Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat SFX 4

TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Just in time for the summer season, we have a limited amount of Babolat SFX 4 available to playtest. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: The SFX 4 is a WIDE fitting shoe. We recommend applying for this playtest if you are an E to 4E. This shoe will be too wide for D width and below.

Application period is closed. Emails will be sent out June 9 to selected playtesters.

We have a very limited quantity of shoes to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by July 11, 2025 by 5 PM PST.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current shoe:
How many hours did you play with the shoe?
Normal Size:
Playtesting Size:

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort:
-arch support:
-stability/support:
-ventilation:
-sole durability:
-upper & toe durability:
-traction:
-weight:

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the shoes.
 
Last edited:
The SFX3 was a game changer for someone like me who has wide feet. It was soft on the knees, comfortable in the toe box, and speedy in a match. It was a great shoe that i got for $40 lol. However there are issues i would hope to see improve in the SFX4. For starters, my ankles were always sore after my tennis session whenever i played in these shoes. Not sure if it was because of the lack of ankle support or because the soles were too soft that my ankles absorb the brunt of changing directions. Second issue is the durability, I wish babolat or tennis warehouse have the 6-month warranty for these shoes because they did not last long. Third issue isn’t really an issue but a personal preference but I would like to see better colorways. The men’s SFX3 had some pretty decent colors but when I was looking to buy some women’s SFX3 for my sisters, they all said that the colors were not pretty besides the white/silver. Problem was that they did not have any of my sisters’ size in stock due to the protest at the shipping sea ports. That said, good luck to everyone that applies to the playtest.
 
I am assuming this is by design a wide shoe. So people with narrow foot may want to keep that in mind to enable a proper review.

Edit: Just noticed that TW already mentioned that in the first post.
 
Last edited:
ttgrinder said:
I am assuming this is by design a wide shoe. So people with narrow foot may want to keep that in mind to enable a proper review.

Edit: Just noticed that TW already mentioned that in the first post.
Click to expand...
From my past experience with old SFX product lines, this should be a great fit for folks with wide feet, but not as much for folks with narrow feet.
 
Would've loved to try out a babolat shoe, but will definitely be passing due to the wider fit. good for babolat that they're making shoes specifically for people with wider feet.
 
I stepped into the Babolat shoe universe for the first time last year, starting with the SFX Evo—and what a game-changer it’s been! With medium-wide feet, finding shoes that don’t feel like medieval torture devices is no small feet feat. The SFX Evo delivered big time: super comfortable, stable, and refreshingly straightforward—no bells, whistles, or foot-cramping gimmicks.

I'm curious to see how the SFX 4 stacks up—I’ve got high hopes it performs well!
 
I like Babolat shoes and most all of their products. They do a great job and they always look good! The SFX line has always run a bit bigger and wider and pound for pound a pretty good performer at a reasonable price point. Looking foreward to what everyone has to say about this iteration. The EVO was very comfortable and pampered your feet!
 
The shoe design is clever and stylish. It seems like this would protect you when dragging a foot. I also like how the sole is broken in to two lowering weight and probably making it more conforming!

rs.php
rs.php
 
Nostradamus said:
is it as good as yonex shoes ?
Click to expand...
With having worn the ad-accel and SFX3 i would have to say they’re both good but from different fundamentals. SFX3 was like a sneaker with its bulkiness but you were able to move around the court while ad-accel had that lightweight, closer to the ground feel and made you feel like a ninja on the courts.
 
d-quik said:
@innoVAShaun @Chairman3 @norcal @StringStrungStrang

Heel is higher than the SFX3
Click to expand...
Missed this one but I certainly am impressed with the EVO. Interested in hearing the feedback.
PhxRacket said:
Curious to see if these fit my “duck shaped” feet better than KSwiss. Looking for more comfort, and better ventilation.
Click to expand...
I'm kinda similar with narrow ankle and wide forefoot. KSwiss HCS has been good to me if I lace loose up front then runner's loop for ankle.
 
I'm in. I have an almost new pair of SFX3 currently in my rotation, so I'm interested in assessing the changes that have been made to the SFX4.
 
Johnnyrocket said:
Perks of living in California haha. Color and styling are not too shabby. Fit seems true to size. SFX3 had complaints that the length was always half an inch longer than listed. SFX4 seems to be accurate. Comfort matches the quality of SFX3. So far first impression are good.
https://imgur.com/a/2VHG4VH
Click to expand...
I got my pair and I'm not noticing a size difference between the SFX3 & the SFX4. It appears they are made on the same last. The insole material is different, but in shape it seems to be an exact match for the SFX3 insole.

The shoes are comfortable right out of the box and I'd expect most people will need no break-in period. I've got doubles matches scheduled for tomorrow so I can't wait to get them out on court.
 
Im about 4 hours in with these shoes. First impressions: great comfort with no break in period; great feel as I can feel my footwork and stay on my toes when ball striking in rallies. One major issue i have is the lateral movement with these shoes is wonky. Can’t put my finger on it but it feels like when it comes to side-to-side movements there is a drag in the outer front area of the shoe. Didn’t have this issue with the SFX3 but will experiment with the lacing to mitigate the issue. Hate to admit it but I actually trip over my shoe while getting a ball on the run in a match.

