NB Freshfoam Lav ? Anyone have them? Thoughts?

[ckhirnigs113]

Low drop and low to the ground which is ok.

Just wanted to clarify that the Lav has about as high a heel-to-toe drop as any shoe out there, 12mm. I tried on the Lav and immediately noticed the high drop. It made me feel like I was up on my toes, which I don’t think is a negative for tennis. It promotes staying on the balls of your feet. I just want people considering the Lav to know it has a high drop.

 

[teekaywhy]

Just wanted to clarify that the Lav has about as high a heel-to-toe drop as any shoe out there, 12mm. I tried on the Lav and immediately noticed the high drop. It made me feel like I was up on my toes, which I don’t think is a negative for tennis. It promotes staying on the balls of your feet. I just want people considering the Lav to know it has a high drop.

I don't doubt you. The just feel similar to the 996 and I have associated those as being low drop.

 

[PierreMBK]

I don't doubt you. The just feel similar to the 996 and I have associated those as being low drop.

Actually it's the same drop as the 996v3 about 12mm. If you come from the 996v3 it's normal you don't feel any difference ;-)

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[Adrià Cot]

How does the outsole perform on clay courts?

 

[PierreMBK]

How does the outsole perform on clay courts?

Unfortunately I can't answer you as I just play on hard court for now. Maybe this summer I'd try if I play on clay court. But I'm sure there is someone in this thread who also plays in clay courts with the Lav.

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[Liam Grennon]

Busted through these shoes in about a month of play. Around 10 hours a week on court.

 

[PierreMBK]

Busted through these shoes in about a month of play. Around 10 hours a week on court.

OMG, do you have a picture? Did you send back your shoe for the 6 months durability guarantee?

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[teekaywhy]

I'm hoping that as NB gets production going, they will offer the shoe in a 4E width. I wear their 1006 in a 4E, but would try the LAV if I could get a wide version.

I've got about 10 hours in mine now. Normally wear EEE dress shoes and EE in NB. The Lavs I have are D width and no issues so far. Surprising to say the least.

 

[markka02]

Probé los NB 996V3 y no me gustó su falta de amortiguación en el antepie, comprendí el NB LAV y desde que me puse me encantó su amortigusción en el antepie. Ni un dolor en las rodillas, ni el mismo nivel que los asics en cuanto a amortiguación. Excelente calzado, lo recomiendo.
En

 

[NoChance]

Thanks, teekaywhy! I need to get somewhere to try on the Lav in EE and see how it feels.

 

[manateesheriff]

ckhirnigs113, Where did you find the info on heel to toe drop? Does TW aggregate that for tennis shoes somewhere?

I played in Gel Court FFs for a little while, which had that same "up on the toes" feeling, and I really disliked it. I always rise up on my toes as my opponent begins his service motion, and the fact that I was already on my toes completely threw my rhythm off. Such a small detail, but it drove me crazy.

 

[PierreMBK]

ckhirnigs113, Where did you find the info on heel to toe drop? Does TW aggregate that for tennis shoes somewhere?

I played in Gel Court FFs for a little while, which had that same "up on the toes" feeling, and I really disliked it. I always rise up on my toes as my opponent begins his service motion, and the fact that I was already on my toes completely threw my rhythm off. Such a small detail, but it drove me crazy.

Actually you feel it (the heel to toe drop) when you try the shoe for first time. But you can check it in the official New Balance website in the details of the product.

It's a good thing NB provides this info. I checked for my Asics shoes also but I didn't have this information on Asics website. They don't provide it.

I also have the Gel Court FF and noticed a heel to toe drop but if I compare with the Lav it's not as important in the Gel court FF (you don't notice it when you try the shoe for the first compared to the Lav).

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[Big Bagel]

How does the outsole perform on clay courts?

I've been playing on clay with great results. I'm not a huge slider or anything, but they seem to perform great. Decent traction without being too sticky when you want to slide. Maybe slightly less traction than would be ideal for me personally, but I don't have an issue with it either.

