Nike, stop making shoes that only look cool in renders. On-foot aesthetics and weight matter.

[RedClayFan]

Take a look at the new Vapor 11's, Vapor Pro 2's, and the Cage 4's and you'll notice they all extend massively from beyond the heel. This is absolutely not needed for any sort of functionality, as older models like the Vapor X along with a plethora of other brands do just fine without this massive overstep. My only assumption is that these shoes are primarily designed by people who first and foremost want something that looks cool, and the decision of what looks cool is made based on what they see in their renders.

What other possible reason could there be for adding unnecessary weight and bulk to a lightweight tennis shoe?

Moreover, it looks WEIRD. When you have a shoe on your foot that extends almost an inch beyond your heel, it looks strange and bulky. It's something that only looks cool on your computer screen.

Don't judge my edits on this front too much, I was moreso attempting to illustrate just how much unnecessary bulk is added to these shoes in the name of cool renders.

Is it any wonder the pros aren't using these things?

 

[RedClayFan]

Here's a photo of Alcaraz in the Vapor Pro 2 to show my point. He looks like he's wearing snow shoes or something.

 

[Rosstour]

You may not like it, but it's functional

Recovery out of shots is much better with the weird heel.

 

[RedClayFan]

You may not like it, but it's functional

Recovery out of shots is much better with the weird heel.

Then why do no ATP pros play in these shoes? And when fed had carte blanche to design his own shoe he also chose to keep a regular heel. This problem is unique to Nike and it shows through lack of adoption for their current shoe offering.

 

[Devil_dog]

What’s weird to me is that there’s still Nike players who are wearing discontinued models like Tiafoe in GP Turbos, Fritz in the Vapor Pros, Bencic in Vapor Xs, Sinner in the Zeros and then there’s Rafa in his Cages. How does Nike expect to sell their current products when their own sponsored players don’t rep em on court?

 

[Torps]

The truth shall set Nike free

 

[Rosstour]

Then why do no ATP pros play in these shoes? And when fed had carte blanche to design his own shoe he also chose to keep a regular heel. This problem is unique to Nike and it shows through lack of adoption for their current shoe offering.

Because pros are notoriously stubborn and they get their stuff made for them for free.

These guys are constantly trying new racquets and then going back to their old one. Does that mean that no racquet outside of the H22, PT57A, and PS85 is worth a damn?

The new soles look goofy but they have added a lot to my game. I move better in shoes with the weird heel than without them, and then when you compare the Cage4 with the GP Turbo my feet and legs hurt a lot less the next day in the Turbos.

Rec players can experiment, we're not playing for millions or ATG status.

 

[rafa_prestige89]

What’s weird to me is that there’s still Nike players who are wearing discontinued models like Tiafoe in GP Turbos, Fritz in the Vapor Pros, Bencic in Vapor Xs, Sinner in the Zeros and then there’s Rafa in his Cages. How does Nike expect to sell their current products when their own sponsored players don’t rep em on court?

For me it’s weird the fact that Nike don’t oblige their players to use the current models…I mean, we can understand a player with the status of Nadal to ask for an older model, but players like Dimitrov, Sinner, Bencic, Tiafoe and Korda should have something in their contract in that way.

 

[Devil_dog]

For me it’s weird the fact that Nike don’t oblige their players to use the current models…I mean, we can understand a player with the status of Nadal to ask for an older model, but players like Dimitrov, Sinner, Bencic, Tiafoe and Korda should have something in their contract in that way.

Totally agree.

 

[RedClayFan]

Totally agree.

You'd think that or at least do some creative skins on top of models they do like so people who aren't us just think they're using the latest gear.

 

[SupahMan5000]

For me it’s weird the fact that Nike don’t oblige their players to use the current models…I mean, we can understand a player with the status of Nadal to ask for an older model, but players like Dimitrov, Sinner, Bencic, Tiafoe and Korda should have something in their contract in that way.

while I understand this from a business and marketing standpoint, shoes are the only contact point you have with the ground and are so subject to fitment issues.

having a player be forced to use a shoe that might really hurt their feet could impact the very thin marginal gains pros are already running on. and could backfire if word gets out they dont like the shoe they are endorsing

 

[Jack the Hack]

Take a look at the new Vapor 11's, Vapor Pro 2's, and the Cage 4's and you'll notice they all extend massively from beyond the heel. This is absolutely not needed for any sort of functionality, as older models like the Vapor X along with a plethora of other brands do just fine without this massive overstep. My only assumption is that these shoes are primarily designed by people who first and foremost want something that looks cool, and the decision of what looks cool is made based on what they see in their renders.

What other possible reason could there be for adding unnecessary weight and bulk to a lightweight tennis shoe?

Moreover, it looks WEIRD. When you have a shoe on your foot that extends almost an inch beyond your heel, it looks strange and bulky. It's something that only looks cool on your computer screen.

Don't judge my edits on this front too much, I was moreso attempting to illustrate just how much unnecessary bulk is added to these shoes in the name of cool renders.

