One man’s journey to replace his Gel Res 9s.

Dberger820

Dberger820

Rookie
As the title suggests, this is my journey to replace my favorite Gel Res 9s now that they are updated to the X and all the remaining 9s disappeared from the internet. I know a lot of other people are starting to seek replacements as well. Tennis facilities in my area have limited selections for in-person trying on of shoes so most of these have needed to be ordered. It has been a frustrating process since I have been in one shoe silo for so long (dating back to 2017) that I really am not familiar with most of what is out there. I did wear the Vapor 9.5s many years ago but developed some foot pains which led me to the Gel Res for the first time. Here are the shoes I have tried on so far and my thoughts on them. For reference, I am 6’1”, 180 lbs and have slightly narrow feet.

  • Adidas Barricade 13 - these was actually the ones I purchased after trying on my first batch of shoes. Around the house, these felt great with solid cushioning and support. Unfortunately once I played in them for the first time I got pain from the heel collar on the inside of my ankles and my toes were hitting the ends of the shoes when stopping (I never tried a runners knot). my toes simply hurt like there was no padding and the ankle pain made these have to go.
  • KSwiss Ultrashot 4 - the soles were very comfortable. The protection “treads” on the tops of the upper makes the toe area bend very distinctly. Myshelf along with my friends who tried on the shoes all commented that it pressed down noticeably on your toes. The rest of the shoe was very nice with the only niggle being that pinching that I am unsure would go away once breaking in. Would buy on clearance to see but not at full price.
  • Nike Vapor Pro 3 - this was one of the first shoes I tried on at the start of the process. I noted it as having a comfortable sole but a tight feeling in the toebox.
  • KSwiss Hypercourt Supreme 2 - comfortable upper and felt like good stability. A harder sole than others I tried when trying on in person in January.
  • Adidas Solematch Control 2 - Stiff sole. Most uncomfortable all around of the stability shoes tried on.
  • Adidas Cybersonic 2 - Low to ground and quick feeling sole. Had wiggle room in the upper. Another shoe that creased right on the top of the foot that was uncomfortable walking around house.
  • Asics Gel Resolution X - Wear 11 in the 9s but size 11.5 in most other brands. I tried on both 11 and 10.5 in the X per reviews and the size 11s felt the best. I actually enjoyed the wider toebox compared to the 9s while walking around the house. Unsure how it would translate to playing. The soles were very comfortable and the stability was very apparent. The inside mid-height heel collar was very noticeable wearing in the house and I’m unsure if it would bother me or not when playing. It felt soft at least so it shouldn’t(?) cause irritation. Getting the upper to feet snugly seemed to be difficult. A very noticeable thing was the upper of the toebox popping when walking much like the Gel Resolution 6 or 7s used to do.
  • New Balance CT Rally - comfortable. Myself and friends who tried on all commented how we felt higher off the ground compared to other shoes. When planting my foot in the house it felt harder compared directly to the Barricade. The upper was tough, but felt like it would probably break in nicely but may take a few hours. Reviews said the sole softens up with use which would benefit this shoe in my opinion.
  • Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour 2 - I was really excited for this shoe after all the praise of the first model. Unfortunately it wasn’t a winner for me simply because of the paper thin tongue the laces really dug into the top of my foot. The soles were fantastic and had great heel-to-toe motion. Wish I could have tried the previous version with the double heel lock.
  • Asics Solution Speed 3 - I did have a time where I wore the Solution Speed 2 during COVID because I couldn’t get a pair of the Gel Res in my size. Those 2s were a great speed shoe with stability. There was nice padding underfoot and it was comfortable. The 3s totally lost that in my opinion. The uppers pinched my toes and my feet seemed to come off both sides of the insole near the midfoot. I was really bummed with these and immediately sent them back.
  • Lacoste AG-LT23 - I just received these this weekend. Walking around the house these are really comfortable. Zero heel slippage. The toebox is low but with it being all mesh there is no pain from where the upper creases on my toes. They feel stable in the house. The split tongue seems like it would work well and is nicely padded. My only gripe is that I play mostly doubles and the crazy squeaking these shoes produce may possibly distract my partners (I haven’t asked them yet) while playing. If I know the squealing fades away with use then this shoe is the one I think is the best overall.
  • Fila Auxilus 3 - I also just got a pair of these this weekend purely based on the current price point and how they look like a Gel Res dupe. I have never worn or even batted an eye at Fila shoes in the past. Wow was I surprised when I tried them on! They felt like exact replicas of the Gel Res 9s. Walking around the house these felt fantastic and supportive. There are not many reviews on the 3s but I know the 2s were not the most durable. If these have even decent durability, with the price point of about $60 they are winners.
I have Yonex PC Eclipsion 5 and the new Vapor 12s coming within the week. After those two shoes I’m calling it quits on my journey. It’s frustrating when you are so used to a shoe and they change it so much.

