Adidas Barricade 13
Pros
- Exceptional stability and arch support
- Wide and steady platform
- Hard-wearing outsole with a 6-month guarantee
- Fantastic outsole grip
- Sufficient impact protection
- Great court feel
- Highly secure foothold and lockdown
Cons
- Upper is not the most durable
- Cushioning lacks bounce and responsiveness
Key Features
- Men's mesh tennis shoes designed with Torsion System support to enhance your stability during play.
- GEOFIT SENSEPODS: Foam Sensepods in the heel create a snug fit, filling gaps and making you feel at one with your shoes.
- ENERGETIC FEEL: The lightweight foam REPETITOR midsole provides a responsive and energetic experience.
- ADIWEAR OUTSOLE: This outsole offers exceptional traction and durability for intensive court use.
- MADE IN PART WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: At least 20% of the materials used are recycled, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Barricade 13 is designed for women seeking stability on the court. During our playtests, it inspired confidence and ensured surefootedness. Our lab confirms its stable feel, achieved through rigid elements, a low profile, and a wide base.
The outsole effectively balances braking and sliding power, enhancing control during footwork. The Torsion System utilizes a stiff TPU in the midfoot, demonstrating significant resistance to twisting with a rigidity score of 4/5. Additionally, the firm heel, rated at 5/5, secures the foot without discomfort, aided by pillowy Geofit Sensepods that minimize heel slippage.
With a spacious base measuring 115.4/95.3 mm, the Barricade 13 provides a naturally secure feel. The cushioning is set low at 28.4/17.1 mm, appealing to those who prefer a good connection with the court. Its robust Adiwear outsole incorporates a sharp herringbone pattern, facilitating effective sliding and braking.
This design allows for quick movements without hesitation, enabling full-throttle sprints when pursuing the ball. However, the midsole may not offer the playful and responsive feel some players desire. Women looking for a more energetic ride should consider alternative options.
Adidas Barricade 13 Clay
Pros
- Exceptional stability and support
- Incredibly durable upper and outsole
- Generous impact protection
- Fun and responsive cushioning
- Highly secure foothold
- Wide and steady platform
- Good level of flexibility
- Excellent grip but can slide too
- An ounce lighter than the predecessor
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Heel drop can be too drastic for some
Key Features
- Torsion System: This innovative feature offers match-turning stability, allowing you to make quick cuts and slides with confidence.
- Asymmetric Lacing: The unique lacing pattern ensures a locked-in fit that supports your foot during intense play.
- REPETITOR+ Midsole: Designed for smooth transitions, this midsole provides the necessary support for continuous movement.
- Geofit Sensepods: These pods accommodate your heel's natural shape, ensuring prolonged comfort, even during long matches.
- Sustainable Design: Made with at least 20% recycled materials, these shoes contribute to reducing environmental impact.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Barricade 13 Clay is an ideal choice for players engaged in clay court tennis. This shoe enhances the playing experience by providing stability and injury-free movement on the court.
We appreciate the performance of the Adidas Barricade 13 Clay during lateral movements, as it ensures surefootedness even under aggressive play. The shoe's forefoot width measures 111.9 mm, while the heel is 98.3 mm, making it 9.6% wider, which contributes to its overall stability.
In addition to stability, the Barricade 13 Clay features excellent traction that minimizes slipping. Testing with a durometer indicated a hardness of 79 HC, which is 7.6% softer than average, allowing the outsole to grip the clay court effectively during powerful shots and swift footwork.
This tennis shoe also demonstrates remarkable durability against the challenges presented by clay courts and frequent use. Our tests revealed durability scores of 4/5 for the toebox and 5/5 for the heel padding, confirming its resilience against wear.
However, at a price point of $160, which is 21.6% higher than most tennis shoes, this model may not be suitable for budget-conscious consumers.
Adidas Defiant Speed 2
Pros
- Grounded platform with good court feel
- Stable base for a speed shoe
- Generously padded insole
- Fairly flexible forefoot
- Impressive durability for the money
- Great balance of grip and give
Cons
- Not everyone can achieve a secure lockdown (especially skinny feet)
- Higher drop may cause toe jamming
Key Features
- Lightweight Design: Crafted for speed with a breathable mesh upper.
- Adiwear Outsole: Specifically designed for hard court surfaces, providing excellent grip and traction.
- Bounce Midsole: Offers cushioning and flexibility for dynamic movement.