Will post a full review hopefully by the end of the week. Just wanted to give the other playtesters a heads up about the lateral support.
 
d-quik said:
There is a what?
Click to expand...
Resistance against court surface. I managed to mitigate it by lacing thought the extra shoe loop via the ankle lock. It does make the shoe feel like it’s choking a bit but you’ll have to adjust the tension accordingly to your preference. With the ankle lock, i felt the shoe became more dynamic in lateral movements which is excellent for baseliners. For those who like the feel & nimbleness of the yonex ad-accel but wanted something more durable, you might like the babolat SFX4.
 
I now have over 3.5 hours (3 sets of doubles and a set of singles) of play time in the SFX4s. After this time in the shoe, I will say that the fit is almost exactly the same as the SFX3, so if you have experience with that shoe use that as your size guide. I don't find the SFX3 & SFX4 to run a half-size long, but if you do, note that the fit is the same. Players who want toe-box room should be happy. It is possible that the SFX4 has a little more foot room than the SFX3!

My initial impression is that this is like an SFX3 but with a little more toe protection for dragging and a little more lateral support in the toe box. Wearing it seems a bit more "tennis shoe" like than the SFX3 which seemed more "running shoe" like. My only dislike so far is the change (less) in the padding around the top of the heel cup. This may be why the shoe feels larger. I want to get at least 10-15 hours of court time on them before I write up a detailed review.
 
WildVolley said:
more foot room than the SFX3
Click to expand...
DAMN!
WildVolley said:
initial impression is that this is like an SFX3 but with a little more toe protection for dragging and a little more lateral support in the toe box
Click to expand...
Is support the same thing as stability? If not, how is the lateraly stability on HARD stops. Hard as in how you have to plant+turn+sprint back towards the centre after sprinting down a wide forehand on the dead run.
 
d-quik said:
Is support the same thing as stability? If not, how is the lateraly stability on HARD stops. Hard as in how you have to plant+turn+sprint back towards the centre after sprinting down a wide forehand on the dead run.
Click to expand...
I think that it may be more stable, but I'm going to need to do some tests. I never had stability issues with the SPX3 but I know some people felt that they were a bit soft. On my to-do list, running lines in both shoes to see which provides more lateral stability in hard changes of direction.

I'll also measure the inside heel height of both shoes. I'm not sure that the SFX4 heel sits higher despite the extra foam around/behind the heel which makes it appear it does.
 
Tennis experience/background: ~10 years of playing tennis
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): aggressive baseliner, serve bot, likes to poach a lot in doubles.
Current shoe: previous shoes (new balance 1007) // (asics gel-resolution 9 wide) // (yonex ad-accel) // babolat SFX3
How many hours did you play with the shoe?: 16 hours
Normal Size: 9
Playtesting Size: 9

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):

-comfort: Like pillows on your feet, you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds. Very much like my new balance 1007, they were accommodating to my wide forefoot. Out of the box and onto the courts, there was almost no break-in period and you can play however you like without any expectation of hindrance from the shoes.

-arch support: These shoes were very supportive of my flat feet. While the SFX3 required me to wear insoles due to gradual degradation, the SFX4 has not given me any signs for me to start looking for insoles replacements yet. I also want to mention that I’ve gotten a very minor injury on my left foot which left it feeling sore and tender prior to the playtest. Interestingly, I have no issues playing in this shoe even with the injury which speaks a lot for the comfort and support.

-stability/support: At first, I doubted the stability of this shoe because it felt chunky in the outer side of the sole. Once I established an ankle lock with the strings, the shoe became more mobility and maneuverable as I grind side-to-side on the baseline. I mentioned before that I actually tripped in the first day of playtesting this shoes and after ankle locking the shoe, I’ve had no issues of stumbling. In fact, I’ve moving quicker than usual as I’m able to intercept and cut off any crosscourt shots. Braking/sliding after initiating a full sprint to cover any dropshots or short angles was quite remarkable as the shoe has so much cushioning to support such movements.

-ventilation: My feet didnt overheat especially in the Californian heat. Although I do think that the SFX3 were more breathable because whenever a breeze arrives, I can usually feel the wind going through the SFX3 and cooling down my feet lol. I don’t get the same reaction with the SFX4; I don’t know how else to describe it but it feels like a cloud dissipating heat from the sun providing relief to whoever is in its shade.

-sole durability: Soles have not shown any signs of wear or tear even in my 16th hour of playing. While it was a grime day my SFX3 started to wear down, the SFX4 seems promising as the material feels a lot more durable than the previous generation. SFX4 has a firm feeling to the touch while the SFX3 was a touch softer.

-upper & toe durability: one of the more noticeable upgrades and improvements. Featuring an inner toe/drag guard, the SFX4 seems to take sliding and feet dragging into consideration compared the SFX3.

-traction: Featuring a zigzag herringbone style with some flutes/channels that forms a hashtag for its design, the traction is top notch. Somewhat resembles that of the adidas barricades. Quick turns and full stops is what I’ve been doing non-stop since putting on the shoes. It’s addicting.