My overall ranking list of the shoes I’ve tried so far are:

  1. Lacoste AG-LT23
  2. Fila Auxilus 3
  3. KSwiss Ultrashot 4
  4. ASICS Gel Resolution X
  5. Mew Balance CT Rally
  6. Nike Vapor Pro 3
  7. KSwiss Hypercourt Supreme 2
  8. Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour 2
  9. Adidas Cybersonic 2
  10. Adidas Solematch 2
  11. Asics Solution Speed 3
  12. Adidas Barricade 13* (would be top 3 if heel collar was comfortable)
I will update after trying on the Vapors and Eclipsions. I would love feedback from anyone else in my spot who are looking to replace the Gel Res 9s and have had success.
 
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I feel like I have to size down half a size on the GR X compared to the GR9. Same size was OK with thick socks when the shoe was new, but I feel like it is going to be too loose when it gets beyond 10 hours especially for singles. I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks and so I haven’t played with them yet for more than two matches of doubles. But I bought a pair that is half size smaller just to be ready in case they get too loose early.
 
socallefty said:
I feel like I have to size down half a size on the GR X compared to the GR9. Same size was OK with thick socks when the shoe was new, but I feel like it is going to be too loose when it gets beyond 10 hours especially for singles. I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks and so I haven’t played with them yet for more than two matches of doubles. But I bought a pair that is half size smaller just to be ready in case they get too loose early.
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I had heard that too which is why I got the 10.5, but unfortunately for me my toes were hitting the ends of the shoes so the 11s were my best option. I too worry about them breaking in and opening up after already not being super locked down to start.
 
There are still quite a few of the GR9 around in my country (NZ). Not too many in my size 13 but still one or two around, so thinking I should get an extra pair and prolong any change to the X.
 
googdot said:
There are still quite a few of the GR9 around in my country (NZ). Not too many in my size 13 but still one or two around, so thinking I should get an extra pair and prolong any change to the X.
Click to expand...
I was going to wait for the 9s to get a bit of a discount then ‘poof’ they were all gone from ASICS’ site and all distributors. My current ones still have some life in them, but I’m trying to be ahead of the curve for when they need replaced. Get them if you can!
 
Interested in the Fila Auxilus 3s. Not a Gel res guy, but I’ve also been on the hunt for a perfect shoe for years now. If you’re primarily a doubles player, I’d grab a pair of the Ultrashot 3s on sale. No weird creasing with em and very comfortable, although a bit heavy.
 
Try the Diadora Speed Fly 4 (but ½ size up) for a more sock like fit (but it is a generous D width) or Torneo 3 for a more traditional fit (but also a generous D width in the forefoot. One of the best cushioning in the market that lasts. If you have a narrower than D foot and not too even length toes (long big or 2nd toe, short 5th), then try the Yonex Fusion Rev 5.
 
