NikeCourt Zoom Vapor 12

[gino]

What's the word, brother

I went ahead and put my thoughts on the v12 into a video relative to a few of its predecessors - Nike Vapor 12 review

In my opinion this is a great return to form for the vapor line. That being said, a few flaws that bug me (mainly the shank rising into the midsole). Let me know what you guys think and if you have any questions

I feel like they are generally great vapors. Some shortcomings like too large of a shank that encroaches on the midsole comfort and running a bit too long. I will say they look great and have a nice adaptive lacing iteration

See above post for my detailed thoughts in a video. Hope this helps anyone trying to decide if they want these

 

[gsinko1]

See above post for my detailed thoughts in a video. Hope this helps anyone trying to decide if they want these

Good video! (been enjoying the racquet reviews too btw) I wore mine in the heritage color for ~90 mins yesterday. Didn't notice or make the connection of how high the shank wraps around each side of the foot. Felt a weird, nagging pressure along the arch of my right foot for a bit until I adjusted to it, and that must be the shank wrapping around. The gum color sole feels super grippy as well. I like to slide a bit so I hope this wears down and gets a little more slick. Could just be the specific color compound too though. Hypersmashes are supposed to be here today and it's like Christmas morning again lol

 

[gino]

Good video! (been enjoying the racquet reviews too btw) I wore mine in the heritage color for ~90 mins yesterday. Didn't notice or make the connection of how high the shank wraps around each side of the foot. Felt a weird, nagging pressure along the arch of my right foot for a bit until I adjusted to it, and that must be the shank wrapping around. The gum color sole feels super grippy as well. I like to slide a bit so I hope this wears down and gets a little more slick. Could just be the specific color compound too though. Hypersmashes are supposed to be here today and it's like Christmas morning again lol

cheers man, thanks for the support. Kinda odd how they also created the same midsole indentations within the shank, implying it would compress in the same way. I get it from a design perspective to try and really improve the midfoot structure, but it comes at a cost, which is comfort and compression in that area of the shoe. My hypersmashes en route today as well!! Happy hitting mate

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

Is the hypersmash just a colorway or is there something different in the build?

 

[Aaditya23]

Guys, can somebody from Montreal, Quebec confirm if any of the Vapor 12 colorway is available in the stores nearby? In any of the nike stores in Montreal. Thanks

 

[Fuzzy]

Just got my Hypersmash's from NDC. Great looking shoe in person.

They definitely run a little small...both length and toe box width. I measure an 8.5 (i know i know)....but usually wear a 9.0 in a tennis shoe with two pair of socks. Like a little extra padding and helps with sweat on hot summer days.

In they Hypersmash I ordered an 8.5 and a 9.0. No way i can wear the 9.0 with two pair of socks. I think i can get away with one but they're a tiny bit snug. I'd order a 9.5 but it sure looks like they sold out everywhere.

If there are any small feeters in here that want the 8.5's at cost and missed out let me know...i'll hold on to them a minute before i return them.

 

[yoka37]

.

This is exactly my concern. How is the grip of the 11? I like to slide but I slide in all shoes, the outsole of the 11s look a bit slippery

I don't know how to slide ( teach me!) so I wouldn't be the best person to give you this info. The outsole durability on the 11s is really good though, so I would guess that you can slide well as it wears down since you won't be eating through to the midsole too quickly.

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

I don't know how to slide ( teach me!) so I wouldn't be the best person to give you this info. The outsole durability on the 11s is really good though, so I would guess that you can slide well as it wears down since you won't be eating through to the midsole too quickly.

Durability isn’t really a concern for me, it’s more how much grip they have. How are these in terms of grip?

 

[d-quik]

No way i can wear the 9.0 with two pair of socks

Can you weigh one in 9 if you have a scale?

 

[Fuzzy]

Size 9.0 = 12.8 ounces

 

[d-quik]

Size 9.0 = 12.8 ounces

that is a VERY large difference, wow

 

[Fuzzy]

that is a VERY large difference, wow

From what to what??? Sorry, i might have missed an earlier comment.

 

[gino]

From what to what??? Sorry, i might have missed an earlier comment.

I measured the PRM and normal Vapor 12 at 390 g (one shoe)

Sounds like the hypersmash is somehow lighter ? Shocking to me given the old school patent leather

 

[Fuzzy]

Oh Gotcha...yeah you're not lying!

I think i read it's fake leather somewhere though....so maybe that has something to do with the weight.

 

[d-quik]

From what to what??? Sorry, i might have missed an earlier comment.