-weight: Lightweight! Despite its bulk, it moves like a feather. My poaching skill in doubles is very…volatile haha. I was the best volleyer and poacher in my group but it’s been an uphill battle getting back into those glory days. Three things I’ve been prioritizing are: healthy legs, healthy eyes, and steady hands. I have an office job so sitting is guaranteed and going from that onto the courts can really be demanding on your back and legs when youre not young anymore. Thus I’ve been looking for shoes that are comfortable for my wide flat feet all the while being quick on the courts…. You’ll be surprised that not a lot of shoes can fit that criteria. Then I decided to give the SFX3 a chance and Im glad I did because I played the best tennis with the shoes. The biggest aspect I’m looking for any shoes that both the SFX3 & SFX4 share is the quickness. I need quickness, without it I’m forced to grind endlessly in rallies. I need to be able switch from running to the ball to assembling my foot work to transfer enough kinetic energy to put that ball away. My new balance 1007 was comfortable but lacked that quickness, yonex ad-accel was quick & comfortable but didnt have the durability my bank account need because there was no way I was gonna keep buying shoes after a month lol. The gel-resolution 9 wide had all three (comfort, durability, quickness) but I think the weight was a bit heavy which subtly affected my foot speed. The SFX3 was promising but there was always none in stock. I think the SFX4 can fulfill the lost promises of the SFX3.

General reaction/comments on overall performance:
The SFX4 certainly lives up to the expectations that the SFX3 have set. Whether or not it goes beyond those expectations, Ill need to report back til the 3 month mark with these shoes. Some alternate names I’ve came up for the SFX4: Cloud-ninja because it feels like youre walking on clouds on your toes & Redbull…it’ll give your feet wings. A lot of my friends on the courts have been asking how i feel about the shoes the first week I’ve had them on. Safe to say that it does gather some attention. While I don’t recall why I even bought the SFX3 or what allured me to it in the beginning but my feet are happy that I did. Also Im pretty sure that I was responsible for people buying the SFX3 in my tennis courts due me recommending shoes that were the best bang for your buck for under $80…. Babolat gotta start paying me to be their local sales rep. That said SUPER BIG THANK YOU to the Tennis warehouse team, really appreciate being on this playtest. Will do my best to notice any behaviors this shoes shows through its 1st/ 3rd/ and 6th month of testing and report back. So far the SFX4 have shown great qualities of a brilliant, consumer-friendly product on and off the courts to athletes and everyday activities people.
 
Playtest: Babolat SFX 4


Tennis experience/background: Been playing for 28 years. Currently at a 4.5 level. Various Tournaments and Club Play. Started Tennis late due to the fact I have always been into Football, Basketball and Baseball. Decided to try Tennis due to the fact you cannot play Football into your later years. I am completive by nature, so I got addicted to Tennis too. Like both Singles and Doubles.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Baseliner always looking for a shot to come in on. Forehand side heavy topspin but flatten it out when needed. One handed back hand with enough spin to help keep the bigger shots inside. I like to mix low driven slices to keep the opponent from getting into a rhythm. I have a strong overhead, but I prefer taking the ball out of the air to rob the opponent of time.

Current shoe: Wilson Rush Pro Ace

How many hours did you play with the shoe? 20

Normal Size: 13

Playtesting Size: 13


Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):

-comfort: Very comfortable right out of the box. This does not happen with very many shoes for me. My extra wide feet force me to stretch new shoes for a week before wearing them. I use leather softener and mink oil with a wood shoe stretcher. Even with the factory insoles, they were a very soft ride. The only discomfort was the first 2 days the collar around my ankles felt somewhat stiff. By the 3rd day, this was gone.

-arch support: I had no issues with the shoe, so that would include arch support. This is not an area with shoes that I have issues with in general.

-stability/support: I had no issues with stability and support. My ankle felt stable with quick stops and starts. There were no issues with lateral movement either. Considering all the comfort the shoes provided, they were very stable.

-ventilation: This area of the shoe was middle of the road for me. They felt a little warm just wearing them around the house. I did not notice any discomfort from the shoes getting too warm out on the court. Right now, our temperatures are over 100 degrees so no complaints with the shoes.


-sole durability: After 20 hours, I do not see any wear on the soles. I can only guess, but I feel I will be getting long life from the soles.


-upper & toe durability: I never wear out the toes on my shoes, so I cannot comment on that area. Time will tell how well the knit uppers last. I have never worn out the uppers on a shoe before the soles, so the uppers should not be an issue. If this changes, I will come back to add to my review.


-traction: Great traction and no slipping whatsoever. Some of the Courts I play on are near smooth due to age and the shoes never caused me loss of traction. They squeak quite a bit during quick stops and changing directions abruptly. The bottom of the shoes says Michelin, so just like the tires the traction is spot on.


-weight: This is a middle of the road for me. They do not feel heavy when playing, so I did not feel any loss of foot speed. I will always prefer a little heavier shoe that provide me the comfort I need. I will never wear shoes that can lead to foot issues. For serious competition, I do wear a lighter shoe to maximize my speed. I still require they have excellent cushioning and normally need to add an aftermarket insole.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: Overall, these are very good shoes. They are comfortable right out of the box. They provide plenty of cushioning and achieve this without being heavy weight shoes. They give plenty of support and I never felt in danger of turning an ankle or slipping on the court. I like the look of the shoes, and the color is very nice. There are not enough court shoe choices for retail that give comfort right out of the box for those of us with extra wide feet. As I previously mentioned, this is rare for me not to have to stretch the shoes before wearing them out on the court. These are shoes that let me focus on my play and not on my feet, so that is a complement. A very big thank you to Tennis Warehouse and Babolat for allowing me to be part of this play test!
 
Tennis experience/background:
7–8 years of total playing experience.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
70/30 split between aggressive baseliner and all-court.

