Reebok NetMaster II DMX Review

[blubber]

As I began to take tennis more seriously I came to understand that it wasn't a good idea to play in cross trainers. So, with some help from this board I decided to buy my first pair of tennis shoes. I bought a pair of Reebok NetMaster II DMX's. Here's a quick review.


There's a lot I like about these shoes:

+Break-in time is minimal if any.

+Roomy feel in the forefoot. I have a medium to wide foot and I hate shoes that cramp my toes together.

+Lots of cushioning. My knees feel much better after playing now when compared to before.

+Stability is good.

+Price is affordable.

+Look is simple and clean. Although they don't have the coolest design, they aren't ugly or weird looking like many other tennis shoes.


Here are my dislikes:


+Heel slippage. I never had this problem wearing my New Balance cross trainers. With the Netmaster's I get the sensation that the back of my foot is coming out of my shoe when I run foward. This problem seems to be due to three things: 1) the shoe is roomy from forefoot to heel and I might have a narrow heel 2)the part of the shoe that covers the ankle does not come up high enough, another inch or so and there might not be a problem 3) the part of the shoe that contacts the back of the ankle is made of a mesh material, not leather, and that area has no support inside of it. To solve this problem many suggest wearing thick socks or two pair of socks. I don't like that solution because it makes my feet feel like they are suffocating. Instead, I wrap my lower ankles, although I have no ankle problems. This seems to prevent most heel slippage.

+Another potential dislke is durability. I can't judge it myself because I haven't had them very long but from what I've read these shoes wear out faster than others.


Overall I am pleased with my purchase and I would recommend these shoes to others.

 

[courtrage]

i have a similar problem in the fila x point 2 i have...i got these heel cups of e bay and they made the problem go away...my buddy said he tried stuff like that and they made his heel go numb..i didnt feel that...just got some Sof Sole athlete+ insoles from east bay . com and hope to try them tomorrow to see if changing the fila insole helps fit...you can do a search for "heel cup" and see what they look like...i bought a dozen pairs (thats how the seller sold them) i dont need all these..if you'd like to buy a pair i can sell one to you for 2-3$ shipped if you like...hurculez@aol.com
i had a similar heel slip problem with the osciallates when i first got them then it just went away...the xpoint doesnt seem like it will for some reason :-\

 

[blubber]

Thanks for the advice and offer. I thought about heel cups but I was afraid that they would push my heel higher up in the shoe and I already feel that the shoe is cut too low around that area. I may still give heel cups a try because the Dr. Scholl's heel cups being sold on A m a z o n, although a bit expensive at $8, ship for free if you spend $25 and it says that the manufacturer will accept any returns if you are not satisfied. I'm not exactly sure about the conditions on returns or if it's a money back guarantee though.

So, for now, I think I'll stick to using the ankle wrap. It's a light wrap. I use a 5in. wide by 12in. long piece of elastic fabric that is fastened by velcro. So the wrap doesn't really choke my foot or do much to prevent ankle sprains, it just takes up space to allow my shoes to fit more snuggly in the heel and lower ankle area.

 

[courtrage]

i dont know what the dmx look like but i worried about it pushing my heel up too and it didnt...i can see how much shipping will be and if its less than a $1 i can send a pair of heel cups to try out and tell me what you think. I just went to wal mart with my xpoints 2 on with the Sof Sole and my left foot felt like something was pushing against my arch...i dont get it..my right foot has no problem at all. Also looking at the xpoint the outside of the shoe has eyelets and the inside has speed lacing...that makes the laces cross near the inside of the shoe instead of across the top of your foot so i wonder what effects that has on fit/support....i am so close to giving up on this shoe, but LOVE the style and for 40$ its even better..but then again, theres probably a reason they are selling a 90-100$ shoe that cheap :-\

 

[blubber]

Thanks again but I'm sticking with what has worked, the ankle wrap.

 

[courtrage]

one of the reasons i liked the xpoint was cause the size was right but roomy enough to still fit if i had to put on ankle brace...i just dont want to put one on every time i play :-\ let me know how the Dr S thing works for you...

 

[nn]

Yes they are great in everything but durability kind of question but you can get replacement from RBK if you send them..

After using Barricade II for long time my knee pain started so switch back to Netmaster because before using Barricade II I was wearing Netmaster I so it make sense to go back...

 

[Roforot]

Yes they are great in everything but durability kind of question but you can get replacement from RBK if you send them..

After using Barricade II for long time my knee pain started so switch back to Netmaster because before using Barricade II I was wearing Netmaster I so it make sense to go back...

Of interest to me; how long were using the Barricade 2 before knee pain started? Was it possible that shoes were worn out?

 

[nn]

Of interest to me; how long were using the Barricade 2 before knee pain started? Was it possible that shoes were worn out?

might be..because Barricade II were 18 months old but not worn out of something like that..but still cushioning is just about okay in Barricade II. Netmaster in that department too good even after 18 months no question about that because I have used them for 3 years then Barricade II for 18 months and now back to Netmaster and knee paining going slowing but surely..

hope this helps