Dberger820 said:
  • Adidas Barricade 13 - these was actually the ones I purchased after trying on my first batch of shoes. Around the house, these felt great with solid cushioning and support. Unfortunately once I played in them for the first time I got pain from the heel collar on the inside input my ankles and my toes were hitting the ends of the shoes when stopping (I never tried a runners knot). my toes simply hurt like there was no padding and the ankle pain made these have to go.
Click to expand...
Very interesting. I switched from old Version of Barricades in 2018 to Gel Res 7 exactly because of this. My Achilles tendon was hurting and was much enlarged in MRI but it took me half a year to find out that it's because of the Barricades. None of the doctors thought it could be because of the heel collars. A few weeks after switching to Gel Res it was perfect. Also blue toes never appeared with Gel Res. For me all Resolutions and also SS FF and FF2 work well. All other shoes I tried are either too wide or make blue toes.
I would recommend to just try harder to find NOS Resolution 9s.
 
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So I have a bit of an update on the shoe search. I received the Vapor 12s yesterday and they were up there with one of my favorites. They feel very much like the Vapor 9.5s. There was some creasing on the toes, but I actually think I could get an 11 in these instead of the 11.5 I ordered and they would fit better. I wore an 11 in the old vapors and haven’t worn Nike since so I may just be an 11 in that brand.

The Eclipsions were complete let downs. I may have just received an odd pair, but I took two steps and the right shoe upper felt like there was something almost broken at the bottom of the tongue that was really digging into the top of my foot. The left shoe though felt great. I took them off after just a few steps and put them back into the box. I’d try these on again if I were in a store to see if it was just a manufacturing defect or not. I couldn’t feel anything wrong with my hand so I’m unsure what it was.

So in the end I have decided to keep the the Lacoste AG-LT23s and the Fila Auxilus 3s. The Lacoste was just night and day instantly more comfortable and flexible compared to the Vapors. I kept the Filas just because I figured they were a nice extra pair to keep around for $60.

Then tonight I played with the Filas and honestly, I couldn’t tell any difference between these and the Gel Res 9s I was in search of replacing. It was quite shocking. No difference in support, traction, or feel. They are even more breathable due to more mesh added in throughout the shoe. I don’t slide so I imagine I could get them to last for a bit. Durability is the only unknown at this point. But honestly if anyone wants a direct replacement to the Gel Res 9 this is 100% it.

Im going to play this weekend for the first time in the Lacoste’s and am excited to see how they play.
 
Dberger820 said:
So I have a bit of an update on the shoe search. I received the Vapor 12s yesterday and they were up there with one of my favorites. They feel very much like the Vapor 9.5s. There was some creasing on the toes, but I actually think I could get an 11 in these instead of the 11.5 I ordered and they would fit better. I wore an 11 in the old vapors and haven’t worn Nike since so I may just be an 11 in that brand.

The Eclipsions were complete let downs. I may have just received an odd pair, but I took two steps and the right shoe upper felt like there was something almost broken at the bottom of the tongue that was really digging into the top of my foot. The left shoe though felt great. I took them off after just a few steps and put them back into the box. I’d try these on again if I were in a store to see if it was just a manufacturing defect or not. I couldn’t feel anything wrong with my hand so I’m unsure what it was.

So in the end I have decided to keep the the Lacoste AG-LT23s and the Fila Auxilus 3s. The Lacoste was just night and day instantly more comfortable and flexible compared to the Vapors. I kept the Filas just because I figured they were a nice extra pair to keep around for $60.

Then tonight I played with the Filas and honestly, I couldn’t tell any difference between these and the Gel Res 9s I was in search of replacing. It was quite shocking. No difference in support, traction, or feel. They are even more breathable due to more mesh added in throughout the shoe. I don’t slide so I imagine I could get them to last for a bit. Durability is the only unknown at this point. But honestly if anyone wants a direct replacement to the Gel Res 9 this is 100% it.

Im going to play this weekend for the first time in the Lacoste’s and am excited to see how they play.
Click to expand...
Which have most underfoot cushioning?
 
Played a match in the AG-LT23s. The Lacoste’s are my #1 overall shoe right now. Absolutely fantastic all around. Filas #1 direct replacement for Gel Res 9s.
 
Did you order Lacoste AG-LT23 the same size as Gel Res 9? I keep reading to size up half a size on LT23.
 
z00 said:
Did you order Lacoste AG-LT23 the same size as Gel Res 9? I keep reading to size up half a size on LT23.
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I ordered the Lacoste’s in both my normal 11.5 and the 12 as I read the same information. I chose the 11.5 and have no issues at all. The 12 would work too but we’re not needed for me.

