting curious about the Diadora Blueshield Fly. I have time before to pull the trigger and decide since here in WI weather really sucks!
However, it would be great to keep this tread going so other users could find some feed back regarding general shock absorbent/ cushioned shoes. What do you guys think?
However, it would be great to keep this tread going so other users could find some feed back regarding general shock absorbent/ cushioned shoes. What do you guys think?
I will echo WestboroChe on Head Pro Revolt. I went from Prince T22 (for me, they feel like bricks, no cushioning and unfor I've gone thru several
pairs of T22s), to Babolat SFX (several pairs of those). On WBC's recommendation, I'm on my first pair of Revolts and they are way way better than the
SFX for me. SFX barely lasted 6 months (average 1x a week), cushioning degrades as well as outsoles completely worn down. Still on my 1st pair of Revolt
for over 12 months, cushioning was amazing first few months, they're still good just not as good as new, but the outsoles are barely showing
signs of significant wear. Amazing shoes!!!
pairs of T22s), to Babolat SFX (several pairs of those). On WBC's recommendation, I'm on my first pair of Revolts and they are way way better than the
SFX for me. SFX barely lasted 6 months (average 1x a week), cushioning degrades as well as outsoles completely worn down. Still on my 1st pair of Revolt
for over 12 months, cushioning was amazing first few months, they're still good just not as good as new, but the outsoles are barely showing
signs of significant wear. Amazing shoes!!!
WestboroChe
Hall of Fame
I tried the blue shields. Didn’t find them comfortable at all. IMO stiff and not as cushy as the Head Pro Revolt.
Yonex shoes also have a proprietary foam that is pretty comfy but no super thick. They tend to be a little narrow for people with wide feet.
WestboroChe
Hall of Fame
Also I would suggest getting either custom or at least after market inserts. Makes any shoe better.
I purchased some “tennis orthotics” from an online seller called upstep. They are pretty good although if you don’t require custom orthotics the cost is probably not worth it.
A lot of people swear by Superfeet inserts. Also more expensive than Dr Scholls but significantly better.
I purchased some “tennis orthotics” from an online seller called upstep. They are pretty good although if you don’t require custom orthotics the cost is probably not worth it.
A lot of people swear by Superfeet inserts. Also more expensive than Dr Scholls but significantly better.
Barricade boost has very good cushioning. They just tend to feel bulky.
6 months out of the SFX? That’s awesome. I only got a little more than 2 months out of them.
n8dawg6
Legend
yaaap
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
My fav cushion so far is the Nike Zoom Zero. I am interested in the new Diadora Fly 2. Sounds like they have great cushioning but someone here says no so...hmmm.
Tmano
Professional
So far I hit twice after the injury and thank God everything seems fine, however, I used and probably will use asics with FF running shoes for a few other times. Of course not stable but for now I don't need to do anything special besides hitting around, but the comfort you get is amazing!!!! I really wish some company would have something very close to a running shoes but for tennis.
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ace18
Professional
I've had the same injury, multiple times. I wore the Nike Vapor 9.5 the first time and the Asics Gel Court FF. Also recently had meniscus surgery. The Court FF's are fantastic shoes, light, cushioned, stable. I've heard good things about the Boost, Diadora and Wilson but haven't tried yet.
Boomersooner
New User
NB Fresh Foam Lav. Plush cushioning from heel to toe
n8dawg6
Legend
this one and the zoom zero are sorta in their own league in terms of cushioning
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
just ordered a pair of Diadora Fly 2's and will let you know about those.
Tmano
Professional
Hi,
thanks ace18, yes the court FF seem to be very popular and great for comfort!!! [U]Boomersooner[/U], [U]n8dawg6[/U], Thanks guys!!!
[U]markwillplay[/U], great let us know how they fit it!!!
thanks ace18, yes the court FF seem to be very popular and great for comfort!!! [U]Boomersooner[/U], [U]n8dawg6[/U], Thanks guys!!!
[U]markwillplay[/U], great let us know how they fit it!!!
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
24 play sessions from SFX3's? Wow that's not so hot. Mostly play hard courts?
I've got a pair of SFX3's I've been using since January, playing 4-5 times a week on clay and they are still holding up although the upper looks like it's will fray open soon. I've got at least 15 plays on my hardcourt SFX3's and they look almost new still.
Still like them as a cushioning shoe, but I'll admit the solecourt boost is a bit more stable and durable. But also pricier.
smboogie
Semi-Pro
I would also rec the Nike Zoom Zero, though I'm not sure on their durability. I have played in the following shoes recently:
Asics Gel Res: Great shoe, comfy and durable while still feeling low to the court. Rec some break in prior to play
Nike Vapor X: Love this show. Well cushioned, low feel and ready out of the box. Durability is lower due to softer outsole
Nike Zoom Zero: Just got them and did some lite hitting and they are very very very comfy. They feel higher off the court due to their full sole Air, but they are amazingly cushioned, while still being responsive.
Nike Prestige: Great shoe clearly aimed at the Vapor 9.5 lovers who did not like the Vapor X feel. Great price point, not as soft/cushioned as Vapors but seem to be a 'bit' more durable.
I have also played in Nike Cage - felt stiff, required break in and overall wouldn't get again, though I have friends that love them.
Nike Vapor FlyKnit: Light and breathable, not as supportive and overall glad they don't make them anymore, but they look cool!
Tried on some Wilson Rush & Asics FF - both felt super comfy & lite, but I did not play in them.