Yeah like @gino said, it is a whole ounce lighter lol

 

[gino]

Oh Gotcha...yeah you're not lying!

I think i read it's fake leather somewhere though....so maybe that has something to do with the weight.

Yeah like @gino said, it is a whole ounce lighter lol

Confirmed

 

[d-quik]

Confirmed

Appreciate the detective work!

So does the lesser amount of material and different lacing system affect the feel on-feet or lockdown in any way? This is a pretty odd difference.

 

[yoka37]

I guess all that rubber material that runs from the toe and covers the medial of the shoe carries some significant weight.

 

[ATX Tennis]

We are back. Played in my Heritage V12s tonight, and I think I have finally found my 9.5 replacements. I had switched to the Roger 1 and bought a dozen of the 9.5s last year, but I think the V12 is my new shoe once my stockpile is gone.

The shoe fits almost as well as the 9.5s for me. Slightly roomier in the heel, but unlike the VP1, the heel did feel like it was locked down. And the rest of the shoe had that slipper like feel of the 9.5s. I got my normal size by the way, so they may be slightly longer like some have posted. Getting in and out of them was easier than the 9.5s for sure, but again, the feel was nearly the same (albeit just a smidge looser in the heel). I just wish they had released the 9.5s last year in some of these same colors! Now I just have to wait for the sales!

 

[gino]

I guess all that rubber material that runs from the toe and covers the medial of the shoe carries some significant weight.

I was surpised that plastic piece behind the heel didnt add weight, but hey, makes sense like you said way less plastic

 

[gino]

We are back. Played in my Heritage V12s tonight, and I think I have finally found my 9.5 replacements. I had switched to the Roger 1 and bought a dozen of the 9.5s last year, but I think the V12 is my new shoe once my stockpile is gone.

The shoe fits almost as well as the 9.5s for me. Slightly roomier in the heel, but unlike the VP1, the heel did feel like it was locked down. And the rest of the shoe had that slipper like feel of the 9.5s. I got my normal size by the way, so they may be slightly longer like some have posted. Getting in and out of them was easier than the 9.5s for sure, but again, the feel was nearly the same (albeit just a smidge looser in the heel). I just wish they had released the 9.5s last year in some of these same colors! Now I just have to wait for the sales!

did you take the size in your 9/9.5 or the X/VP1 size? curious what others are going with sizing wise

 

[ATX Tennis]

I had to size up to 10 in the X, but I wore 9 1/2 in the 9.5s and VP1. The VP1 was a bad shoe for me as I had a lot of heel slippage. Didn’t bother to size down since the rest of the shoe felt snug, and I was sure a 9 wouldn’t fit me.

 

[tx10is]

Confirmed

just saw your 2 videos. is the hypersmash less pointy at the top or are they the same?

 

[gino]

just saw your 2 videos. is the hypersmash less pointy at the top or are they the same?

I almost think more pointy based on the way the faux patent leather is setup, the shoe is just as long, but maybe slightly more pointed/shallow in the toe box

 

[Fuzzy]

Wore the Hypersmash's last night for the first time. I'd say mostly a positive experience.

The last Nike shoe i enjoyed was the 9.5 so I was really excited to see these move back in that direction. I've been wearing the Mizuno wave exceed tour 6 recently.

Pros: Light, low to the ground, very connected feel and I was moving really well in them. Some stiffness when i put them on but warmed up quickly and I had no foot issues or pain or anything like that.
Cons: Much stiffer shank than the Mizuno, and with how light they make that shoe and still keep it comfortable i'd say that's a con on the Vapor. I did have to re-tie them twice. As the shoe warmed up it really opened up and from starting really snug was downright sloppy within an hour. They felt great after tightening the laces down quite a bit but i was surprise how much they seemed to stretch out.

All in all pretty positive, will definitely stay in the rotation but i'd maybe give a slight nod back to the Mizuno....they just don't look as good as the Vapors!!

 

[jguttentag]

Wore the Hypersmash's last night for the first time. I'd say mostly a positive experience.

The last Nike shoe i enjoyed was the 9.5 so I was really excited to see these move back in that direction. I've been wearing the Mizuno wave exceed tour 6 recently.

Pros: Light, low to the ground, very connected feel and I was moving really well in them. Some stiffness when i put them on but warmed up quickly and I had no foot issues or pain or anything like that.
Cons: Much stiffer shank than the Mizuno, and with how light they make that shoe and still keep it comfortable i'd say that's a con on the Vapor. I did have to re-tie them twice. As the shoe warmed up it really opened up and from starting really snug was downright sloppy within an hour. They felt great after tightening the laces down quite a bit but i was surprise how much they seemed to stretch out.

