Solution Speed FF vs Gel Resolution 8 vs Nike Air Zoom Zero

[Velocimetry]

Hi

I am unable to make a decision between Solution Speed FF, Gel Resolution 8 and Nike Zoom Zero.

I could not try the Zoom zero (none available close by), but tried Solution speed FF and Gel Resolution 8 and they seem to fit fine. I could not feel any difference between those. However, looking to know, which one people would rate in the following categories. I am a 4 - 4.5 player. I do run aggressively when needed.

1. Sliding (hard court) - Looking for something that can induce sliding more. I used to slide on Babolats, but it stopped after a while. Should I start

2. Comfort/ Cushion - I pronate while running. Most of the tennis shoes help with stability in that regard. Which one would be better among these?

3. Ability to move faster.

Would really appreciate someone helping me here, and doing something along the lines of a ranking for each category.

Size - Does any of this run at a not true to size size?

 

[1hander]

I would try the gel res 8 they check off almost all the boxes. They are great for sliding and are super comfy

 

[Deleted member 768841]

The speed Ff is really fast and slick, so it is good for sliding. Cushioning is pretty soft, so I wouldn’t rate it high in responsive. The gel resolution 8 is pretty much the same as the Ff except it’s heavier and has a heavier outsole. The zoom zero has a grippier outsole and has good cushioningj and is very responsive.

 

[1hander]

The solution speed make a weird clicking noise and aren't very stable. Also, they aren't very comfy and they are almost too slick. With mine, the rubber hardened and they were like wearing socks on tile.

 

[MasterZeb]

I think comfort and responsiveness are mutually exclusive. So you’ll have to pick between which of the two you prefer more

 

[Velocimetry]

I think comfort and responsiveness are mutually exclusive. So you’ll have to pick between which of the two you prefer more

Good point. Let me change my post a bit.

 

[jim e]

Speed ff is true to size .

 

[colan5934]

Haven't worn the Res 8, but use the Solution Speed FF and Zoom Zero in rotation at the moment. Both are fast, responsive, and cushioned well enough for me. Mostly splitting hairs on the differences, but I'll give it a shot. The zoom zero has a bit more stack off of the ground, but that zoom air unit and the rockered design keep it feeling responsive and somewhat snappy when cutting. I can slide in them right away, then I don't feel like the shoe encourages sliding until the rubber balds, and it's a slider's shoe again. I can slide in that in-between phase, but I don't always get the amount of slip I want...but I'm older and slower now, so I could just be unable to slide because of that. I like coaching in these because they are more cushioned. Poorly ventilated, though. Generally does what I want it to do, is stable, and is cushioned. For the amount of cushioning, there's a good amount of energy return and that feeling of quickness.

The Solution slides a bit more readily through the life of the shoe, but only if I want it to. I feel completely in control of my movement at all times. The forefoot has enough spring and softness that I get a little bit of bounce coming out of hard changes of direction and not so much that it feels mushy or bulky. The traction doesn't get sticky like the ZZ does...it stays slippy when you want it and traction-y when you want it. Cushioning not as substantial as the ZZ, but stability is equivalent for me and traction reacts exactly how I expect it to which is one of the main things I look for in a shoe and find in all of the flagship Asics shoes. Better breathability on these. Light and fast-feeling without feeling like your foot is doing all the work to propel you like I feel in vapors.

TLDR: Both are stable, ZZ has stickier traction and more cushioning, SS has better ventilation and a better balance of responsiveness for me. Both are great shoes and worth a shot...I'm not sure if you could go wrong.

 

[Sardines]

I found all of them to be of the same length, but the Asics are a little bit more spacious in the mid and fore foot than the Zoom Zeros.
For responsiveness, I put the SSFF first as it is the lightest and lowest. The ZZ has that curved bottom naturally puts you on the forefoot, but the zoom unit does dull up the court feel, while give the most plush ride of the 3. The GR8 is the only one with the 6 mth guarantee and the workhorse of the bunch.
I'd put the SSFF to be the best breathing shoe, with the GR8 and ZZ both quite low on ventilation with the sock design.
I think stability wise, the GR8 is the most stable of the 3, with the ZZ a close 2nd, and the FF farther back last. The supportiveness I feel is where the Asics with the lower heel collar lacks against the ZZ. The GR8 is more supportive than the FF, but both allow too much ankle movement for me. Those with low malleoluses will appreciate that though, but not me.
Traction are quite close, and I find they all slide quite well. Which brings us to durability. Durability the ZZ is last, with thin rubber and disappears for me around 1-1.5 mths if I used 4 times a week. The FF does ok but the GR8 is the real workhorse.

