Tennis shoes today suck

[HBK4life]

Is it not possible to buy tennis specific shoes that don’t feel like you are wearing cinder blocks??? I have worn vapors for years but these new ones are starting to feel clunky. Every shoe I have tried feels about the same. I have started to just play in running shoes. I know they aren’t made for tennis movement blah blah but these new “tennis” shoes companies are putting out are terrible. Yet, prices are higher than ever. We tennis players are quickly becoming the red headed step child of the sports world. We don’t seem to get the good stuff. We can’t buy shoes at footlocker anymore so it’s hard to try things on. Pro shops overcharge. But, man alive we have 1000 different poly choices we can pick from. Yay. End of line.

 

[r2473]

At least they aren’t expensive

 

[M Pillai]

I guess the market is relatively small for tennis specific shoes... maybe that explains higher cost per shoe.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

The tennis shoes today (well, today as in the last 5-10 years) are better than ever. The prices are obscene, but one has to be crazy to pay full price for them. Personally I find easier much cheaper tennis shoes than much cheaper running shoes (from their recommended price).

 

[tennishabit]

yep, i'm buying tennis shoes all the time n they won't last. also i tried badminton/table-tennis shoes n to my surprise they're all ok for tennis, possibly due to similar on court footwork. you can buy 3 or 4 pairs of those for the price of 1 pair tennis shoes but sometime hard to find sz >uk10 eu45............lololololol apparently all the badmintoners/pingpongers are pretty small............................

 

[rovex]

True. I wore tennis shoes for fencing and found badminton shoes much lighter while still being supportive. They’re going way overboard with the thick uppers and weight.

 

[BorgCash]

You could also use basketball shoes, also because of similar footwork. There is a huge range to choose from among the basketball shoes and you could easily find discount pairs.

 

[struggle]

Asics is all i wear anymore. A shoe company.

 

[Kdude]

I felt the same after the barricade line was discontinued and went to Asics... The Asics had only one advantage , easy break in. The release of the Soul Court Boost is an amazing shoe with good fit , easy break in , Lightish and good wear

 

[CosmosMpower]

Solution speeds are light and don't feel like clunky bricks.

 

[blablavla]

You could also use basketball shoes, also because of similar footwork. There is a huge range to choose from among the basketball shoes and you could easily find discount pairs.

Clay -> you're probably not gonna be allowed to play with them
Carpet -> you're probably not gonna be allowed to play with them

HC -> if you think of a shoe that's fine for asphalt or similar street surfaces, probably yes. But a shoe that was designed for proper basketball surface will probably has its own challenges on HC.

so, I wouldn't adventure into a basketball shoe for tennis.

 

[TW Staff]

You guys get that you have to replace running shoes too, right?! (even when wearing them just to run in -- you should be replacing them every 400-500 miles; ESPECIALLY when wearing them on a gritty tennis court). Most shoes, if worn consistently, do need replacing And most shoes in any category, that are premium and the most technical, do cost more than a take down that looks cool but has little technology.

I do hear ya on the tennis shoes, but do think we are seeing some great improvements and the categories are shifting where each brand has a specific SPEED shoe and a more durable, stable supportive shoe. I have a theory that most tennis players have endured bad tennis shoes because they don't know any better, but they are starting to come around!!

I can't pass this thread without saying I really, really do not suggest playing in running shoes. (I also don't suggest running more than a mile in tennis shoes ) There are some great deals on decent tennis shoes. Whether you're looking for speed or more support and durability. Please wear tennis shoes on the tennis court -- they have been engineered SPECIFICALLY for tennis. We have so many good shoes on sale -- invest there and avoid injuries later -- just my two cents, had to say it as a shoe-nerd myself.

Men's Clearance Tennis Shoes | Tennis Warehouse

Men's clearance tennis shoes, available in limited quantities, shop now! Up to 50% off popular hard court and clay court tennis shoes by Nike, adidas, Prince, and more!

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Also, light weight options right now -- the new NB 996v4 is extremely light as is the NB 896. Also the adidas adizero Club and ubersonic are super light and quick. And personally, the one shoe I find most similar to a running shoe at the moment would be the Asics Solution Speed FF.