For reference I wore size 11 in the Gel Res 9 but 11.5 in everything else.
 
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Coming from the Gel Res 9 and played with it until my left out sole has a hole - I switched to the Mizuno Enforce Tour 1 for 7 months until I also drilled a hole in my left shoe as well and loved it enough to pick up the Mizuno Enforce Tour 2 and have been enjoying it so far. Minimal break in time (walked around the house before my tennis session for a couple of hours and it was good to go for match play). Potentially might be a Mizuno customer for life at this point if they keep up with their Enforce Tour.
 
soulkeeper said:
@Dberger820 Very helpful posts!
Between vapor 12 and lacoste,which one you found lower to the ground and speedy?
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The Vapor 12 was lower to the ground but as I didn’t actually play in it I cannot comment on the speediness of it. I will say the Lacoste feels speedy due to the shank and while it is higher off the ground than the Vapor I have not felt off-balance at all. My buddy chose the Vapor 12 as his next shoe but previously played in the Vapor 11 so it wasn’t as big of a change. He says the 12 is better than the 11 during play for what it’s worth!
 
  • New Balance CT Rally - comfortable. Myself and friends who tried on all commented how we felt higher off the ground compared to other shoes. When planting my foot in the house it felt harder compared directly to the Barricade. The upper was tough, but felt like it would probably break in nicely but may take a few hours. Reviews said the sole softens up with use which would benefit this shoe in my opinion.
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Im also coming from GR9s in size 8.5 -- I could have done GR10s in size 8 (tried both and clearly better fit, no rubber clicking/folding) but seemed ugly and heavy. I liked the look of CT Rallys in white. Have been disappointed. Caused mid achilles pain (granted that's my weak link but was surprised given how cushioned it is). Also - I have no idea how TPaul plays in these. Way less stable than GR9 -eg when landing after split step feels too pillowy and a tad unstable. CT Rally is supposed to run short and narrow (according to another online shoe comparison site) but I found the opposite -- so it's possible I should have gone for 8s (as reference -- Ive never work 8s for any shoe except for converse chucks).

  • Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour 2 - I was really excited for this shoe after all the praise of the first model. Unfortunately it wasn’t a winner for me simply because of the paper thin tongue the laces really dug into the top of my foot. The soles were fantastic and had great heel-to-toe motion. Wish I could have tried the previous version with the double heel lock.
Click to expand...

I gave up on CT Rally after a month and got these. Blue looks really good IMO. Feel great on foot. Very stable feeling. Snug, comfortable fit in my size. Also has a higher heel drop -- which apparently helps alleviate pressure on achilles, so worth a try. I like padded tongues (CT has that) but tried these on and didnt bother me (wearing them on court for the first time tonight though).

What do you mean re: double heel lock? These have the extra hole for runner's loop, which is a must have.

CT RallyGRXGR9Mizuno
Drop9.6mm10mm10.9mm11.9 mm
Weight14.2 oz16.1 oz14.8 oz14.6 oz
 
socallefty said:
I feel like I have to size down half a size on the GR X compared to the GR9. Same size was OK with thick socks when the shoe was new, but I feel like it is going to be too loose when it gets beyond 10 hours especially for singles. I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks and so I haven’t played with them yet for more than two matches of doubles. But I bought a pair that is half size smaller just to be ready in case they get too loose early.
Click to expand...
The usual size GR X was too big compared to GR9s and so I’ve started playing with a half-size smaller pair. Feel like there is still some heel slippage and unfortunately there is no last hole on each side to do a runner’s knot. One side has a second hole a bit lower and I’ve been trying to lace it using that to make the heel fit better. Still a work in progress to find the right lacing method as my arch area now feels a bit cramped. If I can’t figure it it, I will also be on the market looking for a different shoe model to replace GR9s. Tried the latest Barricades and Court FF3 - they don’t work for me.
 