 

[red rook]

Haven't worn the Res 8, but use the Solution Speed FF and Zoom Zero in rotation at the moment. Both are fast, responsive, and cushioned well enough for me. Mostly splitting hairs on the differences, but I'll give it a shot. The zoom zero has a bit more stack off of the ground, but that zoom air unit and the rockered design keep it feeling responsive and somewhat snappy when cutting. I can slide in them right away, then I don't feel like the shoe encourages sliding until the rubber balds, and it's a slider's shoe again. I can slide in that in-between phase, but I don't always get the amount of slip I want...but I'm older and slower now, so I could just be unable to slide because of that. I like coaching in these because they are more cushioned. Poorly ventilated, though. Generally does what I want it to do, is stable, and is cushioned. For the amount of cushioning, there's a good amount of energy return and that feeling of quickness.

The Solution slides a bit more readily through the life of the shoe, but only if I want it to. I feel completely in control of my movement at all times. The forefoot has enough spring and softness that I get a little bit of bounce coming out of hard changes of direction and not so much that it feels mushy or bulky. The traction doesn't get sticky like the ZZ does...it stays slippy when you want it and traction-y when you want it. Cushioning not as substantial as the ZZ, but stability is equivalent for me and traction reacts exactly how I expect it to which is one of the main things I look for in a shoe and find in all of the flagship Asics shoes. Better breathability on these. Light and fast-feeling without feeling like your foot is doing all the work to propel you like I feel in vapors.

TLDR: Both are stable, ZZ has stickier traction and more cushioning, SS has better ventilation and a better balance of responsiveness for me. Both are great shoes and worth a shot...I'm not sure if you could go wrong.

This is a good comparison.

I have 4 pairs of speed ff and 5 pairs of zz. The only things I’ll add is that the speed ff are both slicker and much more durable. I can go through the zz in two weeks no joke. The zz is a little more comfy for me, the speed ff is lower to the ground so better for me to slide, but I can slide in either. The speed ff shoe is the slickest shoe I’ve ever worn (and I like that).

 

[colan5934]

This is a good comparison.

I have 4 pairs of speed ff and 5 pairs of zz. The only things I’ll add is that the speed ff are both slicker and much more durable. I can go through the zz in two weeks no joke. The zz is a little more comfy for me, the speed ff is lower to the ground so better for me to slide, but I can slide in either. The speed ff shoe is the slickest shoe I’ve ever worn (and I like that).

yeah, I find them to be about equal in durability. I go right through the toe in 2-1/2 weeks max on both. Sometimes less on zoom zeroes, but 2-1/2 weeks vs 2 weeks is hardly anything. But I’m hard on shoes. I find the court FF slicker...or at least it slid more easily. None of the ASICS shoes slip moving forward, though. Only laterally. So that’s nice.

 

[Orion]

Currently playing in the GR8 after years in Vapors. Bought a pair of ZZ too big last year...comfy but rides high off the ground. I used an insole to take up some of the room but a full size is a lot of room to work around. After the 3rd time wearing and the shoe broke in little the extra room became a hindrance. To much slip to offer a solid take. Not a bad choice with the discount on some colorways. The GR8 is a complete court shoe. It's taken longer than expected to get used to the upper material. I moved really well in them today. They offer excellent support, nice cushioning and a normal ride... not too low to the ground, not to high. Just picked up the Vapor Cage today and boy they feel solid!! Picked the GR8 over the Vapor Cage without trying either on. Would have gone Vapor Cage had I tried them both on at the same time. I know myself and knew I'd end up with both anyway. [emoji12] The Vapor Cage is the more appropriate comparison if the GR8 is in the conversation. No experience with the FF but sounds like a lighter GR8.

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[tarkowski]

Currently playing in the GR8 after years in Vapors. Bought a pair of ZZ too big last year...comfy but rides high off the ground. I used an insole to take up some of the room but a full size is a lot of room to work around. After the 3rd time wearing and the shoe broke in little the extra room became a hindrance. To much slip to offer a solid take. Not a bad choice with the discount on some colorways. The GR8 is a complete court shoe. It's taken longer than expected to get used to the upper material. I moved really well in them today. They offer excellent support, nice cushioning and a normal ride... not too low to the ground, not to high. Just picked up the Vapor Cage today and boy they feel solid!! Picked the GR8 over the Vapor Cage without trying either on. Would have gone Vapor Cage had I tried them both on at the same time. I know myself and knew I'd end up with both anyway. [emoji12] The Vapor Cage is the more appropriate comparison if the GR8 is in the conversation. No experience with the FF but sounds like a lighter GR8.