Current shoe:
Adidas Barricade (Clay) / Adidas Solematch Control 2 (White/Black/Red)

How many hours did you play with the shoe?
7 hours

Normal Size:
9

Playtesting Size:
9


Comfort:
The comfort of these shoes was good overall. The insoles felt soft and cushioned, providing great shock absorption during landings. The width was ideal for my E/2E-width feet. I also appreciated the thick tongue, which helped prevent lace pressure on the bridge of my feet, a common issue for me due to my high arches. One major issue with comfort was, the heel cup felt too stiff and cut into my foot pretty often.

Arch support:
As someone with high arches, I was initially skeptical about the support, but I didn’t experience any major issues. I did however felt some discomfort on the bridges of my feet by the end of long sessions. Players with higher arches may benefit from using aftermarket insoles with enhanced arch support.

Stability/Support:
This is where I had the most trouble with the SFX 4. Although the size was correct lengthwise, the shoes felt too tall and roomy for my foot shape. My feet are wide but lean/skinny, and I didn’t get the snug midfoot hold I typically prefer. Even with tight lacing, the fit felt loose and a bit wobbly on lateral movements. The shoes felt bulkier than any I’ve worn before, and during my first session on har-tru, I tripped on my own foot returning to center after a shot—luckily avoiding a fall. On hard court, I finished my session just shy of developing blisters on the bottoms of both feet.

Ventilation:
Ventilation was average. The shoes didn’t overheat right away, but they did run warm during extended play—especially in Florida’s hot and humid conditions. I was hoping for better breathability.

Sole durability:
After 7 hours across two sessions (clay and hard court), the outsole showed minimal wear. Durability seems promising for the time tested.

Upper & toe durability:
As a frequent toe dragger, I appreciated the built-in toe guard. The upper construction appears solid and should hold up well for players who drag often.

Traction:
Traction on har-tru was disappointing. I slipped a couple of times unexpectedly, which affected my confidence in aggressive movement. On hard courts, however, traction was solid, with no issues to report. I wouldn’t recommend it for har-tru.

Weight:
These shoes felt heavier than my current shoes, and the bulkiness contributed to that sensation as well I am sure. Toward the end of my sessions, the extra weight was noticeable and affected my court movement as I felt I was slower than usual.


General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I felt more drag in these shoes compared to my Adidases, which made my movements feel slower. I would not recommend using these on har-tru due to the lack of traction. While the width was great for my feet, the shoes are clearly built for players with not just wide but also bigger/meatier feet.
I really liked the color—but overall, this shoe just isn’t for me. I wouldn’t recommend it to players with lean/skinny feet or those who prioritize low-profile, agile footwear.

Thank you to Tennis Warehouse @TW Staff and Babolat for this playtest!
 
Last edited:
Tennis Background: I started playing tennis in my teens and have played on and off for about 30 years. Last played league at a computer rated 4.5. Coached high school tennis.

Playing Style: All court player

Current Shoe: Babolat SFX3

How many hours did you play with the shoe? 15

Normal Size: 12 (My foot is 12EE-EEE)

Playtest size: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------
The SFX line has become known for toe-box room, width, and overall comfort. The SFX4 continues this tradition with one of the straightest big-toe lines of all available tennis shoes. By not pushing the big toe to the side, the foot can more efficiently roll off the ball and push off the big toe during the stride.

SHOE PERFORMANCE

COMFORT:
I have a mixed report on the comfort of the SFX4. On the positive side, it retains that wide toe box and overall last shape of the SFX3. If you have a wide foot or foot pain from toe box pinch, it is worth your while to try the SFX4.

This version feels a little less soft underfoot, which may be due to a change in the insole, but still effectively protects the foot from hard lunges and foot slaps. The extra drag-resistant material on the lateral edge of the shoe may provide a little more irritation on the little toe as compared to the SFX3, but I didn’t have any issue.

My problem with the SFX4 was with the change in the padding around the collar of the heel cup. The SFX3 had extensive padding that wrapped the top of the heel cup. The SFX4 model reduces that padding. I found after about an hour on the court, I started to get hot spots along the bottom edge of my ankle bone protrusions due to rubbing against the top of the heel cup when making sharp cuts in the shoe. I’d like for Babolat to return to padding that covers the top of the heel cup on their next iteration of this shoe.

ARCH SUPPORT:
I’m not a fan of arch support, and only notice it if it sits in the wrong place or is too high. I had no issues with the SFX4 arches. They seemed properly placed for my foot size and not too large, so I’d guess they have a medium size arch support (my feet have normal arches).

STABILITY/SUPPORT:
The SFX4 has added material to the the lateral edge of the toe box. I ran lines in both the SFX4 and the SFX3 to test the change in the stability of the shoe in hard lateral movement and quick stops. The SFX4 is more stable and allows for quicker recovery from hard lateral changes in direction.

There are two reasons for the superior stability. One is the increased stiffness of the material on the lateral side of the toe box, which allows you to push off this material during hard cuts. The other is that the outsole is slightly wider under the forefoot than with the SFX3. Despite having a wide toe box, I’ve never experienced toe slam in the SFX4 shoes, even when doing hard stops to avoid hitting the net when rushing to drop shots.

Though the SFX4 appears to have more of an elevated heel than the SFX3, I didn't notice this in testing. Measuring it using a right angle, the heel seems to actually sit marginally lower in the SFX4 than the SFX3, though this might have been a slight measuring error. The SFX4 does provide good heel cushioning even when lunging for a ball, and despite appearances, isn't less stable due to a higher drop.

