Wilson Trance All Court Review (Great Shoe-Highly Recommend)

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Wilson Trance All Court Review (4 out of 5 stars)

Tennis warehouse link:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageMSWILSON-WTACMWN.html

Taking these shoes out of the box was a pleasant surprise. Although they are not flashy looking like some other manufacturer shoes, they have an appealing look to those who enjoy a shoe that is classic looking with a bit of modern mixed in. Coming from the Nike Oscillates, I immediately enjoyed the look of the shoe. I slipped them on and found the shoe to be true to size.

100_8992.jpg


100_8996.jpg



I received the shoes on 2/1/08 and have logged in well over 40 hours of play in them on both hard courts and har-tru. During this time play has included playing sets to intense drilling with players ranging from 4.0 to pro level. Some of these hitting sessions lasted over 3 hours. I also wore these shoes exclusively for 5 days (up to 3 hours a day) during the Checket Cup Les Grandes Dammes Ladies Tourney, where I spent time going from court to court taking photos of the tourney. The shoes were always comfortable to wear on and off the court.

Break in time was minimal ( 1 to 2 hours). In order to soften up the leather and mesh, I wore the shoes for approximately an hour to simply loosen up the material before hitting the courts. Once I hit the courts I found a shoe with adequate cushioning, especially in the heel area, and a shoe that was not too heavy. Although they do not have a lot of cushioning when compared to shoes like Nike that sport a lot of cushion, they do on the other hand provide a more “true feel” that enables you to better sense what your feet are doing underneath you. The Wilson Trance AC are definitely better suited to players that prefer a “low to the ground” feel.

As stated above, there is less cushioning in the toe area, which results in a more low-to-the ground ride, which I really enjoyed. The arch of the shoe provides minimal lift to your foot, so for those who feel a lot of discomfort with this type of style, you may want to get an arch support.

The outer toe area sports a thick rubber outsole that wraps around the entire toe area of the shoes and adds both support and protection. This padding comes in very handy for those who are “toe draggers”. I for one found this to be one of the best features of the shoe, and did not feel one toe get bruised.

100_8994.jpg


The other notable feature of the shoe is the outer mid section which has plastic lateral supports. I found the lateral supports of the shoe to be excellent. I did not have any problems with my ankles feeling wobbly or “giving” when making quick stops, and then changing direction. I also found no “slippage” when abruptly stopping. That is to say, “my foot did not slide around inside the shoe”.

The traction of the shoe is excellent on hard courts, and as good as any other shoe I have tried. On the other hand, the traction is “too good” on har-tru. Because it sticks so much, and the treading is so deep and pronounced you find yourself constantly smacking the side of the shoe to get all the dirt out of the treads. Still, the shoe performed very well as a hybrid between hard courts and har-tru.

100_8993.jpg


After 60 + hour of wearing them, the outer material of the shoe is still very stable. The leather has softened up enough to not be too stiff, but has held together very well. Sometimes the leather on tennis shoes becomes too soft and begins to lack that extra support and protection. Not on this shoe. Additionally, the outer treads show virtually no wear on them.

I have definitely enjoyed wearing these shoes, and if it weren’t for the fact that I have close to 20 pair of oscillates remaining, I would absolutely switch to this shoe. I will continue to use these shoes exclusively until they wear out. From the looks of it, that will be a long time from now. It has everything I like in a shoe:

1. Low to the ground feel,
2. Adequate cushioning in the heel, and all-around comfort
3. Excellent lateral support,
4. Excellent traction,
5. Excellent protection in the toe area, and a
6. Classic look and design.

The only real minus I found in the shoe is the mid section not being high enough, resulting in having to wear arch supports.

I want to thank TW for choosing me to write a review of these shoes, and thank Wilson for providing an excellent product at a cheap price compared to other shoes on the market.