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Hey Orion, thanks much for your input! Have a few more questions: How is the ride on the Vapor Cage? Is it similar or higher off the ground than the Gel Res 8? Also, how did sizing work out for you? Did you go smaller as TW suggested? Thanks much!

 

[GTR0814]

Hi

I am unable to make a decision between Solution Speed FF, Gel Resolution 8 and Nike Zoom Zero.

I could not try the Zoom zero (none available close by), but tried Solution speed FF and Gel Resolution 8 and they seem to fit fine. I could not feel any difference between those. However, looking to know, which one people would rate in the following categories. I am a 4 - 4.5 player. I do run aggressively when needed.

1. Sliding (hard court) - Looking for something that can induce sliding more. I used to slide on Babolats, but it stopped after a while. Should I start

2. Comfort/ Cushion - I pronate while running. Most of the tennis shoes help with stability in that regard. Which one would be better among these?

3. Ability to move faster.

Would really appreciate someone helping me here, and doing something along the lines of a ranking for each category.

Size - Does any of this run at a not true to size size?

I’ve worn and wear just about every Asics they make. I do not have info on Nike. After loving the Res 5, 6 & 7s, I found the Res 8s to be sized long, if that makes sense. I am more a 11.75 and wear size 12s. In all shoes that fit is fine. But the Res 8s size 12s feel like size 12.25. Too much room in the toe box. And the 11.5s are too small. I am unable to wear them.

I have a couple pair of the solution Speed FF. Very comfortable and a fast shoe. Lacks the support of a res 8 but built for speed vs stability. I like them. My absolute favorite shoe is the Asics Court FF 2. Combination of Comfort, Speed & stability. The best shoe I have ever worn. The only knock i would give it is breath ability. It can get warm in summer months and leave your feet sweating.

 

[Orion]

Hey Orion, thanks much for your input! Have a few more questions: How is the ride on the Vapor Cage? Is it similar or higher off the ground than the Gel Res 8? Also, how did sizing work out for you? Did you go smaller as TW suggested? Thanks much!

Vapor Cage sits slightly higher than the GR8 and there is a noticeable weight difference. They don't sit as high as the Zoom Zero but don't feel as cushy either. The VC has snug fit. I worry about the breathability of the GR8 on a really sticky day. Forefoot flex on the VC feels more natural. Haven't been on court in the VC yet but can see these two being my rotation for awhile. The tongue design on the VC is the nuts! There's a slight V (see pic) between the inner upper and tongue that may be a built-in ventilation design. I haven't experienced any issues with the tongue on the GR8 as reported by some. I have an average foot with pronounced bunions but neither shoe fits tight enough to pinch or rub.

As for sizing I'm a 11.5 in Vapors and had top drop down a full size to 10.5 in the Vapor Cage. Same with the GR8, but this is my first Asics in over 10 years. Definitely go smaller.

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[tarkowski]

Vapor Cage sits slightly higher than the GR8 and there is a noticeable weight difference. They don't sit as high as the Zoom Zero but don't feel as cushy either. The VC has snug fit. I worry about the breathability of the GR8 on a really sticky day. Forefoot flex on the VC feels more natural. Haven't been on court in the VC yet but can see these two being my rotation for awhile. The tongue design on the VC is the nuts! There's a slight V (see pic) between the inner upper and tongue that may be a built-in ventilation design. I haven't experienced any issues with the tongue on the GR8 as reported by some. I have an average foot with pronounced bunions but neither shoe fits tight enough to pinch or rub.

As for sizing I'm a 11.5 in Vapors and had top drop down a full size to 10.5 in the Vapor Cage. Same with the GR8, but this is my first Asics in over 10 years. Definitely go smaller.

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Thanks again Orion, great information! I decided to order them both and give them a shot. The Vapor 9/9.5 have been my favorite and I'd like to rotate the rest of my stock as long as I can. I have enjoyed how stable it is for a lightweight shoe, along with that low to the ground feel. I don't mind additional weight and a little more cushion under foot as long as the shoe is solid and stable and doesn't ride too high. I had a pair of Asics Res 6's that worked ok for me...had the heel slippage issue, solved somewhat by runners knot (but hate that tight string feeling around that area of the ankle/foot) so used them for practice. But everything else, comfort, ride, fit (other than heel) worked for me. Hoping the 8's are a little better keeping heel in place.

