The Asics Gel Resolution has been one of my favorite shoe lines, so I was keen to test the update. Here is my Asics Gel Resolution 9 Review.

Asics Gel Resolution 9 Review

My Asics Gel Resolution 9 Review deals with the pink clay court version. You might have seen them when watching the French Open. They stand out with their aggressive colorway, but they have other colors too, if you prefer that.

The Asics Gel Resolution shoe is a high-performance shoe retailing at 150 euros at Tennis Warehouse Europe, 145 USD at Tennis Warehouse and 220 AUD at Tennis Only. The outstanding features of the Asics Gel Res 9 are stability, durability and comfort. The shoe has a narrow to medium fit and average weight. It hugged the foot well and had zero break-in for me.

Tech

Upper: Full-length Flexion Fit Polyurethane upper for increased comfort, support and flexibility. Personal Heel Fit technology locks your feet in for a stable ride.
Midsole: FlyteFoam midsole and GEL cushioning in the rear and forefoot for an exceptionally plush and responsive feel underfoot. Dynawall technology and Torque Control Counter provide stability for aggressive court cuts and resist unwanted twisting for added support and stability.
Outsole: AHAR Plus rubber outsole in a full herringbone tread pattern, for durability and traction on clay courts. PGaurd Toe Protector for the avid toe draggers.

Fit Details

Length: True
Width: Medium
Arch: Medium
Break-in: Yes, according to TWE, but it felt great for me straight away.
Weight: 425 grams (size 10.5 US)
Surface: Clay

Playability

These shoes are excellent! That’s it. That is my review. No, just kidding, but with my knee issues, I need a shoe that is comfortable, stable, and well-dampened. The Asics Gel Resolution 9 Clay shoes are all those things. I can usually find some flaw or notice an issue with a pair of tennis shoes, but these have become what the Babolat Propulse Fury 3 is for me on hard courts, just overall close to perfect.

I can move fast without fear of misstepping, twisting an ankle, or leaving the court with intense leg stiffness. The shoes are flexible, yet solid, and you are locked-in, but not too much. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Gel Res 8, so the improvements to the 9 are significant to me. The durability of Asics shoes are generally excellent, so I wouldn’t worry there, but these have a dynamic performance that I did not feel with the 8th or the 7th generation. The more flexible upper paired with the Dynawall stability piece towards the heel creates a perfect blend of explosivity and stability.

One of the best clay court shoes I have tried. Yes, perhaps even the best. 9 out of 10 marks for these. They do everything well.

Stefan Kornitzky is back with a guest post. If you want to contribute, contact us! This time he has written a Yonex Sonicage 3 Review.

Yonex Sonicage 3 Review

Check out the Yonex Sonicage 3 tennis shoes on Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only.

Background

As a long-time player and fan of Babolat’s Pure Drive series, I usually also opted for Babolat shoes. Despite not being the heaviest guy at about 83 kg and 1,79 m, I am very rough on shoes, which means that in a regular year, I use up at least five pairs. Most of these shoes die the honorable way: After heavy sliding on a clay court ????.In the past, I have been using (different versions of) for instance the red Propulse Blast Clay, the blue Propulse Fury, the black Jet Mach 3 or the grey Jet Tere models. However, over the last years, I often found the first (above-expectation) signs of wear soon after using shoes for the first time (seams coming apart, holes in the mesh). As this happened more frequently, I returned shoes when signs of wear came up. As the cycle of “new shoes – a very early material defect – return – new shoes” escalated, my dealer suggested trying out a different brand and sold me a pair of the YONEX Sonicage 3 Clay. So, let’s see how this turned out.

First impressions

Yes, I am guilty of being biased in favor of blue stuff! Therefore, the blue design of the shoe mixed with the red brand logos and red straps suits my taste very well. Before starting with the new pair, I expected the shoes to deliver on YONEX’s reputation for high product quality and attention to detail. So, I took the SONICAGE 3 to our clay-court training camp.

Fit

Tennis shoes need to fit your feet. I have flat, skew and splay feet and usually go for size EU 44. If shoes are too tight, I suffer from a burning sensation due to my rather wide feet on the inner or outer part of the foot. This is why I also replace the standard insoles with sports insoles customized for my feet.

Despite these insoles (which usually are somewhat higher than the original ones and can lead to my feet slipping out of the shoes at the heels if the shoes are too flat), the fit was comfortable. The shoes provided me with enough space while at the same time holding my feet securely. The weight, which YONEX specifies as 305g at size EU 42, was unremarkable. I did not feel the shoes to be heavy or particularly light. The weight just did not stand out, which is a good thing, I guess.

