Nike Vapor Tour 9.5

Roland G

Hall of Fame
Just ordered my first pair of these, they were on sale at TWE and I fancied a change from my usual Barricades (not crazy about the latest designs to be honest) - how do these shoes stack up to the Barricades and the Asics Gel Resolution?
 

kimguroo

Legend
Just ordered my first pair of these, they were on sale at TWE and I fancied a change from my usual Barricades (not crazy about the latest designs to be honest) - how do these shoes stack up to the Barricades and the Asics Gel Resolution?
One of the best shoes in history of tennis. Light and comfortable.
Very rare that Nike continues to make same shoes for over 5 years.
Unfortunately durability is half of barricade T_T.
 

Roland G

Hall of Fame
One of the best shoes in history of tennis. Light and comfortable.
Very rare that Nike continues to make same shoes for over 5 years.
Unfortunately durability is half of barricade T_T.
Great, looking forward to getting them on court! Yeah, Barricades last forever. Only downside with my pairs anyways is they stink before they are ready to be thrown out!
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
The main strength of these shoes I'd say was the comfort straight up and pretty OK longevity. Mine are green and black.
 

Crozzer95

Hall of Fame
Also bought my first pair yesterday from another site, arrived this morning, going on court tomorrow. Very excited to try them
 

TR3NT

Rookie
Yeah durability isn't the best on them but I refuse to wear anything else these days. The comfort is second to none
 

Pre980

Rookie
Agree with the sentiments about comfort and also the lack of durability. I can only imagine the Flyknits are even worse for durability.
Keep in mind that the color schemes change so often that you might want to order a specific pattern (of there's one you really like) before it's discontinued; i.e. double order if you're able.
 

Roland G

Hall of Fame
Nice shoes. Feel a bit light though... think I'll stick to my Barricades or Gel Resolutions.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
 

darklore009

Hall of Fame
I wore the barricades 7/ novak pros for awhile in my highschool career and I tried on the vapor at a local tennis shop. boy, I loved it because it was so comfortable and light. I bought multiple vapors and rotate all of them so i wont be burning them through. If i was in my highschool years, I would be wearing the barricades for practice; vapors for matches
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
Wasn't a fan and I love my free running shoes which was a surprise. I prefer the gr7 which has way more cushion and comfort.
 

kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
I've been wearing them for years, it's a great shoe all around... at some point you have to pay the price of a bit of durability for the speed/comfort of the shoe.
 

Alexrb

Professional
I wore the barricades 7/ novak pros for awhile in my highschool career and I tried on the vapor at a local tennis shop. boy, I loved it because it was so comfortable and light. I bought multiple vapors and rotate all of them so i wont be burning them through. If i was in my highschool years, I would be wearing the barricades for practice; vapors for matches

I love my vapors (for matches), use asics for practice. I read the bold statement all the time in reference to vapors, how does rotating them help at all? Rather than putting all the hours on one pair (and then ordering another at the end), you spread it across multiple shoes. That doesn't change the lifespan of each shoe though does it? They still 'die' after a set amount of hours.
 

Roland G

Hall of Fame
That's odd.....I thought everyone liked light fast shoes.
Vapors are my favorite.
I play in a crappy, damp climate on courts next to the sea. Good, solid shoes are what's needed most of the time. The Vapors may be more useful in summer though
 

Roland G

Hall of Fame
These shoes are nowhere near as sturdy as the Gel Resolution or Barricade. Not as cushioned either, ive got the heel pains to prove it. My last pair ever.
 
Is there an actual difference between the RF edition of the Vapor Tours and the normal Vapor Tours (apart from the RF logo that is)?

I never actually checked before.

I don't think there is, but maybe someone who knows will say it.

I am not asking about the difference between the actual Federer shoes and the retail Vapor Tour.

Thank you.

:cool:
 

OnTheLine

Hall of Fame
I hated them. They threw my feet into a weird supinated position. (ankles turned inward? hopefully using the right word here) The positioning actually felt like it would be dangerous. But there may be a huge difference between the women's and men's versions.
Love the Asics GR7 after a healthy break-in period.
 

