The Nike Vapor Tribute Thread

[gino]

2024 will mark 20 years since the Vapor shoe has been apart of the Nike Tennis catalog. I've been meaning to start a thread that talks all Nike Vapor history, updates, and current offerings.

I'm going to reserve a few placeholder posts where I will post vapor history / chronology of the shoe (all spec info courtesy of TW)

Post any cool memories, facts, general news, or updates about the Nike Vapor franchise!

 

[gino]

Nike Vapor History -

2004 Nike Vapor S2: Popularized by Federer after his move from the Nike Breathe Free Original. This shoe was used by Federer in the 2004 season. Federer won 2 majors in the shoe (W04/USO04).

Retail Price: $100 USD

Specs:

• Upper: Ultra-thin microfiber upper conforms to the natural curvatures of the foot. Perforations provide breathability while reducing weight. Injected TPU Rollcage for added stability. External heel counter mirrors the shape of the anatomical last while providing added stability. Pre-molded toe tip for durability.
• Midsole: Full-length, contoured phylon midsole provides comfort, stability and cushioning. Heel and forefoot Zoom Air units for low-profile cushioning. TPU shank offers increased midfoot stability. Contoured PEEVA sockliner with Poron inserts for comfort
• Outsole: New Speed Herringbone provides traction on multiple surfaces. Medial and lateral forefoot radius optimized for motion control.

2005 Nike Vapor Speed: Also popularized by Federer, this silhouette was one of his favorites. He used it for the 2005-2006 seasons. Federer would also go on to use the speed traction setup for nearly the rest of his career. Federer won 5 majors in the shoe (W05/USO05/AO06/W06/USO06)

Price: $110 USD

Specs:

• Upper: Lightweight microfiber upper for incredible stability and moisture management. Mesh tongue for added comfort and ventilation. Strategically placed rubber toe-tip for increased durability. External heel counter mirrors the anatomical last while pro
• Midsole: Full-length Phylon midsole with caged Nike Air Sole unit in the forefoot and heel for durable cushioning and great impact protection. Double-lasting in the forefoot helps keep the foot locked in during lateral cuts on the
• Outsole: Full-length DRC2 in a traditional herringbone pattern for excellent traction on a variety of court surfaces and improved durability.

2006 Nike Vapor III: Not endorsed by Federer or ever worn. Mainly popularized by Pete Sampras and James Blake.

Price: $110 USD

Specs:

• Upper: Nike's contour fit for a slim, glove-like feel. Lightweight synthetic upper material provides support, stability and ventilation. Forefoot is flexible for added court feel and comfort. Durability is improved in the toe tip and medial forefoot drag zone. Sleek interior lining offers exceptional fit and comfort.
• Midsole: Full-length Phylon with Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot for low profile cushioning. Forefoot Free Perform gives player more forefoot flex. Double lasting in the forefoot helps keep foot locked in during aggressive lateral cuts. Momentum Control System for enhanced stability.
• Outsole: Full-length DRC2 rubber compound in a herringbone design provides non-marking traction on all court surfaces and improved durability.

2007 Nike Vapor IV: The first shoe Federer switched to after his run with the Vapor Speed. Worn 2007 season. RF asked Nike to reduce the weight by cutting out the center of the fit frame. Federer won 3 majors in the shoe (AO07/W07/USO07).

Price: $90

Specs:

• Upper: A contour speed fit combined with a lightweight synthetic upper make for a snug, performance feel. Durability is added with regionalized placement in the toe tip and medial forefoot. Forefoot flexibility adds comfort and performance.
• Midsole: A full-length Zoom Air Unit in the full-length Phylon midsole gives great low to the ground court feel while maintaining comfort and cushioning. Nike's Momentum Control System keeps the shoe stable and their new innovative Heat Block technology helps the shoe stay cool.
• Outsole: A traditional herringbone pattern used in a full-length XDR outsole provides great traction and versatility on a variety of surfaces. Durability is improved with Nike's XDR technology.

2008 Nike Vapor V: Seemingly a logical evolution to the Vapor IV, fitframe cut to mirror that in the Federer Vapor IV. Federer won the 2008 US Open in the shoe.

Price: $115

Specs:

• Upper: Nike's contour speed fit offers a glove-like, performance feel. Durability and support are increased with regionalized material placement. Suppleness through the vamp adds to the comfortable ride.
• Midsole: A full-length Zoom Air Unit in the full-length Phylon midsole provides low to the ground court feel while maintaining comfort and cushioning. Nike's Momentum Control System keeps the shoe stable. Heat Block technology helps the shoe stay cool by stopping the hot court temperatures from penetrating the shoe.
• Outsole: A full-length XDR outsole in a herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all court surfaces.

