Vapor 8 Video Unboxing

[JoelDali]

Last year alot of peope were not happy to hear the nasty things I had to say about the LunarLite Vapor 7 when I reviewed them. I called them unstable, cheap, and not worth the price. For $120 and no warranty they were an obvious fail for many people.

Almost a year later I've been vindicated once again for the most part. Reviews trickled in and the shoes were deemed unstable and ankle turners.

So, the Vapor 8 is here and I got a huge urge after seeing Fabfed's pics and had to go to NikeTown tonight and pick them up.

I wanted to really like these as they appeared to be a hybrid of V6 and the V7: a possible nice match.

My verdict is they are far too roomy even while wearing Thorlo L3. This is truly incomprehensible for me. When I tried on the V7 a few weeks ago with ThorLo L3 on they fit great! And my view of LL 7 somewhat changed.

Well, the V8 is overly roomy, and in addition to the lacing mechanism its a bad combination in my opinion. I tried these on with the L3 and regular dry fit socks and the shoe was slipping all over the place.

I tightened them with all my force as tight as they could go and still my heel was slipping out. Now just because I say the fit sucks doesn't mean they will suck for you. I'm sure many of you are gonna call these GSOAT and thats fine. For me, they just don't work. For a serious player they are far too cheap and unstable.

FAQ

1. Are they true to size?
No, way too roomy for my foot. I'd recomened buying a 1/2 size smaller which was common for the V7 LL.

2. Do they come with a warranty?
No

3. Is the toebox roomy?
Yes.

4. Are they stable?
I don't think the stability is up to par on these. But they feel possibly better than the V7 but not by much. These are not Fed's shoes. No friggen way he would play Nadal in the retail V8s. Big LOLs on that one.

5. Are they low to the ground?
Yes. But feel higher than V6/V7.

6. Do they have a break in period like the V6?
No, thats because they're so roomy and I recommend a smaller size - 1/2.

7. How can you make a judgement without playing in them?
I'm afraid to play with shoes that are so loose and have major heel slip. Sorry.

8. Will these hurt my feet like the V6 did?
They feel softer than the V6 but still have that noticable crinkle near the right forefoot where they bend.

9. I love the LL7, will I love these too?
Most likely, yes. Its pretty much the same shoe - weight wise but NOT in form factor due to the new lacing mechanism and uni tongue design.

10. I love the V6, will I love these?
Maybe. Hard call. Different fit for sure.

11. How long will these last on hardcourt?
No more than 40-50 hours of solid playing in my opinion.

I'll be looking forward to the CB 3.3 arrival.

I apologize for the bad video quality. It was hastily made with my BB.

The audio in the first few minutes got dropped, ugh. Sorry.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffXPVDlSYfY

 

[Fedace]

^^^Holy Moses, Joeldeli. NIKE answered my requests. See the Incredible influence i have over manufacturers.
I asked them to improve the Lunar lite Vapor 7 by Making the Cushioning Thicker and better. I also asked for More room especially in the forefoot. Vapor 7 felt really tight in the front for my Wide feet.
Only ONE other request i made that you didn't answer is that I asked NIKE to make vapor 8 with BETTER Traction. Vapor 7 felt like i was sliding around like i had Ice skates on or something. ???

 

[Fedace]

Holy crap what an UGLY color. Does this come in Black Red and white,,,,,preferably Cardinal red.

 

[Bobby Jr]

I took a cap from your video to show something. Once the shoes have been worn and flexed heaps across the forefoot this plastic guard will peel off. The LL Vapour Tours did down the side and only really held on because the bottom lace went through a hole in it. The new lacing system does away with that hole so they'll just fall apart there imo. Pitty as these shoes look great imo. Nike really need to sort their crap out in the glue/design department.

 

[Fedace]

AGREE, this shoe is Crap. Stanford men's tennis team will NOT be wearing these. This Black 2K10 will be the shoe of choice for most of our boys.

http://www.stanfordphoto.com/viewphoto.php?&albumId=127132&imageId=4669081&page=1&imagepos=4

 

[BobFL]

I am definitely switching to Adidas after being a Nike man for many years. This shoe is super-ugly and it looks cheap and flimsy just like 7s...

 

[aenri86]

Last year alot of peope were not happy to hear the nasty things I had to say about the LunarLite Vapor 7 when I reviewed them. I called them unstable, cheap, and not worth the price. For $120 and no warranty they were an obvious fail for many people.

Almost a year later I've been vindicated once again for the most part. Reviews trickled in and the shoes were deemed unstable and ankle turners.

