Shoes with great Heel Cushioning?

TripleB

TripleB

Hall of Fame
Currently wearing the Prince T22 Lite tennis shoe (came from the Asics Speed 2) and it is a fantastic fit for my foot (which has a low arch and somewhat narrow). I've played on clay courts for a couple months now and these shoes have been as good as I could hope for...no slipping on my foot, no slipping on the court, and really no foot pain after I've played.

I hit (mostly just hitting with a pair of 10 point tie-breakers thrown in) for about 2 hours on hard courts Saturday and my feet felt fine Sunday morning.

On Sunday I played pretty hard for a little over two hours (2 long sets and a 10 point third set tie-breaker) and woke up yesterday with some of the worst heel pain I've ever had. Wore my running shoes to work today and the pain went away. Changed back into my tennis shoes this afternoon and the pain reared it's ugly head again....sort of in the middle and then inside of the heel on my right foot. I have a hint of discomfort in my left heel but it's much worse in my right foot.

Is there a shoe that fits like the T22 Lite but with much better cushioning in the heel (without the shoe being too tall that stability suffers)?

I guess the obvious choice would be the normal T22 (non Lite version) but wasn't sure if some of the extra 2 ounces in the shoe came from better heel cushioning or not.

Also, I never felt the heel pain when I wore my Asics Speed 2 and they were a much lighter shoe, even lighter than the T22 Lite...so I know cushioning for my heel can be had in a light weight shoe.

Thanks for any and all help.

TripleB
 
Ronaldo said:
Any reason you switched from the Asics Speed shoe?
Click to expand...

Bought two pairs of the Speed 2 when they were closing them out. Wore out my last pair so naturally went to the Speed 3, and I'm not sure what they changed, but didn't care for them at all.

TripleB
 
norcal said:
Yonex has great heel cushioning and has models that run narrow.
Click to expand...

I did a search here and found a post from back in 2017 and several people mentioned the Barricade Boost, the Babolat SFX2 (I guess they're up to the 3 now), and the Yonex.

I'll check each of them out!

TripleB
 
TripleB said:
I did a search here and found a post from back in 2017 and several people mentioned the Barricade Boost, the Babolat SFX2 (I guess they're up to the 3 now), and the Yonex.

I'll check each of them out!

TripleB
Click to expand...
Wear the Adidas Crazy Light Boost. Cushioning is great without that cushiony feel,
Charmin_Bears_Commercial.jpg
 
Have some barricades, seems to have limited cushion in front of foot, feel like i'm on the ground, spend a lot of time here so maybe need different insole
 
If you need more heel cushioning than the T22, you might have to try a basketball shoe. The Adidas Crazylight Boost 2018 and the Harden Vol 2 have a lot of Boost cushioning. The only drawback is that the outsoles wear out faster than most tennis shoes.
 
There is a notion that resolutions are among the most of comfortable tennis shoes out there but beware. In terms of achilles support they are awful. My plantar fasciitis got even worse when started wearing resolution 7 when i was almost pain free with ubersonic 2.
 
I partially tore my left achilles twice over a short period wearing the Res 7's. I generally don't blame shoes for stuff like that but seems to backup what @DJTaurus is saying. I've since given them away and switched to Nike's. No issues at this point.
 
DJTaurus said:
In terms of achilles support they are awful. My plantar fasciitis got even worse when started wearing resolution 7 when i was almost pain free with ubersonic 2.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this info...I've had PF in the past and it was horrible. Eventually had to take time off from tennis, do a lot of stretching, and then a good deal of walking each day to get it to go away. Don't want to go through that again.

Strange, played on clay numerous times with no pain at all, started on hard courts and my pain appeared the very first time out.

TripleB
 
Scoop said:
I partially tore my left achilles twice over a short period wearing the Res 7's. I generally don't blame shoes for stuff like that but seems to backup what @DJTaurus is saying. I've since given them away and switched to Nike's. No issues at this point.
Click to expand...

Speaking of Nike cause i tried them all. The more friendly to my Achilles are: zeros,cage and at last place the vapor x.

Cage 3 I believe is the best tennis VFM shoe out there.
Vapor X is the more low to ground. Best on performance wise but their sole is not flat....the mid section of the sole is kinda raised in height.
Zoom is the most comfortable of the 3. Lots of people complain of their sole height cause they feel like walking above ground like super supportive basketball shoes.

I am so waiting 2019 barricade boost the sole court boost. Boost will be increased thought midsole era. I think they will be the ultimate comfort/performance shoes and with the new flexible materials on the upper part they will be more comfortable and less tight than current boosts 2018.