 

[gino]

2009 Nike Vapor Tour VI: A Federer favorite, he laced these up from 2009 to 2011. A rigid but supportive upper enabled accurate cuts/precise movement. Federer won 3 majors in the shoe (FO09/W09/AO10).

Price: $115

Specs:

• Upper: Nike's Flywire technology provides support in an extremely minimal and lightweight package. Durability and support are increased with regionalized material placement. Suppleness through the vamp adds to the comfortable ride. Light weight Fit Frame around the heel provides stabilization.
• Midsole: LunarLite technology in the forefoot for a softer, more flexible ride. Zoom Air Unit in the heel provides low to the ground court feel while maintaining comfort and cushioning.
• Outsole: A full-length XDR outsole in a herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all court surfaces.

2010 Nike Vapor Lunar 7: Briefly endorsed by Federer, worn in a hybrid shoe briefly before reverting back to Vapor VI

Price: $120

Specs:

• Upper: Softer upper materials for improved comfort. Nike's Flywire technology provides support in an extremely minimal and lightweight package. Durability and support are increased with regionalized material placement. Suppleness through the vamp adds to the comfortable ride. Light weight Fit Frame around the heel provides heel stabilization. Toe and medial drag protection.
• Midsole: Full-length LunarLite midsole for low to the ground cushioning and improved midsole flexibility. Carbon fiber shank provides light weight support
• Outsole: A full-length XDR outsole in a herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all court surfaces.

2011 Nike Vapor Lunar 8: Also not endorsed by Federer, another great cushioned offering. The last vapor with full length lunar foam.

Price: $120

Specs:

• Upper: Softer upper materials provide no break-in comfort. Nike's Flywire technology provides support in an extremely minimal and lightweight package. Toe and medial drag protection for increased durability in high wear areas. Suppleness through the vamp adds to the comfortable ride.
• Midsole: Full-length Lunarlon midsole for low to the ground cushioning and improved midsole flexibility. Carbon fiber shank provides light weight support.
• Outsole: A full-length XDR outsole in a herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all court surfaces. Flex grooves for faster movement and better traction.

2012 Nike Vapor 9: The birth of an icon, a shoe still coveted today and worn by active tour pros. The 9/9.5 upper/midsole a Federer mainstay from 2012-2017. Federer won 2012 Wimbledon in the Vapor 9.

Price: $130

Specs:

• Upper: Softer upper materials provide no break-in comfort. Toe and medial drag protection for increased durability in high wear areas. Suppleness through the vamp adds to the comfortable ride.
• Midsole: Full-length Cushlon midsole and Nike Zoom Air in the heel for low to the ground cushioning. Sturdy plastic shank provides light weight support.
• Outsole: XDR rubber outsole split with rigid, light weight midfoot shank. A herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all court surfaces. Flex grooves for faster movement and better traction.

2014 Nike Vapor 9.5 Tour: Nike intelligently made minimal changes to the design, only reinforcing the upper with additional integrity

Price: $135

Specs:

• Upper: Nike Adaptive Fit technology in a seamless, zero distraction construction for even lighter, faster-feeling comfort and support. Enhanced durability over the previous version with a re-enforced toe and medial side.
• Midsole: Nike Zoom heel unit combines with a lightweight Phylon midsole for exceptional comfort, cushioning and response.
• Outsole: Nike's XDR rubber compound in a modified herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all surfaces.

2014 Nike Vapor Tour 9.5 x AJ3: a Federer Jordan collab, upper on 9.5 replaced with AJ3 upper. Done in various colorways from 2014-present

Price: $180

Specs:

• Upper: Nike Adaptive Fit technology in a seamless, zero distraction construction for even lighter, faster-feeling comfort and support. Enhanced durability over the previous version with a re-enforced toe and medial side.
• Midsole: Nike Zoom heel unit combines with a lightweight Phylon midsole for exceptional comfort, cushioning and response.
• Outsole: Nike's XDR rubber compound in a modified herringbone pattern provides traction and durability on all surfaces.

 

[gino]

2017 Nike Vapor 9.5 Flyknit: another amendment to the 9/9.5 midsole/outsole combo. This time flyknit upper replaces adaptive fit. Federer won two majors in the shoe (AO17/W17),

Price: $135

Specs:

• Upper: Flyknit material wraps the foot for soft lightweight comfort and exceptional stability. Flywire technology allows you to customize the fit through the laces for dynamic support and a personalized fit.
• Midsole: EVA midsole with Zoom Air in the heel for added cushioning and responsiveness under foot. TPU midfoot shank helps resist unwanted twisting.
• Outsole: XDR rubber compound in a modified herringbone tread pattern offers exceptional traction on any court surface.

