Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6
Pros
- Lighter than average speedy
- Bouncy and responsive cushioning
- Very stable for a lightweight shoe
- Unusually flexible
- Secure midfoot lockdown
- Perfect grip on hard court
- Excellent overall durability
- 6-month outsole durability guarantee
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Toe drag guard is not very sturdy
- Laces bite when cinched tightly (or when a runner's knot)
Key Features
- MIZUNO WAVE: The MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses energy from impact across a broader area, providing a stable platform with superior cushioning.
- MIZUNO ENERZY (FOAM): A versatile foam that maintains softness and resilience, enhancing your performance capabilities.
- POWNCE: An exceptionally lightweight midsole material known for its comfort and durability, ensuring you stay agile on the court.
- D-Flex Groove: This diagonal groove in the midfoot allows for maximum speed and power during directional changes, optimizing natural body movement.
- 3D-Solid Upper: Offers a unique combination of breathability, softness, and durability to support rigorous play.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh for breathability
- Closure Type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6 is best suited for players seeking a combination of energy return and maneuverability on the tennis court. Our lab tests highlight its lightweight design, confirming its significant resistance to wear, making it one of the most durable lightweight tennis shoes available.
The upper material is designed to withstand friction from slides and toe drags, achieving a durability score of 4/5 in our Dremel test. The outsole features a DuRubber compound with a measurement of 87.6 HC, indicating above-average longevity.
During play, the shoe enabled seamless movement, allowing for agile crossover steps and quick accelerations. Weighing only 11.7 oz (332g), it is 8.8% lighter than the average tennis shoe, providing enhanced support through its Wave plate while the D-Flex Groove in the midsole facilitates natural bending for improved agility.
This model effectively balances weight with cushioning, featuring a 30.2 mm heel composed of two foam types. The primary cushioning is the responsive Enerzy NXT, which significantly enhances performance during playtests, complemented by PoWnCe cushioning for impact protection.
However, the upper's emphasis on durability results in limited ventilation, earning a score of 2/5 in our lab assessment. Players seeking breathability may want to consider alternative options.
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.
K-Swiss Ultrashot 3
Pros
- Abundant shock absorption
- Great lateral stability and support
- Superb outsole traction
- Highly durable outsole
- Secure lockdown
Cons
- Static unresponsive ride
- Upper could be more durable
- Lacks breathability
Key Features
- SURGE 7.0 MIDSOLE: A lightweight premium cushioning system that offers maximum energy return, ensuring that every step you take is cushioned and responsive.
- 360 PSC PLANTAR: This feature includes a 360-degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis, enhancing stability in the mid-foot and heel areas, which is crucial for quick lateral movements.
- DRAGGUARD 7.0: Strategically placed in high-wear areas of the toe and heel, this material significantly elevates the outsole's durability, making it ideal for intense gameplay.
- ORTHOLITE SOCK LINER: Designed to keep your feet cool and reduce the impact of perspiration, this sock liner adds an extra layer of comfort during long matches.
- OUTSOLE: Features a herringbone bottom specifically tailored for clay court performance, offering excellent traction and grip.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Faux Leather
- Inner Material: Ortholite
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 is designed for women seeking enhanced stability and impact protection on the tennis court. It provides exceptional control, which supports precise footwork during matches. The notable cushioning contributes to a pain-free experience, earning it recognition as the women’s tennis shoe with the best shock absorption.
Our lab tests confirmed its effective impact protection, reflected in a high **109 SA** score in the heel. This allows players to endure hard landings, enhancing overall comfort for extended periods on the court. The forefoot delivers an average performance with a **64 SA** score, achieving a balance between court connection and protection.
Players can move laterally with confidence due to the secure fit of the shoe, making it suitable for those requiring extra support. The **360 Plantar Chassis** enhances structure while the midsole resists twisting effectively, resulting in a high **4/5** torsional rigidity score. This design feature helps maintain stability during aggressive movements.