JCALCALA

New User
Agree with the sentiments about comfort and also the lack of durability. I can only imagine the Flyknits are even worse for durability.
Keep in mind that the color schemes change so often that you might want to order a specific pattern (of there's one you really like) before it's discontinued; i.e. double order if you're able.

You would be surprised about the durability of the flyknits, More comfortable for someone with wider feet than the regular vapor and the durability is about the same as the regular. Keep in mind that I've had the flyknits since the Aussie open and for a few months use they still look and feel great
 
Is there an actual difference between the RF edition of the Vapor Tours and the normal Vapor Tours (apart from the RF logo that is)?

I never actually checked before.

I don't think there is, but maybe someone who knows will say it.

I am not asking about the difference between the actual Federer shoes and the retail Vapor Tour.

Thank you.

:cool:

Noone?

Oh well, I guess that I will have to look at them myself to find out.

:cool:
 
cage 2 or airmax cage or 2k10 or 2k11 are better than vapor 9.5 in durability & comfort as well. It is possible fit is different for everybody.

I won't spend any on vapor unless you want to look cool as super Roger fan (nothing wrong...your money in trash superfast)
 

Matthew Lee

Professional
I don't understand how people maintain durability besides rotating pairs...I guess I'm just extremely hard on my shoes...
 
Durability was never a strong suite of this shoe. It was the first to offer great low to the ground feel, stability, and comfort in the heel. The only downside is the lack of Zoom Air cushioning in the front which would address the complaints of it being less than plush overall.
 

Bender

G.O.A.T.
How do these compare to the LBs? LBs are my go-to since they tend to come in colours I like (light blue) and my shirts are mostly the Rafa shirts and shorts anyway.

But the Vapors are cheaper where I live, and there are more varieties. Was tempted to pick up a pair of the AO or the IW / Miami ones, because they were going for $80, whereas the LBs they are selling now where I live are Rafa's Wimbledon 2015 ones, and somehow are still going for $130. Didn't like Rafa's Asian HC swing LBs either.

nikecourt-zoom-vapor-9-5-flyknit-tennis-shoe-federer.jpg
 

shev_milan

New User
But the Vapors are cheaper where I live, and there are more varieties. Was tempted to pick up a pair of the AO or the IW / Miami ones, because they were going for $80, whereas the LBs they are selling now where I live are Rafa's Wimbledon 2015 ones, and somehow are still going for $130. Didn't like Rafa's Asian HC swing LBs either.

Sure , NIKE Vapor's are much cheaper in Hongkong , I got two friends who has bought from Hongkong .. If this Flyknit costs about $80 for that colorway , it 's interesting offer :D
 

Bender

G.O.A.T.
Sure , NIKE Vapor's are much cheaper in Hongkong , I got two friends who has bought from Hongkong .. If this Flyknit costs about $80 for that colorway , it 's interesting offer :D
The Flyknit is only marginally more expensive, maybe $85 to $90 at most. I have seen a pair of Flyknits for $80 just the other day, and I have been looking for a pair of shoes with a bit of volt...
 

prjacobs

Hall of Fame
How do these compare to the LBs? LBs are my go-to since they tend to come in colours I like (light blue) and my shirts are mostly the Rafa shirts and shorts anyway.

But the Vapors are cheaper where I live, and there are more varieties. Was tempted to pick up a pair of the AO or the IW / Miami ones, because they were going for $80, whereas the LBs they are selling now where I live are Rafa's Wimbledon 2015 ones, and somehow are still going for $130. Didn't like Rafa's Asian HC swing LBs either.

nikecourt-zoom-vapor-9-5-flyknit-tennis-shoe-federer.jpg

My only experience with the LBs was trying them on in a store. They felt very stiff to me, so I passed. The Vapors felt much better on my feet. I like my Asics GSS2s for clay the most, comfort wise. The Vapors do lock in my feet very well, though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

shev_milan

New User
I don't understand how people maintain durability besides rotating pairs...I guess I'm just extremely hard on my shoes...

