Hey guys, I did not have an account for a while now looking at this shoe. I got an account finally and have been a user of the vapor pro 1 and 2 for a while now. currently on my fourth pair and had 3 pairs of the original vapor pro-1. I wanted to give my overall review from a person that used both versions to their full life, from new to worn out multiple times in a row so here it goes...
In the beginning the vapor pro 2 initially around the house had a lot more padding, compared to the vapor pro-1. I am not the type of person that cares at all about comfort though, so This was just a bonus.
LOCK DOWN TIP: the vapor pro 2 can be locked down very well if you tighten each individual row of laces very tightly. Over time the shoe will mold to your foo like this and have a very nice comfortable lockdown. Vapor pro 1 does not need this treatment as much.
The vapor pro 2 had some pain after a bit though on the metatarsal due to its thicker structure compared the more elastic material on the vapor pro-1. However this will go away after some playing sessions, But this is mainly of you tighten the shoe down like I said. It is better in the long run for the shoe if your willing to go through that initial short period of slight pain.
Out on the court, I am a very aggressive baseline mover with my legs. I definitely care about shoes quite a bit because of my style and needing to run down shots quickly as a more so counter puncher. These shoes were very nice in my opinion due to the added air zoom unit in the forefoot giving a bit back to me for its weight. The shoe did not feel very heavy at all and if you put enough energy into this shoe like I do, you can appreciate the zoom air like I did. The shoe is supportive and great for sliding, which I love. Compering to the vapor pro 1, the vapor pro 1 was not quite as responsive, but it was very stable, great for sliding, and super light getting out of you way perfectly.
The playability of the vapor pro 2 overtime as the outsole tread wears down does start to loose alittle response, but it does get more aero-dynamic as it kind of bends and shapes to how you twist it over time. The shoe gives a good lockdown overtime due to how it molds to your foot with all the padding. It breaths fine to.
CLAY court she is in my opinion a bit better because this shoe is meant to be a sliding shoe. The easier pivoting and movement that is able to be achieved on clay compared to hard makes it even better, but it being a sliding shoe already on hard makes it fine on hard.
At the end of its life the shoe shoes to start very responsive and over time get turn into a shoe that gets out of your way to allow you to do your job to win points and play tennis. It works will for me obviously as I'm already on my fourth pair and find this shoe a slight improvement over the vapor pro 1 if you're willing to give it a chance over its FULL life.
In short for vapor 11 on other hand, it's the same shoe without as much initial pain, has a little more stability and stout feeling, but it drags a little for only having one zoom air unit, so I would go with vapor pro-2. Also, it has not durable drag guard for toe wear!!
Thanks!!