Need help deciding among 3 tennis shoes please

[omega4]

Hi. I've narrowed down my search for a new tennis shoe to these 3 models:

Prince T22
Nike Vapor 9
Asics Gel Resolution 4

Which of these would you pick?

I've read that the Prince T22's are an all-around great shoe, with its weight being it's primary negative.

The Nike Vapor 9 looks great and is supposedly very light and comfortable, but it's relatively short life and weak durability has been mentioned as a negative.

The Asics GR 4 is supposedly more stable and durable with better traction than other Asics shoes (and on par with other brands), with the only negative being sizing issues (the GR 4 is long and pointy, like Adidas golf shoes).

So which of these shoes would you get if you were going to play 2 (possibly 3) times a week in recreational/social tennis and league tennis?

Thanks.

 

[BER256]

I would suggest the Gel Res 4's. They are great shoes even though they aren't as aesthetically pleasing as the vapor tour 9.the vapor 9 is unwearable after several weeks. You do not want to drop 100+ just to buy another shoe in a month. THE GR4 has a 6 month guarantee and are the most under-rated shoes. THey cost 80 in TW and will last you about a year if you use the warranty. I don't know anything about the T22, but I would say definitely go for the GR4 or try out the GR5, try them out inside stores for sizing and fitting shoes if you want to.

 

[TahoeTennis]

I would definitely go with the Vapor 9's. Their durability is actually not as bad as many say, and you can't beat the comfort and quickness. If you're playing 2 or 3 times a week, they should last a solid 4 or 5 months with casual play if not longer.

 

[NJ1]

If you're playing 2 or 3 times a week, they should last a solid 4 or 5 months with casual play if not longer.

I'd suggest this is only true if you're a slower/more limited mover.

 

[parasailing]

Hi. I've narrowed down my search for a new tennis shoe to these 3 models:

Prince T22
Nike Vapor 9
Asics Gel Resolution 4

Which of these would you pick?

I've read that the Prince T22's are an all-around great shoe, with its weight being it's primary negative.

The Nike Vapor 9 looks great and is supposedly very light and comfortable, but it's relatively short life and weak durability has been mentioned as a negative.

The Asics GR 4 is supposedly more stable and durable with better traction than other Asics shoes (and on par with other brands), with the only negative being sizing issues (the GR 4 is long and pointy, like Adidas golf shoes).

So which of these shoes would you get if you were going to play 2 (possibly 3) times a week in recreational/social tennis and league tennis?

Thanks.

I have tried all 3 shoes with the Prince T22 Mid instead of standard T22s. I would say if you play 2 or 3 times a week, the Vapor 9s will go out in 2 or 3 months max.

Cushioning - Vapor 9s > GR4s > T22s

Support - Vapor 9s > GR4s = T22s

Durability - GR4s = T22s > Vapor 9s

Value - T22s >GR4s > Vapor 9s

 

[bosssauce]

I have tried all 3 shoes with the Prince T22 Mid instead of standard T22s. I would say if you play 2 or 3 times a week, the Vapor 9s will go out in 2 or 3 months max.

Cushioning - Vapor 9s > GR4s > T22s

Support - Vapor 9s > GR4s = T22s

Durability - GR4s = T22s > Vapor 9s

Value - T22s >GR4s > Vapor 9s

It depends on how good his footwork is overall I liked the vapor the best get that.

 

[omega4]

I have tried all 3 shoes with the Prince T22 Mid instead of standard T22s. I would say if you play 2 or 3 times a week, the Vapor 9s will go out in 2 or 3 months max.

Cushioning - Vapor 9s > GR4s > T22s

Support - Vapor 9s > GR4s = T22s

Durability - GR4s = T22s > Vapor 9s

Value - T22s >GR4s > Vapor 9s

Thanks for this reply in a comparative format.

How does the T22 have greater Value than the GR4 when they are both the same price but the GR4 is better than the T22 in Cushioning and equal to the T22 in all other categories?

 

[omega4]

It depends on how good his footwork is overall I liked the vapor the best get that.

My footwork is pretty good. I'm always "shuffling" my feet and taking little hops during a point when I'm not running around the court. My energy level and endurance are pretty good to sustain this activity, plus I like burning a lot of calories while doing so.

I would definitely go with the Vapor 9's. Their durability is actually not as bad as many say, and you can't beat the comfort and quickness. If you're playing 2 or 3 times a week, they should last a solid 4 or 5 months with casual play if not longer.

I lot of my research indicate that the Vapor 9s aren't too durable, which surprises me given how durable my other Nike shoes (cross trainer, running) are.

