Nike GP Challenge Pro
Pros
- Excellent stability and lateral support
- Great impact protection
- Rockered sole smoothens heel-to-toe transitions
- Stiff shank and sole add propulsion
- Sturdy rubberized drag guard
- Hard and durable rubber outsole
- Gusseted tongue enhances foothold
- Comfortable and padded in-shoe feel
- Outsole balances grip and give
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Heavier than average
- Mesh is easily damaged
Key Features
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Style#: FJ7767-401
Nike Claybreaker technology: Provides enhanced traction and minimizes buildup on clay courts.
Wide traction pattern: Designed for controlled sliding and grip in the forefoot and midfoot.
Plastic midfoot plate: Offers stability for quick cuts and sudden directional changes.
Synthetic leather: Helps contain your foot for better lateral movement.
Durable construction: Extra rubber in the toe area enhances longevity where it's needed most.
Heel Air Zoom unit: Delivers support, while the forefoot Air Zoom unit adds a responsive spring to your step.
Specifications
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Origin: Imported
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Synthetic leather and rubber outsole
Closure type: Lace-Up
The GP Challenge Pro is best suited for entry-level tennis players seeking notable comfort and support. Priced at $120, it provides an opportunity to experience premium features at a 9.1% discount compared to average prices.
This shoe offers a comfortable feel, attributed to its well-cushioned landings and rocker sole. The firm 30.8 HA Phylon foam includes a large Air Zoom unit in the heel, effectively reducing the impact of repetitive motion.
Additionally, the GP Challenge Pro incorporates a stiff midfoot shank within the midsole, which enhances stability and helps prevent ankle twists. Its design features elements such as a rigid heel and a synthetic foot cage that integrates with the lacing system to securely hold the feet in place.
Measurements indicate a wide 115.8/93.9 mm forefoot and heel, contributing to improved surefootedness. The herringbone-patterned rubber outsole provides excellent grip on court surfaces, allowing for effective stopping, pivoting, and sliding.
A notable drawback is the shoe's lack of ventilation, which may lead to discomfort in warmer conditions. Therefore, this pair is recommended for use in cooler weather.
Nike Vapor Pro 3
Pros
- Highly secure midfoot lockdown
- Solid lateral support and stability
- Reliable impact protection
- Good mix of cushioning and court feel
- Predictable medium fit
- Fantastic durability (even in high-wear areas)
- Nice balance of grip and give
- Comfortable step-in feel
Cons
- Smaller Zoom Air unit has lower energy return
- No added flexibility (as promised)
- Still heavier than average
- Not so breathable
Key Features
- Style#: FZ2161-600
- Flexible forefoot with reduced Air Zoom unit for enhanced responsiveness
- New rubber compound outsole for improved lightness and durability
- Excellent deceleration and planting capabilities without compromising cuts
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic leather and tough textiles with a new rubber compound
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Nike Vapor Pro 3 is a versatile tennis shoe, well-suited for a wide range of players on the court. Its design features a balanced combination of elements, including a comfortable midsole, a protective upper, and a grip-enhancing outsole.
With a stack height near the lab average, it boasts a cushioned 28.6 mm heel and grounded 20.0 mm forefoot, which support quick footwork. The midsole's balanced durometer reading of 28.4 HA contributes to a secure feel, though it may feel softer than the number indicates due to the pressurized Zoom Air unit in the forefoot.
During playtests, we found it easy to slide and execute hard stops. The rubber outsole smoothens over time, making it especially suitable for players who utilize sliding techniques. Longevity was verified as the outsole showed only a shallow 0.5 mm dent in our Dremel test, alleviating concerns about premature wear.
The upper provides stability with a lacing system that ensures lockdown. The toe guard exhibited minimal wear from toe drags, achieving a durability rating of 4/5 in our tests. Additionally, the toebox received a high durability score of 4/5, further enhancing its reliability.
However, this level of comfort and durability comes with a weight trade-off. At 13.5 oz (383g), the Vapor Pro 3 is 6.4% heavier than the average tennis shoe.
Nike Vapor 12
Pros
- Balanced cushioning and court feel
- Excellent lateral stability and support
- Firm and planted platform
- The ride feels dynamic
- Fantastic durability
- Ergonomic one-to-one fit
- Great for sliding and pivoting
- Lighter than the Vapor 11
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not the stickiest traction
- Still heavier than average
- Lacks breathability
Key Features
- Style#: FV5554-100
- A heel Air Zoom unit provides support and a springy feel throughout your gameplay.
- The full midfoot fit band allows you to tighten the laces for an enhanced fit, enabling quicker lateral movements.
- The newly added midsole foam offers lightweight padding, improving agility compared to previous models like the Vapor 11.
- Engineered mesh maintains durability in high-wear areas while reducing overall weight for improved performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Engineered mesh and rubber outsole
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Nike Vapor 12 is best suited for players seeking speed and support on the court. This shoe provides a stable ride while facilitating quick movements, showcasing notable durability even under constant friction.