Lately I've actually gotten to play on hard courts again and I love this shoe even more now. The cushioning is fantastic while still providing a great response on court. These are definitely my favorite pair of shoes I've ever worn for tennis.

 

[mpournaras]

Fresh new color. I have not been a fan of the pinks and oranges... these are classy with some flair.

 

[PierreMBK]

Fresh new color. I have not been a fan of the pinks and oranges... these are classy with some flair.

I prefer the white one [emoji14]

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[loosegroove]

Busted through these shoes in about a month of play. Around 10 hours a week on court.

I assume you mean through to the midsole? Seems they're less durable than others based on the review, which actually could be a plus in my book. How long does it normally take you to get through a pair of Barricades or Resolutions?

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Actually you feel it (the heel to toe drop) when you try the shoe for first time. But you can check it in the official New Balance website in the details of the product.

It's a good thing NB provides this info. I checked for my Asics shoes also but I didn't have this information on Asics website. They don't provide it.

I also have the Gel Court FF and noticed a heel to toe drop but if I compare with the Lav it's not as important in the Gel court FF (you don't notice it when you try the shoe for the first compared to the Lav).

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I’ve played in the Gel Court FF and in the Nike Zoom Zeros that replace them. I think both the shoes are comparable to the LAV.

I prefer the Zoom Zeros over the Gel Court FF‘s at this time. They are more stable and have a better fit with comparable cushioning. I also like the way the shoe propels you forward.

I am now testing out the New Balance LAV shoe in comparison to the Zoom Zeros now. Has anyone else tested both shoes and what are your thoughts on the two compared to each other?


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[PierreMBK]

I’ve played in the Gel Court FF and in the Nike Zoom Zeros that replace them. I think both the shoes are comparable to the LAV.

I prefer the Zoom Zeros over the Gel Court FF‘s at this time. They are more stable and have a better fit with comparable cushioning. I also like the way the shoe propels you forward.

I am now testing out the New Balance LAV shoe in comparison to the Zoom Zeros now. Has anyone else tested both shoes and what are your thoughts on the two compared to each other?


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I preferred the Lav over the Gel Court FF for some reasons.

1) Comfort. I feel too tight around the ankle and heel with the Gel court FF because of the tight booty construction. The sock is too tight and sometimes I have Achilles pain contrary to the Lav. Even if I find the forefoot more roomy in the Gel court FF and more comfortable after hours of playing.

2) Dynamism. The Lav is more responsive, probably thanks to the snug construction and the cushioning which I find really responsive compared to the Gel court FF (Gel is nice to absorb shocks, but it's definitely not the most responsive cushioning. NB is better in this point). The heel to toe drop helps also I imagine.
In the NB shoes I feel more connected to the ground and even if the Lav is more heavy (weight) I find it more responsive and stable than the Gel court FF.

However I didn't try the Nike Air Zoom Zero so I can't compare with this shoe. Generally I don't trust in Nike cause it's not durable shoes and the comfort is often lower than other brands. Almost every Nike shoes I tried had lack of comfort. The quality definitely seems lower than other brands. Adidas is not perfect also. But I still prefer Adidas rather than Nike...

 

[XFactorer]

I’ve played in the Gel Court FF and in the Nike Zoom Zeros that replace them. I think both the shoes are comparable to the LAV.

I prefer the Zoom Zeros over the Gel Court FF‘s at this time. They are more stable and have a better fit with comparable cushioning. I also like the way the shoe propels you forward.

I am now testing out the New Balance LAV shoe in comparison to the Zoom Zeros now. Has anyone else tested both shoes and what are your thoughts on the two compared to each other?


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Did you have any durability issues with the Zoom Zeros? I've had the bubble pop in two.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Can anyone compare for the me the NB LAV to the Nike Zoom Zero?