To read the review of other play-testers click on the links provided:

Kaptain Karl:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=180677

TheShaun
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=180594

goober
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=179472&highlight=wilson+trance

Craig Sheppard
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=181347
 
Last edited:

bad_call

Legend
thanks for the pics and comments. imo - best looking wilson shoe i've seen in a long time.

one question: do u feel they are adequately ventilated? looks like they are from the pics but just wanted your opinion. thanks.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^^ That is one of the areas I didn't touch on my review because I wear very thick socks (thorlos) when I play, so it is hard to give an accurate representation related to ventilation. However, for me, I felt they were adequate and comparable to the Oscillates.

I also agree they are the nicest Wilsons I have seen in quite some time. Many spectators and players at the Checket Cup made positive comments about the looks fo the shoe, and wanted to know where I got them as they had never seen them before.
 

TonyB

Hall of Fame
Very nice review. I'm impressed, both with your coverage of the shoe and its performance.

I may have to make the move from my Wildcards to the Trance and see how I like it. I never did like the Opens.

The only constructive criticism I can provide about your review is that it would have been great to post a link to the shoe on TW's website.
 

Babb

Professional
Drak, thanks a ton for the in-depth review. I've been considering trying out these shoes and also the Oscillates. Your review has been the deciding factor and I will order a pair of these as soon as I start wearing out my Opens (which will not be long...).
 

goober

Legend
I also agree they are the nicest Wilsons I have seen in quite some time. Many spectators and players at the Checket Cup made positive comments about the looks fo the shoe, and wanted to know where I got them as they had never seen them before.

I am still wearing mine. Wore them today in my match with wao from the TW boards.

Hah the comments I got were

From the younger guys-"Hey why are you wearing those old man's shoes?", " I thought you were barricade fo life!"

From the older guys, "I am glad you are getting some sensible shoes, not those moonwalkers" (I use to wear some silver SHT 304s)
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Drak, thanks a ton for the in-depth review. I've been considering trying out these shoes and also the Oscillates. Your review has been the deciding factor and I will order a pair of these as soon as I start wearing out my Opens (which will not be long...).

You are welcome. Glad to hear the review helped you out. Did you read the other posters reviews as well??

I am still wearing mine. Wore them today in my match with wao from the TW boards.

Hah the comments I got were

From the younger guys-"Hey why are you wearing those old man's shoes?", " I thought you were barricade fo life!"

From the older guys, "I am glad you are getting some sensible shoes, not those moonwalkers" (I use to wear some silver SHT 304s)

I'm still wearing mine as well. I really like the shoe. Very comfortable, and performance is great.

Funny the responses you are getting from the different ages. LOL
 

Babb

Professional
You are welcome. Glad to hear the review helped you out. Did you read the other posters reviews as well??
Yes, at one time or another. Yours seemed to be the most applicable to myself as you like the low to the ground and lightweight feel also. The fact that you compared them to the Oscillates was just entirely too coincidental to ignore.

Drak, I know I've been confrontational towards you before, but am asking forgiveness. You contribute more to the the boards than I do, and I owe it to you for providing everyone with help like this.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
LOL Babb>>> no worries. We are all conforntational with someone on the boards from time to time. I know I have been many times. It's always great to discuss differing opinions. It adds color to the boards, and your contributions are much appreciated.

Thanks, and I hope the shoes work out for you.
 

Babb

Professional
Update on my shoe status--

I just ordered some Trance All Courts. However, some string I ordered with them is on back order, so it'll be at least a week before I'm wearing them. I'll tell my thoughts about them then.

EDIT-- I cancelled the back ordered item, so they shipped earlier than expected. That explains how I got the shoes a day after I said it would be at least a week... lol.
 
Last edited:

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks for the update. Let us know how you like them, and if you could also compare them to your current shoes.
 

robkat

Semi-Pro
Drak, What an excellent review ! It is very well written, flows very nice and is good read. Good job !
 
The TRANCE. Oooooh.

What's up with Wilson and the hokey names?
Sledgehammer, HYPERcarbon, Trance. Spicy Ruby. Blade. Factor. Code. They think that makes people curious. Feel special to buy them?

I know they are known as a heck of a marketing company...and they move some units. So, is it just me who thinks they're a little cheesy? AM I being cantankerous here?

