Popular recommendation for shoes for those with narrow feet

B

Brett

Semi-Pro
I am 6'1, 165 lbs. Currently I have been using the Nike Air Court Ballistec 4.3 and I can't stand them. They feel much too heavy on my feet (16.1 ounces) and I have such narrow feet that I have to tie the laces so hard and they still feel too wide on my feet.

Do you have a good recommendation for me? Maybe to help more, I can let you know for running shoes I have been using Nike Air Pegasus in a narrow size 12 and they work pretty well. I understand tennis shoes don't really come in narrows though.

Any help on what you recommend to customers who also have long, narrow feet and like a lighter shoe? Like a specific shoe that's popular for those of us like this?

Thanks!
 
Brett,

TW Playtester, Chris, also has narrow feet. His favorite shoes are KSwiss Hypercourt, Diadora Speed Star K VI or VII, and Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks TW. Based off some people's recommendations I was looking at the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, the Lotto Stratosphere or the Lotto Raptor EVO?

Your thoughts on those? One more popular than the other?
 
Last edited:
Brett,

The Solution Speed 3 would be the most popular among the three for the playtesters. They have great cushioning, lightweight feel and great support and stability.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks! My concern is that people say the Solution Speed 3 get very hot easily and are not durable.

Your thoughts? My Nike Air Court Ballistec 4.3 were not durable at all either though.
 
Brett,

The Solution Speed 3s have around average ventilation. If you live in a very hot and humid place you might run into some issues especially in summer. However, I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker as they were manageable to play in. As far as durability, they have decent durability and definitely above average for a lightweight shoe. We considered the Nike court Ballistec 4.3s to have high durability so if you were going through those quickly, you are probably going to go through any shoe rather quickly.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks Brittany! Just out of curiosity, will you be coming out with new colors for the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 anytime soon? If so, what colors? Any pictures?

I understand you said the Solution Speed 3 are the most popular for the playtesters out of those 3 but from what I am hearing they are the least durable of the 3. So did that not play out in the playtesters mind? I was leaning towards the Solution Speed 3 but if they aren't durable it has me a bit concerned.
 
Last edited:
Brett,

Yes, there will be new colorways around mid June- blue/white/black, yellow/black/white. Unfortunately, we do not have any pictures.

The Stratospheres and Solution Speed 3s have around the same durability. The Raptor EVOs will have better durability but are a little heavier and slightly less cushioned.

For shoes, it will come down to what features are more important than others durability versus light weight, etc.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks Brittany.

Unfortunately I have tried both the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 and the Lotto Stratosphere. The Lotto Stratosphere felt the better of the two but it also still slipped in the heels.

I'm very frustrated because I want a shoe to work. I am learning I have narrow heels. Can I keep getting options from you? Other people haven't recommended the KSwiss or Diadoras so I think I should stay away from there. And I haven't heard the Nike Zoom Vapor are any better for narrow feet than the 2 I have tried.
 
Brett,

Our resident shoe playtester, Chris, with a narrow foot recommends the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour or adidas Barricade 2016 for a more narrow heel.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Are they both as narrow as the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 or Lotto Stratosphere? Which one is more narrow for my narrow foot and narrow heel? I've heard the Zoom Vapor does not last long at all and for $200 I don't think I want that. On the Barricade 2016 looking at the customer reviews they do not look good at all and people don't recommend them.
 
Brett,

I wish I could give you more concrete answers but we found those also to be narrow in the heel. However, every person has a different foot and fit is subjective to each player so what work for one narrow fit may not work for all narrow. We do have 2 colorways available of the Vapor 9.5 at $105 (the rest are $140) and they have a great adaptive fit technology. I was also going to recommend the Flares/Ultraflys as a possible option but they may be out of your price range. I wouldn't check the Diadora shoes off your list as they are also very adaptive fitting and a playtester favorite.

Good luck with your search,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks Brittany. Unfortunately the Vapors apparently wear out very quickly with in months so I don't think that's an option at their price.

If you could ask other people for suggestions, I would appreciate it!
 
Brett,

How about the new Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion? We just finished playtesting these (the video should be up in the next day or two) and the playtesters found them to be very narrow especially in the heel.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Really?! Ah...would they be as narrow as the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 or Lotto Stratosphere that I have tried? What about the Adidas Barricade 2015 Boost? Which is the most narrow?
 