Michelle, TW

 

[esgee48]

OP is speaking from his own experience. I do not have this issue obtaining long lasting tennis shoes. I also generally wait for sales before picking up pairs. They're shoes, not fashion accessories!

 

[BorgCash]

Clay -> you're probably not gonna be allowed to play with them
Carpet -> you're probably not gonna be allowed to play with them

HC -> if you think of a shoe that's fine for asphalt or similar street surfaces, probably yes. But a shoe that was designed for proper basketball surface will probably has its own challenges on HC.

so, I wouldn't adventure into a basketball shoe for tennis.

Do you play on carpet? Last time i played on it was in 1989. For clay, yes, you need specific shoes. But most of the season most of the people play on different hard courts. Basketball shoes can be use on it for sure.

 

[HBK4life]

OP is speaking from his own experience. I do not have this issue obtaining long lasting tennis shoes. I also generally wait for sales before picking up pairs. They're shoes, not fashion accessories!

I am talking about fit and comfort not wear and tear. If I could find a shoe that didn’t feel like I was wearing a cinder block that wore out in three months I wouldn’t care.

 

[tennishabit]

I am talking about fit and comfort not wear and tear. If I could find a shoe that didn’t feel like I was wearing a cinder block that wore out in three months I wouldn’t care.

yup, fit/comfort 1st.

if not then get hurt n they won't last 1/2 hr..................'wearing n tearing' of ur feet. unless u arming the balls n don't use legs/feet to play tennis. well, in dat case the 'wearing n tearing' gonna be te/ge etcetc...........................

 

[Chadalina]

You could also use basketball shoes, also because of similar footwork. There is a huge range to choose from among the basketball shoes and you could easily find discount pairs.

The bottoms wear out too fast on hardcourt.

Im really happy with the Wilson Rush's. Extremely durable bottom (6month warranty) and great support. Bad ankles may need 3/4 tops or a brace, they are cut a touch low but the heel cup is perfect

 

[Nicholo]

I really don’t mean to be rude, but is it possible that in the space of time that tennis shoes went for you from being good to now, when they apparently feel like cinder blocks—that you actually just got older and lost a bit of your fitness ?

...ubersonics are pretty light...

 

[BorgCash]

The bottoms wear out too fast on hardcourt.

Im really happy with the Wilson Rush's. Extremely durable bottom (6month warranty) and great support. Bad ankles may need 3/4 tops or a brace, they are cut a touch low but the heel cup is perfect

Probably, I offered it like a variant. There are many things that should be count, mostly comfort and durability, not always you got both. Also price.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I really don’t mean to be rude, but is it possible that in the space of time that tennis shoes went for you from being good to now, when they apparently feel like cinder blocks—that you actually just got older and lost a bit of your fitness ?

...ubersonics are pretty light...

The shoes of old (and I mean of old, not from ten years ago) had absolutely no support to speak of compared to the shoes today, and they will get absolutely destroyed in no time the way the game is played today, so even if they are slightly heavier there is a reason for it. Not that I have recollection of the weight of my shoes from 30 years ago, but they couldn't have been very lightweight either. Maybe my legs were stronger then, as you here suggest, but that is about it.

 

[Chadalina]

Probably, I offered it like a variant. There are many things that should be count, mostly comfort and durability, not always you got both. Also price.

I hurt my ankle really bad, basketball shoes were a saviour. So much support.

They are great shoes but the bottoms are made to dampen. There isnt a soft rubber that is durable. On clay they work fine though, more of the abrasion that breaks them in tennis (hardcourt)

 

[jim e]

Tennis shoes are so much better today than they were years ago. I remember back in early 70's that Tretorn shoes were popular. Those are garbage compared to today's shoes that are more durable and more lateral support and comfortable.

 

[tennytive]

I wore Tretorns because Borg did. I also wore Jack Purcells before trying Head's tennis shoe offering in 1972. I thought I had arrived. The game was a lot different back then and I was a lot younger with stronger feet. Today those shoes would hurt my feet and probably not last a month on hard courts.