The best I can do is to prepare the best glue available on the market . For someone who lives in US, it's no problem since there are several brands to try .. I did a search on web that three brands deserve to do my job repair , they are 3M Fast Cure 5200 adhesive marine sealant which is flexible though and intended to re-attach the outsole , second candidate will be Barge All purpose cement TF and Amazing All purpose Go-Op.

I got bad experience with Shoo-Goo ..This glue was not able to re-attach outsole on NIKE Vapor 9.5 Tour and the side-plastic frame to the upper . If you someone know better idea , please let us know :D ..
 

AnDaLe

Rookie
How do these compare to the LBs? LBs are my go-to since they tend to come in colours I like (light blue) and my shirts are mostly the Rafa shirts and shorts anyway.

But the Vapors are cheaper where I live, and there are more varieties. Was tempted to pick up a pair of the AO or the IW / Miami ones, because they were going for $80, whereas the LBs they are selling now where I live are Rafa's Wimbledon 2015 ones, and somehow are still going for $130. Didn't like Rafa's Asian HC swing LBs either.

nikecourt-zoom-vapor-9-5-flyknit-tennis-shoe-federer.jpg
I've played with 3 pairs of Lunar Ballistec before trying the Vapor. I found the Vapor to be extremely comfortable and ready to go from the first hitting session. The LB took about a session to be great and comfortable was pretty close for me.

My one major knock on the Vapor is that the traction seems to be worse than the LB (could be good for people who like to side). I definitely find myself sliding a lot where as the LB made me feel like I can cut on a dime. Funny because I believe they have the same rubber. I found the Ballistec Advantage slip less than the Vapor as well and I like that cheap shoe over the LB and vapor due to lightweight and traction. My 2 cents anyhow.
 

zaskar1

Professional
i have been using asics GRs and challengers for a few years, and migrated to the GRs exclusively.
i did try on a pair of Nike Vapors at the local store, and they fit very closely to the GR6s that i am
currently using.
i am in the market for some more shoes, as i usually dont wear out the soles, but the shoes lose lateral stiffness
even though i put in an insole, like superfeet to get more lateral stiffness as the shoe wears.

how do the Nike Vapors compare to the GR6s as far as performance?
do they offer the same lateral support that i get with the GR6


thanks
z
 

jdhaynes

New User
Also... is that like a size 8? the shoes look tiny

Must just be perspective - solid 10.5 US. Thanks for the compliment on the color. I also thought the gum sole was a nice nod to my 70's and 80's heritage. I went with the clay sole - play mostly on green Har-Tru, but i don't like really sharp herringbone ridges as I like to be able to slide. I think this sole is going to work nicely for me.
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Must just be perspective - solid 10.5 US. Thanks for the compliment on the color. I also thought the gum sole was a nice nod to my 70's and 80's heritage. I went with the clay sole - play mostly on green Har-Tru, but i don't like really sharp herringbone ridges as I like to be able to slide. I think this sole is going to work nicely for me.
Ha yeah sorry. Some pictures I take with my cellphone mess with all kinds of proportions. Enjoy the shoes. I am going to pull the trigger on ID vapes one of these days
 

The Big Kahuna

Hall of Fame
One of the best shoes in history of tennis. Light and comfortable.
Very rare that Nike continues to make same shoes for over 5 years.
Unfortunately durability is half of barricade T_T.

Definitely one of the best shoes in history, however, nowhere near the quality and performance now of the ASICS COURT FF at the same price. My rap on the Vapors is that the heels pancake out when you land on them and it's very easy to pull calf muscle in them. Tough on the heels.

Currently I think you could do better with any of the Asics line or the Adidas barricade boost 2017 IMO.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Bender

G.O.A.T.
Definitely one of the best shoes in history, however, nowhere near the quality and performance now of the ASICS COURT FF at the same price. My rap on the Vapors is that the heels pancake out when you land on them and it's very easy to pull calf muscle in them. Tough on the heels.

