Recommendation for next shoe (I have very 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 from others who also have narrow feet and like a lighter shoe that can recommend a popular choice?

Thanks!
 
I also recommend Asics gel solution speed and since you have a narrow foot try the speed 3s rather than the speed 2s. The speed 3s are a narrower fit than the 2s and the Asics gel solution speed line is very light weight. I have the speed 2s and from personal experience they are very light, fairly durable, and traction is pretty good.
 
Brett said:
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 from others who also have narrow feet and like a lighter shoe that can recommend a popular choice?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Lotto Stratosphere
 
Nike Lunar Ballistec, my feet are really wide so I had to stretch them out, but the toe box is really long (meaning I have to order an extra half size down to fit normal length-wise) but for a very light, pretty narrow shoe that does the job, i really dig the LBs.
 
I also have a narrow foot with a quite think ankle. The Gel Resolution 6 is one of the last shoes I'd recommend; the ankle is very, very wide. I don't know about the Jet, but I've never had any luck with Babolat shoes: at my regular size they fit short, and when I go up a size they fit as wide as boats.

I'd go with Lotto shoes first and foremost if you have a narrow foot. Then the Nike Lunar Ballistec also fits narrow if you go half a size down since they fit a bit long too. The HEAD Revolt is the narrowest shoe I've had, especially in the heel, but they're a bit heavier and you may not like it. I prefer the fit of Lotto shoes since they have a tiny bit more space in the toe box but wrap around my ankle and midfoot much better.

Personally I don't like adidas shoes because I find they fit short (toe jamming!). Their fit is indeed usualy snugger than most shoes exception made of the Barricade 8 that fits like a boat. Regardless of that, I'm currently using the Barricade Classic 5 as they'be fixed the length issue on them and they don't have as much toe jamming if not at all. However, I wish they had an extra eyelet so that I could perform a heel lock.

You could also ask Chris in the TW questions section as he also has a very narrow foot and has play tested a wide array of different shoes.
 
Lukhas said:
I also have a narrow foot with a quite think ankle. The Gel Resolution 6 is one of the last shoes I'd recommend; the ankle is very, very wide. I don't know about the Jet, but I've never had any luck with Babolat shoes: at my regular size they fit short, and when I go up a size they fit as wide as boats.

I'd go with Lotto shoes first and foremost if you have a narrow foot. Then the Nike Lunar Ballistec also fits narrow if you go half a size down since they fit a bit long too. The HEAD Revolt is the narrowest shoe I've had, especially in the heel, but they're a bit heavier and you may not like it. I prefer the fit of Lotto shoes since they have a tiny bit more space in the toe box but wrap around my ankle and midfoot much better.

Personally I don't like adidas shoes because I find they fit short (toe jamming!). Their fit is indeed usualy snugger than most shoes exception made of the Barricade 8 that fits like a boat. Regardless of that, I'm currently using the Barricade Classic 5 as they'be fixed the length issue on them and they don't have as much toe jamming if not at all. However, I wish they had an extra eyelet so that I could perform a heel lock.

You could also ask Chris in the TW questions section as he also has a very narrow foot and has play tested a wide array of different shoes.
Click to expand...

I have very narrow feet and have no problems with the asics gr6.
 
Brett said:
I am 6'1, 165 lbs. Currently I have been using the Nike Air Court Ballistec 4.3 and I can't stand them.
Click to expand...
Their replacement, Nike Lunar Ballistecs are narrow and provide good cushioning etc. They feel fast, without actually being a light shoe.
 
My feet aren't super narrow, but probably on the more narrow side of "medium" width. I was enjoying an earlier generation of the Asics Gel Game a couple years ago. These were giving me a nice fit and a low-to-the-ground layout that I wanted after getting this with one or two other brands. When they came out with a new generation though, they were too narrow, even after I tried to work them in for a couple of weeks. The current Gel Games don't carry the same price tag as others like the Barricades or Gel Resolutions, but they're not too heavy and may give you a shoe that accommodates your narrow foot. Before they became too narrow for me, I thought they were great.

I'm currently enjoying two pairs of the Lotto Raptor IV's and may try a pair of Barricade Bounces next.
 
I have very narrow feet also. You need to stay away from New Balance, K-Swiss, and Prince (they used to make a few narrow shoes but not anymore). With Nike it depends on the model (Lunar Ballistecs are probably the best fit). Adidas is mostly good with a few exceptions. The Barricade 7 and 2015 are both narrow. I've worn the 7 and tried the 2015 at the store. Asics depends on the model. I currently wear the GR6, and it fits great if I wear 2 pairs of socks. The GR5's were too wide. I tried the SS3, which was quite narrow, and I'm thinking of getting it. Lotto Raptors are narrow and quite good (I wore the Raptor III), and I've heard the Stratosphere is narrow too.

My favorite shoe right now is the Asics GR6 (with Superfeet Green insoles). Other shoes have a narrower fit, but none are as comfortable. I had a little heel slippage at first, but after break-in and using the lock-lace pattern they are now locked in. I also wear last year's Prince T22 that has a narrow fit and great cushioning, but the new ones are too wide. For my next shoe, I will most likely get the Asics SS3, but the Adidas Barricade 2015 or 2016 with Boost look tempting also.
 