 

[Shaolin]

Shoes are way better now.

 

[airchallenge2]

Agreed, nowadays shoes are light years better than those from 30 years ago.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Well, I mean, I’ll take a vapor x over Stan smith’s or the air trainer 1 any day...

 

[WildVolley]

I hurt my ankle really bad, basketball shoes were a saviour. So much support.

They are great shoes but the bottoms are made to dampen. There isnt a soft rubber that is durable. On clay they work fine though, more of the abrasion that breaks them in tennis (hardcourt)

If you're going to use basketball shoes, it probably makes sense to shop for the outdoor basketball shoes that should have a harder and more durable outsole material as compared to most basketball shoes which are designed for indoor synthetic or wooden courts.

 

[TagUrIt]

When I first got back into tennis two years ago, I only played in basketball shoes because I needed ankle support. Fast forward through 2 pairs of Lebrons and I decided to give a real tennis shoe a try. The Zoom Zeroes were my first pair and not only did they provide ankle support, but were extremely comfortable as well. I’m playing in Nike Cage 3’s now and will most likely get the Cage 4 when it’s released. Shoe technology is EVER changing and generally it’s for the betterment of the athlete playing the sport. No shoe on the market will give you EVERYTHING you’re looking for including the price point, but I’d much rather play tennis in actual tennis shoes that suit me and my game. Just find the right tennis shoe for your Cinderella foot.

 

[joah310]

I like to play with any show with good/ decent durability for cheap. I recently used the adidas adizero ubersonic 3 and it had really good support, but outsole durability was horrible. I am currently using asics solution speed ff and they wear pretty quickly, but nowhere near as fast as the ubersonics. I want to try thr gel resolutions but they tend to be more on the expensive side even when on sale. A while ago I stumbled upon the head revolt 2.5 for around 60 and it had great durability, and a 6 month warranty. The shoe was a tad unstable but with the 6 month warranty I now have a pair of revolt 3.0s in the garage. just make sure to get a whole size up if you get it because it runs really small.

 

[parasailing]

Tennis isn't a big enough market for shoe manufacturers. Nike spends most of their R&D on basketball and running shoes and we get what we get. Only recently did they come out with a pair full length Zoom Air shoes in the Zoom Zero.

I was hoping they would put that in their Vapor 9s or 9.5s but nothing happening for years so I went the basketball route which get all the innovations and new technology.

The only downside is durability since most basketball shoes weren't designed for outdoor courts so I ended up spending twice as much on my annual shoe budget but that the price to keep your joints from taking such a beating.

 

[Sardines]

Is it not possible to buy tennis specific shoes that don’t feel like you are wearing cinder blocks??? I have worn vapors for years but these new ones are starting to feel clunky. Every shoe I have tried feels about the same. I have started to just play in running shoes. I know they aren’t made for tennis movement blah blah but these new “tennis” shoes companies are putting out are terrible. Yet, prices are higher than ever. We tennis players are quickly becoming the red headed step child of the sports world. We don’t seem to get the good stuff. We can’t buy shoes at footlocker anymore so it’s hard to try things on. Pro shops overcharge. But, man alive we have 1000 different poly choices we can pick from. Yay. End of line.

I find shoes to be lighter than ever. When I first started, shoes were made of leather uppers and in the 15+ oz (size 11) and didn't last 5 weeks for me. Nowadays, a shoe are made of lightweight PU socks, like the Cage 3 are @ 13oz or the Adidas Ubersonic 3 @ 13.2oz. The cage lasts 3 mths and I get a new pair. Granted I'm probably not as heavy on use as I was in D1 days, but still the shoes last longer and to me are cooler, lighter and more stable.
And if you use adjusted dollars, prices are actually just below inflation.

 

[airchallenge2]

Personally, I wouldn't play in basketball shoes. I find them way too over-built and too high from the ground. I'm super happy with the tennis shoes nowadays.

 

[ATX Tennis]

I just wish they still made the Vapor 9s. Would have been happy to use those forever.