I would suggest the Gel Res 4's. They are great shoes even though they aren't as aesthetically pleasing as the vapor tour 9.the vapor 9 is unwearable after several weeks. You do not want to drop 100+ just to buy another shoe in a month. THE GR4 has a 6 month guarantee and are the most under-rated shoes. THey cost 80 in TW and will last you about a year if you use the warranty. I don't know anything about the T22, but I would say definitely go for the GR4 or try out the GR5, try them out inside stores for sizing and fitting shoes if you want to.

I think the Vapor 9s are great looking shoes. I've heard great things about the GR4s but still think the Vapor 9s look fantastic.

 

[bosssauce]

My footwork is pretty good. I'm always "shuffling" my feet and taking little hops during a point when I'm not running around the court. My energy level and endurance are pretty good to sustain this activity, plus I like burning a lot of calories while doing so.




I lot of my research indicate that the Vapor 9s aren't too durable, which surprises me given how durable my other Nike shoes (cross trainer, running) are.




I think the Vapor 9s are great looking shoes. I've heard great things about the GR4s but still think the Vapor 9s look fantastic.

For your game style get the vapors but get them on sale

 

[omega4]

For your game style get the vapors but get them on sale

The practical side of me couldn't get over getting shoes that aren't relatively durable when compared to other leading tennis shoes.

 

[parasailing]

Thanks for this reply in a comparative format.

How does the T22 have greater Value than the GR4 when they are both the same price but the GR4 is better than the T22 in Cushioning and equal to the T22 in all other categories?

It's called fuzzy math . Actually, I was basing value off the price I purchased both shoes at retail price not sale price. The GR4s cost more than the T22s when they are not on sale.

 

[omega4]

It's called fuzzy math . Actually, I was basing value off the price I purchased both shoes at retail price not sale price. The GR4s cost more than the T22s when they are not on sale.

Thanks for the clarification.

Looks like the GR4's are it provided the fit is there. I've always bought Nike shoes (golf, cross training, running) as their fit was perfect for my feet (average length, average width). I've stayed away from the Euro-style offerings like Adidas with their narrow, long pointy designs as my feet aren't narrow and long.

It's really a shame that the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 tennis shoes aren't durable, as I really love their look and I hear they're also quite light and comfortable. The practical side of me can't bear to buy shoes that will need to be replaced in a year or so.

 

[parasailing]

Thanks for the clarification.

Looks like the GR4's are it provided the fit is there. I've always bought Nike shoes (golf, cross training, running) as their fit was perfect for my feet (average length, average width). I've stayed away from the Euro-style offerings like Adidas with their narrow, long pointy designs as my feet aren't narrow and long.

It's really a shame that the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 tennis shoes aren't durable, as I really love their look and I hear they're also quite light and comfortable. The practical side of me can't bear to buy shoes that will need to be replaced in a year or so.

They definitely won't last you a year if you play two times a week.

 

[schmolke]

I've tried most higher-end shoes over the years and settled with the Asics resolution line. Excellent shoes ! If you decide on them, remember they run a litte large.

 

[omega4]

They definitely won't last you a year if you play two times a week.

That's what my research indicated.

I guess I was being naively optimistic. I might buy a pair just for "walking around" purposes since they look so good but probably will have to wait until they go on sale.

I just can't justify spending so much on "walking around" shoes that aren't leather dress shoes.

 

[omega4]

I've tried most higher-end shoes over the years and settled with the Asics resolution line. Excellent shoes ! If you decide on them, remember they run a litte large.

Thanks for the tip of the Asics GR sizing.

I had read that some people needed to get 1 size smaller (the GR4 were a little large) while others said that they were true to size.

It probably has to do with the narrow fit of the GR line.

 

[parasailing]

I have a pair of Asic Speed Solution and if I couldn't get the Vapor 9s, that would be the pair I would go with. Asics make great shoes just that the Vapor 9 shoelace design secures your midfoot so snug similar to the CB 2.3s, it offers great support and stability.

 

[omega4]

I have a pair of Asic Speed Solution and if I couldn't get the Vapor 9s, that would be the pair I would go with. Asics make great shoes just that the Vapor 9 shoelace design secures your midfoot so snug similar to the CB 2.3s, it offers great support and stability.

Yes, I've always loved how Nike shoes frame and secure my foot so well. Guess it helps that my feet are average in length and width for a size 9.

I read that the Asics Speed Solution's have an issue with traction. That would be worrisome for me.

I read that the Asics Gel Resolution 4 was a better way to go, even if they are heavier than the Speed Solutions.

 

[parasailing]

Yes, I've always loved how Nike shoes frame and secure my foot so well. Guess it helps that my feet are average in length and width for a size 9.

I read that the Asics Speed Solution's have an issue with traction. That would be worrisome for me.

I read that the Asics Gel Resolution 4 was a better way to go, even if they are heavier than the Speed Solutions.