Till now my favorite tennis shoes of all time: speed solution 2 and Ubersonics 2 :)
 
Scoop said:
I partially tore my left achilles twice over a short period wearing the Res 7's.
Click to expand...

They are still one of the most comfortable shoes out there. But yeah their upper part is crap....no ankle lockdown at all...6s were ever worse.
 
I ruptured my achilles tendon a long time ago and for me, I find the Asics Court FFs to be great. Better than the Nike Vapors, better than my Asics SS2s. I tried on some basketball shoes and none of them felt as good as the FFs. Granted, I didn't play in them...
 
While it's good you guys got the injuries out there, I think it's a little unfair to correlate achilles tears to the shoe just yet, until there are significant number of cases happening in one model for a particular foot type. Achilles tears are common for tennis players over 35 as well. It could well be the shoe doesn't fit your particular heel properly, and getting the right fit for your heel is important.

GSS3, Court FF and SFF all fit fine for me. I've had a bit of AC pain with Nike Air Max Cage, AC2, because those shoes are a bit roomier and there's too much movement.
DJTaurus said:
There is a notion that resolutions are among the most of comfortable tennis shoes out there but beware. In terms of achilles support they are awful. My plantar fasciitis got even worse when started wearing resolution 7 when i was almost pain free with ubersonic 2.
Click to expand...

Scoop said:
I partially tore my left achilles twice over a short period wearing the Res 7's. I generally don't blame shoes for stuff like that but seems to backup what @DJTaurus is saying. I've since given them away and switched to Nike's. No issues at this point.
Click to expand...
 
IMHO the heel drop is important. Asics Resolutions and Nike Vapors both seem to have less of a drop. Some aftermarket insoles have a heell lift that complicates the matter.
 
Ronaldo said:
IMHO the heel drop is important. Asics Resolutions and Nike Vapors both seem to have less of a drop. Some aftermarket insoles have a heell lift that complicates the matter.
Click to expand...
Just had a stretch, pain in my achilles with that stretch, juss sayin'
 
Ronaldo said:
IMHO the heel drop is important. Asics Resolutions and Nike Vapors both seem to have less of a drop. Some aftermarket insoles have a heell lift that complicates the matter.
Click to expand...
Yes and that fit depends on the person's foot matching the shoe design. And it seems we all don't always pick the right shoe for our feet, either due to brand affiliation, and/or buying online which means fitment is a random shoot.
 
I just try Diadora Speed Blueshield 2 for a 2 hours drill and they are really comfy out of the box.

The cushioning is comfortable but firm, no mushy feeling. It also didn't twist and upper is very nice, supportive, elastic but not plasticky and strechy feeling. No bulky feeling either.

My weight is 125kg and this is the first my leg is not in pain after a drill session.

For sizing, they're a bit wide. My feet is 11.5 4e in asics, and use size 12 in Diadora Speed Blueshield 2.
 
For my somewhat flat and a bit narrow feet, I'm looking at possibly the Speed FF, 2018 Barricade Boost, Resolution 7, Gel Court FF....hopefully I can read some more info/reviews on each and see which one might be the best fit for me. Thanks!!!!

TripleB
 
TripleB said:
For my somewhat flat and a bit narrow feet, I'm looking at possibly the Speed FF, 2018 Barricade Boost, Resolution 7, Gel Court FF....hopefully I can read some more info/reviews on each and see which one might be the best fit for me. Thanks!!!!

TripleB
Click to expand...
Which shoe fit best in the past?
 
The Court FF’s are awesome. I had massive problems with my left achilles that began when I was wearing Barricades and got even worse when I switched to Resolutions. Ubersonic 2’s were better, but the FF’s are the best thing I’ve put on my foot since the pain began. My feet are somewhat narrow and flat. Oh, and if you go with the FF’s, you’ll want to order a half size small.
 
Sardines said:
While it's good you guys got the injuries out there, I think it's a little unfair to correlate achilles tears to the shoe just yet, until there are significant number of cases happening in one model for a particular foot type. Achilles tears are common for tennis players over 35 as well. It could well be the shoe doesn't fit your particular heel properly, and getting the right fit for your heel is important.

GSS3, Court FF and SFF all fit fine for me. I've had a bit of AC pain with Nike Air Max Cage, AC2, because those shoes are a bit roomier and there's too much movement.
Click to expand...