 

[vsbabolat]

I just wish they still made the Vapor 9s. Would have been happy to use those forever.

Me too. The Vapor X fit is horrible

 

[SoresuMakashi]

I would not wear running shoes on a tennis court. Perhaps I was just unlucky but the one time I did (with a pair of very lightweight NB runners) I twisted my ankle badly and basically took off the entire outsole in one session. I still feel weakness in that ankle a year on.

I would however be fairly happy wearing badminton shoes or anything else that provides stability on side movements. Not sure about durability though.

 

[soundofatrain]

Pricing is also ridiculous and predatory. They cost pennies on the dollar to produce.

 

[dr. godmode]

Imo tennis shoes are great rn. Only an idiot would pay full price, most shoes are easily found for 30% off. I played in the legendary Air Tech Challenge 2 recently, and my knees got so inflamed due to lack of cushioning, not to mention they are quite heavy.

 

[gooberwho]

Pricing is also ridiculous and predatory. They cost pennies on the dollar to produce.

You're not factoring in research and development, infrastructure, shipping/logistics, etc.

 

[galahad]

You guys get that you have to replace running shoes too, right?! (even when wearing them just to run in -- you should be replacing them every 400-500 miles; ESPECIALLY when wearing them on a gritty tennis court). Most shoes, if worn consistently, do need replacing And most shoes in any category, that are premium and the most technical, do cost more than a take down that looks cool but has little technology.

I do hear ya on the tennis shoes, but do think we are seeing some great improvements and the categories are shifting where each brand has a specific SPEED shoe and a more durable, stable supportive shoe. I have a theory that most tennis players have endured bad tennis shoes because they don't know any better, but they are starting to come around!!

I can't pass this thread without saying I really, really do not suggest playing in running shoes. (I also don't suggest running more than a mile in tennis shoes ) There are some great deals on decent tennis shoes. Whether you're looking for speed or more support and durability. Please wear tennis shoes on the tennis court -- they have been engineered SPECIFICALLY for tennis. We have so many good shoes on sale -- invest there and avoid injuries later -- just my two cents, had to say it as a shoe-nerd myself.

Men's Clearance Tennis Shoes | Tennis Warehouse

Men's clearance tennis shoes, available in limited quantities, shop now! Up to 50% off popular hard court and clay court tennis shoes by Nike, adidas, Prince, and more!

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Also, light weight options right now -- the new NB 996v4 is extremely light as is the NB 896. Also the adidas adizero Club and ubersonic are super light and quick. And personally, the one shoe I find most similar to a running shoe at the moment would be the Asics Solution Speed FF.

Michelle, TW

Michelle....I feel there is a gap in the market that was once occupied by the barricade. Whats the replacement? I know about the sole court boost, but it looks like those are 2 inches off the ground...Any other rec's??

 

[TW Staff]

Michelle....I feel there is a gap in the market that was once occupied by the barricade. Whats the replacement? I know about the sole court boost, but it looks like those are 2 inches off the ground...Any other rec's??

@galahad
Great question!

I was actually thinking of doing a video on this-- but for now, I would say yes, the SoleCourt Boost, possibly even the Stycon (it is beefy and stable!), the Gel Res 8, the Lav...I can't personally recommend the Vapor Cage 4 yet as I have not worn them...stay tuned!

Michelle, TW

 

[bluetrain4]

I may be in the minority, but I like weighty shoes. That's not necessarily the same as "clunky" - which suggests that the shoes are burdensome. I just like some decent weight, which often helps stability - not always looking for the lightest shoe.

 

[Shaolin]

Solecourt boost is a GREAT shoe. Switched to it from GR7s and Vapors. Adidas got a lot right with this shoe.

 

[Nicr1991]

My biggest gripe with tennis shoes today is two fold.
1. Tread patterns are straight garbage now. Everything is so slick. All Adidas shoes after the Barricade 7 have that trash full herringbone tread pattern that's terrible on hard courts. I about blew my knee out in a pair of Barricade 9s. Nike is just as bad. The traction on the new Vapor X is nothing compared to the Vapor 9/9.5. As far as Nike's durability shoes are concerned, the traction has been horrible on the new Zoom cages. Why Nike ever changed from the Breathe Free tread pattern is beyond me.