So, the Vapor 8 is here and I got a huge urge after seeing Fabfed's pics and had to go to NikeTown tonight and pick them up.

I wanted to really like these as they appeared to be a hybrid of V6 and the V7: a possible nice match.

My verdict is they are far too roomy even while wearing Thorlo L3. This is truly incomprehensible for me. When I tried on the V7 a few weeks ago with ThorLo L3 on they fit great! And my view of LL 7 somewhat changed.

Well, the V8 is overly roomy, and in addition to the lacing mechanism its a bad combination in my opinion. I tried these on with the L3 and regular dry fit socks and the shoe was slipping all over the place.

I tightened them with all my force as tight as they could go and still my heel was slipping out. Now just because I say the fit sucks doesn't mean they will suck for you. I'm sure many of you are gonna call these GSOAT and thats fine. For me, they just don't work. For a serious player they are far too cheap and unstable.

Compared to the LL Vapor 7, do u feel that the upper of the Vapor 8 is a little bit stiffer? I guess offering better support?

 

[TennisKid1]

All this talk of new vapors are making my wallet groan with pain...

 

[Fuzzball7]

It's making me groan in pain

I can't even buy them yet because Nike can't make Vapors for
children. D:

 

[ci2ca]

Heel slipping? Did you try a smaller size?

 

[Speed Kat]

Cool! Nothing like a pair of new shoes!

Actually now the excitement has worn off.. yeah they dont seem solid enough.. the whole lace deal doesnt seem like something i would decide to use and considering the price.. not really worth it

 

[tennisnoob3]

7. How can you make a judgement without playing in them?
I'm afraid to play with shoes that are so loose and have major heel slip. Sorry.

9. I love the LL7, will I love these too?
Most likely, yes. Its pretty much the same shoe - weight wise but NOT in form factor due to the new lacing mechanism and uni tongue design.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffXPVDlSYfY

imo, its more of a lack of the second upper eyelet(shoelace hole) that makes the heel slip. i felt that the gr2s were slipping in the heel as well, but i noticed the second upper eyelet and it really does secure the heel and entire foot.

if you haven't checked these out, its a worth a try especially now that they have the 6 month warranty. they're very comfy

 

[JoelDali]

My sights are set on CB 2.3 Del Sol when they go on sale Jan 1.

And, 3.3 obviously.

 

[Fedace]

imo, its more of a lack of the second upper eyelet(shoelace hole) that makes the heel slip. i felt that the gr2s were slipping in the heel as well, but i noticed the second upper eyelet and it really does secure the heel and entire foot.

if you haven't checked these out, its a worth a try especially now that they have the 6 month warranty. they're very comfy

Good shoes but many of the sizes you want is OUT of stock. but it is on Sale so if TW has your size then go grab it. This shoes does need short break in period.

 

[Speed Kat]

who are these made by fedace?

 

[JoelDali]

who are these made by fedace?

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Asics_Gel_Resolution_2_WhiteLime/descpageMSASICS-AMGR2WL.html

 

[bezs]

Asics Gel Resolutions

 

[quest01]

If the vapor 8s are anything like the vapor tours I'm not interested. The vapor tours were the only tennis shoes that gave me knee pain, I ended up returning them for a refund. I'm never buying another shoe in the vapor line again they were too stiff, had no comfort or padding and absolutely no arch support. I'd consider the cb3.3s but they need to make the toe box roomier.

 

[Fedace]

If the vapor 8s are anything like the vapor tours I'm not interested. The vapor tours were the only tennis shoes that gave me knee pain, I ended up returning them for a refund. I'm never buying another shoe in the vapor line again they were too stiff, had no comfort or padding and absolutely no arch support. I'd consider the cb3.3s but they need to make the toe box roomier.

I am sure Vapor 8's will have its legion of followers. Vapor tour 7 was not a bad shoes. Very light, i felt very fast in them. but the forefoot cushioning was very poor. and I was wearing double Thorlo tennis socks, it was still hurting my foot in the front. and Traction was horrible. Otherwise it was a pretty good shoe.

 

[Speed Kat]

... they were too stiff, had no comfort or padding and absolutely no arch support. I'd consider the cb3.3s but they need to make the toe box roomier.

Which shoe does have good arch support.. ive tried many brands and models but still no luck

 

[BobFL]

If the vapor 8s are anything like the vapor tours I'm not interested. The vapor tours were the only tennis shoes that gave me knee pain, I ended up returning them for a refund. I'm never buying another shoe in the vapor line again they were too stiff, had no comfort or padding and absolutely no arch support. I'd consider the cb3.3s but they need to make the toe box roomier.

