Prince T22 VS T22 Lite

[ricardo]

To those who have tried/used both shoes, comments please:

T22 Lite
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_T22_Lite_Grey_Red/descpageMSPRINCE-PM22LGR.html

T22 Orig
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_T22_White_Blue_Green/descpageMSPRINCE-PT22MWG.html

1. Are they the same width? Which one is wider?
   
2. Are they both comfortable? Which one is more comfortable?

I currently have the T22.
I like it.
It is one of the best shoes I ever tried.
However, it pinches my pinky toes (both left/right) due to the hard plastic forefoot strap (claw).
And this is the deal-breaker.

I notice that the T22 Lite no longer have the hard plastic forefoot strap (claw) so that
will certainly help with the pinched pinky toes.

Thank you very much..

 

[Xfimpg]

Great post, I am exactly in the same predicament as you.
Hopefully someone will have the answer.

 

[themitchmann]

To those who have tried/used both shoes, comments please:

T22 Lite
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_T22_Lite_Grey_Red/descpageMSPRINCE-PM22LGR.html

T22 Orig
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_T22_White_Blue_Green/descpageMSPRINCE-PT22MWG.html

1. Are they the same width? Which one is wider?
   
2. Are they both comfortable? Which one is more comfortable?

I currently have the T22.
I like it.
It is one of the best shoes I ever tried.
However, it pinches my pinky toes (both left/right) due to the hard plastic forefoot strap (claw).
And this is the deal-breaker.

I notice that the T22 Lite no longer have the hard plastic forefoot strap (claw) so that
will certainly help with the pinched pinky toes.

Thank you very much..

Because of the difference in material, I find the T22 Lite to have a slightly roomier fit. While I know of the issue some players have with the pinky toe, I don't often have that problem (unless my feet are swollen after hours on court, or if I've laced up too tightly). That being said, I doubt players will have this issue with the new T22 Lite.

 

[Xfimpg]

I'm receiving a pair tomorrow, will report back on my findings.

 

[ricardo]

I'm receiving a pair tomorrow, will report back on my findings.

Excellent.
Look forward to it.

 

[Xfimpg]

Hey Ricardo
I currently have both shoes on my feet. They feel identical in fit. The Lite version still has the plastic bands on the outside, but they are thin and I don't feel them when I run my hand inside the shoe.
For the record, the regular T22's I have are made in Cambodia (tighter fit than the China T22 version), and the new Lite T22's are made in China.
I preferred the mesh material of the T22's over this "pimp rapper" material in the new Lite's, but I guess that isn't the end of the world when it's the only shoe that fits you.

 

[ricardo]

Hey Ricardo
I currently have both shoes on my feet. They feel identical in fit. The Lite version still has the plastic bands on the outside, but they are thin and I don't feel them when I run my hand inside the shoe.
For the record, the regular T22's I have are made in Cambodia (tighter fit than the China T22 version), and the new Lite T22's are made in China.
I preferred the mesh material of the T22's over this "pimp rapper" material in the new Lite's, but I guess that isn't the end of the world when it's the only shoe that fits you.

Thanks Dude.
I think it is too narrow for me then.

 

[NE1for10is?]

I have been wearing the T22 for years and have bought umpteen of them, because they fit great, especially for my wider feet, and provide all the right support all the right places. Basically, I don't have any issues with my feet, mostly because of them. Great shoes. So, if it ain't broke why fix it? To make them lighter. Ok, great, so I got a pair to try them out.

First, I did need to go up half a size from usual, as others have mentioned. The 9 I usually wear was too narrow, so I went up to a 9.5, which was still a little narrow and a little long, but good enough.

Second, I was concerned that since there was less support in the shoe that it might give me problems. Indeed that turned out to be the case. The larger issue is, that after playing with the Lite, I started getting some familiar problems that used to happen before I started using the regular T22 years ago; namely, achilles pain and plantar fasciitis.

They are lighter I suppose, but not so much that it makes any difference that I notice while playing.

Bottom line is that I don't recommend the T22 Lite. I will probably use them interchangeably with the regular ones till I wear them out, but I won't be getting them again.

 

[MisterP]

The Lite feels very slightly more narrow to me. But because the upper is softer and molds better to the foot out of the box, this improves within the first couple of hours. I did not go up a half size. I measured it at 16 grams lighter than the standard T22. Not really perceptible while wearing, but any little bit helps. So far cushioning and stability are the same within the first 4 hours.

Kudos to Prince for the updated design. It's much less "old fogey" than the standard T22.

 

[AllTennis01]

Same here, I do not think T22 Lite is bad at all. It is a lighter/softer version of T22 and what happens with that is that stability will be somewhat sacrificed.
Let's put it this way, if I was 20 years younger I would much rather pick the Lite version over regular ones, as speed, lightness and just cooler look
would be more important to me over the stability and durability of the regular T22. Being however those 20 years older, having had some injuries,
I'd take regular ones over the Lite's. I still use Lites in the rotation as they are still a good and comfortable shoe, plus I play more doubles than singles so it's all good.