All in all pretty positive, will definitely stay in the rotation but i'd maybe give a slight nod back to the Mizuno....they just don't look as good as the Vapors!!

I agree with the stretching out and that leading to a sloppy feeling. Went normal size on these. First time wearing they were perfect. Second & third time they have really stretched out in the ankle area where I have had to re-tie them while playing. Movement wise it’s more noticeable moving forwards and backwards on the court where I don’t feel very secure in the shoe. I am going to try to a runners knot tonight to see if that helps. This is on the normal 12s not the hypersmashes.

 

[gino]

damn ya'll are playing in the hypersmash!?!? i thought about legit putting them in a case and calling it a day lol

 

[David Le]

damn ya'll are playing in the hypersmash!?!? i thought about legit putting them in a case and calling it a day lol

Hypersmash is needed to be played indoors if not during the winter months (depending on where you live) imo

 

[Fuzzy]

damn ya'll are playing in the hypersmash!?!? i thought about legit putting them in a case and calling it a day lol

I mean....they're not Travis Scotts!!!

I'll regret that if/when they go nuclear $$$$

 

[Fuzzy]

I agree with the stretching out and that leading to a sloppy feeling. Went normal size on these. First time wearing they were perfect. Second & third time they have really stretched out in the ankle area where I have had to re-tie them while playing. Movement wise it’s more noticeable moving forwards and backwards on the court where I don’t feel very secure in the shoe. I am going to try to a runners knot tonight to see if that helps. This is on the normal 12s not the hypersmashes.

Can you do a runners knot? Don't they only have the one hole up top?

I think i'm going to double sock it next time. I had thought they were too snug but after the stretch might actually be perfect.

 

[jguttentag]

Can you do a runners knot? Don't they only have the one hole up top?

I think i'm going to double sock it next time. I had thought they were too snug but after the stretch might actually be perfect.

I am going to try a modified one. Double socking was also my next move, but I already wear thorlos so that’s pretty extreme.

 

[gino]

I mean....they're not Travis Scotts!!!

I'll regret that if/when they go nuclear $$$$

hahaha fair point mate. resale also isnt crazy now from what im seeing. only really a shipping markup

 

[d-quik]

hahaha fair point mate. resale also isnt crazy now from what im seeing. only really a shipping markup

you know, when you first made that "Vapors tribute" thread, I had thought it was a bit over the top. I remember telling myself "there is no way someone loves a shoe (line) THIS MUCH!", and distinctly recall having an impression that you were more into the hype, rather than the passion. Today, I would like officially proclaim that I was WRONG. I see the videos. I see how blazingly/ruthlessly fast you went after the V12s on release and actually put court-time on them right away. This can not just be based on hype. The passion is genuine. You truly ARE "Mr. Vapor". I thought that you were just criticizing the V11s "just because everyone else was doing it", but now I know the scrutiny actually stemmed from a genuine appreciation for what the Vapor line is ACTUALLY supposed to represent.

With that in mind though, what were you wearing before the Vapor line came out?

 

[gsinko1]

https://imgur.com/a/s7YX6lr

We are so f****** back. Surprisingly like the feel of these on foot better than the heritage color of the stock 12s. Even though the upper is so much synthetic leather it feels softer to me. Must be the lighter weight and less TPU coverage

 

[gino]

you know, when you first made that "Vapors tribute" thread, I had thought it was a bit over the top. I remember telling myself "there is no way someone loves a shoe (line) THIS MUCH!", and distinctly recall having an impression that you were more into the hype, rather than the passion. Today, I would like officially proclaim that I was WRONG. I see the videos. I see how blazingly/ruthlessly fast you went after the V12s on release and actually put court-time on them right away. This can not just be based on hype. The passion is genuine. You truly ARE "Mr. Vapor". I thought that you were just criticizing the V11s "just because everyone else was doing it", but now I know the scrutiny actually stemmed from a genuine appreciation for what the Vapor line is ACTUALLY supposed to represent.

With that in mind though, what were you wearing before the Vapor line came out?

Replied at length in my tribute thread, but thank you for the shout bro. My efforts to document/honor this shoe and honestly evaluate it are not in vein!!

 

[gino]

https://imgur.com/a/s7YX6lr

We are so f****** back. Surprisingly like the feel of these on foot better than the heritage color of the stock 12s. Even though the upper is so much synthetic leather it feels softer to me. Must be the lighter weight and less TPU coverage

I agree, they feel softer on foot. I think the TPU toe zone on the stock one feels pretty bulky, way lighter feel. Congrats on the acquisition!