Wow, I had exactly the same issue?! They were the first shoes I have ever returned because of the knee pain. I used to have 5 pairs of Vapors IV and V but they are almost all gone. The VI and the Tour versions were an epitome of failure...

 

[Speed Kat]

yes bobFL.. even my ankle.. when the body starts aching then I really start questioning my unconditional love for nike.. !

 

[JoelDali]

I declare the CB 2.3 has upheld the GSOAT(tm) claim until the 3.3 have been proven to over take them in the battle of cheaply made shoes from China.

 

[Speed Kat]

Did you return them yet to NT?

 

[JoelDali]

Nah.

It was a nightmare going there last night man. I'm going to wait until Friday probably. Tourists, wet snow, ice, it was HORRIBLE.

I had my silly ass dog with me too so it was challenging getting there and getting home in one piece.

Cab driver fish-tailed down 57th street and came like an inch from hitting parked car. I was trippen out.

I really wanted to like these shoes but for $130 theres just no way.

Vapor 8s suck.

There I said it.

But until Nike gives us what they give Roger, the shoe is a friggen scam at that price.

 

[Speed Kat]

why dont they give us the roger spec.. will their costs go up that much.. i'd pay an extra $20 if I knew it was a solid shoe that could shuffle a full grown man all over the courts of the world tour rather than a marketing scam made of bright colors, glue, and flimsy lace loops!

 

[JoelDali]

Tennis shoes are probably at the bottom of Nike's overall bottom line.

I think they make fortunes off the Rafa and RF clothing stuff though.

They cannot produce what they make for Fed for us because it would be cost ineffective. No one would buy $150.00 shoes but a few of us here.

When I was at Niketown last night I was the only one drooling on the tennis shoes. There was however a group of like 5 really hot 18 year old girls trying on Lady breathe 2Ks. (If only Fedace was with me we coulda taken the tourist tennis hotties out for a drink.) Sorry for digressing....

Go on z a p p o s and see how many TENNIS shoes they sell compared to all others.

You'll find the ratio is about 500 to 1.

Running and basketball makes Nike the big $.

This is also why NikeID does not do tennis orders as well.

Anyhoo, I will be buying CB 2.3 Del Sol on Jan 1 for $89 and wear them in the spring.

I will also buy the black yellow varsity 3.3.

I do hope the 3.3 are GSOAT material, but it appears the plushness that I love about the 2.3 is not there. That is fine because I like the B2K10 which are not plush.

Anyhoo, thats my opinion on the V8 fail. Its sad because they looked like they were going to be a hit with the cool colors etc. But that lacing mechanism is just awful and with no warranty why bother.

 

[Hominator]

Which shoe does have good arch support.. ive tried many brands and models but still no luck

Try using Spenco Total Support replacement insoles. The Vapor Tours were not supportive enough for me until I swapped out the insoles.

 

[parasailing]

Try using Spenco Total Support replacement insoles. The Vapor Tours were not supportive enough for me until I swapped out the insoles.

Speedkat -I tried various shoes as well and none of them provide sufficient arch support out of the box. I agree with Hominator, go out and buy an support sole. My preference is SOF Athlete insoles.

 

[!<-_->!]

^^^Holy Moses, Joeldeli. NIKE answered my requests. See the Incredible influence i have over manufacturers.
I asked them to improve the Lunar lite Vapor 7 by Making the Cushioning Thicker and better. I also asked for More room especially in the forefoot. Vapor 7 felt really tight in the front for my Wide feet.

AGREE, this shoe is Crap. Stanford men's tennis team will NOT be wearing these. This Black 2K10 will be the shoe of choice for most of our boys.

http://www.stanfordphoto.com/viewphoto.php?&albumId=127132&imageId=4669081&page=1&imagepos=4

So then it's your fault that this shoe is crap right? At least now we know who to blame.

 

[hcb0804]

Tennis shoes are probably at the bottom of Nike's overall bottom line.

I think they make fortunes off the Rafa and RF clothing stuff though.

They cannot produce what they make for Fed for us because it would be cost ineffective. No one would buy $150.00 shoes but a few of us here.

When I was at Niketown last night I was the only one drooling on the tennis shoes. There was however a group of like 5 really hot 18 year old girls trying on Lady breathe 2Ks. (If only Fedace was with me we coulda taken the tourist tennis hotties out for a drink.) Sorry for digressing....

Go on z a p p o s and see how many TENNIS shoes they sell compared to all others.

You'll find the ratio is about 500 to 1.

Running and basketball makes Nike the big $.

This is also why NikeID does not do tennis orders as well.