I’m not connecting shoes to my Achilles rupture. In fact, shoes have absolutely nothing to do with it. What I’m saying is that cushioning makes a difference. I agree that heel fit is important. I need a shoehorn to get my FFs on. Once my feet are in them, they’re nicely locked in. Flexibility has a lot to do with Achilles’ tendon health and if you ask your surgeon for advice, he or she’d recommend a shoe with lots of padding in the heel. A higher heel is better for people with Achilles issues. I’ve had no issue with my tension for 27 years and can put my hands flat on the floor with my legs straight. If you’re tight, something can simply give out.


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Last edited:
Ronaldo said:
IMHO the heel drop is important. Asics Resolutions and Nike Vapors both seem to have less of a drop. Some aftermarket insoles have a heell lift that complicates the matter.
Click to expand...

I heel drop is exactly the opposite of what doctors recommend for tendon issues.


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prjacobs said:
I heel drop is exactly the opposite of what doctors recommend for tendon issues.


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Click to expand...
Conventional wisdom has been to pad more on the heel, however it is not how our bodies are biomechanically engineered. We were made to run bare foot with minimal heel padding and to stride on our mid foot.
 
topspn said:
Conventional wisdom has been to pad more on the heel, however it is not how our bodies are biomechanically engineered. We were made to run bare foot with minimal heel padding and to stride on our mid foot.
Click to expand...

We not running after game in the savannah anymore. We ride in cars, work in offices and play tennis on hard courts. Our bodies and brains have evolved. I wonder how many Neanderthals served and volleyed [emoji4]...


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prjacobs said:
We not running after game in the savannah anymore. We ride in cars, work in offices and play tennis on hard courts. Our bodies and brains have evolved. I wonder how many Neanderthals served and volleyed [emoji4]...


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Click to expand...
They invented it , you think they stuck to the baseline?
 
prjacobs said:
We not running after game in the savannah anymore. We ride in cars, work in offices and play tennis on hard courts. Our bodies and brains have evolved. I wonder how many Neanderthals served and volleyed [emoji4]...


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Click to expand...
Lol..no our current bodies are actually made that way nothing to do with chimps or Neanderthals. I most certainly wear tennis shoes playing and jogging shoes when out for a run. That doesn’t change the biomechanical fact, it is unnatural for us to run with high heel cushion. Cushion is not the only factor here and high drops are harmful
 
If you watch the instability to the knee when landing on the heel of a baricade you can see where this design has some negative side effects
 
Just been getting Achilles tendon soreness in the right heel in last 3 months.
Will go over health forum, but here, can say my Asics have less Achilles support than my Barricades.
 
topspn said:
Lol..no our current bodies are actually made that way nothing to do with chimps or Neanderthals. I most certainly wear tennis shoes playing and jogging shoes when out for a run. That doesn’t change the biomechanical fact, it is unnatural for us to run with high heel cushion. Cushion is not the only factor here and high drops are harmful
Click to expand...

Having snapped My Achilles’ Tendon, I just know from personal experience that a higher heel is better in terms of keeping tension off. When you have reattachment surgery, your foot is in a cast, pointing down. After six weeks (when I had the surgery) the cast is removed and the doctor sees if your foot can bend up to 90°. Mine could. The foot then is in a cast @ 90° for two weeks, the cast comes off and physical therapy starts.
There is a huge difference between running in 5’ heels and running with a shoe where the heel if 1/4” higher.
Personally, I find that cushioning helps my body in general.
But like frames, it’s a matter of what fits each person best.
I used to lose the nail on the big toe of my right foot (I’m left handed) running towards the net and stopping with certain shoes.



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prjacobs said:
Having snapped My Achilles’ Tendon, I just know from personal experience that a higher heel is better in terms of keeping tension off. When you have reattachment surgery, your foot is in a cast, pointing down. After six weeks (when I had the surgery) the cast is removed and the doctor sees if your foot can bend up to 90°. Mine could. The foot then is in a cast @ 90° for two weeks, the cast comes off and physical therapy starts.
There is a huge difference between running in 5’ heels and running with a shoe where the heel if 1/4” higher.
Personally, I find that cushioning helps my body in general.
But like frames, it’s a matter of what fits each person best.
I used to lose the nail on the big toe of my right foot (I’m left handed) running towards the net and stopping with certain shoes.



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Click to expand...