Brett,

I would say it is similar. The Barricade Boost is slightly narrow in the heel but I wouldn't say it as narrow throughout the rest of the shoe.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Thanks but I have heard Yonex shoes are usually more wide and prone to heel slippage? Can you say which of these 4 is the most narrow overall and most narrow in the heel? Like rank them 1-4?
 
Brett said:
Thanks but I have heard Yonex shoes are usually more wide and prone to heel slippage? Can you say which of these 4 is the most narrow overall and most narrow in the heel? Like rank them 1-4?
Click to expand...

We just finished up our playtest of the Eclipsion, and like Brittany mentioned to you it fit very narrow through the heel. Yonex shoes have historically fit a bit wider, but this one is definitely a step in another direction.

I'll echo what Brittany has been telling you...for a narrow shoe, I'd recommend the Solution Speed 3, Barricade 2016 and Yonex Eclipsion. For the narrowest fit in the heel, go with the Eclipsion. For the most durability, go with the Barricade. If you tried the SS3 and it didn't fit your foot, then forget that one!

Regardless of what the customer reviews say, amongst the playtesters we loved the Barricade 2016. It offers a more narrow fit and is very durable. However, like I mentioned above, for the MOST narrow fit in the heel, go with the Eclipsion.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy, I appreciate the different viewpoint and more detailed answer! In your opinion, is the Eclipsion as narrow overall as the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 or Lotto Stratosphere? I know you said it's narrow in the heel too...how is that aspect compared to the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 and Lotto Stratosphere as well?

And I know you recommended the Barricade 2016...are you referring to just the Barricade 2016 normal one or the Barricade 2016 Boost?
 
Brett said:
Thanks Andy, I appreciate the different viewpoint and more detailed answer! In your opinion, is the Eclipsion as narrow overall as the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 or Lotto Stratosphere?

And I know you recommended the Barricade 2016...are you referring to just the Barricade 2016 normal one or the Barricade 2016 Boost?
Click to expand...

We prefer the Boost for the increased cushioning, but the regular version is great too if cost is an issue...

They are all "similarly narrow" overall, but the Eclipsion is the most narrow in the heel.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy, this helps me a lot. So in your opinion, the Eclipsion is just as narrow overall as the Solution Speed 3 and the Stratosphere?
 
If I wore roughly a size 11.5 in the Asics/Nike and roughly a 12-12.5 in the Lotto Stratosphere...what would you recommend ordering size for the Eclipsion?
 
Brett said:
If I wore roughly a size 11.5 in the Asics/Nike and roughly a 12-12.5 in the Lotto Stratosphere...what would you recommend ordering size for the Eclipsion?
Click to expand...

We found the sizing to be similar to Asics and Nike shoes, so order a size 11.5. The Stratosphere was noticeably shorter and we all had to size up in that shoe like you did.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy and I apologize for bothering you. I've heard from others that these shoes aren't necessarily narrow but I'll cross my fingers.
 
Which shoe is more narrow overall and more narrow in the heel? The Babolat Jet or Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion?
 
Hey Andy,

Got the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion in tonight and tried them on. But they also slipped on my heels. Overall they felt good narrow wise even though they are wide in the forefoot. I have now tried Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, Lotto Stratosphere and now this one. Don't know what else to do...I hate my feet. Is there any other solution for me? :(
 
Brett said:
Hey Andy,

Got the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion in tonight and tried them on. But they also slipped on my heels. Overall they felt good narrow wise even though they are wide in the forefoot. I have now tried Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, Lotto Stratosphere and now this one. Don't know what else to do...I hate my feet. Is there any other solution for me? :(
Click to expand...

Those are some of the most narrow shoes that we've tried, especially in the heel. Try using the top eyelet in the lacing system and see if that helps lock in the foot. Or, wearing two pairs of socks can help fill out more space inside the shoe.

The only other shoe I could think of that you haven't tried yet is the adidas Barricade 2016. Like I mentioned in a previous post, it has a pretty narrow heel and is pretty narrow overall. It'll also offer excellent durability and a 6 month durability guarantee.