Playtest

I started my clay-court season with the SONICAGE 3 on a rather heavy wet court at about 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. The shoe allowed me to slide very early despite the court conditions. I also experienced no pain from running in the shoes for the first time. The grip was as expected, and the shoe fit my playing style of moving and sliding quite a lot (you can read the marketing language about the technology of POWER CUSHION or Endurance Rubber – whatever this means – on the web if you like to hear more about the unique features of the shoe, but usually this does not help that much ????).

Durability

As you can guess, the part I was most interested in was the durability. Can YONEX solve my problem of the above-expectation signs of wear showing up quite early? And the answer is … NO!

After the third training session (about seven hours with hitting from the baseline and three training sets), the shoe showed the first heavy material defects. Parts of the rubber under the heel already started to separate from the sole. Additionally, the reinforced upper part of the shoe, intended to protect the mesh below, also fell apart. The experience with Babolat shoes over the years was no exception.

This makes me wonder: Maybe, it is me doing something wrong? But then again, what could I possibly do wrong as a quite decent player with lots of experience on clay courts? If this durability is normal, I would expect Rafa to change shoes with every new racquet he takes from the bag. So, my shoe mystery remains unsolved for the moment…

Summary

The YONEX SONICAGE 3 CLAY is a nice-looking clay-court shoe suited for wider, flat feet. Apart from the design, I like the shoe’s playability and can find no downsides apart from the durability issues I experienced with other shoes. At a recommended retail price of 160 Euros, the shoe is in the upper-middle part of the price range. Right now, the shoe is available in online shops for about 100 to 120 Euros. You can find cheaper options, but if you are a fan of YONEX products and are not a heavy slider, you can consider the SONICAGE 3.

I have been testing a lot of tennis shoes lately and one that I was extra excited about is the Lacoste AG-LT 23.

Lacoste AG-LT 23

The Lacoste AG-LT 23 is Lacoste’s premium shoe for support and stability, according to Tennis Warehouse Europe. Like most things Lacoste, it is very stylish.

The shoe is used/endorsed by Daniil Medvedev and has his logo and name on the shoe, which is a cool detail for Daniil fans. I have only tested it once on Plexipave courts but enjoyed it quite a lot. It felt fast, yet supportive. I am not yet sure about the cushioning/dampening part, which is one of the most important considerations for me, who struggle with some knee issues.

I will need more time to investigate that part, but the combination of speed and support with great looks is so far a winner. The durability is another area that remains to be seen.

Let’s look at some specifications of the Lacoste AG-LT 23. Stay tuned for a full review here on Tennisnerd and on my YouTube channel. You can purchase a pair at Tennis Warehouse.

It will be interesting to compare these to the Nike Vapor Pro 2, for example.

Specifications

The stability of this shoe is achieved through a combination of the chassis in the midsole, a heel stabilizer, as well as the cage system integrated in the upper. The lightweight and speedy aspects are accomplished through the woven mesh upper, lightweight foam in the midsole, and the dual midsole construction, which cuts down on mass in the mid-region of the sole. A molded rubber toe guard helps to provide protection from dragging, while the grip-enhancing rubber compound on the outsole supplies excellent traction and durability on various surfaces.

Upper: Lightweight leno weave TPU mesh upper for support, durability, and comfortable fit.
Midsole: Lacoste Super Responsive Foam (LSR) made from Lightweight Pebax ETPU under the forefoot provides comfort and energy return.
Outsole: Modified herringbone pattern with Linegrip rubber compound for multi-directional traction and durability on various court surfaces.
Color: White / Red / Navy

Fit

Length: Slightly short. I ordered a half-size up and it worked great.
Width: Medium
Arch: Medium
Break-in: None
Weight: 421 grams (US size 10.5)

This can be confusing to some consumers, but why is there a Nike Vapor Pro 2 and a Vapor 11? Find out more in this Nike Vapor 11 Review.

Nike Vapor 11 Review

For this Nike Vapor 11 Review, I tried the clay court version on the Spanish clay. Before we dive into the review, I want to thank my friends at Tennis Warehouse Europe for sending these for test (at the time of writing these shoes are on sale over there).

First of all, how are these different to the Vapor Pro 2? Well, these seem more stable and heavy to me, while the Vapor Pro 2 is faster but offers a little less in terms of stability and cushioning.