Like the Asics Court FFs, these are all three similar shoes focused on stability, cushioning, and comfort with the bootie systems they use. I would be interested to know how others compare and contrast these three shoes.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

I preferred the Lav over the Gel Court FF for some reasons.

1) Comfort. I feel too tight around the ankle and heel with the Gel court FF because of the tight booty construction. The sock is too tight and sometimes I have Achilles pain contrary to the Lav. Even if I find the forefoot more roomy in the Gel court FF and more comfortable after hours of playing.

2) Dynamism. The Lav is more responsive, probably thanks to the snug construction and the cushioning which I find really responsive compared to the Gel court FF (Gel is nice to absorb shocks, but it's definitely not the most responsive cushioning. NB is better in this point). The heel to toe drop helps also I imagine.
In the NB shoes I feel more connected to the ground and even if the Lav is more heavy (weight) I find it more responsive and stable than the Gel court FF.

However I didn't try the Nike Air Zoom Zero so I can't compare with this shoe. Generally I don't trust in Nike cause it's not durable shoes and the comfort is often lower than other brands. Almost every Nike shoes I tried had lack of comfort. The quality definitely seems lower than other brands. Adidas is not perfect also. But I still prefer Adidas rather than Nike...

I would agree with you on all your observations here as I have also worn the Court FFs. The fit is not good across the top of the foot and around the ankle (including the achilles) and they are also not the most supportive shoe in the Asics line. As an overpronator these shoes gave me a bad case of tendinitis in my knees in the year that I wore them. Maybe the new Court FF NOVAK will be better when it comes out in April?

I would differ in your opinion on the Nike Zoom Zeros, however, as they may be the best shoe that Nike has ever made IMO - a great combination of stability, cushioning, comfort, and mobility. The shape of the sole does definitely give you the sensation of being "propelled" forward when you move. If they have an issue, it would likely be in the area of ventilation and possibly durability - but a small price to pay with these shoes. This is the shoe to beat for the LAV and that was my interest. Does the LAV outperform the Zoom Zero?

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Did you have any durability issues with the Zoom Zeros? I've had the bubble pop in two.

What bubble is that? The Air Zoom bed inside the sole? How do you know it popped - you cannot see it?

No problem whatsoever and I have three pairs in rotation since July 2018.

 

[XFactorer]

What bubble is that? The Air Zoom bed inside the sole? How do you know it popped - you cannot see it?

No problem whatsoever and I have three pairs in rotation since July 2018.

It makes a squishy sound when I walk. And one shoe feels shallower (closer to the ground) than the other.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

It makes a squishy sound when I walk. And one shoe feels shallower (closer to the ground) than the other.

I have worn various Nike shoes off and on for the better part of 40 years and I’ve never heard of an air unit popping. I’m sure you called Nike and talk it over with them?


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[XFactorer]

I returned them after the traditional 30-day window and they accepted. The other bubble-gate that I remember were the Caged Air units in the Vapor Speeds.

 

[airchallenge2]

I have worn Nike off and on for the better part of 40 years and I’ve never heard of an air unit popping. I’m sure you called Nike and talk it over with them?


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It's hard to believe that. Not only the air bag can deflate in time, the entire PU midsole breaks down in 7 years or so.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

It's hard to believe that. Not only the air bag can deflate in time, the entire PU midsole breaks down in 7 years or so.

I don’t keep my shoes for seven years. Usually they’re good for about 300 hours and then it’s time to replace them.


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[Tennis_Hands]

..

 

[Ramon]

This betrayed you, my friend.

The issues with popping units on various models (basketball, running, tennis etc shoes) with air cushioned technology have been known literally for decades.
These problems have made it even to store reviews like this one:

"Some runners reported that the Air Max unit of this shoe burst, rendering the mid-sole unit virtually unusable."

You can continue with the pitching now.

