The shoe endorsed by Frances Tiafoe does not look quite like your regular tennis shoe. Here is the Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1.
Not sure what to say about the look of the Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1. It looks more like a regular training shoe than a tennis shoe. This can be a good thing as long as it is as stable and supportive as a tennis shoe needs to be to handle the explosive movements on a tennis court.
When the Nike GP Turbo, which I did not try personally, was reviewed by the Tennis Warehouse team, it became an all-time favorite in terms of comfort and cushioning. And just stepping into the Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 shoe, I can understand why. It feels like a shoe I could use just for walking around on the town.
What is new compared to the Nike GP Turbo?
The Zoom GP Challenge has a more streamlined and speedy profile than the Turbo. Key design features include forefoot and heel Zoom Air units, a mid-foot stability plate, and high abrasion rubber on the outsole that is denser in strategic locations. Adding to the overall comfort, the upper material is lightweight, breathable, and protected on the medial side of the toe-box for players who drag, while the integrated lacing system and support strap on the lateral side will keep your feet secure on those lateral cuts.
The technical info is captured from the Tennis Warehouse shoe page.
- Upper:Â Â Synthetic and mesh material for lightweight support and ventilation. Rubber drag-guard on the medial side of the toe-box and extra padding around the ankle collar. Intergrated lacing and lateral belt help with support and lock-down.
- Midsole:Â Zoom Air units located under the forefoot and heel for energy return and a smooth ride. The stability plate helps to resist the torsional twisting of the shoes.
- Outsole: High abrasion rubber outsole in a herringbone design; rubber is more dense on the medial forefoot high wear region, and finer tread on the lateral side for sliding enhancement.
- Color: Black / White
Fit Details
| Length: | Slightly Snug |
|---|---|
| Width: | Medium |
| Arch: | Slightly Low |
| Break-in: | No |
| Surface: | All Court (Hard) |
| Weight: | 15.6 ounces (size 10.5) |
First impressions
I have not had enough time with these shoes yet to write a full review, but here are my first impressions of the Nike Zoom GP.
Comfort-wise, they are some of the most plush-feeling shoes I have ever stepped into. As I wrote above, I can go for walks in these. They feel roomy to me and require zero break-in. My worry is that my foot is not quite locked in and that the softer structure of the shoe can lead to too much movement of the ankle/foot. This would lead me to feel less secure in my movement. To get the comfort of the Zoom GP, you will obviously have to compromise somewhere and I feel like that locked-in feel is a little missing.
But overall, my first impression of the Zoom GP was good. I just need more time to give you a more in-depth opinion.
Let me know if you have tried the Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 in the comments below.