Wilson Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro Staff, Kramer, Advantage ... names like that spoke to me. But Trance? I'm not saying they need to re-use those names. I am saying they need to get a little less new-agey and hokey. At least for men's products.

I liked the FILA Rad and RAD 2.
I like the Babolat Team All Court III. Cool name.
The Yonex SHT....not so much.
Seriously, TRANCE? Do they really think that name will appeal to men?Sorry. Though it does look like a good shoe.
 

Babb

Professional
Thanks for the update. Let us know how you like them, and if you could also compare them to your current shoes.
Will do! They should be here perhaps tomorrow? If not tomorrow, then Monday. Comparing the two won't be a problem at all, as I've had three pairs of Open I's. And now I'm saying goodbye since they're being discontinued... and since the durability of them sucks. Lol.
 

Babb

Professional
Shoes got here today! When I posted earlier, I hadn't yet checked my front door.

After trying them on, they do feel a little more substantial than my Open I's, but are initially more comfortable and my feet feels pretty locked in. And also, the laces of the Trances are the same as the Open I's, which is not good news to me. I always shred those kinds of laces up really quickly. But that's just a minor little issue...

So far I've worn them for about an hour and a half, but I've spent the majority of that time sitting on my lazy butt, so I'm not doing such a great job breaking them in... lol. I have practice in the morning and will wear these. I'll give you all my thoughts when I get back to my computer chair sometime tomorrow afternoon.
 

tbini87

Hall of Fame
recently played a team that wore that shoe... and i liked them. hadn't seen them before... but looked like a nice shoe. seems like a good shoe at a fair price, especially with the warranty.
 

Babb

Professional
Finally got to try them out today! I'm very impressed. Of course they are not as low to the ground and light as my Open I's, but they are the same in almost every other aspect. I often forgot that I was wearing different shoes. The traction is very good with these shoes, much better than the Open I's, which I actually slide in (this is on hard court!). I kind of like being able to slide a little, but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one. I have a feeling that I'll be sticking with them for a long time.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^Thanks for the update Babb. I'm still wearing mine, and they show hardly any wear. they have also become much more comfortable.

For the price, these shoes compared to the others out there are a steal.
 

Babb

Professional
Well, I'm incredibly ticked off. I don't know if it was the shoes or what, but now I have an ingrown toenail and can't hardly walk correctly. I'm so upset. Our team has a match today, tomorrow, and Thursday. Ugh. This is worse than having a blister, because the problem can't be fixed with some New Skin and tape. Ugh...
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^Babb, sorry to hear about that. If you just got the ingrown toe-nail I doubt it was the shoe. How long were you using the shoe before you noticed the nail??

Hope you get better soon and it doesn't affect your play this coming week.

Good luck.
 

Babb

Professional
^^^
Thanks man. I don't know anymore. It's weird. I played in the Trances Sunday and Monday. Then I woke up at 1:30 AM Tuesday morning with some pain in my left big toe (coincidentally, I wear shoes out on the left first?). It hurt me all day long yesterday until I actually played tennis. I wore my old Open I's that afternoon just because they're more lightweight and not yet entirely worn out. And I haven't had any problems since. I'm so confused. I don't believe it's the shoes, but if it was an ingrown toenail, wouldn't I still be in pain???
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^Yeah, if you have an ingrown toenail it is very painful and you would most likely still be in pain.

As for me, the shoes are awesome. I have had no problems getting use to them or any discomfort. And like I said in my review, the toe guard really helps with all the bumping of slamming your toes into the ground.

Let us know how your tourney went and if you switched back to these shoes.

Good luck.
 

AndrewD

Legend
drakulie,


When you say that the Trance runs true to size do you mean for Wilson shoes in particular or shoes in general? I'm a 12 US in Adidas but when trying a pair of Wilson ETF shoes found them to run very large and wasn't sure if that was typical of the brand or just that particular shoe. Also, I think Goober felt the flex/bend point on the shoes was up near the toe, did you find something similar (assuming you looked for the flex/bend point) ? Lastly, how would you rate the Trance in relation to 'gold standard' shoes like the Barricade and Oscillate?