 

[Orion]

Thanks again Orion, great information! I decided to order them both and give them a shot. The Vapor 9/9.5 have been my favorite and I'd like to rotate the rest of my stock as long as I can. I have enjoyed how stable it is for a lightweight shoe, along with that low to the ground feel. I don't mind additional weight and a little more cushion under foot as long as the shoe is solid and stable and doesn't ride too high. I had a pair of Asics Res 6's that worked ok for me...had the heel slippage issue, solved somewhat by runners knot (but hate that tight string feeling around that area of the ankle/foot) so used them for practice. But everything else, comfort, ride, fit (other than heel) worked for me. Hoping the 8's are a little better keeping heel in place.

So what did you decide? I'm playing in the GR8. Trying to see how close I can come to wearing the sole out. Getting some smoothing in the forefoot. I've been wearing the VC around the house. Haven't played in them yet.

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[tarkowski]

Hey Orion, I bought both! I got the VC4 in half size smaller and regular size, and ended up with my regular size. Given that the VC4 is supposed to be generous, I just got the Gel Res 8 in my regular size and was glad to find it fits great as well. I'm actually pretty enthused, because I haven't liked much since the Vapor 9 and 9.5. Both the VC4 and Gel Res 8 are more cushioned underfoot and I expect they won't give up much in the way of low to the ground feel and speed of the Vapor. I haven't played in them yet. I will take one of them out next Monday and let you know how it goes. Fit-wise, they are both excellent. I had the infamous heel-slip issue in the Gel Res 6 and I find none of it with the 8. It's more than just minimized, there is no heel slip - so that was a pleasant surprise. My foot is a lot more locked in and it's really comfortable for me, even with a SuperFeet Green insert that raises the heel.

For others reading this, I do have a preference for more stable shoes. I don't like a too-light shoe and felt that the Vapor 9 was perfect, 9.5 still really good but not as good as the 9, and the X continues to go in the wrong direction (for my preferences). I like a little more heft and stability but still desire speed, which is why I thought the Vapor 9 was the pinnacle for me. Given this, I don't notice the weight of the VC4 as perhaps some who don't have an affection for this type of shoe. It's still a lot lighter than the Ballistic 3.3 I used to have. That was a true brick! Also, in comparison to the old Ballistic, the VC4 is lower to the ground and has less of a heel drop. Both it and the Resolution feel very stable to me. They do ride ever so slightly higher than the Vapor 9.5 I have, but I expect it is at a threshold that I won't notice while playing. To state it more succinctly, I expect that I will enjoy the extra cushioning and not have to pay a ride/stability penalty for it. A play test will provide some insight, but I'm expecting to continue to really like them.

 

[agu]

The GR8 is a complete court shoe. It's taken longer than expected to get used to the upper material.

Hi Orion

I'm having some discomfort with the upper material when my feet folds, is that the same issue you had at the beginning? Does it change with time?

https://flic.kr/p/2jdZdMN

 

[tarkowski]

hem both on at the same time. I know myself and knew I'd end up with both anyway.

Hi Orion

I'm having some discomfort with the upper material when my feet folds, is that the same issue you had at the beginning? Does it change with time?

https://flic.kr/p/2jdZdMN

Hey Agu, I notice that with my GR8's as well. For me, it's not a discomfort as nothing pinches or hurts, but sort of a 'strange sensation' to feel that rubber folding in on itself. I'm not sure if it will bother me long-term or not, as it's very subtle. The VC4 is better in that regard...feels more traditional and natural.

 

[Orion]

Hi Orion

I'm having some discomfort with the upper material when my feet folds, is that the same issue you had at the beginning? Does it change with time?

https://flic.kr/p/2jdZdMN

It definitely changes as the shoe breaks in. I had to adjust the laces by pulling the two bottom laces a little tighter to keep the fold from pinching me. If the laces are too loose or too tight, the forefoot buckles. Play with lace tension. It's a unique shoe, the upper softens and the shoe plays light given how supportive it is. If there was a gun to my head I'd pick the VC...Nike has about 35 odds years of goodwill and has been the recipient of a considerable amount of mydisposable income [emoji857]

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[Orion]

Hey Orion, I bought both!

