Shoes With Most Cushioning and comfort...

JackSockIsTheBest

Professional
the vapors are durable as hell for me because i beat them up but they aren't very comfortable with the fake leather in the front and its very thin (the cushioning)
 
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Deleted member 768841

Guest
Vapors are very low, not exactly pillow like. For a Nike shoe that is pillow like I would say the ZZ. For ASICS it’s the ff 2 or Gel Res 8. Adidas maybe a court jam, solecourt doesn’t have any forefoot, and I mean zero, forefoot cushioning. New balance fresh foam lab is pretty soft.
 

blai212

Hall of Fame
wilson rush pro 2.5 is quite comfortable but there are toe jamming issues...i have to wear double socks. Also, not sure if it’s just me but I wear through the shoes in about a month playing almost every day. They do have 6 month warranty though...


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chinny562

New User
My personal shoes that gives me the most cushion and comfort are the Court FF2.
Definitely my go-to shoes after my Vapor X and SoleCourt Boost.

I don't wear the SoleCourt much due to how heavy it is.. And my Vapor X, as much as I love them, I try not to wear them often due to the durability.
 
The longevity of the shoe is questionable, but while it lasts the Nike Air Max wildcard might be the most comfortable tennis shoe on the planet.

The upper is a slightly softer version of the zoom zeros. It also has the same very smooth heel to toe transition as the zoom zeros meaning that planting your foot is very smooth.

Here's the kicker, though..... LUNARLON in the midsole :) it has to be one of the best cushioning technologies ever.....

There's even an airmax insert just to throw even more cushioning in there.

It's just a shame about how quickly the cushioning and outsole deteriorates.
 
Vapors are very low, not exactly pillow like. For a Nike shoe that is pillow like I would say the ZZ. For ASICS it’s the ff 2 or Gel Res 8. Adidas maybe a court jam, solecourt doesn’t have any forefoot, and I mean zero, forefoot cushioning. New balance fresh foam lab is pretty soft.
I used the SCB last year and didn't have any issues but after lockdown, I got an injury to my forefoot because there's absolutely no cushioning there. I put on Dr. Scholl's insoles and I can play but too bad I have to deal with this injury.
 
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Deleted member 768841

Guest
I used the SCB last year and didn't have any issues but after lockdown, I got an injury to my forefoot because there's absolutely no cushioning there. I put on Dr. Scholl's insoles and I can play but too bad I have to deal with this injury.
I used the stock insoles and after a while my foot gets imprinted in an insole and I get holes, the cushioning is completely gone.
 

dolphinsrus

Rookie
ditto...Nike Zoom Zeros, just make sure you break them in a bit before playing. I really hated the shoe at the beginning, but once I sed them a bit in the house they are ready to go.
 
New Balance fresh foam LAV is the softest and most comfortable shoe I’ve tried that’s out now. It also comes in 2E and 4E widths for a better fit. I found the Asics GR8 and FF2 to be more supportive, but definitely not as soft.


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Diadora Speed Blushield. If you like a bootie design and more snug fit, the Blushield Fly's are also very comfortable but slightly less so than the Speed Blushield.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
The longevity of the shoe is questionable, but while it lasts the Nike Air Max wildcard might be the most comfortable tennis shoe on the planet.

The upper is a slightly softer version of the zoom zeros. It also has the same very smooth heel to toe transition as the zoom zeros meaning that planting your foot is very smooth.

Here's the kicker, though..... LUNARLON in the midsole :) it has to be one of the best cushioning technologies ever.....

There's even an airmax insert just to throw even more cushioning in there.

It's just a shame about how quickly the cushioning and outsole deteriorates.

Lunar is the most comfortable cushioning Nike ever came out with. They should do more Lunar shoes. React is very good too but not quite as plush. Lunar Eclipse were the best runners I ever had.
 
Lunar is the most comfortable cushioning Nike ever came out with. They should do more Lunar shoes. React is very good too but not quite as plush. Lunar Eclipse were the best runners I ever had.