VENTILATION:
The ventilation is good, but not as good as the SFX3. The extra material on top of the big toe for drag protection and the bracing around the front and lateral toe box reduces ventilation. Most players will probably find the slightly reduced breathability worth the increased stability during hard cuts.

SOLE DURABILITY:
I see very little wear after 15 hours on court. I tend to first wear through the outsole under the ball of the foot on the medial (big toe) side. The Michelin branded outsole material has good durability and Babolat has wisely designed the outsole pattern to put more material under the medial side of the forefoot.

UPPER & TOE DURABILITY:
I do not toe drag on my serve, so I didn’t notice any upper wear. While I occasionally will toe drag on a lunging forehand, I didn’t notice any wear on the top of the shoe. The SFX4 has more abrasion resistant material on the top of the toe box, so it should perform better than the SFX3 which clearly wasn't designed for toe draggers.

TRACTION:
The traction is excellent. I only played on hard courts, and experienced no slipping or sticking to the court surfaces. The outsoles gave me confidence when moving to a wide ball, or rushing the net on a short ball.

WEIGHT:
My size 12 SFX4 shoe weighted 463.3g (16.3oz), while the SFX3 shoe weighted 441.8g (15.58oz). The SFX4 does not feel heavy on foot, and I’d class these as mid weight shoes. The extra weight can be explained by the increased toe box protection and perhaps the heel padding extension.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
I’d describe the SFX4 having a more “tennis shoe” like feel on the foot as compared to the SFX3, which was a little more “running shoe” like. If I had not had hot spots at the heel, I would have considered this a clear improvement over the SFX3, given the increased stability of the new model.

I originally thought that the SFX4 fits wider in the toe box than the SFX3, but I'm now unsure. The different feel may have been due to the less padding around the heel collar. In any case, if you have experience with the SFX3, use that as a guide to fitting the SFX4. The fit is so similar that I believe they are using the same last. Because of the toe box space, some players with not as wide feet may be able to go down a half size, though IMO the SFX4 does not run a 1/2 size large.

I remain very enthusiastic about the shape of the Babolat SFX4. I love that an important brand is making shoes for those of us with wide feet, and especially one with a straighter big toe line. Prince shoes used to offer something similar in their NFS lasted shoes, but I find the Babolat SFX line far superior.

Thanks to TW for allowing me to playtest this shoe.
 
Playtest: Babolat SFX 4

Tennis experience/background:
I primarily play singles but also have experience with mixed doubles, mostly during the summer and fall seasons. While my usual environment is indoors, I enjoy the distinct challenges and atmosphere that come with playing outdoors.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
As an all-court player, I base my game on strategy, precise shot placement, and moderate power, making full use of a diverse shot repertoire. My first serve is fast and effective, often resulting in aces or setting up easy 1-2 punch points. I am comfortable at the baseline as well as at the net, adjusting my tactics based on my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Quick transitions from defense to offense are a big part of my game, and I often rely on anticipation and footwork to gain an advantage. This flexibility means I demand a lot from my footwear, especially during long rallies and rapid changes in direction.

Current shoe: Babolat SFX Evo

How many hours did you play with the shoe?
I played for more than 20 hours in the Babolat SFX 4 during my playtest. This included a mix of singles and doubles matches, as well as practice sessions.

Normal Size: 10 Playtesting Size: 10

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):
-comfort:
The shoes are relatively comfortable, but not to the level of SFX Evo plushness. During play, I tend to chase every ball, covering the entire court and making frequent, sharp changes in direction. In the first hour, the heel cup felt too stiff and cut into my foot. However, after that break-in period, the heel cup softened up and I no longer experienced that issue. Overall, once broken in, the SFX 4 offers a comfortable ride for extended play sessions.

-arch support:
In general, the shoe provides good arch support for most playing situations. However, during doubles plays where I did more jumps for overheads, I felt some discomfort in the mid arch of my left foot. This discomfort could be due to either a specific defect in my pair or possibly from landing more heavily on my left foot. It was not a persistent problem during normal play, but it was noticeable in those high-impact moments. I plan to monitor this issue further to see if it resolves over time or if it remains a concern.

-stability/support:
The shoe offers a generous amount of height in the forefoot, perhaps even too much for some foot shapes. While it is not a particularly wide shoe, the vertical space in the forefoot stood out to me. I found it difficult to tighten the laces enough to securely hold my foot during aggressive side-to-side movements. At times, my feet felt like they were rolling over the sides of the shoes, especially during quick direction changes. Outside of these fast-stop situations, the shoes provide good stability and support, and I believe those with a taller forefoot may not experience the same rolling issue.

-ventilation:
The ventilation in these shoes is very good, which is a major plus for comfort during long or intense matches. I mostly played indoors, where the facility’s air conditioning sometimes struggled to keep up with the heat, yet my feet never felt overheated in these shoes. The breathable materials used in the construction seem to do a great job of managing moisture and temperature. Even after extended play, my feet remained cool and dry, reducing the risk of blisters. This makes the SFX 4 a solid option for players who value breathability in their footwear.

-sole durability:
The rubber outsole has shown no signs of wear so far, even after over 20 hours of playing. However, I did notice that the middle plastic part of the sole has developed some scratches, which was surprising since this area usually doesn’t contact the ground in other shoes I’ve worn. This raises a slight concern that the shoe might be collapsing in the midfoot, allowing the plastic to make contact with the court. It’s something I plan to watch for as I continue to use the shoes. Overall, the outsole seems robust, but the scratching on the plastic is worth noting for potential long-term durability.