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Fwiw I’ve played 2 singles matches of 2+ hours and a few dubs and the Wave enforce are great so far. Hard to say better or worse than GR9 as it’s not side by side. Definitely WAY better for me than CT Rally - my mid-achilles pain is gone. Yikes, even brand new shoes can make things worse. Who knew.

Court FF3 was on my list but didnt have good colorways so I went with this.
 
SF_45er said:
Fwiw I’ve played 2 singles matches of 2+ hours and a few dubs and the Wave enforce are great so far. Hard to say better or worse than GR9 as it’s not side by side. Definitely WAY better for me than CT Rally - my mid-achilles pain is gone. Yikes, even brand new shoes can make things worse. Who knew.

Court FF3 was on my list but didnt have good colorways so I went with this.
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Good to know! I tried the Court FF3 when it came out and I recall not loving them, but cannot remember why anymore.

Has the thin tongue on the Wave given you any issue?
 
Dberger820 said:
Good to know! I tried the Court FF3 when it came out and I recall not loving them, but cannot remember why anymore.

Has the thin tongue on the Wave given you any issue?
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So the tongue hasn't bothered me -- as far as laces biting into my feet. Maybe others are more sensitive to this. On the laces themselves -- one minor quibble is that with GR9 it never crossed my mind that laces lost tension. In long matches I've found myself re-tying laces. Could be mental, who knows. For me, the step-in feel is cushioned but stable feeling like the Court FF3s (never played with it - was surprised how different it feels than GR9). What Ive loved about it -- in aggressive movements Ive felt very stable, both east west and north south. I'd say even a smidge better than GR9 -that felt a bit bulkier/substantial - (probably more stable?) but it felt like it was not giving me extra boost / bounce back on a lateral cut.

For me the CT rally was really bad -- looks pretty, high quality materials, super cushioned...makes me feel handsome like Tommy... BUT less locked in/stable, and definitely much bulkier feeling (even though not sure the data backs me up). Two big issues were: landing on aggressive movements it felt too squishy (not unstable but felt like it delayed me pushing back into the court - opposite of Mizuno). And most importantly it caused me heel pain (very specific to my anatomy I suspect!). So called it quits after 30 days.

On my to do list:
  • Court FF3: want to try it at some point.
  • SolutionSpeed: A team mate who has similar mid-achilles pain mentioned it was good for him (feels stable on step in - and everyone raves about the speed. But upper looks flimsy).
  • AG-LT23: seems like they've kept improving it. Hard to get precise heel drop data - but this one seems like it fits the bill. Colorways have gotten nicer looking.
 
SF_45er said:
So the tongue hasn't bothered me -- as far as laces biting into my feet. Maybe others are more sensitive to this. On the laces themselves -- one minor quibble is that with GR9 it never crossed my mind that laces lost tension. In long matches I've found myself re-tying laces. Could be mental, who knows. For me, the step-in feel is cushioned but stable feeling like the Court FF3s (never played with it - was surprised how different it feels than GR9). What Ive loved about it -- in aggressive movements Ive felt very stable, both east west and north south. I'd say even a smidge better than GR9 -that felt a bit bulkier/substantial - (probably more stable?) but it felt like it was not giving me extra boost / bounce back on a lateral cut.

For me the CT rally was really bad -- looks pretty, high quality materials, super cushioned...makes me feel handsome like Tommy... BUT less locked in/stable, and definitely much bulkier feeling (even though not sure the data backs me up). Two big issues were: landing on aggressive movements it felt too squishy (not unstable but felt like it delayed me pushing back into the court - opposite of Mizuno). And most importantly it caused me heel pain (very specific to my anatomy I suspect!). So called it quits after 30 days.

On my to do list:
  • Court FF3: want to try it at some point.
  • SolutionSpeed: A team mate who has similar mid-achilles pain mentioned it was good for him (feels stable on step in - and everyone raves about the speed. But upper looks flimsy).
  • AG-LT23: seems like they've kept improving it. Hard to get precise heel drop data - but this one seems like it fits the bill. Colorways have gotten nicer looking.
Click to expand...
Are you playing with the Wave Enforce 1 or 2?
 
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