Fit

Components

• Upper: Breathable and durable mesh upper material provides support, durability, and ventilation. The inner layer for extra support where needed, and the 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.
• Color: See below for color options.

Options

The lineage of the Nike Vapor carries on, and is back better than ever with the Nike Zoom Vapor 11! This evolution of the Vapor blends the perfect balance of feeling low and connected to the court, while also providing a significant amount of cushioning underfoot, to help provide the comfort for those long grinding matches. Compared to the Vapor Pro 2, this Vapor 11 feels a bit more stable due to the molded sidewall, allowing for more aggressive cuts and push-offs. A forefoot Zoom Air unit helps to spring you forward, while a breathable upper helps to keep you cool for the long matches. A data-informed outsole supplies a nice blend of grip and give, and is built to withstand the force of sliding.

How do they play?

First of all, they feel very solid. My semi-arched foot felt happy straight away. You feel locked in, in a similar way to the Pro 2, but the overall package feels sturdier. I feel like these react less well to aggressive movers (Alcaraz-style) that move fast and slide around but work better for the average player. I think most higher-level players will prefer the Vapor Pro 2.

However, these seem more durable. There are lots of foam and reinforcements, and I think most players will break the Vapor Pro 2 faster than the 11.

These are quite similar to the Vapor Pro 2 in several ways but seem sturdier with more foam and better durability. These also make them more expensive, which is a bit peculiar considering that when you use the word “Pro”, you most often relate it to a higher price point/performance.

Summary

Ultimately, I am unsure which shoes I like the most, the speedier, more low-to-the-ground feel of the Vapor Pro 2, or the sturdier, more stable, and comfort-oriented Vapor 11. In the end, the Vapor Pro 2 ended up not working so well for me, and I did have some stiffness in my legs after using them. I am not exactly sure why, it could be that I have the wrong foot type for the Vapor Pro 2 or that they lack some form of cushioning. This has not happened for me with the Vapor 11, so I consider them a better alternative overall for most players.

Stability and durability are both excellent on the Vapor 11, but you sometimes feel like the shoes lack a bit of bounce and spring to them. If you move side to side and even slide on clay, the shoes perform very well, but I am not sure I would go for these on a hard court as they don’t seem to absorb shock under the foot well.

Overall, these shoes are good; I will keep using them on the red dirt. I think they do most things well, but nothing exceptional. If they had a bit more bounce and cushioning to them, I think they would be excellent, but they fall just short of that.

The Vapor 11 is a solid shoe release from Nike and I think many players will find a lot to like. But I lacked a bit of wow factor and speed on the court.

The Vapor series progresses. If you like the Nike Vapor Pro, you will love its predecessor. This is my Nike Vapor Pro 2 Review.

Nike Vapor Pro 2 Review

The Vapor series is going strong. Nike now have three models in the line-up: Nike Vapor Pro, Vapor 11, and Vapor 9.5. I have tested both the Vapor Pro 2, which in my mind, is a significant improvement, and the Vapor 11. This focuses on the Nike Vapor Pro 2 Review.

Although I liked it a lot, I struggled with the Nike Vapor Pro a bit. I lacked some cushioning and dampening and felt very close to the court surface. This can be good to some, but with my sensitive knees, I lacked a bit of support and comfort with those shoes. I liked the design and used them at the gym for a year or so, but I wasn’t as happy with them on the tennis court. On the new Vapor Pro 2, they have added an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, which is a game-changer for the Vapor Pro.

Construction

Upper: Stretchy internal sleeve and mesh for two layers of support; breathable. Asymmetrical lacing hugs feet during lateral movements.
Midsole: Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and soft foam midsole for responsive cushioning and a low-to-the-ground feel. A full-length foot frame on the 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.

Fit Details

Length: True to size
Width: Snug Medium
Arch: Medium
Break-in: Slight
Weight: 405 grams (size 10.5 US)

How do they play?

In my opinion, these are a significant improvement from the first Vapor Pros. The cushioning, dampening and comfort is much better. The previous ones felt a bit hard on my feet, but these are softer and I have so far had no complains from my knees.

For my feet, the heel feels not quite snug enough for max stability. That would be my only peeve with these shoes. Otherwise, they are the best Vapors I have tried since the 9.5, but I have not used the 9.5 in many years, so hard to compare. They also look great in my opinion.

The Nike Vapor Pro 2 feels like a real winner to me, but check other reviews, because our feet are all different.

You can purchase them or other shoes or tennis gear from my friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe, and Tennis Only.