Is it any wonder the pros aren't using these things?

If you are not liking the new Nike shoe designs, perhaps you should sign up to be a Nike product tester? That way your feedback can be heard, and you can get insights into the new lines that are incoming.

I don't know if there are any geographic restrictions, but you don't have to be a Nike employee to join the testing ranks. Sign-up is located at https://voiceoftheathlete.nike.com/. Getting chosen for a test is random, but once you've done a few tests and prove that you can follow the directions, it seems like you get more invites.

In full disclosure, I signed up for Nike product testing about 10 years ago and I test out different shoes and apparel at least once a year, both for tennis and other sports. When you are testing a Nike product that isn't already in the marketplace, you must be careful about making sure the design doesn't leak out and do the testing with a certain degree of confidentiality. That means no social media pictures of the product and no calling out attention to the product when you are testing them. You also need to keep a log of the hours of play in the shoes, write up notes of your feedback, and participate in the testing surveys for the product. In the end, if you do all this, you've been able to test out a new product before it hits the market (which is kind of cool), provide valuable input that can influence changes (especially if the product sucks - the company wants to know if there are issues), and you usually get some sort of reward (like a gift card or discount code).

Since the shoes are already on the market now, I think I can safely disclose that I actually participated in the Vapor 11 test last year and really liked them. My primary feedback was that the Vapor line is usually the lightest premium performance tennis shoe, and the Vapor 11 is very different than the previous Vapor 9.5, X, and Vapor Pro in that regard. I felt like they were closer to the Cage in terms of a heavier weight and stiffness. But I did like the cushioning, stability, and overall design of that shoe.

From what I could tell, the larger flared out heel is for increased cushioning and stability, so it's not just for looks. This concept has been ported over from some of Nike's running shoes, which have a similar heel design for similar reasons.

 

[malagabee]

Nike doesn't make shoes wide enough for wide foot people either. I can only find fit with New Balance, Adidas and Asics

 

[Devil_dog]

Nike doesn't make shoes wide enough for wide foot people either. I can only find fit with New Balance, Adidas and Asics

I have a generous D width foot. The Vapor 9/9.5s worked with no issues. Then the Xs screwed all that up. I wore the Vapor NXT React and they were okay but I hated the clunkiness and lacing system. I finally found happiness again with the Court Zoom NXTs which is very roomy in the forefoot but I’ve heard they’re EOL soon. Ugh.

 

[malagabee]

I got duck feet and the only D size that fit is Adidas barricades. ASICS gel resolution 8s in 2E wides and they’re a tight fit that works too. New balance makes some 2E and 4E size.

 

[Devil_dog]

I got duck feet and the only D size that fit is Adidas barricades. ASICS gel resolution 8s in 2E wides and they’re a tight fit that works too. New balance makes some 2E and 4E size.

That's interesting because I tried the barricades and my feet were not happy in them at all. But definitely wear what works for you. Honestly, if the On Roger Pros were more readily available and less expensive, Nike would be out of my life for good.

 

[Rosstour]

If you are not liking the new Nike shoe designs, perhaps you should sign up to be a Nike product tester? That way your feedback can be heard, and you can get insights into the new lines that are incoming.

I don't know if there are any geographic restrictions, but you don't have to be a Nike employee to join the testing ranks. Sign-up is located at https://voiceoftheathlete.nike.com/. Getting chosen for a test is random, but once you've done a few tests and prove that you can follow the directions, it seems like you get more invites.

In full disclosure, I signed up for Nike product testing about 10 years ago and I test out different shoes and apparel at least once a year, both for tennis and other sports. When you are testing a Nike product that isn't already in the marketplace, you must be careful about making sure the design doesn't leak out and do the testing with a certain degree of confidentiality. That means no social media pictures of the product and no calling out attention to the product when you are testing them. You also need to keep a log of the hours of play in the shoes, write up notes of your feedback, and participate in the testing surveys for the product. In the end, if you do all this, you've been able to test out a new product before it hits the market (which is kind of cool), provide valuable input that can influence changes (especially if the product sucks - the company wants to know if there are issues), and you usually get some sort of reward (like a gift card or discount code).

Since the shoes are already on the market now, I think I can safely disclose that I actually participated in the Vapor 11 test last year and really liked them. My primary feedback was that the Vapor line is usually the lightest premium performance tennis shoe, and the Vapor 11 is very different than the previous Vapor 9.5, X, and Vapor Pro in that regard. I felt like they were closer to the Cage in terms of a heavier weight and stiffness. But I did like the cushioning, stability, and overall design of that shoe.

From what I could tell, the larger flared out heel is for increased cushioning and stability, so it's not just for looks. This concept has been ported over from some of Nike's running shoes, which have a similar heel design for similar reasons.

The heel flare is really for energy return and recovery after shots IIRC

 

[d-quik]

I can only find fit with New Balance, Adidas and Asics

FILA Diadora Lotto