2018 Nike Vapor X: the last of the adaptive fit vapors. Last vapor worn by Roger Federer. Federer won the 2018 Australian Open in the shoe.

Price: $140

Specs:

• Upper: Nike Dynamic Fit system for a glovelike fit. Padded collar provides added comfort.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2018 Nike Vapor X Air Max 95: a collab induced by RF's love for the AM 95. In three colorways - worn for Match for Africa 2018, IW 2018, and Miami 2018.

Price: $180

Specs

• Upper: AM95 tribute upper
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2019 Nike Vapor X Flyknit: flyknit on a X mid/outsole combo - worn by Dennis Shapovalov

Price: $140
Specs:

• Upper: Flyknit material wraps the foot for soft lightweight comfort and exceptional stability. Flywire technology allows you to customize the fit through the laces for dynamic support and a personalized fit.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2020 Nike Vapor X Flyknit Kygrios X Kyrie Irving: three colorways in an interesting collab between two mercurial personalities.

Price: $140

Specs:

• Upper: Flyknit material wraps the foot for soft lightweight comfort and exceptional stability. Flywire technology allows you to customize the fit through the laces for dynamic support and a personalized fit.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2020 Nike Vapor X Nishikori

Price: $140

Specs:

• Upper: Nike Dynamic Fit system for a glovelike fit. Padded collar provides added comfort.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2020 Nike Vapor X Glove

Price: $140

Specs:

• Upper: Nike glove basketball-inspired upper
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

2020 Nike Vapor X Foamposite (unreleased)

Price: $140

Specs:

• Upper: Nike foamposite upper
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile, responsive cushioning. TPU mid foot shank for lateral support and stability. Pylon midsole provides lightweight, receptive padding. .
• Outsole: Generative design places added traction on the perimeter of the outsole to support explosive directional changes on the court. 7.5mm wear shelf is engineered with a thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability. Rubber is removed in low-wear areas to keep weight at a minimum while delivering an outsole that wears evenly.

 

[gino]

2020 Nike Vapor Pro 1: On the heels of Federer's departure from Nike footwear, the vapor pro rose to prominence as a favorite of young Carlos Alcaraz. Other prominent current pros using the vapor pro include Holger Rune, Taylor Fritz, Nick Kygrios, and Sebastian Korda. Carlitos Alcaraz Garfia has won four majors (USO22/W23/FO24/W24) in the shoe.

Price: $120

Specs:

• Upper: Step-in comfort with stretchy internal sleeve and added durable mesh for a second layer of support and breathability. Asymmetrical lacing helps hug feet and add support during lateral movements.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in heel and soft foam midsole provide responsive, low profile cushioning and a low to the ground feel. Full-length foot frame on lateral side for stability.
• Outsole: Generative design for ideal traction, and provides give for those hard-court sliders. Thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability.

2020 Nike Vapor Cage 4: A shoe that doesn't really belong in the vapor lineage, more of a cage type shoe. Worn by a few sporadic touring pros, endorsed by Nadal, but never worn.
Price: $150
Specs:

• Upper: Unique lacing system wraps around your feet for support and is hidden for durability. Breathable, supportive upper hugs feet for step-in comfort.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for more energy and a responsive, springy feel. Lateral foot frame helps with stability and responsiveness.
• Outsole: Generative design blends rubber and Kurim for extra durability where needed. Beefed up durability for players who slide. Backed by a 6-month outsole durability guarantee.

2021 Nike React Vapor NXT: another shoe that doesn't belong in the vapor line. Much more of a cage/breathe free type offering:

Price: $160

Specs:

• Upper: Double layer of support includes a full-length sleeve combined with Flyweave material for glove-like fit.
• Midsole: React technology and foam helps align ankle with foot and adds responsiveness for quick recoveries. A stiff frame on the lateral side creates extra stability.
• Outsole: Data-informed design uses innovative herringbone pattern for the perfect grip without impacting your ability to slide. Durable rubber and tough plastic placed in high-wear areas for more durability vs. past Vapors even on gritty hard courts.

2023 Nike Vapor Pro 2: A new approach to the vapor line, Nike's vapor pro 2 abandons the adaptive fit. According to reviews, a much more dense foam cushion system.