Ok everyone based off your recommendations I think I am narrowing it down to either the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, the Lotto Stratosphere or Lotto Raptor Evo? (only Lottos I saw listed on TW from Lotto were these two)

So more takes?
 
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Brett said:
Ok everyone based off your recommendations I think I am narrowing it down to either the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, the Lotto Stratosphere or Lotto Raptor Evo? (only Lottos I saw listed on TW from Lotto were these two)

So more takes?
Click to expand...

Those are good choices for narrow feet, and good tennis shoes probably don't get any narrower. You might have to go up a half size with the Lottos.

I just bought a pair of Adidas Barricade 2015 Boosts. Honestly, I think they're ugly, but they were on sale at TW. I would say they have more room in the toe box than the Asics GSS3 or the Lotto Raptors, but the midfoot is quite snug, so I'm happy with the fit.
 
Brett said:
Ok everyone based off your recommendations I think I am narrowing it down to either the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, the Lotto Stratosphere or Lotto Raptor Evo? (only Lottos I saw listed on TW from Lotto were these two)

So more takes?
Click to expand...

Just want to say that Stratospheres are narrower than Raptor Evo's. I use two pairs of each. :)
 
Knife said:
Just want to say that Stratospheres are narrower than Raptor Evo's. I use two pairs of each. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion! So now I'm thinking I will narrow it down to the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, Asics Gel Resolution 6 or the Lotto Stratosphere? Are the Lotto Stratosphere and Lotto Raptor Evo both pretty popular and reviewed about the same? Or is one slightly ranked higher than the other?

My concern is that people say the Solution Speed 3 get very hot easily and are not durable. My Nike Air Court Ballistec 4.3 were not durable at all either though. Do more people recommend the Gel Solution Speed 3 over the Gel Resolution 6? What's pros/cons of each against one another?
 
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Ramon said:
Those are good choices for narrow feet, and good tennis shoes probably don't get any narrower. You might have to go up a half size with the Lottos.

I just bought a pair of Adidas Barricade 2015 Boosts. Honestly, I think they're ugly, but they were on sale at TW. I would say they have more room in the toe box than the Asics GSS3 or the Lotto Raptors, but the midfoot is quite snug, so I'm happy with the fit.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I have tried Barricades in the past and didn't like them because they felt like bricks on my feet. So probably won't try them again.
 
I understand these are great options for narrow but also I would prefer something that is durable.

Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, Lotto Statosphere and Lotto Raptor EVO?

I think those are the 3 I am choosing between but can't decide.
 
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So to update everyone. Originally I bought the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 in 11.5. They felt too big in the toebox and the heel slipped. So I bought a size 11. Then my toes were crammed...the heels weren't slipping as bad but still a little. So I decided maybe I need to order something different all together.
So I got my size 11.5 Lotto Stratosphere in last night. I tried them on and I like them! Unfortunately my toe was pretty much at the very end of the shoe but it wasn't really uncomfortable? So I ordered a size 12 in case to leave more room for the toebox probably?

But the major problem was my heels were slipping in them some because I have not only narrow feet but skinny heels. I'm so frustrated because this same thing happened on the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 that I tried first. Ugh!!
 
Brett said:
Ok everyone based off your recommendations I think I am narrowing it down to either the Asics Gel Solution Speed 3, the Lotto Stratosphere or Lotto Raptor Evo? (only Lottos I saw listed on TW from Lotto were these two)

So more takes?
Click to expand...

The GSS3s are a narrower version of my favorite shoes ever, the GSS2s.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Else, I can only repeat what I've already said in our conversation.

Because they're so narrow, Lotto shoes tend to fit a bit short. No shoe is going to perfectly lock the ankle in order to allow movement especially when stretched, so you shouldn't worry if you're not completely locked in. That said, if the heel slippage is still excessive despite having an ankle lock lacing, I can only recommend to ask Chris as I wrote in my previous message about the various shoes he's tested. Else, the usual tricks: two pairs of socks or even an ankle sleeve/brace if you really can't find anything at all on the market.
On a personal level, the tightest heel I've ever encountered was in the HEAD Revolt shoes, but I didn't and still do not recommend them if you've found the CoutBallistec 4.3 to be clunky, because they're no better in that department. And likewise, they do fit a bit short.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks but it didn't really help.

Currently, I am still holding on to just the size 12 pair of Lotto Stratosphere and shipped everything else back. Just don't know if I should keep them or not or what other shoes to look for.

Any other ideas would be great, getting real frustrated.
 
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Beware of Diadora's in size 12 and larger as they are noticeably wider than smaller sizes...
 
I have a narrow foot as well, my arch is high, narrow heel, proportionally wider forefoot. I currently play in size 12.5 Adidas Barricade 2015 with double socks and ASO ankle braces.

I also lock laces as lukhas described. It can only help so much and depends on the position of the last holes. Some have a 'normal' final hole and then another further toward your heel to get more lock. Check out the vapor for an example.

If I play with a sock like nike dri-fit for instance my heel slips more. I make sure my outer double sock has more cotton in the blend.