I've read and watched a lot of reviews on Nike shoes. Air Zoom units popping is definitely an on-going issue with Nike. The KD 9 and 10 were known for that, and those were heavily cushioned shoes. It seems the ones that aren't known for popping are the ones with dime sized Zoom units that are buried under Phylon, and on those shoes the Zoom is only there for show, it really doesn't do anything. That's one of the reasons I hesitate to buy Nike shoes with lots of Air Zoom cushioning. Right now, Boost seems to be most durable cushioning technology that provides a similar level of cushioning to Zoom, but I haven't seen a full-length Boost tennis shoe that I really like.

 

[XFactorer]

Despite the durability issues that I have experienced, I really liked the Zoom Zeroes while they lasted.

 

[colan5934]

Just went through the outsole on a pair of Lavs and have worn the Zoom Zero for awhile. The Lavs fit snugly and securely. I had just a little bit of an issue with the height of the toebox upon first wear--it's shallow--but that broke in as the upper started to stretch. This is probably due to where the overlay is on top of the big toe. I have the same issue with the ZZ, but the Lav's material is more flexible and wasn't a bother through the life of the shoe like the ZZ. I mainly wore these teaching on court and was impressed. I wear New Balance to run in, and the fresh foam has never been awe-inspiring in terms of underfoot feel ala Boost or React, but NB knows how to get the job done. I was only moderately sore after an 8-hour day teaching, and that's on par with the Zoom Zero.

In terms of performance, this performs like a barricade that's leaned out or bulked up ubersonic. I'm using Adidas as the comparison because the midsole response is quite similar. The stability was top notch and so was the traction. I had some slight instability when trying to cut hard out of a stop, but that could be due to my narrower-width foot and the knit upper. I did not experience any of this in the Zoom Zero. Cushioning in the Lav was responsive, and the softer fresh foam configuration in the heel absorbed shock well while the forefoot was firm and responsive. I could see more players preferring this cushioning and the more traditional shape of the shoe than the rocker style in the ZZ, even though I prefer the ZZ in all areas except for the comfort near my big toe and outsole durability.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

This betrayed you, my friend.

The issues with popping units on various models (basketball, running, tennis etc shoes) with air cushioned technology have been known literally for decades.
These problems have made it even to store reviews like this one:

"Some runners reported that the Air Max unit of this shoe burst, rendering the mid-sole unit virtually unusable."

You can continue with the pitching now.

All I said is I PERSONALLY have never had this happen to me in all my years and hundreds of Nike shoes.

I am sure it happens - just not to me in my experience. That’s all.


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[The Big Kahuna]

Just went through the outsole on a pair of Lavs and have worn the Zoom Zero for awhile. The Lavs fit snugly and securely. I had just a little bit of an issue with the height of the toebox upon first wear--it's shallow--but that broke in as the upper started to stretch. This is probably due to where the overlay is on top of the big toe. I have the same issue with the ZZ, but the Lav's material is more flexible and wasn't a bother through the life of the shoe like the ZZ. I mainly wore these teaching on court and was impressed. I wear New Balance to run in, and the fresh foam has never been awe-inspiring in terms of underfoot feel ala Boost or React, but NB knows how to get the job done. I was only moderately sore after an 8-hour day teaching, and that's on par with the Zoom Zero.

In terms of performance, this performs like a barricade that's leaned out or bulked up ubersonic. I'm using Adidas as the comparison because the midsole response is quite similar. The stability was top notch and so was the traction. I had some slight instability when trying to cut hard out of a stop, but that could be due to my narrower-width foot and the knit upper. I did not experience any of this in the Zoom Zero. Cushioning in the Lav was responsive, and the softer fresh foam configuration in the heel absorbed shock well while the forefoot was firm and responsive. I could see more players preferring this cushioning and the more traditional shape of the shoe than the rocker style in the ZZ, even though I prefer the ZZ in all areas except for the comfort near my big toe and outsole durability.

This was very helpful for me. So far in my test between the two shoes I would have to agree with you on all counts.

That said, I think the zoom zeros - due to the greater amounts of cushioning in the air zoom unit - feel a little more mushy (or spongy) than the response in the LAVs. As a result I so far tend to favor the new balance for serving and volleying – as in doubles – and would tend to be more inclined to where the zooms zeros in singles where actual running becomes more of an issue.