Featuring an agile midsole with an average stack height of 29.5/19.6 mm, the Vapor 12 enhances court connection. The incorporation of an Air Zoom unit in the heel contributes to springy strides, achieving a high score of 54.8% in our energy return test.
The shoe includes a stiff TPU shank in the midfoot, promoting stability and improving foot alignment through its sidewalls. This design allows for more controlled lateral movements, as demonstrated by its maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity rating in our manual assessment.
The outsole features a non-sticky composition, reflected in its low 0.55 friction coefficient from our traction test. This trait benefits aggressive movement, allowing for effortless sliding and pivoting, while the rubber material displayed minimal wear, with only a 0.6 mm dent recorded in our Dremel test.
However, a significant drawback is its low breathability, scoring 2/5. As a result, the Nike Vapor 12 performs optimally in cooler weather conditions.
NikeCourt Lite 4
Pros
- Solid lateral support for an entry-level shoe
- Wide and stable base
- Great durability for the price
- Sufficient impact protection
- Lively and responsive midsole
- Excellent outsole grip
- Decent weight
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Not so breathable
- Not very comfy
Key Features
- Durable Design: Extra rubber in the toe area enhances durability where it's most needed.
- High-Abrasion Outsole: Full coverage high-abrasion rubber along the outsole ensures longevity and excellent traction.
- Lateral Support: Synthetic overlays provide necessary lateral support and keep your heel secure during quick movements.
- Breathable Upper: Mesh materials in the upper offer enhanced breathability and comfort.
- Padded Comfort: A soft collar and padded heel design deliver added comfort around your ankle.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Combination of synthetic leather, mesh, and textile, with a rubber outsole.
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The NikeCourt Lite 4 is best suited for players seeking enhanced footwork and stability on the court. During our playtests, it demonstrated strong rebound and sturdy lateral support, allowing for effective control during play. Lab results verify that this model offers the highest energy return in Nike’s tennis lineup.
Each step resulted in springy toe-offs, facilitating rapid movement across the court. We measured the midsole's energy return, recording above-average values of 58.4% in the heel and 60.6% in the forefoot. Notably, the forefoot was 19.1%% more responsive than average, positively impacting our game performance.
The NikeCourt Lite 4 provides a solid ground feel through its moderate stack height. During crossovers and split steps, we felt securely planted, supported by a wide base measuring 113.5/94.1 mm. This design effectively contained our movements, enhancing overall court performance.
Additively, we experienced reliable foothold from the well-structured heel counter, which achieved a stiffness score of 4/5 in our assessments. The shoe also exhibited strong resistance to twisting, receiving a maximum torsional rigidity score of 5/5, contributing significantly to overall stability.
A drawback noted during testing was an increase in heat when playing in warmer conditions. Players prioritizing ventilation may want to consider alternative options. Overall, the NikeCourt Lite 4 is a viable choice for those looking for a blend of agility and support on the court.
Nike Vapor Lite 3
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Durable upper and outsole for the price
- Impressively responsive and dynamic
- Lighter than average
- Great side-to-side stability for beginners
- Reliable impact protection
- Well-padded shoe interiors
- Good grip on hard court
- Highly breathable upper
Cons
- Not lighter than v2 (as promised)
- Not for wide feet
Key Features
- Style#: FZ2156-100
- Durable Rubber Toe Tip: Constructed from a new compound that improves longevity in high-wear areas.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: More robust than conventional mesh, offering both comfort and breathability during intense matches.
- Designed for Hard Courts: Optimized specifically for performance on hard surfaces, ensuring stability and support.
- Soft Foam Midsole: Provides necessary cushioning while maintaining support for your feet during play.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Engineered mesh, Rubber toe
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Nike Vapor Lite 3 is designed for players seeking a breathable, lightweight shoe with excellent cushioning and protection, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious athletes at a price of $90. This model is significantly lighter than average, weighing 12.0 oz (340g), which enhances agility on the court. In comparison to other Nike tennis shoes tested in our lab, which typically exceed $100, this pair stands out as our best budget pick.
With a stack height of 29.7/18.4 mm, the Vapor Lite 3 provides a balanced experience between cushioning and court connection. The midsole features immediate springiness, contributing to a responsive feel with verified energy return scores of 56.6% in the heel and 59.6% in the forefoot. This design allows for quick and effective movements during play.
The mesh upper is designed with large ventilation holes that enhance airflow, receiving a perfect score of 5/5 in our smoke test. This breathability promotes comfort and keeps the foot cool during gameplay. Additionally, the wear resistance is commendable; the toe guard is built for sliding and toe drags, achieving a maximum durability rating of 5/5 in our Dremel test.
Underfoot, the rubber displays significant resilience, registering only a minimal 0.5 mm dent compared to the average of 0.7 mm, further solidifying the shoe's value. However, it is important to note that the Vapor Lite 3 has a narrow fit, making it less suitable for players with wide or high-volume feet.