- Supportive Heel: TPU heel construction enhances fit and comfort during play.
- Sustainable Materials: Made in part with at least 20% recycled content, supporting eco-friendly practices.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Defiant Speed 2 is designed for players seeking agility and comfort in their tennis shoes. It excels in its lightweight construction and incorporates the responsive Lightstrike midsole, offering significant cushioning during play. Additionally, it provides notable durability throughout its use.
During testing, we found that the Lightstrike midsole delivers strong ground feedback without harsh impact, despite having a below-average stack height of 28.8/17.0 mm. The ride remains forgiving thanks to the balanced composition of the 27.1 HA foam.
With a weight of 12.2 oz (347g), which is 3.6% lighter than average, the Defiant Speed 2 enhances footwork with its pliable design. It also demonstrates minimal resistance, being 17.9% more flexible than typical shoes in our flex tests.
In terms of durability, the Defiant Speed 2 shows impressive performance against our Dremel tests. The Adituff toeguard and toebox received a high rating of 4/5, while the heel padding scored a very resistant 5/5, and the outsole showed only a minor dent of 0.5 mm compared to the average of 0.8 mm. These figures confirm the shoe's longevity.
However, the lockdown could be further improved. The collar design felt somewhat spacious for medium-width feet, and those with narrower feet may experience toe jamming during movement.
Adidas Solematch Control
Pros
- Lighter than average
- Very good ground feel
- Great impact protection
- Springy Bounce cushioning
- Responsive insole
- Comfortably flexible
- Stable platform for a speed shoe
- Exceptionally durable upper and outsole
- Incredibly grippy
- Good for wide feet
Cons
- Not so breathable
- No snappy push-offs (no shank)
- Not for narrow feet
Key Features
- Adituff Toe: The abrasion-resistant Adituff wraps around the toe and medial forefoot, providing protection against foot drag during serves, volleys, and extreme lateral movements.
- Bounce Midsole: Lightweight Bounce cushioning offers enhanced comfort and flexibility, allowing you to move swiftly across the court.
- Adiwear Outsole: The Adiwear outsole is designed for ultimate high-wear durability, making it suitable for all types of court surfaces.
- Recycled Content: Made with at least 50% recycled materials, reflecting Adidas's commitment to sustainability and helping to reduce plastic waste.
Specifications
- Fabric type: Fabric
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
Solematch Control is an ideal choice for beginners seeking a comfortable and nimble tennis shoe. In lab tests, it demonstrated a high level of traction and control on the court, enhancing confidence for precise movements.
The absence of a stiff shank contributes to its lightweight feel, making it easier to bend during play. It performed **20.6%** more adaptively than average in our flex test, which enhances comfort for new players.
Additionally, the soft and springy Bounce foam provides significant cushioning. The heel scores **106 SA** in shock absorption, offering effective impact protection, while the forefoot returns an impressive **52.1%** in our energy test. This design promotes agility and stability during quick rotations and small adjustments.
The highly grippy outsole offers essential support for controlled movements, featuring wavy and blocky patterns that function effectively as brakes. This design ensures stability during sudden stops and pivotal movements.
A notable drawback is the upper's limited breathability, which may cause discomfort during intense sessions. Those prioritizing breathability may want to explore other options.
Adidas Gamecourt 2.0
Pros
- Fantastic durability for the price
- Very supportive for its built
- Wide and stable platform
- Lighter than average
- Highly respponsive midsole
- Excellent grip on hard court
- Flexible and maneuverable
- Accommodating toebox
- Nicely breathable
Cons
- Very little forefoot cushioning
- Minimal impact protection
Key Features
- Breatheable Upper: Open mesh upper for enhanced breathability and flexibility.
- Lightweight Midsole: EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning for comfort during play.
- Adiwear Outsole: Offers superior durability, ideal for high-wear situations.
- Padded Collar: Ensures a snug fit for better stability during movement.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Made in part with at least 20% recycled materials, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Gamecourt 2.0 is best suited for those seeking an entry-level shoe designed specifically for hard court surfaces. Our extensive testing of this model demonstrates its capabilities in key performance areas, offering significant value relative to its price point.
This shoe excels with a durable Adiwear outsole and meets essential criteria such as stability and cushioning. While it may present characteristics typical of a budget shoe, it adequately fulfills the requirements for recreational play.
However, potential buyers should note that its construction may not match the durability levels found in higher-end models, which could be a drawback for more intensive use.