At this point, all you can do is just keep trying shoes and try to find the one that fits best. I can recommend you all the narrow shoes that we have, but ultimately it's going to come down to what fits your foot best. Utilize our free return shipping and keep trying different shoes to see what fits best!

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy. Unfortunately the Eclipsions don't have an extra eyelet in the lacing system. It's already used with the top ones. I already tried these on with two pairs of socks.

I might try the Adidas Barricade 2016. Should I try the regular one or the Boost? Are they the same thing but the Boost is a little nicer? Would you say between it and the Eclipsion is one more narrow overall than the other? Is one more narrow in the heel than the other?

If I do order a pair, what size? Again I ordered the 11.5 for the Eclipsions and they seem to be the right length.
 
Brett said:
Thanks Andy. Unfortunately the Eclipsions don't have an extra eyelet in the lacing system. It's already used with the top ones. I already tried these on with two pairs of socks.

I might try the Adidas Barricade 2016. Should I try the regular one or the Boost? Are they the same thing but the Boost is a little nicer? Would you say between it and the Eclipsion is one more narrow overall than the other? Is one more narrow in the heel than the other?

If I do order a pair, what size? Again I ordered the 11.5 for the Eclipsions and they seem to be the right length.
Click to expand...

Like I've mentioned in a previous post, we found the Barricade and Eclipsions to be similarly narrow. The Barricade may be a better fit for your heel personally, but we won't know until you try it!

The Boost and standard Barricade are the same, with the only difference being the Boost cushioning in the heel that does enhance the comfort. Other than that, performance is the same.

Go ahead and order the same size 11.5.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy.

The Lotto Stratosphere felt more like a normal shoe to me. But I noticed they seemed to be lower to the ground and my left ankle seems to be riding on the top of the top due to it feeling low which causes some pain for me. Not sure if this would go away over time but it's something I noticed. I feel like with the Stratosphere it would be easy to roll an ankle?

The Eclipsion feels narrow but a very different feel than a normal shoe. Almost like a contour shape on the bottom of my foot, not that it's a bad thing. It feels ankle supported and comfortable but the back area of my foot was swimming around in it more than it was with the Stratosphere. Again, I tried the heel lock method but this just causes more tightness and pain around my ankles.

I have just ordered the Adidas Barricade 2016 Boost but I don't expect this to solve my problems either. Not sure what I am going to do if this one doesn't work either.
 
Andy,

So I got the Adidas Barricade Boost 2016 in with my 11.5 size pair. Off the bat, they still slip in the heels/ankles but seemingly not as bad as the Lotto Stratosphere or Yonex Cushion Eclipsion. They felt really tight on my feet and my toes were about at the end of the shoe so I don't know if that means I would be better for a size 12 but then that would also make the heel slip even more.

I give up. Don't know what else to order.
 
Brett said:
Andy,

So I got the Adidas Barricade Boost 2016 in with my 11.5 size pair. Off the bat, they still slip in the heels/ankles but seemingly not as bad as the Lotto Stratosphere or Yonex Cushion Eclipsion. They felt really tight on my feet and my toes were about at the end of the shoe so I don't know if that means I would be better for a size 12 but then that would also make the heel slip even more.

I give up. Don't know what else to order.
Click to expand...

It sounds like this may just be something you're going to have to deal with. Do your heels slip in other athletic shoes? You may just have a uniquely shaped heel and will inevitably struggle to find that perfectly "locked down" fit.

If your toes are at the end of the shoes then you could try a size 12, but like you said that will also create more space in the heel and may cause further slipping. At this point, it's really up to you how you want to approach the situation. We've recommended a number of different shoes, which to your credit you have tried all of them on and seen how they work for you individually. There aren't really any other more narrow shoes than the ones we've suggested, so this may be something that you'll just have to live with at the end of the day.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy, I understand and appreciate all your help. Just out of curiosity I have had one or two people recommend the Babolat Jet? Your thoughts on those compared to others? If I do try them too, what size would you recommend I get?

And I was surprised that the 11.5 didn't maybe fit correct on the Adidas Barricade 2016 Boost...do most people have to go up a 1/2 size if I try the 12 size?
 
Brett said:
Thanks Andy, I understand and appreciate all your help. Just out of curiosity I have had one or two people recommend the Babolat Jet? Your thoughts on those compared to others? If I do try them too, what size would you recommend I get?