It really is an amazing cushion. I think Nike is reluctant to use it in really expensive shoes because the longevity just isn't there. But before it bottoms out, it is an amazingly comfortable cushion.
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Any suggestions for shoes with most cushioning and comfort?
Of the ones I have tried, in terms of just cushioning of the midsole on whole, the Nike Zoom Zero is plush but the sock fit is warm, and the lacing system isn't secure. Sole Court Boost (the boost midsole stops ¾, so if you have shorter toes and your forefoot impact zone isn't on the boost, it's actually only decent on the forefoot for cushioning) is a 'generous' standard width. It is also quite warm.
Asics GR8 has good cushioning and good comfort. Just didn't fit my foot right.
I thought the Ultra React has good cushioning for a lightweight low to ground shoe, but it was the worst shaped and materialed shoe for my feet. React is very plush, and is lighter than Boost. Too bad Nike hasn't brought another React midsole to the market.
 

JackSockIsTheBest

Professional
Of the ones I have tried, in terms of just cushioning of the midsole on whole, the Nike Zoom Zero is plush but the sock fit is warm, and the lacing system isn't secure. Sole Court Boost (the boost midsole stops ¾, so if you have shorter toes and your forefoot impact zone isn't on the boost, it's actually only decent on the forefoot for cushioning) is a 'generous' standard width. It is also quite warm.
Asics GR8 has good cushioning and good comfort. Just didn't fit my foot right.
I thought the Ultra React has good cushioning for a lightweight low to ground shoe, but it was the worst shaped and materialed shoe for my feet. React is very plush, and is lighter than Boost. Too bad Nike hasn't brought another React midsole to the market.
I very much agree on the lacing system on the Zoom Zeros because when I go to practice at the courts, I always have to retie them about 30 minutes in between.
 

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
I never see the Cage 2 mentioned in these discussions but I can play in them for years without pain.

played in an old pair of Vapor 9.5 with plenty of tread left, and after 3 sets I was actually afraid I’d gotten a stress fracture in my foot. But the Cages just last and last and last.
 

jeep2008

Rookie
The longevity of the shoe is questionable, but while it lasts the Nike Air Max wildcard might be the most comfortable tennis shoe on the planet.

The upper is a slightly softer version of the zoom zeros. It also has the same very smooth heel to toe transition as the zoom zeros meaning that planting your foot is very smooth.

Here's the kicker, though..... LUNARLON in the midsole :) it has to be one of the best cushioning technologies ever.....

There's even an airmax insert just to throw even more cushioning in there.

It's just a shame about how quickly the cushioning and outsole deteriorates.
They are quite narrow though...
 

Binatang

Rookie
There has been a lot of foam developments in the running world in 2020 & I'm sure some of these technologies will trickle down to Tennis soon.
Asics - Flyte Foam Blast. Asics has been developing variations on its FF cushioning. Blast is currently their most squishy variant.
Adidas - Lightstrike. Responsive light weight foam. Way lighter & more responsive then Boost.
New Balance - Fresh Foam X. More cushy & responsive then Fresh Foam.
Nike - React. Was Nike's response to Adidas Boost. Extreme cush but probably too soft for tennis. Good durability compared to Lunarlon that bottoms out too fast. Lunarlon has been re-branded as Nike Renew & used in their budget offerings sold via chain stores.

For current generation, probably can't go wrong with Gel Res 7 or 8 depending on which fits you better.
 
There has been a lot of foam developments in the running world in 2020 & I'm sure some of these technologies will trickle down to Tennis soon.
Asics - Flyte Foam Blast. Asics has been developing variations on its FF cushioning. Blast is currently their most squishy variant.
Adidas - Lightstrike. Responsive light weight foam. Way lighter & more responsive then Boost.
New Balance - Fresh Foam X. More cushy & responsive then Fresh Foam.
Nike - React. Was Nike's response to Adidas Boost. Extreme cush but probably too soft for tennis. Good durability compared to Lunarlon that bottoms out too fast. Lunarlon has been re-branded as Nike Renew & used in their budget offerings sold via chain stores.

For current generation, probably can't go wrong with Gel Res 7 or 8 depending on which fits you better.

The Lunarlon material has not been rebranded. It is still called Lunarlon to my knowledge.