-upper & toe durability:
I have had no issues with the durability of the upper or toe areas, which is consistent with my playing style since I don’t drag my feet. The materials used in the upper appear to be of high quality and resistant to wear, even after many hours on court. There are no visible signs of fraying, tearing, or separation around the toe box or sides. For players who are rougher on their shoes, it would be useful to monitor these areas over a longer period. Based on my experience so far, the upper and toe durability is excellent.

-traction:
The Michelin outsole on the SFX 4 provides very good traction, which is essential for quick starts and stops on the court. I found the grip to be reliable on hard surfaces, giving me confidence in my footwork. The shoes squeak less than the EVOs, which may be a plus for those who prefer quieter shoes. I experienced no slipping, even during aggressive cuts and pivots. Overall, the traction is a strong point of this model.

-weight:
In hand, the SFX 4 feels heavier compared to the EVO, but this difference is not noticeable once you start playing. I’m accustomed to using heavier shoes, so weight has never been a significant issue for me on court. The extra weight may actually contribute to the stability and solid feel of the shoe during play. For those sensitive to shoe weight, it’s worth trying them out, but for me, the performance outweighs any concerns. I could play for hours without feeling weighed down by the shoes.

General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Overall, I liked the SFX 4 shoes, but I think they are better suited for players with a taller forefoot who can fill out the extra space. I remain a bit concerned about the midfoot discomfort during jumps, but I plan to give the shoes more time to see if this issue persists or if it was a coincidence. Despite this, I found the shoes to be well-constructed, offering a solid blend of stability, traction, and comfort. They do feel a bit clunky compared to the EVOs, which may be a matter of personal preference. I'm very satisfied with Babolat shoes overall and I'm grateful for the opportunity to evaluate this model—thank you TW Staff!
 
Last edited:
d-quik said:
what-russell-westbrook.gif
Click to expand...
The SFX Evo offers a noticeably soft feel underfoot. While you might have tried more brands than I have, I’ve found that both the SFX Evo and some K-Swiss shoes share a similar plushness. One thing they have in common is the Ortholite insoles.

P.S. I also updated my review. I meant to say that they aren’t as plush as the EVO. Thanks for catching it.
 
REMINDER: Friendly reminder for those who haven't submitted their comments, they are due this Friday, July 11th by 5 pm PST.

Thanks,
TW Staff
 
Tennis experience/background: I began playing tennis in high school and resumed playing after college, continuing to this day, for approximately 10 years of experience. I play at the 4.0 Men's level in California, and I usually struggle to find shoes that are not too narrow. I primarily play doubles, either men's or mixed doubles, at the 4.0 level, and my playing style is characterized by a serve-and-volley approach or attempting to approach the net as quickly as possible. I am a right-handed player with a 2-handed backhand, and would describe myself as an aggressive player. My previous shoe was the Yonex Eclipsion, but I had to go one size higher than my standard shoe size to accommodate my wider feet. I have been using the Babolat SFX 4 for about 20-25 hours so far, a mix of daytime and nighttime use. My normal shoe size is 9.5M, and I received a 9.5M playtesting size.

The comfort of the shoe was surprisingly very nice, and I have had no discomfort yet. Usually, there is a break-in period for the shoes I use for tennis; however, for the SFX4, there wasn't a noticeable break-in period. For these shoes, I was able to go straight into playing tennis without needing to make any adjustments, such as exchanging the insoles or filling the shoes with socks to help expand them. Arch support for these seems very nice as well, and there have been no issues so far. Since I have pretty flat feet, most shoes often cause pain, especially in the arch area. However, there has been no pain and no need to replace the insoles with third-party insoles. Stability and support are the categories in which I think this shoe excels the most. Since I am on the net often, I do feel like narrower shoes feel a little less stable when going for poaches. However, I think due to the wider nature of these shoes, I feel more confident and secure moving laterally. Moving up and back from the net feels nice and standard with no issues. Since I play primarily at night, ventilation doesn't seem like an issue. I would say that the SFX4 feels slightly more ventilated than my usual shoes, but other than that, it feels pretty standard. After about 20-25 hours of playtime, there has been no notable wear and tear on the sole of the shoe. I hope the sole is pretty durable, since my SFX3s seemed to wear out a little faster than my Yonex Eclipsions. I will try to provide an update if I notice any wearing down of the soles. Similar to the sole durability, the upper and toe durability have not had any notable wear and tear. One thing I did notice on the toe part of the shoe was an odd sensation, where it felt as though the toe part of the shoe was coming off. However, after inspecting the shoe, no visual issues were found. This feeling only became noticeable when I was running forward, and it feels a bit odd and very noticeable while playing. The traction of the shoe is where I think the shoe excels, since I feel very confident when moving on the court. I have had no issues with slipping or misstepping when playing in these shoes. Additionally, since the sole has not begun to wear out yet, I have not noticed any decrease in the shoe's traction. The weight of the shoe feels a little lighter than what I am used to, which was surprising since the shoe is generally wider. I feel that it is relatively easy to move around the court and I can be quick on my feet.
 
Tennis experience/background: Senior player (60+), 4.5 level, former college player. Still play competitively in tournaments and leagues.

Describe your playing style: Left-handed with an all-court game. Groundies include moderate topspin forehand, and both topspin & slice on the backhand side (one-hander). Serve varies with flat, slice and kicker. Still hit with decent pace for an old guy, and still serve & volley on almost every serve in doubs and mix it up in singles.