And I was surprised that the 11.5 didn't maybe fit correct on the Adidas Barricade 2016 Boost...do most people have to go up a 1/2 size if I try the 12 size?
Click to expand...

TW Staff said:
The Eclipsion is more narrow in the heel and overall.

Andy, TW
Click to expand...

I'd go up to a 12 in the Jet. All our playtesters stayed in size for the Barricade.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks but what's your thoughts on the Babolat Jet for my foot type and a reason you personally never recommended it? Should I even try it?

Or the adidas adizero Ubersonic? Which of those two would you recommend more for me?
 
Last edited:
Brett said:
Thanks but what's your thoughts on the Babolat Jet for my foot type and a reason you personally never recommended it? Should I even try it?

Or the adidas adizero Ubersonic? Which of those two would you recommend more for me?
Click to expand...

You were looking for something narrow, but the Eclipsion is more narrow overall and in the heel, so that is why I didn't recommend it.

I think you'll find a narrower heel in the Ubersonic. Both shoes are very nice so you won't go wrong with either, but for the issues you've been describing, I'd give the Ubersonic a try over the Jet.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy, how is the heel on the Ubersonic compared to the Barricades?

Would you stay with a 11.5 if I try the Ubersonic?

Can't decide if I also try the Jets if I should do a 12 like you recommended or some playtesters said it fit fine normally and if I should just stick to 11.5.
 
Brett said:
Thanks Andy.

Would you stay with a 11.5 if I try the Ubersonic?

Can't decide if I also try the Jets if I should do a 12 like you recommended or some playtesters said it fit fine normally and if I should just stick to 11.5.
Click to expand...

11.5 in the Ubersonic, 12 in the Jet would be my suggestion.

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy,

Main differences too by the way with the Ubersonic and Barricade 2016 Boost? Why didn't the Ubersonic come up as a narrow fit option when you filter it that way under the Adidas brand on the main site?

And you would stick with a size 11.5 for the Ubersonic even though the Barricade seemed a little snug at that length?

Just bought a size 12 for the Barricade 2016 Boost (went up a 1/2 size from the original 11.5 I ordered), a size 11.5 for the Adidas Ubersonic and a size 12 for the Babolat Jet.

Not very hopeful but wish me luck...
 
Last edited:
Brett said:
Thanks Andy,

Main differences too by the way with the Ubersonic and Barricade 2016 Boost? Why didn't the Ubersonic come up as a narrow fit option when you filter it that way under the Adidas brand on the main site?

And you would stick with a size 11.5 for the Ubersonic even though the Barricade seemed a little snug at that length?

Just bought a size 12 for the Barricade 2016 Boost (went up a 1/2 size from the original 11.5 I ordered), a size 11.5 for the Adidas Ubersonic and a size 12 for the Babolat Jet.

Not very hopeful but wish me luck...
Click to expand...

The Ubersonic is a lightweight, speed-oriented shoe while the Barricade is built more for stability and durability. You expressed a priority on durability and the Ubersonic is a little wider fitting than the Barricade, so that is why I didn't recommend it for you.

Good luck!

Andy, TW
 
Haha so in other words, there is a high likelihood that the Ubersonic won't fit if the Barricade didn't and still slipped in the heels.

I just can't win, call me Cinderella!
 
Could you put one of those heel cushions in the back of the shoe? They're soft and self-adhesive and fit on the back side of the shoe, not the heel cushion. They can effectively make the shoe slightly shorter or slightly narrower if they go around far enough.

New Balance makes tennis shoes from width B to 4E (maybe even 6E) but I think that most retailers don't carry the really narrow and really wide models.
 
Andy,

The Barricade 2016 Boost is the best of all 7 but still not liking it because only my left heel is slipping on both the 11.5 and 12 size. My right foot isn't slipping as much. I tried the Ubersonics but immediately didn't like them because of the laces and they felt like they didnt have much cushion at all. The Babolat Jet look amazing and feel great but they feel really loose in my ankles and slip more so than the Barricade 2016 Boost. I'm also concerned about the durability of the Babolat Jet.