 

[markwillplay]

very interesting. I love the t22's. Love them. I hate that they seem a bit hot and heavy, but my legs and body love the comfort. I was thinking of trying the lite's, but I don't want to lose any of the cushion and support of the originals.

 

[AllTennis01]

very interesting. I love the t22's. Love them. I hate that they seem a bit hot and heavy, but my legs and body love the comfort. I was thinking of trying the lite's, but I don't want to lose any of the cushion and support of the originals.

Just try them, it's a good shoe. Comfort is definitely there. The insole is not the same rubbery material one as in regular ones, but for me they are still comfortable and cushiony. The uppers being soft material wrap your foot very nicely, probably better than regular ones, but you loose some stability there. I'm sure at very hard and aggressive play the regulars would be more comfortable and easier on your body. However, since you like t22 already, this lite version has very similar feel and it might just work for you, it does work for me.

 

[markwillplay]

I may do that. The regular ones have really helped my knee more than I thought they would. I don't mind the weight really. Tj ey seem a bit hot but hell, it is hot.

 

[NE1for10is?]

I may do that. The regular ones have really helped my knee more than I thought they would. I don't mind the weight really. Tj ey seem a bit hot but hell, it is hot.

You can buy mine. I just used them once. Not enough support.

 

[markwillplay]

As compared to the regular t22's? What size do you wear?

 

[NE1for10is?]

As compared to the regular t22's? What size do you wear?

Size 9 in regular, but had to go up a size in the lite.

 

[markwillplay]

too small for me

 

[NE1for10is?]

I have a pair of blue/blue T22 lites size 9.5 I'm willing to sell that I only used once. If anyone is interested feel free to message me.

 

[Ramon]

I have the narrow Cambodian T22's. I don't know if they changed the fit of the Cambodian version after they found the problem. They might have, but I can definitely tell you I have the narrowest version out there. These shoes are tighter than 2015 Barricades and almost as tight as Lotto Raptors! I tried the T22 Lites from China at the store and they are definitely roomier than my T22's. The upper material is softer too, and I would guess more stretchable.

 

[markwillplay]

I just bout a pair of the regular T-22's in 10.5 and T-22 lites in same size. NO WAY are the lites roomier...not so. The regular T-22's have a wider toe box easy and are a bigger fit. Both shoes fit me but the regular T-22 are indeed roomier. The Lites hug my feet more. I have a pair of black T-22 that I bought 8 months ago and the blue, black and white ones that are on sale now. They are exactly the same fit. The lite I bought was the blue one on sale for 59.99 as well.

Regular=more room
Lite =tighter

 

[Ramon]

I just bout a pair of the regular T-22's in 10.5 and T-22 lites in same size. NO WAY are the lites roomier...not so. The regular T-22's have a wider toe box easy and are a bigger fit. Both shoes fit me but the regular T-22 are indeed roomier. The Lites hug my feet more. I have a pair of black T-22 that I bought 8 months ago and the blue, black and white ones that are on sale now. They are exactly the same fit. The lite I bought was the blue one on sale for 59.99 as well.

Regular=more room
Lite =tighter

That goes to show how much of a difference there was between the narrow Cambodian version from 1-2 years ago and the Chinese version with the original wide fit. I picked the Cambodian T22 because they were snug, even with my narrow feet. It felt the same as the old T10, which was listed on TW as a narrow shoe (not even slightly narrow, it was narrow period). The Chinese T22 was huge; my feet would have been swimming in them. Apparently, they decided to split the difference with the T22 Lite.

 

[markwillplay]

Thsee have opened up now and I think I am going to really like them. I played 3 hours today on hard and clay. We'll see over the long haul, but if cushion is truly the same, these will be a big winner. Big.

They have stretched out from the beginning so I th ink more breaking required th an regular t22. But now they are sweet.

 

[JohnBPittsburgh]

I like my T22 lites, and have had them for probably 3 or 4 months now. They are extremely comfortable, but if I had one complaint, it would be that sometimes I feel like I am slipping forward (this can be attributed to the fact that sometimes I am lazy and just slip them on and off though) I wear them as regular shoes and tennis shoes, and so far, they are my favorite. I have some Warrior shoes, but they feel much bulkier (but sturdier). These remind me of my Lotto Raptor Evo's, which I loved. But honestly, if I could still get EVO's, I would get them.

 

[courtrage]

Im considering playing in the t22 lite thats out now (red/black). I tried them on and i feel a little pressure on the outside edge (tailors bunion) area my right foot. Size 10, for comparison, the same size in a 2023 barricade i feel none of that. Usually that area hurts with stops and starts during play if the shoes arent right. Does anyone have experience with the upper breaking in and think that will go away... thanks

 

[onehandbh]

Im considering playing in the t22 lite thats out now (red/black). I tried them on and i feel a little pressure on the outside edge (tailors bunion) area my right foot. Size 10, for comparison, the same size in a 2023 barricade i feel none of that. Usually that area hurts with stops and starts during play if the shoes arent right. Does anyone have experience with the upper breaking in and think that will go away... thanks

I wore the T22 and late T22 lites for years, but than at certain point, I think they changed factories and the shoe felt different. Slightly narrower and hurt my feet, so I switched to Adidas.