In our traction assessment, the Ultrashot 3 achieved a high **0.86** friction coefficient, facilitating precise and confident movement on the court. This grip aids in maintaining control while allowing for necessary slides. However, it is important to note that the Ultrashot 3 has narrow dimensions, which may lead to discomfort for women with wider feet.
Asics Solution Speed FF 3
Pros
- One of the lightest tennis shoes on the market
- Fantastic wear resistance and durability
- Exceptionally breathable for a tennis shoe
- Grounded platform with a great court feel
- Rockered heel makes transitions faster and smoother
- Solid stability for a speed-oriented shoe
- Perfect grip with enough give
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not very stable for baseline players
Key Features
- SPEEDTRUSS™ technology enhances flexibility and speed, giving you a competitive edge.
- The PRECISION SOLE design ensures an optimal balance of grip and flexibility for smooth movement across various surfaces.
- Flytefoam technology in the midsole contributes to the shoe's lightweight nature, allowing for swift movements on the court.
- Engineered mesh and film upper for breathability and durability.
- Algorithmically generated outsole provides excellent traction and stability.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle Strap
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Inner material: Synthetic
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 3 is an ultralight tennis shoe designed for women who prioritize speed and agility on the court. It offers remarkable responsiveness during playtests, demonstrating low weight and excellent traction.
With a weight of just 10.9 oz (309g), this shoe is 15.1% lighter than average, allowing for effortless adjustments in footwork. Our bend test confirmed its flexibility, registering at 17.9% more flexible than average.
The connection to the court is enhanced by cushioning that is 10.9% firmer than average, which aids both stability and energy return in conjunction with the stiff Speedtruss shank in the midfoot. This design fosters confidence for aggressive movements.
The reliable Precision Sole enhances grip, making the Solution Speed FF 3 ideal for agile play, whether it involves rapid directional changes or sudden stops. The rubber outsole ensured secure footing throughout our tests.
However, the shoe features a streamlined fit that may not accommodate all foot types. Women with wider feet are advised to consider alternative options.
Asics Solution Speed FF 3 Clay
Pros
- One of the lightest tennis shoes out there
- Highly agile and maneuverable
- Secure heel and midfoot lockdown
- Beveled heel creates a smoother ride
- Great lateral stability for a speed shoe
- Impressive durability given the lighter build
- Good grip with effortless sliding
Cons
- Not for baseline players
- Not for wide feet
Key Features
- FLYTEFOAM cushioning with GEL: This technology ensures that each step is cushioned, providing comfort during long matches.
- Clay sole specifically for red clay: Designed to maximize grip and traction on clay courts, allowing for smoother lateral movements.
- Lightweight upper with dynamic support: The synthetic upper contributes to the overall lightness of the shoe while providing necessary support.
- TWISTRUSS technology: This innovative feature promotes exceptional flexibility, enabling you to cover more ground effortlessly.
- Ideal for fast and competitive tennis players: The design and materials cater to players who thrive on speed and agility on the court.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle Strap
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Inner material: Synthetic
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 3 Clay is best suited for players with narrow or medium-width feet seeking a lightweight shoe that provides control on clay courts. Its notable court connection, grippy outsole, and structured build contribute significantly to maintaining movement stability.
Weighing in at 10.8 oz (306g), this shoe is 15.0% below average in weight, which enhances agility during play. The cushioning delivers a good court feel with a 35.8% energy return in the forefoot, helping to reduce excessive motions and allowing for easy adaptation to the surface.
The outsole features a deep herringbone tread pattern specifically designed for clay courts, providing sufficient grip for stopping and sliding. Our traction test confirmed its performance with a satisfactory 0.72 score.
The midfoot incorporates the Speedtruss shank, serving as the core stabilizer which contributes to exceptional torsional rigidity. This feature earned a maximum 5/5 rating in our tests, enhancing surefootedness during aggressive movements.
The stiff heel counter effectively locks the rear side of the foot in place, also receiving a top score of 5/5. However, it is important to note that this model may feel tight in the toebox for individuals with wide feet.
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.
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.