Out of all the 7-8 pairs of shoes I have tried, the Barricade 2016 Boost seem to slip the least amount in the heel. Can't decide on what size though...I'm either an 11.5 or 12...I have both pairs. In my previous Nike Air Court Ballistic 4.3 I had both 11.5 and size 12 because I couldn't decide either. In my usual running shoes which are Nike Air Pegasus 32 (narrow) I wear a size 12.

I keep going back and forth between the 11.5 and size 12. The 11.5 seems tighter on the top of my foot and back by ankles, sometimes a little pain on the medial side of the ankle and on the outside....but the 12 seems like it's too lose on the sides and the heel. Plus when I tie them tight, you can tell there is a little too much buckling than there should be.

So not sure what to do...maybe keep trying other shoes?
 
Last edited:
Brett said:
Andy,

The Barricade 2016 Boost is the best of all 7 but still not liking it because only my left heel is slipping on both the 11.5 and 12 size. My right foot isn't slipping as much. I tried the Ubersonics but immediately didn't like them because of the laces and they felt like they didnt have much cushion at all. The Babolat Jet look amazing and feel great but they feel really loose in my ankles and slip more so than the Barricade 2016 Boost. I'm also concerned about the durability of the Babolat Jet.

Out of all the 7-8 pairs of shoes I have tried, the Barricade 2016 Boost seem to slip the least amount in the heel. Can't decide on what size though...I'm either an 11.5 or 12...I have both pairs. In my previous Nike Air Court Ballistic 4.3 I had both 11.5 and size 12 because I couldn't decide either. In my usual running shoes which are Nike Air Pegasus 32 (narrow) I wear a size 12.

I keep going back and forth between the 11.5 and size 12. The 11.5 seems tighter on the top of my foot and back by ankles, sometimes a little pain on the medial side of the ankle and on the outside....but the 12 seems like it's too lose on the sides and the heel. Plus when I tie them tight, you can tell there is a little too much buckling than there should be.

So not sure what to do...maybe keep trying other shoes?
Click to expand...

It sounds like you've found a good fit with the Barricade 2016, so I don't think trying more shoes would help you here. As far as sizing, that's entirely up to you. It sounds like you have tried on both sizes, so just figure out which feel you like better and go with it!

Sounds like we are getting close Cinderella...it's time to get you ready for the ball! ;-)

Andy, TW
 
Thanks Andy! Just out of interest....what generally do people do on the sizing with Adidas? My exact foot by itself measures 11 inches from the top of the big toe to the end of my heel. Would majority of people go with 11.5 or 12 due to that?

I understand it's entirely up to me...just want to know a good rule of thumb that most people would lean towards based off what I mentioned on how the 11.5 fits me and how the 12 fits me.

Thanks!
 
My feet are a half-size different in length. I generally get the size that fits the longer foot and lace up the shoe with the shorter foot more tightly. I use leather cross-trainers for tennis and the leather eventually molds to the foot. If the back is too narrow, then you could use something like Profoot Care Heel Snugs (you can look them up). I don't know whether TW carries something similar but there are a wide variety of products out there that use up some of the space in the shoe so that you can wear shoes that are normally somewhat larger than your foot.

Before I knew I had different-sized feet, I'd sometimes get a pair that was too small for one foot - with leather shoes, they will stretch but they may be uncomfortable on the bigger side for a while.
 
Brett said:
Thanks Andy! Just out of interest....what generally do people do on the sizing with Adidas? My exact foot by itself measures 11 inches from the top of the big toe to the end of my heel. Would majority of people go with 11.5 or 12 due to that?

I understand it's entirely up to me...just want to know a good rule of thumb that most people would lean towards based off what I mentioned on how the 11.5 fits me and how the 12 fits me.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Our playtesters all stayed in size for the Barricade and Ubersonic.

Andy, TW
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Recommendation for next shoe (I have very narrow feet!)
2 3
Replies
108
Views
10K
Ramon
R
C
Tennis shoes without plastic/rubber on uppers
Replies
8
Views
2K
ChristineLand
C
loosegroove
Shoes for narrow feet (since you don't have the Prince T10's in my size anymore)?
Replies
0
Views
1K
loosegroove
loosegroove
Bundey
Shoe recommendation for VERY narrow feet.
Replies
10
Views
1K
Josherer
Josherer
W
Shoes for narrow feet.
Replies
8
Views
2K
Ramon
R
Back
Top