2. The slow demise of the 6 month guarantee. Adidas no longer having any shoes with a durability guarantee is a total travesty. Thankfully the Asics Gel Res line still has the guarantee, but it would've been really nice to have on the new Novak shoes, since they're basically Barricade 7s.

2006-2014 was the golden age for shoes. Now the two biggest brands Nike and Adidas are just putting out garbage.

Till the big brands get their heads right it'll be Asics and Wilson for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Deleted member 768841]

My biggest gripe with tennis shoes today is two fold.
1. Tread patterns are straight garbage now. Everything is so slick. All Adidas shoes after the Barricade 7 have that trash full herringbone tread pattern that's terrible on hard courts. I about blew my knee out in a pair of Barricade 9s. Nike is just as bad. The traction on the new Vapor X is nothing compared to the Vapor 9/9.5. As far as Nike's durability shoes are concerned, the traction has been horrible on the new Zoom cages. Why Nike ever changed from the Breathe Free tread pattern is beyond me.

2. The slow demise of the 6 month guarantee. Adidas no longer having any shoes with a durability guarantee is a total travesty. Thankfully the Asics Gel Res line still has the guarantee, but it would've been really nice to have on the new Novak shoes, since they're basically Barricade 7s.

2006-2014 was the golden age for shoes. Now the two biggest brands Nike and Adidas are just putting out garbage.

Till the big brands get their heads right it'll be Asics and Wilson for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed. The tread pattern on the BF2 and the court ballistic line was pretty nice compared to the Vapor X and Cage 3.

 

[travlerajm]

I love ❤ my cheap Adidas Rockadia trail runners for tennis. Been using them for past 10 years, and my knees and ankles are grateful.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

I love ❤ my cheap Adidas Rockadia trail runners for tennis. Been using them for past 10 years, and my knees and ankles are grateful.

I’ve seen people use vans and surprisingly Stan Smiths for tennis. Interesting, but I live in California so the Vans make sense.

 

[airchallenge2]

I love ❤ my cheap Adidas Rockadia trail runners for tennis. Been using them for past 10 years, and my knees and ankles are grateful.

Nah, I'm too old school not to play tennis in proper tennis shoes. Even if I have to use the classic Rod Laver. And reading how some complain about the herring bone pattern makes me wonder how in the world would a trail outsole work on a tennis court?

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Nah, I'm too old school not to play tennis in proper tennis shoes. Even if I have to use the classic Rod Laver. And reading how some complain about the herring bone pattern makes me wonder how in the world would a trail outsole work on a tennis court?

I think it would be pretty soft considering the pattern can be a ton of just edges and cuts, meaning it’s a little hard to grab the court.

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Till the big brands get their heads right it'll be Asics and Wilson for me
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Why do you think the vapor 9/9.5 traction is better than the X? I didn’t wear the 9’s, however it looks to have a very soft bite. The X to me feels very grippy for the first hours or so and then gets worn down. Also what are your thoughts on the Wilson rush pro 3.0 and/or the Amplifeel?

 

[Nicr1991]

Why do you think the vapor 9/9.5 traction is better than the X? I didn’t wear the 9’s, however it looks to have a very soft bite. The X to me feels very grippy for the first hours or so and then gets worn down. Also what are your thoughts on the Wilson rush pro 3.0 and/or the Amplifeel?

The way the tread pattern gripped the court was just better. It was a modified herringbone that left a lot in contact with the court and provided tons of grip. The new X feels like there's not enough rubber touching the ground because of the wonky pattern and it doesn't go back as far in the forefoot. I actually really like the Wilson Rush Pro 3 and even the 2.5. I wish the 3 was more stable in the upper. It stretches out a little much by the time you wear out the sole so you have to keep tying them progressively tighter the more you wear them. The traction and padding is great though! Haven't worn the Amplifeel. I need the 6MO guarantee.


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