I've also worn Nike Vapor with superfeet orange insoles. This takes some volume out of the shoe and increases arch support and heel cup. If I didn't have the barricade I would have stuck with this.

This isn't the most current but Chris lists his favorite shoes as:
1) adidas Barricade 2015 Boost
2) Asics Gel Resolution 6
3) Lotto Ultra Raptor IV
 
ArliHawk said:
I tried them for 2 weeks, before they went back to Nike. Ridiculously narrow, although I really liked the cushioning setup. Wish Nike would put that stacked/targeted zoom in a shoe with a better fit. That would be money.
Click to expand...

Maybe the Nike Ultrafly, its pricy though.
The TW review isn't out yet, but from other videos it looks like Chris is on it, and other people are saying it is too narrow.
 
Brett said:
See that's what I was afraid of, thanks Knife. Ugh back to square 1 with no options, lol.
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You use size 11.5, not 12 and bigger. Which means the option is still valid.
moon shot said:
Maybe the Nike Ultrafly, its pricy though.
The TW review isn't out yet, but from other videos it looks like Chris is on it, and other people are saying it is too narrow.
Click to expand...
Last I've read about it, it was the forefoot especially that was narrow and not the rest of the shoe. But that's only what I've read.

EDIT: Might as well check out the Fila Torneo III. I had completely forgot about it.

 
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I have narrow feet too, so if the shoe feels comfy but a bit too wide, I just throw in a thicker insole or 2 pairs of socks. Problem solved.
 
Brett said:
All someone said from TW is that he liked KSwiss or Diadora and no one recommends them on here.
Click to expand...

That person definitely didn't know what he was talking about. I haven't tried Diadora, but I can definitely tell you from experience to stay away from K-Swiss. Even the Glaciators, which were supposed to be the narrowest K-Swiss shoe at the time, were too wide for me.
 
moon shot said:
I have a narrow foot as well, my arch is high, narrow heel, proportionally wider forefoot. I currently play in size 12.5 Adidas Barricade 2015 with double socks and ASO ankle braces.

I also lock laces as lukhas described. It can only help so much and depends on the position of the last holes. Some have a 'normal' final hole and then another further toward your heel to get more lock. Check out the vapor for an example.

If I play with a sock like nike dri-fit for instance my heel slips more. I make sure my outer double sock has more cotton in the blend.

I've also worn Nike Vapor with superfeet orange insoles. This takes some volume out of the shoe and increases arch support and heel cup. If I didn't have the barricade I would have stuck with this.

This isn't the most current but Chris lists his favorite shoes as:
1) adidas Barricade 2015 Boost
2) Asics Gel Resolution 6
3) Lotto Ultra Raptor IV
Click to expand...

I agree with getting Superfeet insoles. I use the Green one myself, but if you like the springiness of the Orange, that's even higher volume. If your feet are really narrow like mine, you can stack them on top of the factory insole to get a tight fit.
 
Lukhas said:
You use size 11.5, not 12 and bigger. Which means the option is still valid.

Last I've read about it, it was the forefoot especially that was narrow and not the rest of the shoe. But that's only what I've read.

EDIT: Might as well check out the Fila Torneo III. I had completely forgot about it.

Click to expand...

What do you mean I use size 11.5? For the Lotto Stratosphere, the size 11.5 were too small so I have the pair of 12 which seem to be better? Heel slippage on both though.
 
Brett said:
What do you mean I use size 11.5? For the Lotto Stratosphere, the size 11.5 were too small so I have the pair of 12 which seem to be better? Heel slippage on both though.
Click to expand...
I thought you were wearing 11.5, my bad. Sizings aren't equal between brands however: I wear 11.5 with some brands and 12 with others easilly. I don't know about the Eclipson (too recent) or the Barricade 2015 (ain't interested that much).
Concerning the conversation, I generally don't go for adidas shoes (tennis or otherwise), I find that they mostly fit short on the inside; notable exception being the Classic V which length is decent but they won't satisfy you.
 
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We found the Stratospheres to run a half size smaller compared to normal sizing (so if you are normally a size 11.5, we recommend ordering a 12).

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 
Lukhas said:
I thought you were wearing 11.5, my bad. Sizings aren't equal between brands however: I wear 11.5 with some brands and 12 with others easilly. I don't know about the Eclipson (too recent) or the Barricade 2015 (ain't interested that much).
Concerning the conversation, I generally don't go for adidas shoes (tennis or otherwise), I find that they mostly fit short on the inside; notable exception being the Classic V which length is decent but they won't satisfy you.
Click to expand...

I have narrow feet, and my experience with Adidas is a bit more favorable than yours. I usually found Adidas length to be true to size except for the Barricade 8/8+ which was very short. The Barricade 7 was actually slightly long. Width was usually on the narrow side of medium, so while I usually needed to add an insole or wear 2 pairs of socks, the fit was more acceptable than most other brands (including the NB 604 B width, which I definitely think is closer to a D than a B). Right now I'm experiencing some rubbing and pinching on the Barricade 2015 Boost, so I'm not a total fan of it, but I'd say Adidas has been one of the better tennis shoe manufacturers for me.
 
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