The zoom zeros are very easy to move in and propel you forward. I think my heating platform might be a bit more stable in the new balance.


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[PierreMBK]

Just went through the outsole on a pair of Lavs and have worn the Zoom Zero for awhile. The Lavs fit snugly and securely. I had just a little bit of an issue with the height of the toebox upon first wear--it's shallow--but that broke in as the upper started to stretch. This is probably due to where the overlay is on top of the big toe. I have the same issue with the ZZ, but the Lav's material is more flexible and wasn't a bother through the life of the shoe like the ZZ. I mainly wore these teaching on court and was impressed. I wear New Balance to run in, and the fresh foam has never been awe-inspiring in terms of underfoot feel ala Boost or React, but NB knows how to get the job done. I was only moderately sore after an 8-hour day teaching, and that's on par with the Zoom Zero.

In terms of performance, this performs like a barricade that's leaned out or bulked up ubersonic. I'm using Adidas as the comparison because the midsole response is quite similar. The stability was top notch and so was the traction. I had some slight instability when trying to cut hard out of a stop, but that could be due to my narrower-width foot and the knit upper. I did not experience any of this in the Zoom Zero. Cushioning in the Lav was responsive, and the softer fresh foam configuration in the heel absorbed shock well while the forefoot was firm and responsive. I could see more players preferring this cushioning and the more traditional shape of the shoe than the rocker style in the ZZ, even though I prefer the ZZ in all areas except for the comfort near my big toe and outsole durability.

I have the same issue with my big toe in the Lav probably due to the round shape in the front of the foot and cause the top of the shoe is very low. After 1 hour of playing I have some pain, particularly my nail and I did some blisters under my big toe. I'm using orthotics but I have the same issue with the original insoles. I went up 1/2 size up with this shoe compared to my old Asics but it doesn't feel enough. When I initially tried the shoe I felt well.

Now I switched with my brand new pair of Wilson Rush pro 3.0 in which I feel better with my big toe. But I still prefer how the Lav perform.

Maybe it's a story of foot shape: Greek foot vs Egyptian foot. I have Egyptian foot and the Lav seems more designed for Greek foot with the round shape in front of the shoe. The British guy (Top Tennis Training I think) in the test video seems to agree with this as he said he had Greek foot.

 

[colan5934]

This was very helpful for me. So far in my test between the two shoes I would have to agree with you on all counts.

That said, I think the zoom zeros - due to the greater amounts of cushioning in the air zoom unit - feel a little more mushy (or spongy) than the response in the LAVs. As a result I so far tend to favor the new balance for serving and volleying – as in doubles – and would tend to be more inclined to where the zooms zeros in singles where actual running becomes more of an issue.

The zoom zeros are very easy to move in and propel you forward. I think my heating platform might be a bit more stable in the new balance.


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I play significantly more singles than doubles, so that may be why I prefer the Zooms. I just feel more supported when I'm moving at top speed. I'm on the smaller side with a more consistent style from the baseline, so I have to sprint quite a bit in 5.0 matches. The Nikes just do better for me when I'm doing that, though the Lavs aren't bad by any stretch...they're quite good. The Zooms will slide when I really want them to as well, and the Lavs are tougher to get that give out of. The club I teach at has a gritty rebound ace surface, and it's the "float" system to boot, so the mat isn't glued down. There's tons of grip, and sliding is almost dangerous because it won't always slide when you want it to like a normal hard court would. The Zoom Zero stops on a dime when I try to and slides when I try to. That's really valuable to me. The Lav did much better on a traditional outdoor court, though. I have a durability guarantee on this pair and will probably get another just to play with outside.