Price: $120

Specs:

• Upper: Stretchy internal sleeve and mesh for 2 layers of support; breathable. Asymmetrical lacing hugs feet during lateral movements.
• Midsole: Air Zoom unit in forefoot and soft foam midsole for responsive cushioning and a low to the ground feel. Full-length foot frame on lateral side adds stability.
• Outsole: A data informed herringbone tread pattern for a good balance of grip and give. Rubber has been removed from low wear areas, to reduce weight.

2023 Nike Vapor 11: A new approach to the vapor line, Nike's vapor 11 abandons the adaptive fit and is more of a 2nd iteration of the react vapor nxt. Worn by a few tour pros.

Price: $160

Specs:

• Upper: Breathable and durable mesh upper material provides support, durability, and ventilation. Inner layer for extra support where needed, and outer provides a thin overlay to help with durability. Half inner sleeve for easy on and off.
• Midsole: Zoom Air unit for comfort, and added spring into your step. Molded sidewall to enhance lateral support and stability.
• Outsole: A data-informed outsole supplies a nice blend of grip and give, and is built to withstand the force of sliding. Thicker tread in high-wear zones for added durability.

 

[gino]

Random videos about vapors:

 

[gino]

All-time Fed Vapors

 

[gino]

Articles on vapors:

https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/brandon-richard/nike-zoom-vapor-roger-federer-287

https://racquetmag.com/2022/08/18/nike-vapor-the-sneaker-franchise-roger-built/

https://racquetmag.com/2022/08/19/the-shoe-that-refuses-to-die/

https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/...tinker-hatfield-for-roger-federer-summer-2012

https://www.thetennisinsider.com/post/roger-federer-s-nike-zoom-vapor-aj3-black-cement-pe-sample

 

[gino]

Nike vapor ads:

 

[gino]

Current vapors on the market:

• Nike Vapor 9 AJ3
• Nike Vapor 9.5 Premium
• Nike Vapor Pro
• Nike Vapor Pro 2
• Nike Vapor 11
• Nike Vapor Cage 4

 

[gino]

My personal all-time top 10 vapor rankings:

1. Vapor 9.5 flyknit
2. Vapor 9
3. Vapor 9.5
4. Vapor 6
5. Vapor 5
6. Vapor X
7. Vapor Pro 1
8. Vapor 4
9. Vapor Speed
10. Vapor 7

My personal all-time top 10 vapor colorway rankings:

 

[gino]

Videos of Fed close up in vapors:

 

[Chairman3]

Nice thread!! Great pics and info

Those vapor vi's are sweet, come on @Nike what are you doing these days

 

[gino]

Nice thread!! Great pics and info

Those vapor vi's are sweet, come on @Nike what are you doing these days

Thanks for the shout ! The vapor vi was all time, definitely an awesome candidate for a reissue

 

[gino]

New rumored 9.5 vapors:

 

[HBK4life]

I can’t decide if this thread makes me bitter or sad.



Bitter.

 

[gino]

I can’t decide if this thread makes me bitter or sad.



Bitter.

To be honest, that was kind of my point in making it. I grew so frustrated with the current modern offerings and the way that the vapor line has evolved that I wanted to do a run through of the history to affirm that it is certainly deteriorated.

If you look at The history of the shoes, it’s pretty clear that from 2007 to 2017 was a great period of innovation and also sticking to the roots of what the vapor is. Today it feels like they’re just throwing feces at a wall trying to make things stick.

This is why I believe that retro re-issues are so important in tennis. We are all creatures of habit and gravitate towards what we learned the game playing with. I would love to continue to use the same shoes that I have memories in despite the fact they may have dated technology. I think basketball has a similar dynamic, but fortunately, for those athletes, the Nike team caters their offerings to what those people want.

 

[gino]

I will give them some respect for reissuing the 9.5. They released one color way and I’ve bought three pairs because I love that shoe so much. Not even a fan of the color way.

 

[LiamMiguel]

Still can't believe Nike went away from the chassis of the 9.5 to the X...

I grew up along with the 9, the Vapor Advantage, the 9.5, and the X. Probably some of my favorite and more stylish shoes I've worn throughout my competitive playing. They always fit well, slid well on hard courts, and looked really good. I recently wore the VP1 this summer as my matchday shoe (the last Nike shoe I wore before was the X during my senior year of high school and I'm now a junior in college). Crazy light but I just wasn't confident enough in moving with those shoes compared to any previous iteration. I'm currently wearing the VP2 with the clay outsole but those seem a little blocky too. I could be a little biased as a Fed fan but man I miss those shoes. My childhood and teenage years were wearing those shoes.

 

[gino]

Still can't believe Nike went away from the chassis of the 9.5 to the X...