Thanks very much.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
AndrewD, as Goober mentioned, it is fair to say the flex is more near the toe area of the shoe.

In relation to "true to size">>> Whenever I use Nike, I have to order a half size larger. With these shoes, I took a chance and told TW to send me my exact shoe size, and they fit perfectly. Keep in mind everyones feet are different. If you are thinking of ordering them, perhaps you should go to a local store and try them on before you order them online to make sure you get the right fit.

Lastly, I would rate them just as high, if not higher than Adidas, Nike, K Swiss, etc. These are damn good shoes, and for the price as well as the fact they hardly have any wear on them, I would rate them higher than other manufacturers shoes.

If it wasn't for the fact I have so many Oscillates remaining, I would switch to these shoes permanently.

Good luck.
 

AndrewD

Legend
Drakulie,

Thanks very much. Rating them just as high as the Barricades is a pretty big compliment and, as you say, the price is excellent. I see they're also quite a bit lighter than the Barricades, which would be an added bonus (especially in summer).

Main reason I'm so curious is that the tennis programme I help out with is being assisted by Wilson for the next 12 months and I think that, as well as their racquets, they'll expect us to use their shoes. So I thought I could get a 'heads up' on what to expect before having to select one. Sounds like the Trance might be the ideal candidate.
 

Babb

Professional
Thanks for the show of interest, Drak. The matches I referred to earlier were just team matches. We lost Tuesday night 2-3. We stacked our team, so the number one singles spot was a loss. We won second singles (that's my hitting partner and rival) and also won third singles (that was me, since we stacked. I'm normally one). Both doubles teams lost, one of which in a really long 3 setter. It was pretty upsetting. We got rained out Wednesday, and then we won yesterday 4-1. I won in first singles, my rival won in second, third lost, and both doubles teams won.


But getting back to the topic, I haven't played in the Trances since I got that pain. Not because of the pain (which I still don't if it came from them), but because I absolutely ADORE my Wilson Open I's. Like I said earlier, I'm only switching because of durability, and my Opens aren't entirely gone yet. I'll give you another update next time I wear them, which will probably be Monday or so, because I'm taking a few days off to recover from having so many matches lately. My brain is fried, my playing has gone down, I'm sore, and I have one blister that is almost healed and am developing another. I'm just burned out mentally and physically right now.
 

Babb

Professional
I ended up practicing yesterday. No pain, no nothing. I still don't like them like my Open I's, but I probably never will. I'll say again, the shoes have great traction. I haven't slid once when wearing them. And I am still impressed with the comfort level.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Babb, although your team lost the first set of matches, great job coming back and winning 4-1. Congrats!

Yeah, if you are burnt out that is your body telling you to rest. >>SO REST! :)

As for the shoes, yes, the traction is really great, and for me, the comfort level is very good. I'm amazed they show hardly any wear. I'll be wearing them in the tourney coming up in April. can't wait.

BTW, what ever happened to that ingrown toenail?? false alarm???
 

Babb

Professional
^^^
It seems to be just that, a false alarm. I don't understand at all. It's like it never happened...

But yes, I rested Friday and just hit groundies on Saturday (I finally found my backhand, which had been pretty off ever since I got a bad blister on my left hand. The main weapon is back! :D ). I went out and hit three hoppers full of kickers last night. I didn't practice today as it was below 40 once you factor in the wind chill (wtf? it's March!!! lol).

So I'm all rested up and ready to go for tomorrow. Since I easily beat that team's number one last time, they'll probably stack which makes it easier for me :D . Maybe I'll double bagel someone again (I've already done it twice this year! :D ).
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^^LOL, I woke up this morning and it was freezing. This is south florida mind you. I was like wtf??? is up with this weather. Anyway, was able to hit for about two hours so it was all good. Have to get ready for that tourney.
 

Babb

Professional
I love how conversations almost always turn away from the thread title... lol.

I won yesterday 6-3, 6-1, and I only got broken once :D . Same score as last time I played the guy. I have a USTA tournament this weekend and then the school regional tournament next Thursday and next Friday.