I have the same issue with my big toe in the Lav probably due to the round shape in the front of the foot and cause the top of the shoe is very low. After 1 hour of playing I have some pain, particularly my nail and I did some blisters under my big toe. I'm using orthotics but I have the same issue with the original insoles. I went up 1/2 size up with this shoe compared to my old Asics but it doesn't feel enough. When I initially tried the shoe I felt well.

Now I switched with my brand new pair of Wilson Rush pro 3.0 in which I feel better with my big toe. But I still prefer how the Lav perform.

Maybe it's a story of foot shape: Greek foot vs Egyptian foot. I have Egyptian foot and the Lav seems more designed for Greek foot with the round shape in front of the shoe. The British guy (Top Tennis Training I think) in the test video seems to agree with this as he said he had Greek foot.

For what it's worth, the Rush Pro 3.0 toebox is too big for me while the rest of the shoe is about as perfect a fit as I can get. 2 pairs of socks, and I'm good. I am smack in the middle of D and C width for my foot, so the Lav broke in while the Rush 3.0 is too big without an extra pair of socks. Loving the new Rush otherwise, though. Even more than the Lav.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

..

 

[PierreMBK]

I would agree with you on all your observations here as I have also worn the Court FFs. The fit is not good across the top of the foot and around the ankle (including the achilles) and they are also not the most supportive shoe in the Asics line. As an overpronator these shoes gave me a bad case of tendinitis in my knees in the year that I wore them. Maybe the new Court FF NOVAK will be better when it comes out in April?

I would differ in your opinion on the Nike Zoom Zeros, however, as they may be the best shoe that Nike has ever made IMO - a great combination of stability, cushioning, comfort, and mobility. The shape of the sole does definitely give you the sensation of being "propelled" forward when you move. If they have an issue, it would likely be in the area of ventilation and possibly durability - but a small price to pay with these shoes. This is the shoe to beat for the LAV and that was my interest. Does the LAV outperform the Zoom Zero?

I saw the Zoom Zero few days in a tennis shop while I came to string my racquet and I admit the quality seemed higher than other Nike shoes such as the Vapor X. I didn't tried them unfortunately. I don't know if I can put my othotics in this shoe instead of the original insoles cause the outsole is not flat so I don't know if it's a good thing for people who need orthotics and the ankle collar seems quite small/narrow.

I don't have any issue with the Lav or the Wilson Rush pro 3.0 or my last Asics shoes in this point. I can insert my own soles easily which is an important thing for me.

 

[PierreMBK]

For what it's worth, the Rush Pro 3.0 toebox is too big for me while the rest of the shoe is about as perfect a fit as I can get. 2 pairs of socks, and I'm good. I am smack in the middle of D and C width for my foot, so the Lav broke in while the Rush 3.0 is too big without an extra pair of socks. Loving the new Rush otherwise, though. Even more than the Lav.

The toe box in the Rush Pro 3.0 isn't very wide. It's about medium width and I'm sure it can suit to narrow foot or narrow-medium. But one thing completely different between the Lav and the Rush Pro 3.0 is the top of the shoe. While it's very low in the Lav (that's why my big toe has trouble sometimes) it's high in the Rush Pro 3.0. So maybe you won't feel as wrapped and need 2 pairs of socks to feel more wrapped/snug/secure. But I won't say the toe box of the Rush Pro 3.0 is wider it's about the same width as the Lav (even narrower cause I had a little blisters in the top of my pinky toe after a 2 hours and half match which never happens to me except in shoes with narrow toe box such as the Solution Speed 3 which I stopped using cause of this narrow toe box and big blisters). Just more space for the big toe if you have some troubles in this regard. For my Egyptian foot shape it's perfect (my big toe is longer and bigger than my other toes).