I grew up along with the 9, the Vapor Advantage, the 9.5, and the X. Probably some of my favorite and more stylish shoes I've worn throughout my competitive playing. They always fit well, slid well on hard courts, and looked really good. I recently wore the VP1 this summer as my matchday shoe (the last Nike shoe I wore before was the X during my senior year of high school and I'm now a junior in college). Crazy light but I just wasn't confident enough in moving with those shoes compared to any previous iteration. I'm currently wearing the VP2 with the clay outsole but those seem a little blocky too. I could be a little biased as a Fed fan but man I miss those shoes. My childhood and teenage years were wearing those shoes.

Likewise, I always thought the vapor 9 last/outsole/cushion was a formula would be in the line permanently. We had to go 2018-2023 without that and I think a lot people were bothered.

I'm a touch older than you, but for me the 9 chassis was my go-to shoe playing college tennis. For me, that was a true perfect shoe. The foam was soft enough to make a single heel airbag suitable. My high school vapors were the Vapor V and VI, which was cool to grow up in those as Fed was cooking in 2008/2009. I was so happy when the 9 dropped and loved from 2012-2018 how they kept the same DNA of the shoe, but just kept making it better.

When the X dropped, I was so pissed. Was slightly appeased by the upper, but once I got them on foot it felt like a budget vapor 9 experience. I eventually adapted and moved to the X and then vapor pro. Both the X and vapor pro have this "thin" feeling to the outsole and midsole that the 9 was a polar opposite of. I'm juiced they reissued the 9.5, but part of me still wants that more gooey/adaptive fit of the vapor 9 upper. Beggars can't be chooser I guess.

Anyways, thanks a lot for chiming in on the thread, have been a bit surprised at how muted/tame the interest has been since I posted the OP. Hopeful some other die-hards of the vapor franchise can hop in. Oh and for what it's worth, I won't wear the VP2 or V11 out of principal - & because I can still source vapor pro 1s and 9.5s.... have to ask though, how are you liking the herringbone VP2 on hard? Seems interesting.

 

[LiamMiguel]

how are you liking the herringbone VP2 on hard? Seems interesting

I actually only use it on HarTru clay and outdoor carpet (with a clay-like sand substance on top). On HarTru, the shoes grip pretty well. Although, I can't tell if the "Claybreaker" outsole grips better than a normal herringbone clay outsole. Apparently, they're a lot less bottom heavy than the HC version so when comparing the two, it seems lighter. I bet if they made a herringbone hard court shoe, I wouldn't mind it, but I usually rip through herringbone HC shoes in a couple weeks. I can only imagine how fast clay herringbone would wear out on hard courts.

Both the X and vapor pro have this "thin" feeling to the outsole and midsole that the 9 was a polar opposite of.

Oddly enough, the new outsole pattern those shoes had worked well for my movement, as I will slide around a hard court at ease and if I can do that, I feel 10x faster. Like you, I didn't mind the upper of the X but the upper of the VP1 was not my favorite. It just didn't feel stable enough. Not sure if there's any correlation but, I tore my meniscus after I lost footing split-stepping on a volley in doubles. I never had any slippage problems while splitting getting up to the net before the VP1. Same feeling during the ITA Summer tournaments this summer, when I wore the shoe, sometimes it would just give out. Surprisingly enough, still not the worst shoe I've worn haha.

 

[gino]

I actually only use it on HarTru clay and outdoor carpet (with a clay-like sand substance on top). On HarTru, the shoes grip pretty well. Although, I can't tell if the "Claybreaker" outsole grips better than a normal herringbone clay outsole. Apparently, they're a lot less bottom heavy than the HC version so when comparing the two, it seems lighter. I bet if they made a herringbone hard court shoe, I wouldn't mind it, but I usually rip through herringbone HC shoes in a couple weeks. I can only imagine how fast clay herringbone would wear out on hard courts.

Interesting, I play mainly on outdoor carpet but without sand. It's super gritty. It takes herringbone well for adjustment steps, but doesnt allow for sliding much on the gritty carpet. I might give them a go just for the sake of trying them, then promptly return and buy another pair of 9.5s

Oddly enough, the new outsole pattern those shoes had worked well for my movement, as I will slide around a hard court at ease and if I can do that, I feel 10x faster. Like you, I didn't mind the upper of the X but the upper of the VP1 was not my favorite. It just didn't feel stable enough. Not sure if there's any correlation but, I tore my meniscus after I lost footing split-stepping on a volley in doubles. I never had any slippage problems while splitting getting up to the net before the VP1. Same feeling during the ITA Summer tournaments this summer, when I wore the shoe, sometimes it would just give out. Surprisingly enough, still not the worst shoe I've worn haha.