Current shoe: Prince Phantom 1 (Mid), Babolat Jet Tere Clay, and long-time user of Prince T-22 (Mid).

How many hours did you play with the shoe? ~18 hours (7-8 singles hits/drill sessions, and a couple of doubles sessions).

Normal Size: 11.

Playtesting Size: 11.

Comfort: This was the most eye-opening feature of these shoes for me. Overall, these are the most comfortable tennis shoes I’ve ever worn. Compared to the Prince shoes I’ve worn over the years, the SFX4 feel so much cushier and comfier. They also feel considerably more comfy than the Jet Tere. The comfort was there both with the stock insole and my typical aftermarket insoles (better/higher arch support, and more durable). The stock insole seemed to be of better quality than most – it didn’t seem like just an after-thought/the cheapest insole possible. Toe box room was great – no issues with tight/cramped forefoot/toes. I felt the heel was locked in nicely, which helped avoid jammed toes and overall comfort.

A lot of the time, after a hard hitting/drilling session, I typically can’t wait to unlace and get my shoes off, and my feet can be somewhat tired/sore-ish (mainly arches). I still unlaced the SFX4, but my feet didn’t feel like I’d been on the court for a hard session – they still felt pretty fresh.

Arch support: I have a fairly high arch, and the SFX4 felt great for arch support even with the stock insoles. This is in stark contrast to the Prince shoes I’ve worn over the years – the stock insoles just don’t cut it for arch support (or cushioning), so have always used an aftermarket insole. My arches were never sore during or after playing with the SFX4.

Stability/Support: This was another nice surprise with the SFX4. Compared to the Jet Tere, they feel more stable and provide more support. Even with the wider width of the shoes, I never felt unsure of my movement. I’ve been trying to wean myself off of mid shoes since they’re somewhat limited and harder to find. With the SFX4, after the first 30 minutes or so getting used to them, I felt confident wearing them and didn’t worry about rolling an ankle. As mentioned, my heel was firmly locked in which I feel also helps with the overall stability, or at least feeling confident your foot isn’t going to slide around inside the shoe.

Ventilation: I’m in the hot and humid southeast, and the SFX4 are better for ventilation than the Prince shoes I wear (and have worn in the past), and probably about the same as the Jet Tere. My feet never felt overheated or uncomfortable, and I didn’t notice quite as much moisture inside the shoes after playing as I do with my Prince shoes, but probably similar to the Jet Tere – which goes hand-in-hand with my ventilation observations.

Sole durability: Since I play almost exclusively on clay, sole durability seems to be fine. I see very little, if any, signs of tread wear so far. It appears to me that the tread pattern is somewhat denser in high-wear areas, so I imagine durability will be solid, but the jury is still out on that one.

Upper & toe durability: The uppers are holding up just fine, as is the toe area. There are no signs of the mesh upper tearing or separating from the rubber protection/outsoles. I’m a toe dragger when serving, but there is no excessive wear in that area. The design of the SFX4 appears to be spot on for toe draggers.

Traction: This was another feature of the SFX4 that impressed me. Traction, even on the clay, was great. It was consistent and reliable whether moving side-to-side, coming out of corners, or up and back. Sliding on the clay was easy and predictable. I did play on hard courts one time during the playtest, and traction was just as positive as it was on the clay. I don’t slide on hard courts any longer, so can’t comment on that, but all other movement was solid and predictable, and no turned ankles.

Weight: I did weigh the shoes, and the SFX4 are heavier than the Jet Tere, and only slightly lighter than the Phantom 1. The SFX4 never felt heavy or bulky. Since I’ve mostly been using heavier (and bulkier) shoes for a long time, the SFX4 felt lighter and nimbler than the Princes, and surprisingly, really about the same as the lighter Jet Tere. So, in my opinion, the design of the SFX4 is well-executed if it can “feel” as light (at least to me) as a shoe that actually weighs less.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: I must say, the SFX4 are the best tennis shoes I’ve ever worn. However, keep in mind this is based on a limited number of shoes I’ve used over the past decade or so - I haven’t tried that many different brands/models, so my universe of usage is somewhat limited/outdated for comparison. The comfort is simply outstanding compared to my usual stable of shoes, as well as the stability, support and traction. Did I mention the comfort?

As I mentioned previously, I’m trying to wean myself off of mid shoes, and these SFX4 have me feeling more comfortable/confident without that little extra support a mid can provide. I like the Jet Tere, but they don’t feel quite as stable and solid/grounded as the SFX4, and are not as comfy (or roomy) either. Did I mention the comfort?

The only thing I might try in the future (and I’m certain I’ll try another pair moving forward) is going down a ½ size…. 1) they seem to be a bit longer than the Jet Tere (and Prince) in the same size, and 2) as the playtest progressed, I did need to tighten the laces a bit more than usual (upper prone to stretching?), so longer-term they may become a bit too roomy. I may be borderline for this wider shoe to begin with, so that may be part of it, but so far, they have been a great fit.

Also of note, after playing on the hard courts, I felt the session less on my feet, knees and back – the superior cushioning was really evident. I’ll still avoid hard courts whenever possible, but it’s nice to know if I have to play on them, it may not “hurt” as much afterwards. Did I mention the comfort?