 

[colan5934]

The toe box in the Rush Pro 3.0 isn't very wide. It's about medium width and I'm sure it can suit to narrow foot or narrow-medium. But one thing completely different between the Lav and the Rush Pro 3.0 is the top of the shoe. While it's very low in the Lav (that's why my big toe has trouble sometimes) it's high in the Rush Pro 3.0. So maybe you won't feel as wrapped and need 2 pairs of socks to feel more wrapped/snug/secure. But I won't say the toe box of the Rush Pro 3.0 is wider it's about the same width as the Lav (even narrower cause I had a little blisters in the top of my pinky toe after a 2 hours and half match which never happens to me except in shoes with narrow toe box such as the Solution Speed 3 which I stopped using cause of this narrow toe box and big blisters). Just more space for the big toe if you have some troubles in this regard. For my Egyptian foot shape it's perfect (my big toe is longer and bigger than my other toes).

Not super wide, no, but wide enough that my narrow foot isn't held in place up there. I have a low-volume forefoot too, so the height in the Rush is a bit much and probably the greater culprit. I was hitting the top of the Lav because it's low, but that irritation went away after 3-4 hours of wearing them. I slide around in the front of the Rush Pro 3.0 when I actually try to play without double-socking--found that out the hard way. Just teaching or casually hitting, I can get by with a single pair. I prefer the Lav with one pair of more padded socks or two pairs of regular socks, but I can get by with one because they're lower volume up front.

Every foot shape is going to be different, so a shoe that's objectively great can still have minor issues for lots of people, and those issues might be different depending on which players you ask. If wearing an extra pair of socks allows me to wear a shoe that I really like without any problems, I'm all for it. Thankfully my feet aren't terribly picky, and I can wear just about anything with minimal accommodation.

 

[Tiago8]

Hello everyone,

So I am in the market for some Tenis shoes that I can play Padel with.

Recently I have experienced some shin splints, I need confy shoes that absorve the impacts.

I am between the Lav and the Zoom Zero, what do you guys think is the better choice?

Thanks

 

[jhick]

How are these shoes for the knees? I've worn through my last pair of Gel Resolution 5's and didn't care for the 7's. So I'm thinking of switching brands, but want to make sure the shoes will help with my knee tendonitis that has recently flared up.

 

[PierreMBK]

Hello everyone,

So I am in the market for some Tenis shoes that I can play Padel with.

Recently I have experienced some shin splints, I need confy shoes that absorve the impacts.

I am between the Lav and the Zoom Zero, what do you guys think is the better choice?

Thanks

I wouldn't choose both of these shoes for Padel. I like my Lav, but I don't think it's a good choice for Padel. I would go for a lighter shoe first, and then less heel to toe drop as it's not the same court. Heel to toe drop isn't very useful for Padel contrary to tennis where you have to sprint forward sometimes and I think a specific clay outsole would be better even if I'm sure the Lav is ok for clay court. The heel in the Lav is a bit bulky and I don't personally like it for doubles match for example, it's not my favorite shoe for doubles. But for simples it's perfect.

I advice you to check specific Padel shoes. It would be better IMHO.

 

[PierreMBK]

How are these shoes for the knees? I've worn through my last pair of Gel Resolution 5's and didn't care for the 7's. So I'm thinking of switching brands, but want to make sure the shoes will help with my knee tendonitis that has recently flared up.

I had two knee tendinitis with my previous Gel Res 7. I changed for this shoe and it's better. Completely different as the outsole is more flexible, not as stiff as the Gel Res 7.
One of my partners had knee pain too with the Gel Res 7.
I personally prefer the Lav even if it's not a lighter shoe. The cushioning is very good and I found it more responsive compared to the Gel cushioning of Asics. Good comfort and more breathable also.

For my knee tendinitis I had to go to the physio and do some exercises to strengthen my quadriceps and do some exercises for posterior chain flexibility. I had K-Tape on my both knees while I played tennis again after 2 months of stopping. I guess it helped a lot, even more than changing shoes. But I didn't support the stiffness of the Gel Resolution anymore. I tried the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion and it was the same, very stiff. Now I choose more flexible shoes. Not too flexible but just a bit more flexible (outsole). I think it's better when you have knee pain (based on my own experience, others can differ ;-) ). I recently got a pair of Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 and it's nice also.