So weird, two weeks ago I lost my footing on a running forehand and had one of the worst spills I've had. Brutal court burn on my entire knee and a severe quad strain. It was a move I've done thousands of times too, just weird. Also happened in the vapor pro 1, but we cant really chalk up these weird instances to the outsole, since it was also in X. I do thing that the way the vapor pro interacts with the booted upper makes for a way less stable ride than the X. The X had a really wide and low feel, the VP1 somehow feels propped up on the same mid/outsole. Interesting to consider, might have just convinced me to order another pair of 9.5s hah!

 

[teckid]

Amazing thread, thank you much for the work!

My personal Vapor ownership:
V5 - white/gold Wimby
V6 - white/gold Wimby - 2 pairs found at ********* for $30 each!
V7 - white/navy
V9 - launch color, (red/grey/volt) never played in them
V9 - xAJ3 - black/cement (gift from friend)
V9.5 - launch color (red splatter)
V9.5 - solid crimson
V10 - unreleased Foamposite (gift from friend)
V11 - Red/pink
V11 - Grey/Green

Other Vapor
VC4 - launch color (black/purple/orange)
VC4 - black and yellow

The 9s and 9.5s never had an enough cushion for me and gave me shin splints to train in, occasionally I would wear for a league match.

 

[fox]

How beautiful those Fed shoes were. Black Vapors from USO were my favourites.

 

[d-quik]

V10 - unreleased Foamposite (gift from friend)

How were these compared to the V10 Knits in terms of toebox width? While the footbed should be the same size, does the stiffness or looseness of the (highly) different uppers change the perceived width at all?

 

[gino]

Amazing thread, thank you much for the work!

My personal Vapor ownership:
V5 - white/gold Wimby
V6 - white/gold Wimby - 2 pairs found at ********* for $30 each!
V7 - white/navy
V9 - launch color, (red/grey/volt) never played in them
V9 - xAJ3 - black/cement (gift from friend)
V9.5 - launch color (red splatter)
V9.5 - solid crimson
V10 - unreleased Foamposite (gift from friend)
V11 - Red/pink
V11 - Grey/Green

Other Vapor
VC4 - launch color (black/purple/orange)
VC4 - black and yellow

The 9s and 9.5s never had an enough cushion for me and gave me shin splints to train in, occasionally I would wear for a league match.

Really appreciate the feedback and thoughtful words. Like I mentioned above it’s been kind of surprising to me that not many people have contributed so far. Especially given all of the usuals who contribute to general Nike threads. Oh well! I appreciate those vapor fans like you that take the time to respond to this thread (took me a number of hours to do the research and build out).

Love the list of items you’ve owned, I may do something similar along the way. One question what’s your favorite vapor and vapor colorway of said vapor ? Thanks again for chiming in!

 

[gino]

How beautiful those Fed shoes were. Black Vapors from USO were my favourites.

Agreed!! All time classics ! I have a pair of vapor vis in black/red. Sitting on display!

 

[teckid]

How were these compared to the V10 Knits in terms of toebox width? While the footbed should be the same size, does the stiffness or looseness of the (highly) different uppers change the perceived width at all?

I can't really tell you as I never had the Knits and I've only put on the Foams once, they just sit on my bookshelf. I remember them feeling ok, better than expected, but don't think I could play with them, too stiff.

 

[teckid]

Really appreciate the feedback and thoughtful words. Like I mentioned above it’s been kind of surprising to me that not many people have contributed so far. Especially given all of the usuals who contribute to general Nike threads. Oh well! I appreciate those vapor fans like you that take the time to respond to this thread (took me a number of hours to do the research and build out).

Love the list of items you’ve owned, I may do something similar along the way. One question what’s your favorite vapor and vapor colorway of said vapor ? Thanks again for chiming in!

Favorites:

V9 - That launch V9 with the grey/red/volt was really great, I wore it casually a few times but mostly they just sat in the box. Eventually sold them on the bay as slightly used, kinda regret it as they were in excellent condition. I think most of the 9s looked great, better than the 9.5, had really neat patterns with the adaptive fit/mesh areas. The NikeID options were also great, I would spec them all day long but never bought them. Other Favs: the orange sole Wimbledon, the blue/volt.

V9.5 Flyknit - never owned but thought they were great looking. Especially the AO17 orange/volt.

V6 - loved the design, but overall a flawed use of materials as the uppers would yellow relatively fast. No way to keep them very long. Felt like this era of Nike was pushing tech and design in a good way. I played in mine during a period of time when I wasn't playing much or at a high level; AND they were 0.5 size too big, so can't speak to their performance. Liked the FO09 and the USO black/white/red flywire the best.