Thanks to Babolat and TW for including me in this playtest. It was my first for shoes, and a very interesting experience. I typically haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about or obsessing over shoes, but based on this playtest, it’s obvious there are some great options available - eye-opening for this old guy.
 
Babolat SFX4 Review

Tennis experience/background: I've been playing tennis for 20 years now on and off. Mostly played in high school and picked it back up about 10 years ago. Played quite a bit of tennis before COVID in USTA 18+ 4.0 NTRP. I have a semi-western forehand and a one-handed backhand. Currently using the Yonex Regna 98 v3 with Toroline O-Toro in the Mains and Toroline Wasabi X in the crosses. Used to only play singles when I was much younger and transitioned to mostly doubles now.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Aggressive Baseliner - I tend to keep points pretty short since my objective is to usually hit a heavy deeper ball so my partner can put it away at the net.

Current shoe: Asics Gel Resolution 9

How many hours did you play with the shoe? Around 25 Hours

Normal Size: 11

Playtesting Size: 11

Comments on shoe performance (3-5 sentences per category):

-comfort: This shoe requires 0 break in period. I put them on and instantly felt that it was going to be a comfortable shoe and very roomy. I typically buy a wide version if available for any of the gel resolutions and this shoe was a bit on the larger side. I would highly suggest to anyone who has very wide feet or is looking for a larger toe box. I didn't have any foot pain after playing in them. I usually play doubles for 2-3 hours per session and didn't have any issues with comfort. I even wore them casually and they make a great pair of casual shoes if you are running errands.

-arch support: I didn't feel like this shoe provide the best arch support. I don't normally like a shoe with a med-high arch so it worked out perfectly for my feet. I do think you could put in some insoles and it would naturally work perfectly since the shoe itself is pretty roomy on the inside.

-stability/support: This feature was where I was most disappointed. I'm not sure if its because babolat shoes run bigger than other brands, but the length was perfect so I didn't think it was the wrong size. The width of the shoe and the amount of space inside the shoe makes it very difficult to cinch down with the laces. I tried to tie down as tight as possible and it still felt like my foot inside wasn't as secure as the gel resolutions. I tried wearing thicker socks to compensate for the amount of room inside, but it resulted in lower feedback from my movement.

-ventilation: I think Babolat did a great job with ventilation in this shoe. Never once did I feel like my feet were suffocating and there were days I was playing in 85-90 degree weather. I do think the ventilation is much better because of the excess space you have in the toebox area of the shoe. The shoe is designed more like a traditional shoe so it didn't have that sock lining/fit type some of the modern shoes have.

-sole durability: I've always been a fan of Babolat shoes for its durability since they have that michelin tire rubber tech in its soles. After 25 hours of playing in the shoe, I had some minor wear on the base of the shoe. The shoe definitely feels like its geared more towards comfort. I didn't see any wear that was beyond what a typical pair of tennis shoes would have.

-upper & toe durability: Right off the bat when you see the shoes for the first time, you can tell there is more emphasis on the toeguard since its thicker than most places in the shoe. The upper portion of the shoe had quite a bit of fabric that wrapped to the outer side of each shoe. I feel confident that the toe durability would last well for anyone that likes to drag their foot on groundstrokes. In regards to the upper, I would be concerned since it doesn't have much durable material on the upper portion of the shoe.

-traction: I didn't have any issues with traction with the Babolat SFX4. It did a great job with my lateral movements when I was running down balls. I never felt like I was going to slip when trying to catch a drop shot on the run. Because of some of the stability issues I mentioned before, I didn't feel like I was as quick in these shoes because when i pushed off with my foot, it feel like there was some give inside the shoe. I don't think its the fault of the material on the shoe, but caused from the extra space in the shoe overall.

-weight: I would consider these shoes to be on the heavier side if you compared them to gel resolution/solution speeds. A bit on the bulkier side since its main audience would be people that have wider feet. It wasn't so heavy like an adidas barricade, but I wouldn't say they are light either. The weight was more in tune with a typical pair of tennis shoes/casual shoes.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: First look when I received the shoes. Loved the color! It was the all blue variant which was the exactly color I was hoping to receive. People on the court instantly noticed I was wearing different shoes and was curious what it was since they couldn't tell right off the bat what it was. I really enjoyed this shoe for more recreational/casual tennis rallying. Its very comfortable and never left my foot feeling any pain. My tennis sessions usually revolve around playing 2-3 sets of doubles against 4.0/4.5 players. I felt much more connected and confident in my gel resolutions than the Babolat SFX4. My recommendation would be if you are a newer player to the game or just looking to hit casually, this is a great value for a solid pair of shoes. If you are playing more competitive tennis/match play, I would probably look for a different line of shoes that is a bit more focused on stability and feeling connected (Ex: Babolat Propulse Line).

Thank you so much TW and Babolat for giving me the opportunity to playtest this product! I've never heard of the SFX4 line until now and I will definitely be recommending this shoe to some people in my life that are starting out in tennis and looking for an affordable shoe that won't break the bank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat SFX EVO
2
Replies
99
Views
7K
Icsa
Icsa
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Diadora Speed Blushield 4
2 3
Replies
101
Views
9K
erikm
E
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Jet Tere 2 Shoes
Replies
43
Views
2K
ssdeluxe
ssdeluxe
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse: Babolat Jet Tere Playtest
Replies
44
Views
5K
colan5934
C
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: KSwiss Hypercourt Express 2
2
Replies
63
Views
7K
Nostradamus
Nostradamus
Back
Top