Anyhoo, I will be buying CB 2.3 Del Sol on Jan 1 for $89 and wear them in the spring.

I will also buy the black yellow varsity 3.3.

I do hope the 3.3 are GSOAT material, but it appears the plushness that I love about the 2.3 is not there. That is fine because I like the B2K10 which are not plush.

Anyhoo, thats my opinion on the V8 fail. Its sad because they looked like they were going to be a hit with the cool colors etc. But that lacing mechanism is just awful and with no warranty why bother.

At first I did not like the del sol CB 2.3, but I have to admit it's growing on me. In the absence of availability of the black/lime GOAT CB 2.3 colorway that I missed out on, I may have to snag a pair of the Del Sol on sale too.

 

[JoelDali]

At first I did not like the del sol CB 2.3, but I have to admit it's growing on me. In the absence of availability of the black/lime GOAT CB 2.3 colorway that I missed out on, I may have to snag a pair of the Del Sol on sale too.

Definitely dude.

They're nice in person.

Might be worth grabbing 2 pairs if the 3.3s blow.

If the 3.3 is not plush and cushioned like the 2.3 then eff that I'm grabbing a pile of 2.3s.

 

[The_Question]

Joel, thanks for the review/preview of the new Vapor 8. How was the cushion? The same as Vapor 7?

That uni tongue set up...can never get used to it. And they comboed the uni tongue with that nylon eyelets, it's a dead give away it would be tough to tighten these shoes. And lack of Zoom Air seals the deal for me. Good thing still have 4 pairs of Vapor 6...

 

[hcb0804]

Definitely dude.

They're nice in person.

Might be worth grabbing 2 pairs if the 3.3s blow.

If the 3.3 is not plush and cushioned like the 2.3 then eff that I'm grabbing a pile of 2.3s.

......Word......

 

[JoelDali]

Joel, thanks for the review/preview of the new Vapor 8. How was the cushion? The same as Vapor 7?

That uni tongue set up...can never get used to it. And they comboed the uni tongue with that nylon eyelets, it's a dead give away it would be tough to tighten these shoes. And lack of Zoom Air seals the deal for me. Good thing still have 4 pairs of Vapor 6...

Well just by trying them on and jumping around the apartment for a few minutes with them on (does that mean I'm a lonely MF?) they felt like they had average cushioning, same as the V7. I do like the feel of the sole, that was about the only positive. Also, with the Vapor 5 you had that weird tongue slippage to the sides that always pist me off. These don't appear to have that issue with the semi uni tongue.

Yeah the cloth bridge tongue is an absolute fail for me. But, the yellow eyelet anchors is such a turn off after a closer inspection. I'm so used to being able to control the tightness of my tennis shoes, with the 8 you do not feel any control. I could tweak my CB 2.3 so perfectly to get JUST the right feel but with the 8, the feel when strapping them on is like petting a puppy made of cardboard.

Also, I'm looking forward to the B2K11. The yellow/black look sick.

Someone still hasn't poasted live pix of Varsity Black CB 3.3

WTF?

 

[tennisnoob3]

Definitely dude.

They're nice in person.

Might be worth grabbing 2 pairs if the 3.3s blow.

If the 3.3 is not plush and cushioned like the 2.3 then eff that I'm grabbing a pile of 2.3s.

nike is having a clearance sale of 25% of the 2.3s in gray in most sizes. the 2.3s are listed for $95 so on sale it should be around $72

 

[hcb0804]

nike is having a clearance sale of 25% of the 2.3s in gray in most sizes. the 2.3s are listed for $95 so on sale it should be around $72

Yeah, I got some of those and also a pair of 2K10 in the gray for $60 from that sale. Sweet deal!

 

[XFactorer]

[deleted]

10char

 

[hcb0804]

Yeah, I got some of those and also a pair of 2K10 in the gray for $60 from that sale. Sweet deal!

Man, am I bummed! These gray 2k10's that I got don't fit!!
I have the McEnroe edition in the same size, and they are perfect...comfortable and roomy. These gray ones in the same size are too small in a size 11. C'mon Nike, get consistent!! How can the same shoe in a different color fit so much different!

 

[DrewRafter8]

Can someone give me a sizing comparison for the 3.3 and the Vapor 8? I want to get both, but I'm not sure what size I'll wear in the Vapor. I'm a 12.5 in the 3.3.

 

[hcb0804]

Can someone give me a sizing comparison for the 3.3 and the Vapor 8? I want to get both, but I'm not sure what size I'll wear in the Vapor. I'm a 12.5 in the 3.3.

1/2 size smaller in the Vapor, so get a 12