I find it crazy there used to be Roger-used Vapors for sale on via TW and his Foundation, they seemed expensive at the time (were they like $5K?) but they will sell for a ton down the road.

 

[gino]

Favorites:

V9 - That launch V9 with the grey/red/volt was really great, I wore it casually a few times but mostly they just sat in the box. Eventually sold them on the bay as slightly used, kinda regret it as they were in excellent condition. I think most of the 9s looked great, better than the 9.5, had really neat patterns with the adaptive fit/mesh areas. The NikeID options were also great, I would spec them all day long but never bought them. Other Favs: the orange sole Wimbledon, the blue/volt.

V9.5 Flyknit - never owned but thought they were great looking. Especially the AO17 orange/volt.

V6 - loved the design, but overall a flawed use of materials as the uppers would yellow relatively fast. No way to keep them very long. Felt like this era of Nike was pushing tech and design in a good way. I played in mine during a period of time when I wasn't playing much or at a high level; AND they were 0.5 size too big, so can't speak to their performance. Liked the FO09 and the USO black/white/red flywire the best.

I find it crazy there used to be Roger-used Vapors for sale on via TW and his Foundation, they seemed expensive at the time (were they like $5K?) but they will sell for a ton down the road.

hah I used to do the same thing with the 9 ID. I was a broke college kid so didnt ever have a chance to build a pair, still a fun idea

I agree about the discoloration of the 6, was a brutal design flaw. Wish they made more black pairs, as those aged so much better

Good point about the roger PE/match worn vapors. I should do a post on the coolest ones they sold

 

[LiamMiguel]

These two were probably my favorite pairs of Vapors I owned.

 

[gino]

These two were probably my favorite pairs of Vapors I owned.

two incredible colorways, that first one was an all-timer for me. Fed wore those in the 5 setter vs monfils, epic match.

the 9.5 takes different cosmetics so well with the one-piece upper. i still prefer the fit of the V9, but the 9.5 surely looks cooler

 

[gino]

havent caved on the VP2 yet, but might after this CW dropped

 

[gino]

& thanks @SinneGOAT and @Salomonzar12 for reading through the thread and all the likes. Excited to hear from you two on the vapor franchise

 

[SinneGOAT]

This thread was really great, I thought it was a great look at the vapor series.

 

[gino]

This thread was really great, I thought it was a great look at the vapor series.

thanks for the feedback & glad it was a fun/accurate trip down memory lane. Hoping I can keep the updates/timeline live as long as the vapor series is around in tennis

 

[bezs]

Quite an effort to compile all the information.

 

[gino]

Quite an effort to compile all the information.

Thanks for the shout hope you enjoyed the read

 

[NYTennisNut]

Really appreciate the feedback and thoughtful words. Like I mentioned above it’s been kind of surprising to me that not many people have contributed so far. Especially given all of the usuals who contribute to general Nike threads. Oh well! I appreciate those vapor fans like you that take the time to respond to this thread (took me a number of hours to do the research and build out).

Love the list of items you’ve owned, I may do something similar along the way. One question what’s your favorite vapor and vapor colorway of said vapor ? Thanks again for chiming in!

What am amazing compilation and thread. Loads of respect for the passion and effort. I love the Vapors as well.

Only sorry that I have just one like per post to give here…

 

[gino]

What am amazing compilation and thread. Loads of respect for the passion and effort. I love the Vapors as well.

Only sorry that I have just one like per post to give here…

Thanks a lot for the kind remarks, much appreciated. I too am sad only one like/reaction is permitted on posts hah!

Any favorite vapor models or colorways to share?

 

[slice_it]

great thread

 

[gino]

great thread

Appreciate it!! Thanks for reading

 

[gino]

another final for the vapor today!

 

[chinobambino]

Thanks @gino for the walk down memory lane and taking the time to compile all this info!

3 little stories on the Vapor that I will add from my time working on some of the models.

1) Roger never wore the Vapor III because he slipped and tweaked his ankle a bit when weartesting the shoe. As a result, he just lost faith in the shoe and stuck with his trusty Vapor Speed. Which is one of the reasons why
2) He stuck with the Vapor Speed outsole not only because of his confidence in the traction but because of something else. More important to him was that the Vapor Speed traction pattern didn't squeek or make noise on court. His preference would be a more quieter outsole and his feedback was that was one of the key reasons why he wanted that outsole on all his promo models going forward.
3) Tinker had very little to do with the Vapor 9. Great story telling with bringing Tinker into the mix, but the reality is that there were other behind the scenes designers that shaped that shoe to the performance icon that it is today.