I'm 6'4, 190lb with a size 14 shoe.
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
6'6" amd 225 lbs. 11.5 shoe. asics gel res has been my go to shoe for several years. intrigued by the Wilson rush 3.0, but the price? ouch.
there is a brand of aftermarket inserts called sofsole. they make a product with an air chamber in the back and gel under the froefoot, I find that it is very durable
and a good aid to cushioning. It is also only bout $30
there is a brand of aftermarket inserts called sofsole. they make a product with an air chamber in the back and gel under the froefoot, I find that it is very durable
and a good aid to cushioning. It is also only bout $30
Might want to also look at something called "kingfoam" insoles by a company called Footprint. There are a number of forum users who swear by these insoles and I also found them to be very good for shock absorbing on hard courts. I believe it's primarily used by skateboarders and they have some pretty cool youtube videos to showcase the technology. Not sold on TW unfortunately, but I get mine from a website called tactics (dot com).
There is also a megathread called "decline of proper cushioning" that has a wealth of good information.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/the-decline-of-proper-cushioning.502040/
Good luck on your search!
There is also a megathread called "decline of proper cushioning" that has a wealth of good information.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/the-decline-of-proper-cushioning.502040/
Good luck on your search!
NuBas
Legend
Find whichever shoe you feel is most comfortable for you, this requires narrowing down your choices so you can actually buy and try some.
After that, I recommend Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer or Sof Sole Athlete. They are both on the TW website if you want to see what they look like but shop around to see if you can find it cheaper.
Those two insoles are far better than any factory insoles. They are legit options, trust me.
After that, I recommend Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer or Sof Sole Athlete. They are both on the TW website if you want to see what they look like but shop around to see if you can find it cheaper.
Those two insoles are far better than any factory insoles. They are legit options, trust me.
shoe fit is probably the most important feature. you can add an off the shelf insole like superfeet or sofsole for additional comfort
and shock absorption if you play on hardcourts.
the stock insoles, even in the most expensive models are really flimsy and non shock absorbing
personally i replace them with a superfeet or sofsole in my new shoes
go to the local tennis shop and try different pairs of shoes. finding the best fit
z
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Asics Gel Res 7
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
zoom zero....done. I tried the sof soles in my ff2s (yea, TW is not accurate with their description of the cushioning in these shoes?) Sof soles pushed my foot up too far. Do not be mislead, they are not as cushioned as the gel res, and the zooms blow them both out of the water for cushioning.
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
I am starting to take back my negative talk about the Ff2's cushioning. After wearing them more and more, I am beginning to think that they have better cushioning than I thought they did. It is strange but today on the hard court, they felt more comfy. Maybe my forefoot s molding to them or something. The zooms still have more, but the FF2 is not bad. They fit me like a glove and my feet did not bother me at all today after I left the hard courts, interesting.
Asics shoes, i've got the red soles blue upper gel court ff. They're the most comfy shoes i've tried. Really like the gel but like the flightfoam even more. Not a fan of the upper of the gel res 7 but the 6 was great.
Imo gel does take time to really break in so it gets softer and more shock absorbent, but the flightfoam is crazy comfortable. Love the upper of the gel court ffs too My 2c
Zoom zeros are good but I don't feel the same shock absorbsion, its more of a responsive feel with the zoom, can feel the ground and pounce more
Imo gel does take time to really break in so it gets softer and more shock absorbent, but the flightfoam is crazy comfortable. Love the upper of the gel court ffs too
My 2cZoom zeros are good but I don't feel the same shock absorbsion, its more of a responsive feel with the zoom, can feel the ground and pounce more
Dansan
Rookie
There probably are more "cushiony" shoes out there, but the Gel resolution 7s have been amazing for me. I swear they have actually healed my feet which I've suffered from debilitating stress fractures due to crap cushioning in adidas barricade shoes.
When I switched over to those, it was like a new life of tennis opened up for me. They DO require some breaking in and getting use to, I was a little off put when I first started but after maybe 3 sessions I was good to go. So far I have not dealt with foot issues since...solid all around shoe that has plenty of cushion and stability
When I switched over to those, it was like a new life of tennis opened up for me. They DO require some breaking in and getting use to, I was a little off put when I first started but after maybe 3 sessions I was good to go. So far I have not dealt with foot issues since...solid all around shoe that has plenty of cushion and stability
Tmano
Professional
I have not pulled the trigger on any shoes yet since i play once every two weeks but it looks like that the Asics Resolution 7 and the FF2 followed by the Nike zoom Zero are the best picks.
I'm still playing with running shoes (asics nimbus flyfoam) which by now the outsole is almost gone but it's like playing on clouds.
At some store i saw a pair of New Balance running shoes with this new fresh foam and they were as great as my running shoes. So here i read of some feedback about the New balance fresh foam tennis shoes and if they are as good as the running shoes this is a great shoes for cushions.
Unfortunately here in Madison the only one tennis store closed down last year so i can try them on...well any
I'm still playing with running shoes (asics nimbus flyfoam) which by now the outsole is almost gone
but it's like playing on clouds.At some store i saw a pair of New Balance running shoes with this new fresh foam and they were as great as my running shoes. So here i read of some feedback about the New balance fresh foam tennis shoes and if they are as good as the running shoes this is a great shoes for cushions.
Unfortunately here in Madison the only one tennis store closed down last year so i can try them on...well any
markwillplay
Hall of Fame
Well for me, the Zooms are more impact resistant. It is not really close. Flight foam is cool but Nike shoe hiss better cushion to me.