Ha Tark! My spirit animal. I thought you were ordering both with the intention of keeping one. Getting both is always the best move. I was seriously torn between the two and my failed attempt at exercising discipline ended up seeing me get the VC anyway. I'm digging the new blue colorway, but I'll wait until go past season or for "COVID phase II" price drop.

I'm playing in the next few hours and want to use the VC but have lost my last few matches and need to get a W in the GR8. I notice I find it difficult to stay on my toes in them between points...an unequal combination of playing lazy and the different forefoot flex.


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[Bobby Jr]

Once I got the right size of the GR8, after a decade wearing mostly Vapor 9s then a few pairs of 9.5s and one pair of Xs, it is obvious that the Asics shoe is a vastly superior shoe. The support they have for your foot means for the first time in years I can play without wearing special insoles. It has really hit home just how rubbish most Nike shoes are in a pure performance sense.

I've worn Asics for walking/running/training shoes for years. I should have swapped to them for tennis a long time ago. Nike make great looking shoes typically but the decent colour-ways are becoming rarer among the poor ones.

 

[tarkowski]

Ha Tark! My spirit animal. I thought you were ordering both with the intention of keeping one. Getting both is always the best move. I was seriously torn between the two and my failed attempt at exercising discipline ended up seeing me get the VC anyway. I'm digging the new blue colorway, but I'll wait until go past season or for "COVID phase II" price drop.

I'm playing in the next few hours and want to use the VC but have lost my last few matches and need to get a W in the GR8. I notice I find it difficult to stay on my toes in them between points...an unequal combination of playing lazy and the different forefoot flex.


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That was the original goal, try on both and keep one. But they both felt good enough to go the distance. I'll be putting the Gel Res 8 through a workout tonight and let you know how it goes!

 

[tarkowski]

The GR8 is a keeper! Excellent shoe, very stable, fits great. Still quite low to the ground while having superior cushioning to the Vapor 9/9.5. A long time back I had the GR2, and while they fit great and were very comfortable, they were a little soft underfoot and got sloppy over too short a time. These are much more solid and have superior lateral stability. Energy return is also excellent. The GR6 (in addition to heel slip) seemed a little more energy absorbing compared to my Vapors. Shoes are such a personal item, I'm glad I found something I like post-Vapor 9/9.5. Also digging the new peacoat\white color-way. I had been looking at this shoe for a while and the new colors were a plus. Improvements for me would include replacing some of the plastic upper with fabric for better breathability and slightly thicker laces. I'll get some time with the VC4 in a few days and report back on how they compare.

 

[Orion]

Been playing in the VC4 the past few days...I prefer over the GR8. There's a feeling under the forefoot in the GR8 that makes mel not want to stay on my toes. I think it's the unusual forefoot flex. It was pretty hot this afternoon and the VC4 felt breathable and played lighter than it looks.

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[tarkowski]

Finally got a chance to take the VC4 to the courts. This is an excellent shoe as well and I have no real complaints. Like the GR8, I could use it as my primary shoe. If forced to choose only one, I think it would be the GR8 because it is a better match to the areas that are more important to me.

Pros:
GR8: Lower to the ground, less heel-to-toe drop (less pressure on knees - you choose when you're on your toes), lower weight, smaller overall size/not bulky; better lacing system (can get it more snug when needed).
VC4: More comfortable upper, great overall fit with more room in the forefoot; no rubber folding in on itself; just as stable even though slightly higher and bulkier; air midsole perhaps ever so slightly more responsive than the gel, more firm

Wish List:
GR8: More fabric in the upper to stay cooler and not have rubber folding issue; thicker laces
VC4: Less bulk, remove the rounded heel, less heel-to-toe drop, better lacing system, less weight

Wish List for Vapor 9/9.5 (My favorite shoes) having experienced GR8/VC4:
Better durability, more forefoot midsole cushioning

Regarding heel-to-toe drop, I think it is a balance of where you feel more pressure: on the knees (more raise in the heel like the VC4), vs on the achilles (less raise in the heel like the GR8). This will be an individual preference and mine is for the GR8. Actually, as small of a difference as it is, I might prefer something in-between these 2.

 

[Wheelz]

I've got the speed solution and gel resolution 7 in both clay and hard court. I like to use my speed and consistency to grind it from the baseline. I thought the speed solution would be better because of weight but I seem to favor the Resolution more and more. Just super stable and grippy when I have to change directions. Speed Solution is still a great shoe.