 

[slice_it]

Thanks @gino for the walk down memory lane and taking the time to compile all this info!

3 little stories on the Vapor that I will add from my time working on some of the models.

1) Roger never wore the Vapor III because he slipped and tweaked his ankle a bit when weartesting the shoe. As a result, he just lost faith in the shoe and stuck with his trusty Vapor Speed. Which is one of the reasons why
2) He stuck with the Vapor Speed outsole not only because of his confidence in the traction but because of something else. More important to him was that the Vapor Speed traction pattern didn't squeek or make noise on court. His preference would be a more quieter outsole and his feedback was that was one of the key reasons why he wanted that outsole on all his promo models going forward.
3) Tinker had very little to do with the Vapor 9. Great story telling with bringing Tinker into the mix, but the reality is that there were other behind the scenes designers that shaped that shoe to the performance icon that it is today.

amazing BTS details thank you so much!

I would really love for you to expand on #3 if you can -- would be amazing to know of designers who are deserving of attention/credit but didn't get it. It's safe to say they know how beloved the shoe is?

 

[gino]

Thanks @gino for the walk down memory lane and taking the time to compile all this info!

3 little stories on the Vapor that I will add from my time working on some of the models.

1) Roger never wore the Vapor III because he slipped and tweaked his ankle a bit when weartesting the shoe. As a result, he just lost faith in the shoe and stuck with his trusty Vapor Speed. Which is one of the reasons why
2) He stuck with the Vapor Speed outsole not only because of his confidence in the traction but because of something else. More important to him was that the Vapor Speed traction pattern didn't squeek or make noise on court. His preference would be a more quieter outsole and his feedback was that was one of the key reasons why he wanted that outsole on all his promo models going forward.
3) Tinker had very little to do with the Vapor 9. Great story telling with bringing Tinker into the mix, but the reality is that there were other behind the scenes designers that shaped that shoe to the performance icon that it is today.

really appreciate the feedback/support

thanks for the above, i'll integrate into the posts and tag you as credit. curious if you have any additional info to layer in. thanks for chiming in on the thread!

 

[gplracer]

I had most of these. I loved the Vapor 9 and 9.5. Unfortunately i need a stockpile. I do not like any of the new Nike shoes i have tried. I feel like they are a step backwards.

 

[gino]

I had most of these. I loved the Vapor 9 and 9.5. Unfortunately i need a stockpile. I do not like any of the new Nike shoes i have tried. I feel like they are a step backwards.

ive done decent to collect over the years, but still want more hah

My personal collection:

• Vapor IV: 2007 french open
• Vapor VI: 2009 french open and USO night
• Vapor 9: 2012 french open, 12 white/black/volt clay, 12 red USO, 13 grey basel, 13 red USO, 13 white shanghai
• Vapor AJ3: 2024 racer blue, White/Red & Atmos
• Vapor 9.5: 2014 red launch, orange IW, 6 pairs of 2023 reissue in various colors
• Vapor X: red/black, 2018 Aus, 2018 wimby, and Federer Halle 2018
• Vapor X AM95 red/black
• Vapor pro: alcaraz us open, black, blue, and alcaraz wimby white

 

[chinobambino]

amazing BTS details thank you so much!

I would really love for you to expand on #3 if you can -- would be amazing to know of designers who are deserving of attention/credit but didn't get it. It's safe to say they know how beloved the shoe is?

I would give design credit to two unsung designers.
• Thomas Bell who really drove the upper design and the Dynamic Fit concept while in the Nike Innovation Kitchen. Thomas is currently at On and reunited with Roger.
• Michael Hui who did the tooling (midsole and outsole). I have to admit I was pretty hesitant with the wrap up TPU element, as I felt that something that rigid and above the footbed could be a distraction with wider feet, but it tested extremely well and the design continues to be referenced in subsequent models.

 

[gino]

I would give design credit to two unsung designers.
• Thomas Bell who really drove the upper design and the Dynamic Fit concept while in the Nike Innovation Kitchen. Thomas is currently at On and reunited with Roger.
• Michael Hui who did the tooling (midsole and outsole). I have to admit I was pretty hesitant with the wrap up TPU element, as I felt that something that rigid and above the footbed could be a distraction with wider feet, but it tested extremely well and the design continues to be referenced in subsequent models.

Kudos to Bell, the adaptive fit defined this era of vapors

Also in terms of Hui's impact, the V9 outsole and midsole is an iconic combo

Thanks for the info. I agree the TPU element/fit frame was worriesome at first, esp for me as a wide footer, but worked brilliantly