I am not sure why you keep you using highly exaggerated scenarios to insist on your point. Feel free to use cushion, i do. The only point was more heel rise so your foot is sloping downwards running is unnatural. The more this is pronounced in a running a shoe the more you will naturally land on your heel and not your mid foot. Get a well cushioned shoe were that heel rise is not exaggerated. If you don’t want to, oh well.
 
prjacobs said:
Having snapped My Achilles’ Tendon, I just know from personal experience that a higher heel is better in terms of keeping tension off. When you have reattachment surgery, your foot is in a cast, pointing down. After six weeks (when I had the surgery) the cast is removed and the doctor sees if your foot can bend up to 90°. Mine could. The foot then is in a cast @ 90° for two weeks, the cast comes off and physical therapy starts.
There is a huge difference between running in 5’ heels and running with a shoe where the heel if 1/4” higher.
Personally, I find that cushioning helps my body in general.
But like frames, it’s a matter of what fits each person best.
I used to lose the nail on the big toe of my right foot (I’m left handed) running towards the net and stopping with certain shoes.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Wearing a shoe with a big, high toebox, that's another story. Ektelon/Prince NFS to the rescue
 
TripleB said:
For my somewhat flat and a bit narrow feet, I'm looking at possibly the Speed FF, 2018 Barricade Boost, Resolution 7, Gel Court FF....hopefully I can read some more info/reviews on each and see which one might be the best fit for me. Thanks!!!!

TripleB
Click to expand...
Out of that list, the most cushioned ones are the Barricade Boost and the Gel Court FF. The Gel Res 7 is not even close. It has the same cushioning as the Gel Res 6, and that one gave me sore knees! I really like the Gel Court FF. I have no complaints about it. The fit is secure, the cushioning in the heel and forefoot is great, it's light weight, and very comfortable. Get it before they discontinue it!
 
topspn said:
Conventional wisdom has been to pad more on the heel, however it is not how our bodies are biomechanically engineered. We were made to run bare foot with minimal heel padding and to stride on our mid foot.
Click to expand...

Well, our bodies were not made to play competitive tennis, either. I certainly appreciate maximal shock absorption especially since I play exclusively on hard courts.

But yes, like you, I am not into too much of a drop. I just want highly shock-absorbant material in the midsoles and insoles.
 
scotus said:
Well, our bodies were not made to play competitive tennis, either. I certainly appreciate maximal shock absorption especially since I play exclusively on hard courts.

But yes, like you, I am not into too much of a drop. I just want highly shock-absorbant material in the midsoles and insoles.
Click to expand...
Hoka One One, here we come!
 
It appears to me that you are not really worried about overall cushioning and only really care about heel cushion, and want light weight. Obviously all cushions comes kind of at a cost of extra weight (which I personally like because of stability). But if you want to go light, with heel only cushion, maybe buying a light shoe with not much cushioning (the fast shoes in general), and then replacing the insole with a highly cushioned and personally matched to your foot might be the way to go. This way you may be able to separate out the requirements, and can always stick to the same comfortable insole and then only replace the shoes as they wear out.

TripleB said:
so I know cushioning for my heel can be had in a light weight shoe
Click to expand...
 
M Pillai said:
...then replacing the insole with a highly cushioned and personally matched to your foot might be the way to go. This way you may be able to separate out the requirements, and can always stick to the same comfortable insole and then only replace the shoes.
Click to expand...

Interesting...I actually looked at some cheap ones the other day thinking about the same thing (noticed the insoles in the T22 Lite comes out easily). Of course I'd probably need something better for tennis than something from WM.

Any suggestions for great insoles at an affordable price that are excellent for heel cushioning?

Thanks!!!

TripleB
 
Ronaldo said:
No, fear rolling my ankle with such a thick sole. Never felt secure in such tennis shoes from BITD. Mentioned this brand as max cushioning.
Click to expand...
Yes I know it has the best coshioning on the market.
In the long run for joints it’s important. I’ve got bad knees.

Wish they could try and make a tennis shoe. So far Asics the best for me. But I am always looking for more.
 
TheGhostOfAgassi said:
Yes I know it has the best coshioning on the market.
In the long run for joints it’s important. I’ve got bad knees.

Wish they could try and make a tennis shoe. So far Asics the best for me. But I am always looking for more.
Click to expand...
Found basketball shoes have far more cushioning. However I play on Har-tru so the right fit may be more important.
 
Ronaldo said:
Found basketball shoes have far more cushioning. However I play on Har-tru so the right fit may be more important.
Click to expand...
Which ones?
I’ve read every thread in here about shoes lol
I read the long thread about basket shoes
Which basket shoes you recommend?
I really like the style of basket shoes too.
I’ve got strong ankles and never been injured there though
 
TheGhostOfAgassi said:
Which ones?
I’ve read every thread in here about shoes lol
I read the long thread about basket shoes
Which basket shoes you recommend?
I really like the style of basket shoes too.
I’ve got strong ankles and never been injured there though
Click to expand...
Worn/wear the Adidas low-cut boost shoes. Never would consider those shoes till my wife bought and wore a pr of Lebrons. lights out cushioning
 
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