Confession: I’ve never been a huge fan of Adidas tennis shoes. But this Adidas Cybersonic Review can change my mind.

Adidas Cybersonic Review

The full name of these shoes is Adidas Adizero Cybersonic, but product names are so long these days so I shortened it for simplicity. The Adidas Cybersonic is a lightweight shoe made to maximize player speed. Like with all tennis shoe marketing copy, the advertising says it does everything well, but I would say it is a shoe made for speed, not for dampening.

What is interesting about the Adidas Cybersonic shoes is the Energyrods placed in the heel of these shoes to provide an energy return while you sprint without adding a lot of weight to the shoe. Let’s look at the construction of the shoe, courtesy of Tennis Warehouse and Tennis Warehouse Europe (they are also available from Tennis Only in Australia).

What tennis shoes should you get? The choice is seemingly endless. But this Babolat Propulse Fury 3 review impressed me.

Babolat Propulse Fury 3 Review

I am always on the lookout for a shoe with great comfort and stability. My knees are a bit worn down after playing tennis on hard courts for most of my life and many years of running, including marathons. So I am often looking for max support.

The Babolat Propulse Fury 3 impressed me with its comfort. They have increased the EVA Foam in the midsole, which, in addition to the Ortholite comfort foam insoles, creates some great cushioning for your foot.

I also could move fast in these shoes with good stability thanks to the Michelin premium rubber formula on the outsole that offers great traction. The durability also seems excellent and a six-month outsole durability guarantee backs the shoe.

Technical details

Upper: Power Belt technology locks in the heel and midfoot with an external shell for stability.
Midsole: EVA midsole has been increased from previous versions for good cushioning, support, and responsiveness under the foot.  KPRS-X offers increased shock absorption.
Outsole: Michelin’s premium rubber formula, with dense zones in high-wear regions and less density in strategic areas to cut down on weight.

Fit Details

Length: True
Width: Generous Medium
Arch: Medium
Break-in: Slight
Surface: Hard (all court
Durability Guarantee: Yes
Weight: 14.4 ounces (US size 10.5)

Summary

The Babolat Propulse Fury 3 has become my new favorite hard court tennis shoe. The cushioning is excellent. I get good grip on the tennis court and even after a two hour session my knees does not hurt. This shoe surprised me with awesome playability and fit for my feet. The break-in was pretty immediate and they also look great.

I don’t have anything negative to say about the new Babolat Propulse 3 all-court tennis shoes. They are just top notch for my feet and allow me to play pain-free.

You can purchase the Babolat Propulse Fury 3 tennis shoes at our friends at Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe, and Total Pickleball.

Check out other new and exciting tennis shoes here. More tennis shoe reviews to come!

There are loads of new tennis shoes on the market at the moment. We hope to be testing a bunch of them! Here is an overview.

New Tennis Shoes

The tennis season has started, and there are loads of new shoes on the market. Let’s have a look at some of them. I’m keen to hear from you, fellow tennis nerds, what you think about these (if you have tried them).

Nike Vapor 11

New Vapors! Most tennis players know this line of shoes from Nike. But tennis shoe nerds seem to love the Vapor 9.5s the most. However, it’s always a big deal when a new generation is released. Check out the new Nike Vapor 11.

This is what Tennis Warehouse writes: Cushy midsole, and speedy design; a more stable and supportive option in the Vapor family.

How are these different from the new Vapor Pro 2? Compared to the Vapor Pro 2, this Vapor 11 feels more stable due to the molded sidewall, allowing for more aggressive cuts and push-offs.

Vapor Pro 2

I enjoyed the Vapor Pro, but lacked cushioning to play with them regularly. Read my Nike Vapor Pro review.

Nike has kept what you loved about the previous Vapor Pro and added an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot for added comfort.

Find out more about the Nike Vapor Pro 2.

Asics Gel Resolution 9

Another iconic tennis shoe line getting an update is the Asics Gel Resolution 9. I have been a fan of some of the previous generations like the Asics Gel Resolution 7, for example, and I also tested version 8. Tennis Warehouse writes this: High performance stability, and durability, with improved flexibility and comfort compared to previous versions.

I hope to test these shoes at some point. But despite reading reviews, remember that shoe is a lot about the personal fit.

Asics Court FF 3

If you want to slide around on a hard court like Novak Djokovic, the Asics Court FF 3 can be your friend. It has a speedy feel, loads of support, and perfect for hard court sliders!