 

[Chopin]

So they got a good review from Zach, who says they're very similar to the Vapor Xs. To him that's good and bad: they're a return to form but not innovative. Hey, that's fine by me though! I may pick up a pair in the future...or not...9.5s forever.

 

[gino]

So they got a good review from Zach, who says they're very similar to the Vapor Xs. To him that's good and bad: they're a return to form but not innovative. Hey, that's fine by me though! I may pick up a pair in the future...or not...9.5s forever.

lol i still think the 9/9.5 is better

 

[gsinko1]

I was lucky enough to snag a 7.5 and an 8 in the Hypersmash, and actually think the 7.5 works better, so if anybody wants a size 8 before I return them, hit me up

 

[AZJ1973]

I got mine today and just slipped them on. I have been trying about every shoe possible in an attempt to replace my beloved ASICS Gel Resolution 9’s. I think these are it. They are size 10 and they fit perfectly. Right out of the box I feel like I could step on court and be fast and confident.

I don’t want to jinx anything as I can be extremely picky and try to find the smallest issue with my shoes but these seem to be my new shoe.

 

[AZJ1973]

One last thing. Is there any risk using the back eyelet on the final lacing? I’ve heard some people say they had to use it due to some early heel slippage so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to just lace it thru right away.

 

[gino]

One last thing. Is there any risk using the back eyelet on the final lacing? I’ve heard some people say they had to use it due to some early heel slippage so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to just lace it thru right away.

You probably heard that from me, but yes, I’d say cinch into the lower one right away

 

[AZJ1973]

You probably heard that from me, but yes, I’d say cinch into the lower one right away

Yes, I did. I watched your video yesterday. Well done.

 

[TigerIrons]

I agree with the stretching out and that leading to a sloppy feeling. Went normal size on these. First time wearing they were perfect. Second & third time they have really stretched out in the ankle area where I have had to re-tie them while playing. Movement wise it’s more noticeable moving forwards and backwards on the court where I don’t feel very secure in the shoe. I am going to try to a runners knot tonight to see if that helps. This is on the normal 12s not the hypersmashes.

Did you own the vapor 9.5s or 11s? I have pair of 9.5s that I feel are slightly roomy, but I tried my buddy's 11s which are a half a size smaller and felt like it was too tight. Looking to see if I should size down in the 12s or just keep the same size as my 9.5s

 

[jguttentag]

Did you own the vapor 9.5s or 11s? I have pair of 9.5s that I feel are slightly roomy, but I tried my buddy's 11s which are a half a size smaller and felt like it was too tight. Looking to see if I should size down in the 12s or just keep the same size as my 9.5s

I wore the 9s back in the day but I don’t remember my size unfortunately. I would say they fit true to size.

 

[jguttentag]

I am going to try a modified one. Double socking was also my next move, but I already wear thorlos so that’s pretty extreme.

Laces weren’t long enough for a runners knot. It’s very strange because the shoe fits well. My heel is locked down pretty well, but it’s just stretching out in the ankle area enough to be noticeable.

Additionally, I have been wearing the Roger pro 2s for the last sixth months and those shoes have a flatter elongated sole compared to the more pronounced rear and front sole units on the 12s. It’s taking me a bit to adjust movement wise on the 12s. At the moment I feel a little less secure in my movement on the court, but I wouldn’t say that’s a shoe issue and more of an adjustment period.

 

[ClydeFrog]

Got my pair of 12s in today, they feel a bit long and roomy in the front. Debating if I should exchange them for a half size down, haven't needed to go down in tennis shoes before.

 

[Happytennis]

@TW Staff do you guys know when more colourways will be avalible in EU? Only red and lemon AO special for sales here..
Id really like to get my hands on the heritage.. not sure if that one will ever come to EU though.
If possible, please confirm

 

[Torps]

Got my pair of 12s in today, they feel a bit long and roomy in the front. Debating if I should exchange them for a half size down, haven't needed to go down in tennis shoes before.

Got my 12s in yesterday. I ordered my normal size in VP1 and these are def roomier all around. Fit in the heel is sloppy as hell. I'm going to try sizing down half a size. Nike bring back the VP1 plz.........

 

[Katzenjammer]

Received mine yesterday. Haven't tried them on the court yet but just in terms of fit and overall impression: I absolutely LOVE these shoes. Exactly what I have been looking for. low to the ground, can already tell they have great ground feel, and best of all: they fit like custom shoes. They are snug in the metatarsal area; most shoes I can barely get into, I had to stretch, for example, the RP2. I was even able to go down a size due to the long toe box. Can't wait to try them on court.