Hope it would help ;-)

 

[Tiago8]

I wouldn't choose both of these shoes for Padel. I like my Lav, but I don't think it's a good choice for Padel. I would go for a lighter shoe first, and then less heel to toe drop as it's not the same court. Heel to toe drop isn't very useful for Padel contrary to tennis where you have to sprint forward sometimes and I think a specific clay outsole would be better even if I'm sure the Lav is ok for clay court. The heel in the Lav is a bit bulky and I don't personally like it for doubles match for example, it's not my favorite shoe for doubles. But for simples it's perfect.

I advice you to check specific Padel shoes. It would be better IMHO.

I came to the conclusions that you are right.

So after some research I just bought the babolat jet premura.

Thank you for your advice

 

[The Big Kahuna]

I had two knee tendinitis with my previous Gel Res 7. I changed for this shoe and it's better. Completely different as the outsole is more flexible, not as stiff as the Gel Res 7.
One of my partners had knee pain too with the Gel Res 7.
I personally prefer the Lav even if it's not a lighter shoe. The cushioning is very good and I found it more responsive compared to the Gel cushioning of Asics. Good comfort and more breathable also.

For my knee tendinitis I had to go to the physio and do some exercises to strengthen my quadriceps and do some exercises for posterior chain flexibility. I had K-Tape on my both knees while I played tennis again after 2 months of stopping. I guess it helped a lot, even more than changing shoes. But I didn't support the stiffness of the Gel Resolution anymore. I tried the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion and it was the same, very stiff. Now I choose more flexible shoes. Not too flexible but just a bit more flexible (outsole). I think it's better when you have knee pain (based on my own experience, others can differ ;-) ). I recently got a pair of Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 and it's nice also.

Hope it would help ;-)

I also had a bad case of knee tendinitis using the Asics Gel Court FF. I’m hoping the new version has more stability and better medial support.

In the meantime I tried the New Balance and while I like the shoe my knees did feel a bit more achy. Not a lot of cushioning in the forefoot. The same was true of the adidas Ubersonic IMO.

Eight months now with the Nike Zoom Zero and no problems with my knees at all. Very good stability and excellent cushioning.


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[the_faceless_player]

Haven't tried the Lavs yet but I wonder how they'll be positioned when the 996v4 rolls out. That shoe's addition of Fuel Cell in place of the current version's RevLite midsole is a huge improvement. I guess the Lav will keep relying on the Kinetic Stitch sockliner and plusher nature of Fresh Foam as the upgrade points?

 

[markwillplay]

I have not tried the lavs but have tried many others. The FF2 fits me great. Does NOT have the cushioning that the zooms do. The zooms fit me great as well, even though the material coming over the top of my foot took a while to loosen up. I went down a half size in both and it was great. If the FF2 has the cushioning that the zooms do, forget about it. I am trying the Wilson shoe next, and last. If it does not fit great I will send it back and probably get another pair of the zooms. I wish they breathed better. I do have c size foot which I did not know before now. I have left wider shoes behind now that I know how other shoes fit. So far, I have not played with a shoe that was as cushioned AND as stable as the zooms.

 

[TheOtherBecker]

Enjoying my Lavs so far. Lots more cushioning than my Ubersonic 3s, but similar bootie construction. My foot is wide, but the EE width leaves my foot sliding around unless I crank down the laces. Next pair I’ll make sure to get “D” width.


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[mike schiffer]

Love my Kirklands....taking the money I saved from buying 150 bucks a pair Chinese crap and wearing my 15 bucks chinese good enough court shoe....and buying a ticket to see McCartney...

 

[naturallight]

Haven't tried the Lavs yet but I wonder how they'll be positioned when the 996v4 rolls out. That shoe's addition of Fuel Cell in place of the current version's RevLite midsole is a huge improvement. I guess the Lav will keep relying on the Kinetic Stitch sockliner and plusher nature of Fresh Foam as the upgrade points?

when do the v4's roll out?