I think Renew refers to a line of Nike shoes rather than a specific proprietary cushion.
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
There has been a lot of foam developments in the running world in 2020 & I'm sure some of these technologies will trickle down to Tennis soon.
Asics - Flyte Foam Blast. Asics has been developing variations on its FF cushioning. Blast is currently their most squishy variant.
Adidas - Lightstrike. Responsive light weight foam. Way lighter & more responsive then Boost.
New Balance - Fresh Foam X. More cushy & responsive then Fresh Foam.
Nike - React. Was Nike's response to Adidas Boost. Extreme cush but probably too soft for tennis. Good durability compared to Lunarlon that bottoms out too fast. Lunarlon has been re-branded as Nike Renew & used in their budget offerings sold via chain stores.

For current generation, probably can't go wrong with Gel Res 7 or 8 depending on which fits you better.
Nike attempted React midsole tennis shoes and it was met with little enthuasiasm in the Ultra React. I can't play with it because of how the upper fits my foot when I jump and sprint, but as a casual shoe, it's actually very comfortable. Lunarlon is utter crap. I bought a running shoe and it felt like sponge after 3-4 weeks of light running.
I tried the lightstrike in the N3xt L3v3l b-ball shoes and they are very nice. Tried playing tennis with it once. It is responsive and light. No worse in cushioning than Bounce 2.0 in the Stycon. I wish Adidas had put Lightstrike in the Stycon instead of Bounce 2.0. They already mix Lightstrike with Boost in running shoes. I think it's a matter of time before they mismatch their technologies in all shoes, as long as it doesn't cost too much to make.
Looking at the Stycon 1.0/BOA, which is the most expensive Adidas tennis shoes. They are very responsive and super stable and supportive. if it were under 430g for an 11, it would be even better!
 

RNBABOLAT

Professional
Nike attempted React midsole tennis shoes and it was met with little enthuasiasm in the Ultra React. I can't play with it because of how the upper fits my foot when I jump and sprint, but as a casual shoe, it's actually very comfortable. Lunarlon is utter crap. I bought a running shoe and it felt like sponge after 3-4 weeks of light running.
I tried the lightstrike in the N3xt L3v3l b-ball shoes and they are very nice. Tried playing tennis with it once. It is responsive and light. No worse in cushioning than Bounce 2.0 in the Stycon. I wish Adidas had put Lightstrike in the Stycon instead of Bounce 2.0. They already mix Lightstrike with Boost in running shoes. I think it's a matter of time before they mismatch their technologies in all shoes, as long as it doesn't cost too much to make.
Looking at the Stycon 1.0/BOA, which is the most expensive Adidas tennis shoes. They are very responsive and super stable and supportive. if it were under 430g for an 11, it would be even better!
That sounds great but being honest we been waiting for this kind of cushioning mixes available for other sports but never came to tennis shoes. Lunarlon in Lunarballistec were bad because the shoe was bad and everybody miss the CB fit and feel of the shoes.
The only cushioning tech that make a decent appearance was boost and seems like the wear and tear most of the players put on the shoes make it hard for companies even at that price ranges keep the durability guarantee
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Opps I meant mix n match, mismatch,, but autocorrect decided otherwise. haha
Yes I think experimentation with manufacturers has been met with a very conservative market. Something as new as the Stycon, laceless which if you read the reviews of those who bought it and worn it earnestly, liked it. Obviously no shoe is universally fitting, but it was trashed. Tennis players by nature are repetitive, so the market is naturally more conservative. How many people clamor for the Barricade, even though the majority had toe jam issues trying to break it that beast? Endorsements seem to make a difference too. Once the Adidas pro tennis players shunned the Stycon, people also turned on it.
I think Adidas' biggest problem with Boost is that it's a BASF product they have to licence, so they can't really make enough $ with an outsole guarantee. React is 30% lighter than Boost, which is now 6 years old, and Adidas hasn't made anything like Boost in its own R&D labs.
That sounds great but being honest we been waiting for this kind of cushioning mixes available for other sports but never came to tennis shoes. Lunarlon in Lunarballistec were bad because the shoe was bad and everybody miss the CB fit and feel of the shoes.
The only cushioning tech that make a decent appearance was boost and seems like the wear and tear most of the players put on the shoes make it hard for companies even at that price ranges keep the durability guarantee
 

