Will you add acceleration when you use this tennis shoe? Read our Yonex Ad-Accel shoe review to find out.
You can also watch our Yonex Ad-Accel video review.
Introduction
Yonex are either the brand with the worst names or the best names, depending on taste and perspective. The Percept left something to be desired if you ask me and I think VCORE and EZONE has more of a ring to them. On the other hand, my current tennis shoe of choice, the Yonex Eclipsion 4, does not have the best name but is a fantastic tennis shoe.
So let’s leave the name aside and focus on what made this Yonex Ad-Accel shoe review a pleasant one.
The Yonex Ad-Accel is a speedy tennis shoe with excellent comfort that will appeal to light and fast movers, but perhaps not hard court sliders due to its grippy sole.
Tech
A key feature of the Ad-Accel is the carbon plate located in the mid-foot that extends to the tip of the toes to help provide energy as you push-off to track down every shot. This is quite a unique feature of a performance tennis shoe.
Below, you have the tech specifications from Tennis Warehouse.
- Upper:Â Durable Skin Light has higher wear resistance while maintaining comfort and support.
- Midsole:Â Power Cushion+ for shock absorption, and repulsion. A so-called Power Graphite Drive Sheet inserted in the middle portion of the midsole that extends to the tip of the toes. The idea: maximize lateral stability and help propel you forward while sprinting.
- Outsole:Â Roundsole ensures smooth movements and the transfer of maximum energy. Endurance Rubber compound in a modified herringbone pattern, dense rubber in high wear areas, and perpendicular tread on the lateral edge to help with sliding.
Fit and player type
This shoe was comfortable from the start. The spec sheet says it has a slight break-in, but I felt at home from the first step. However, the shoes feel so light and comfortable that you doubt their stability and durability at first. Their quite unique style wit the carbon plate in the midfoot will be a home run to some players, but will not appeal to everyone. The shoes almost literally give you an extra spring to your step, but they sometimes feel overly soft and made me doubt them when sprinting for balls.
This might be something to get used to as the Ad-Accel is an effort to innovate in the tennis shoe market and it’s a good one. As I wrote above, the hard court sliders might not enjoy the grippy sole, but otherwise, there is a lot to like.
I think lighter players who prioritize explosive movement will enjoy this shoe a lot. But heavier players might want more stability and weight.
| Length: | True |
|---|---|
| Width: | Snug Medium |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | Slight |
| Weight: | TBD ounces (size 10.5 US) |
| Surface: | All Court (Hard) |
Performance
The Ad-Accel is what would happen if the Asics Solution Speed FF and the Nike GP Challenge had a baby. Top-notch comfort in a speedy shoe. The stability is not quite as good as the Eclipsion and Gel-Resolution, but if you want shoes that feel like step-in sneakers you can walk around in without thinking about them, these are high on the list.
These are for sure fast-feeling shoes. It feels like they help you stay more on your toes, which is key for good tennis movement. I think the carbon mid-plate is very interesting. Like a built-in springboard inside the shoe. It will for sure be a divider among tennis players. I like it, but not convinced they are as all-round as the Eclipsion.
My general advice is that when you find a shoe you like, stock up before they run out or release the next model. Otherwise, you might not find that type of fit again. On the other hand, you might not be that sensitive or particular and then it’s easier to change.
Summary
Anyway, the Ad-Accel is a great shoe for lighter players looking for comfort and speed. Stability is decent but not the main factor here. Also, hard court sliders might want to look elsewhere.
But for first-generation shoes, the Ad-Accel is excellent. I will use it occasionally to see if it grows on me or if something else develops. I am also keen to hear from you in the comments. Have you tried this shoe? How did it work for you?
The shoes are available in four different colors: white, black, sunset red, and mist blue. We tried the Sunset red, all-court version for this review.