Currently I think you could do better with any of the Asics line or the Adidas barricade boost 2017 IMO.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Looks like I may have to reconsider getting the flyknit Vapors when my LB 1.5s are finished...I sometimes land on my heels a bit too hard when I hit 2HBHs on the run / at full stretch.
 

shev_milan

New User
Are there more people who think this shoe does not fit very wide in the toe-box area?

It's snugly fit in my toebox . Sometimes I wonder whether I wear the correct size for My Vapor 9.5 :D ..
There's only 1.2 cm room left on the front toe-box ( wearing US Size 8.5 ) .. If I go up 1/2 size higher , sure there will be more room for my foot and prolly lack of stability when moving forward so I sticked to US size 8.5 ...However as long as my toe was not jammed / having pain or blister after two hour of use , it will be OK for me ... Then I have to take off my shoes for fresh air and stretch out my toes ..

If you look for wider toebox , you can buy Vapor Flyknit for the same quality and comfort like Vapor 9.5s offer ..
 
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Bender

G.O.A.T.
So I ended up getting these up just yesterday:

133ef45394d31db6c13de3418af7ed00.jpg


In my defence, they only cost USD 100, so I thought 'what the hell, might as well give it a go'.

Not seeing what's so special about these shoes so far, tbh. Not sure about the claims of comfort either. Unlike the Flyknit 9.5s, the LBs wowed me straight out of the box because of how comfortable they were + fit. As I've said before, the LBs feel like a pair of very thick, soft socks, whereas these are noticeably stiffer on the bottom, and much flimsier on the top. It may change when they break in, but when I run in the Flyknit 9.5s, I have this distinct feeling that the sole, refusing to bend much, will tear off leaving me running barefoot with just the uppers wrapped around my ankles.

Hopefully they'll be a lot nicer when they break in. In the meantime, I might pick up a pair of these if they have them in my size still (just because they're going for dirt cheap atm):

20161114143303_f23ff3d8.jpeg
 
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Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
Definitely one of the best shoes in history, however, nowhere near the quality and performance now of the ASICS COURT FF at the same price. My rap on the Vapors is that the heels pancake out when you land on them and it's very easy to pull calf muscle in them. Tough on the heels.

Currently I think you could do better with any of the Asics line or the Adidas barricade boost 2017 IMO.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
X2 on the Asics FF.
 

chikoo

Hall of Fame
I hated them. They threw my feet into a weird supinated position. (ankles turned inward? hopefully using the right word here) The positioning actually felt like it would be dangerous. But there may be a huge difference between the women's and men's versions.
Love the Asics GR7 after a healthy break-in period.

you mean like a negative camber on a race car?

BMHEE.jpg
 

Surion

Hall of Fame
Maybe any comparison with the Solution Speed 2?
Regarding durability and the overall fit? Toe box?

Thanks!
 

shev_milan

New User
^^^^^^^10 hour durability,,,,LOL.................that is no good.

I have ten pairs of Vapor 9.5 Tour that I wear regularly . One of them that was pretty new , about 8- 10 hours of use , the stitches near the little toe and first eyelet of shoe lace has started to give. This never happens to my other Vapor 9.5 Tour. So I decided to put some LOCTITE all purpose glue beneath the stitches, to prevent the thread getting frayed and spreading to the bottom .. I hope this glue does its job instead of going to cobbler. :D .

The more common issue to Vapor 9.5 is the plastic side frame that does not hold onto its position anymore , and my glue did the job again .


Maybe any comparison with the Solution Speed 2?
Regarding durability and the overall fit? Toe box?
Thanks!

I also wear US size 8.5, and have 10.5 cm foot width when using NIKE socks and no foot problem such as toe jamming , blister . The overall fit was snug , comfortable using adaptive fit feature . In five tennis communities in my city , I can be most agile player wearing this vapor 9.5 :D

I hope your 25.5- 26 cm foot length and width 11 cm would not become issue on Vapor 9.5 , as it is pretty wide foot , only leaves tiny spaces on toebox ..
 
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