RNBABOLAT

Professional
Opps I meant mix n match, mismatch,, but autocorrect decided otherwise. haha
Yes I think experimentation with manufacturers has been met with a very conservative market. Something as new as the Stycon, laceless which if you read the reviews of those who bought it and worn it earnestly, liked it. Obviously no shoe is universally fitting, but it was trashed. Tennis players by nature are repetitive, so the market is naturally more conservative. How many people clamor for the Barricade, even though the majority had toe jam issues trying to break it that beast? Endorsements seem to make a difference too. Once the Adidas pro tennis players shunned the Stycon, people also turned on it.
I think Adidas' biggest problem with Boost is that it's a BASF product they have to licence, so they can't really make enough $ with an outsole guarantee. React is 30% lighter than Boost, which is now 6 years old, and Adidas hasn't made anything like Boost in its own R&D labs.
React on nike tennis shoes will be amazing but obviously I can foresee some people saying something like: Is too high, is not responsive so hopefully the Turbo GP with double stack zoom air will fit the bill and hopefully we can see a barricade heir with good cushioning
 

Binatang

Rookie
Nike attempted React midsole tennis shoes and it was met with little enthuasiasm in the Ultra React. I can't play with it because of how the upper fits my foot when I jump and sprint, but as a casual shoe, it's actually very comfortable. Lunarlon is utter crap. I bought a running shoe and it felt like sponge after 3-4 weeks of light running.
I tried the lightstrike in the N3xt L3v3l b-ball shoes and they are very nice. Tried playing tennis with it once. It is responsive and light. No worse in cushioning than Bounce 2.0 in the Stycon. I wish Adidas had put Lightstrike in the Stycon instead of Bounce 2.0. They already mix Lightstrike with Boost in running shoes. I think it's a matter of time before they mismatch their technologies in all shoes, as long as it doesn't cost too much to make.
Looking at the Stycon 1.0/BOA, which is the most expensive Adidas tennis shoes. They are very responsive and super stable and supportive. if it were under 430g for an 11, it would be even better!

Yup I forgot about the Ultra React!

I have the Adidas SL20 runner with full length Lightsrike & its nice. Its like a more responsive & lighter Bounce. I do hope they will put it in their tennis line but I haven't worn it long enough to judge the cushioning durability of Lightstrike. From personal experience, Boost lasts the lifetime of the shoe & never bottoms out but there is a weight penalty. Bounce is re-branded Adiprene IMO but nothing wrong with that.

Saucony (PWRRUN) & Mizuno (XPop) have introduced new lighter foams that look & perform better than Boost. So I think Adidas will be able to intro lighter foams in the near future.
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Yup I forgot about the Ultra React!

I have the Adidas SL20 runner with full length Lightsrike & its nice. Its like a more responsive & lighter Bounce. I do hope they will put it in their tennis line but I haven't worn it long enough to judge the cushioning durability of Lightstrike. From personal experience, Boost lasts the lifetime of the shoe & never bottoms out but there is a weight penalty. Bounce is re-branded Adiprene IMO but nothing wrong with that.

Saucony (PWRRUN) & Mizuno (XPop) have introduced new lighter foams that look & perform better than Boost. So I think Adidas will be able to intro lighter foams in the near future.
Most people tried to forget the Ultra React too! :laughing:

Cushioning is a mixed bag in tennis. Boost or good cushioning in general, works because heavier set people on hard courts=pain in legs. Those with proper footwork are on the forefoot more, so the Boost/Bounce midsoles which usually are ¾ of the midsole have to be in the right spot for the foot type. I noticed this with the sole court boost. Being wider in the toebox, and the heel collar being longer, my foot is more forward than in the Stycon. So with the Stycon, I'm landing on all Bounce 2.0, but with the SCB, I'm teethering on the border between the EVA and Boost.
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
old tall guy here, 230 lbs., almost 64, runner, old knee injury, etc.
have tried several diff. nikes, adidas (none in last 5 years), Kswiss most recently.