Anyway, what is your current racquet/string/tension set up? Just curious :D
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Babb, I'm currently playing with the Microgel Prestige Mid strung with Pro Supex Maxim Touch at 58 lbs.

Awesome strings. Feel like natural gut but a bit crispier.


Congrats on the win. Right now, I'm just doing some serious drilling with a 5.5, and former touring pro at my club, which include tie breaks and some round robins. Gotta get ready for that tourney. Starting to really dial in on both BH and FH.


BTW, they actually love the shoes. I think one of them is going to start using them.
 

Babb

Professional
I should have been working with the local pro at my club to prepare for my tournament, but I've been so busy with school tennis lately. It gets old, but I have commitments...

I've gotten myself into another predicament. Go figure. Haha. I'm going to take the day before a tournament off, because I'm starting to get another blister on my right palm.

But anyway, I think I'm heading back toward good old synthetics from my polyester hybrids. I have more feel with the synthetics and they're completely wallet and stringer friendly. Once I buy some more racquets, I can use 18 gauge if I want :D .

I can never stick with the same thing for too long. I don't know why. After the season I'm going to demo some new racquets...

And did you notice during the PLO that a lot of the line judges and officials were wearing the Trances? They must've read your review :D
 

ClubHoUno

Banned
How does theese Wilson shoes size up compared to Nike Vapor and Adidas Barricade ?
I will probably buy a pair online at TW and would like to know what size to order :)
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
And did you notice during the PLO that a lot of the line judges and officials were wearing the Trances? They must've read your review :D

LOL, maybe they did read the review. But no, I didn't notice that. I wonder if they will be using them in Miami???



How does theese Wilson shoes size up compared to Nike Vapor and Adidas Barricade ?
I will probably buy a pair online at TW and would like to know what size to order :)

ClubHoUno, here was my response to someone else who asked for a comparison of these shoes with the barricades. I can't speak in regards to the vapors as I have never tried those shoes. Good luck!

AndrewD, as Goober mentioned, it is fair to say the flex is more near the toe area of the shoe.

In relation to "true to size">>> Whenever I use Nike, I have to order a half size larger. With these shoes, I took a chance and told TW to send me my exact shoe size, and they fit perfectly. Keep in mind everyones feet are different. If you are thinking of ordering them, perhaps you should go to a local store and try them on before you order them online to make sure you get the right fit.

Lastly, I would rate them just as high, if not higher than Adidas, Nike, K Swiss, etc. These are damn good shoes, and for the price as well as the fact they hardly have any wear on them, I would rate them higher than other manufacturers shoes.

If it wasn't for the fact I have so many Oscillates remaining, I would switch to these shoes permanently.

Good luck.
 

Babb

Professional
Hey Drak, I just won in the first round of my tournament. 6-2, 6-1. I don't recall being broken, but it might've happened once.

Anyway, I take back what I said about leaving polyester. I got my Blue strung up with some Luxilon Big Banger XP 16L with PSGD 16 crosses and it is sooo sweet. Maybe better than my Big Ace/Synthetic Titan hybrid. It feels great. But then again, Luxilon is known to go dead after about four hours. So that leaves me three hours of ungodly playing to win my tournament :D
 

Babb

Professional
^^^
Oh yeah, and I've finally gotten used to the shoes because I slid in them today :D . Lol. Guy hit a great approach shot and I ran it down, spun out, got back into position, and he missed the relatively easy forehand volley.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
babb, congrats! Good to hear.

Sorry I hadn't responded sooner. I spent the weekend at the Sony Ericsson Miami with a bunch of posters from the boards. 9Jo11yroger, Sup2dresq, Topaz, JrStrker12, etc).

Anyway, got Fed's autograph! here it is, the holy grail of caps:

100_7633.jpg

100_7595.jpg
 

Babb

Professional
^^^
Well then he couldn't wear them! Lol!

Drak: I'm so jealous. Maybe I'll try and go to Miami next year... :( . But anyway, do you know who he was warming up with out of curiosity?
 
Top