I didn't have issues with traction on the Speed Solutions and the GR4s only gripe is the plastic on the side digging into my ankles which may or may not apply to you. Some say you just need to break them in whereas the Vapors require no break in period at all.

 

[ArliHawk]

Wouldn't the Ballistec be a better comparison with the other shoes? It's a great shoe, might be worth considering.

 

[omega4]

I didn't have issues with traction on the Speed Solutions and the GR4s only gripe is the plastic on the side digging into my ankles which may or may not apply to you. Some say you just need to break them in whereas the Vapors require no break in period at all.

I wasn't aware of the GR4's issue with plastic digging into ankles. Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to check it out.

As for the Solutions, I think I need a more durable shoe than 5 months (even if it is better than the Vapors lasting only 3 months).

 

[omega4]

Wouldn't the Ballistec be a better comparison with the other shoes? It's a great shoe, might be worth considering.

I'm not sure. I'm not very familiar with the Ballistec shoe.

 

[parasailing]

I'm not sure. I'm not very familiar with the Ballistec shoe.

The CBs still have issue with narrow forefoot. They are a narrow in the front which will jam your toes unless you have narrow feet in the front. Aside from that, they do offer everything you would be looking for except they are a bit on the heavy and clunky side.

 

[Fintft]

Hi. I've narrowed down my search for a new tennis shoe to these 3 models:

Prince T22
Nike Vapor 9
Asics Gel Resolution 4

Which of these would you pick?

I've read that the Prince T22's are an all-around great shoe, with its weight being it's primary negative.

The Nike Vapor 9 looks great and is supposedly very light and comfortable, but it's relatively short life and weak durability has been mentioned as a negative.

The Asics GR 4 is supposedly more stable and durable with better traction than other Asics shoes (and on par with other brands), with the only negative being sizing issues (the GR 4 is long and pointy, like Adidas golf shoes).

So which of these shoes would you get if you were going to play 2 (possibly 3) times a week in recreational/social tennis and league tennis?

Thanks.

I don't know, the Vapor (previous model) don't last long for me, I'm heavy and move aggresivelly enough. They lose support pretty fast.

I stick with Rafa's Nike CrossCourt Ballistec's (fast and flexible enough, more so then Barricades VI imho)

 

[Fintft]

Wouldn't the Ballistec be a better comparison with the other shoes? It's a great shoe, might be worth considering.

Exaclty the best of both worlds in my opionion: fast/comfortable/flexible while still having good support/durability (and warranty + price: they are like $74 right now)

 

[bosssauce]

Exaclty the best of both worlds in my opionion: fast/comfortable/flexible while still having good support/durability (and warranty + price: they are like $74 right now)

How do you think they are fast?

 

[YoungLefty]

Asics GR 4 has my vote!

 

[abeldm]

Asics Gel Resolution 4 i think are gonna be your best bet

 

[Fintft]

How do you think they are fast?

I can just move fast in them (they are flexible and light enough), maybe not as much as in Vapors, but close enough and surely faster then in Barricades V or VI who are clunky.

Also they got good traction (almost as good as the Barricades) so that I can change directions and decent support.

 

[omega4]

I ended up getting the Asics Gel Resolution 4 shoes.

Be sure to get one half size SMALLER (e.g. if you wear Nike shoes size 9.0, then get the Asics GR4 in size 8.5), as these shoes are long and pointy with plenty of toe room. The width will feel snug at first but DOES expand as the shoes are broken in.

My thanks to all who offered their advice on this thread.

 

[mongting]

I really like the comfort of Vapor 9. But its outsole wears out too fast.

 

[Fintft]

I really like the comfort of Vapor 9. But its outsole wears out too fast.

That and for me they also kinda give in (don't support me anymore); but then again, I'm heavier then your average ....bear

 

[JRstriker12]

Hi. I've narrowed down my search for a new tennis shoe to these 3 models:

Prince T22
Nike Vapor 9
Asics Gel Resolution 4

Which of these would you pick?

I've read that the Prince T22's are an all-around great shoe, with its weight being it's primary negative.

The Nike Vapor 9 looks great and is supposedly very light and comfortable, but it's relatively short life and weak durability has been mentioned as a negative.

The Asics GR 4 is supposedly more stable and durable with better traction than other Asics shoes (and on par with other brands), with the only negative being sizing issues (the GR 4 is long and pointy, like Adidas golf shoes).

So which of these shoes would you get if you were going to play 2 (possibly 3) times a week in recreational/social tennis and league tennis?

Thanks.

If you have a flat foot with low arches, go with the T22's. I switched from Nike Cages to the T22 and I'm very happy with the high level of support, stability, and cushioning.

-FWIW - is there any way you can find stores in your area where you can try them on? The final fit of the shoe may be the decider.