Asics Gel res w/ sofsole insert. #1 choice by far. (btw - Hoka one one for walking, running etc.)
 
Most people tried to forget the Ultra React too! :laughing:

Cushioning is a mixed bag in tennis. Boost or good cushioning in general, works because heavier set people on hard courts=pain in legs. Those with proper footwork are on the forefoot more, so the Boost/Bounce midsoles which usually are ¾ of the midsole have to be in the right spot for the foot type. I noticed this with the sole court boost. Being wider in the toebox, and the heel collar being longer, my foot is more forward than in the Stycon. So with the Stycon, I'm landing on all Bounce 2.0, but with the SCB, I'm teethering on the border between the EVA and Boost.

That’s been my biggest problem with tennis shoes lately, the forefoot cushioning is either nonexistent or is so different from the heel cushioning that the shoe is unstable. I typically try to find a shoe with soft full length cushioning, like the Fresh Foam LAV or gel res 8, and then put a heat moldable sole insole in to give me structure and a little stiffness for dancing around on the balls of my feet.

It’s seems to be easier to find an extremely soft shoe and add a rigid layer on top than it is to find a cushioned insole and add it to more rigid and supportive shoe. I’m still searching for the perfect cushioned insole. Cadence was almost perfect but a little too high volume. Double zoom for the GP sounds like it could be the holy grail.


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AZSunTennis

New User
The Trifecta
The best trifecta of balance, cushioning/comfort, and performance:
Diadora Speed Blushield 4 AG White/Blue Fluo Men's Shoe (y)

Please try these shoes! :)
 
They are quite narrow though...

The narrowness is an effect of the insole which wraps laterally around the foot. So you have a thin layer of supersoft foam between you foot and the inner lateral wall of the shoe. Very snug but also very soft.

It's a strange feeling because there is no spare room inside the shoe at all, but it's like being wrapped in clouds waiting for the insole to bed down a bit.
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
It's only in the heel in the Vapors. Basically pointless in tennis as you really need cushioning under the ball of your foot. Tennis is a sport where you on rarely on your heels.
Ah well, that's for advanced players who have trained their footwork. Casual, recreationally trained players land on their heels a lot more. Add body type, weight, muscle tone etc, and you get a very different result. Landing on your forefoot is a lot better for shock overall, obviously.

That’s been my biggest problem with tennis shoes lately, the forefoot cushioning is either nonexistent or is so different from the heel cushioning that the shoe is unstable. I typically try to find a shoe with soft full length cushioning, like the Fresh Foam LAV or gel res 8, and then put a heat moldable sole insole in to give me structure and a little stiffness for dancing around on the balls of my feet.

It’s seems to be easier to find an extremely soft shoe and add a rigid layer on top than it is to find a cushioned insole and add it to more rigid and supportive shoe. I’m still searching for the perfect cushioned insole. Cadence was almost perfect but a little too high volume. Double zoom for the GP sounds like it could be the holy grail.
Are you talking about the shank for lateral stability? I've found Adidas' Torsion system and the Asics Twistruss in the FF2 to be excellent for that, but it's not like other designs are horrible. I've never liked NB shoes for that reason. They are stable on the dead run, but stopping for entry into a shot, I noticed a difference when I play with my custom carbon insole and without it. It's not as noticeable with Adidas Torsion shoes.
 

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
wilson rush pro 2.5 is quite comfortable but there are toe jamming issues...i have to wear double socks. Also, not sure if it’s just me but I wear through the shoes in about a month playing almost every day. They do have 6 month warranty though...


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I’ve just gotten a pair of these and they are comfortable. My daughter has a pair too. I think we’ve both experienced this tie jamming which really sucks!

I’m frugal so I got an unbelievably good deal on these so we’ll keep them. I haven’t experienced any issues but the one time so I’ll keep them and wear them.

THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOE I’VE WORN IS the Wilson Rush 3.0 which are unbelievable. I’ve had serious foot issues and these are great! They are durable too. My orthotics first in them which is a problem I’ve had in Nike shoes.
 
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