Each year, the big shoe brands release a plethora of new models in early January so that professional players can showcase them on the biggest stage at the Australian Open. Recently, odd years have seen updates to the two most popular lines in the world, the Nike Vapor and the ASICS Gel-Resolution, and this year was no different.
ASICS Gel-Resolution X & Gel-Challenger 14
The tenth version of the Gel-Resolution came out in mid-January, and it would be an understatement to say that it made a splash. New Resolutions always generate buzz, but ASICS went for a drastically new design on the X, which got a lot of people talking, and even more people worrying.
Over the past several generations of the Resolution, ASICS has been subtly refining the shoe rather than opting for major changes. This makes sense; after nine versions, they’re bound to have found a working formula, and releasing a consistent product ensures a seamless transition for loyal customers. That’s not what they did with the X — perhaps they were caught in the hype of #10, or perhaps they just really wanted to show the world what they were capable of, but this is a very different shoe from the Resolution 9.
The Gel-Resolution X takes this line back to its sturdy, structured, durability roots and away from the more tech-forward, innovative masterpieces of the Resolutions 8 and 9.
They beefed it up significantly, with the most obvious change coming to the medial ankle collar. It comes up much higher than it did on the 9, which has some visual shock value but also practical benefits. When you slide, the inside of your back foot makes contact with the ground, which wears away at the upper and also at the top medial lace loop. This higher medial collar protects your laces, and this is something Resolution users have been crying out for years.
It’s one of the best sliding shoes on the market right now, so many players use it for that, but it has also been notorious for tearing through laces because of its lack of protection. This is a great addition to the shoe, and beyond the lace cover, they’ve also opted for a burlier, more durable rubber for the rest of the upper.
Because of that, the new Gel-Res is definitely “more shoe” than the 9, which means it’s more supportive and durable but less nimble and explosive. That will please some players, but it may also turn others away; the good news is, you’ve got a couple of options if you prefer the feel of the old ones.
We still have some stock in the Resolution 9 (and on sale!), so get it while you can.
asics Gel-Resolution 9 All-Court
women's
Otherwise, the ASICS Gel-Challenger 14 may be a better option than its takedown label makes it sound. The new Challenger has a virtually identical midsole and outsole to the outgoing Resolution 9, which means its stability, cushioning, and traction should be the same. The upper is lower profile than the Resolution X’s (not quite as premium either), but it still provides a great fit and all the support you want from your stability shoes. I don’t always recommend takedown models, but this year, the Challenger should definitely be on your radar.
ASICS Challenger 14 All-Court
women's
Nike Vapor 12 & Vapor Pro 3
The Nike Vapor 9, 9.5, and 10 were some of the most beloved tennis shoes in history, and then Nike ripped them out from underneath our feet and completely overhauled the line with the Vapor NXT. Calling that shoe unpopular would be an understatement. Luckily, they also released the original Vapor Pro at the same time, which carried over some of those Vapors’ characteristics, but it still wasn’t the same. Then the Vapor 11 came out, which was at least different from the NXT, but still nowhere near as good as what the line had been in the past, and they also decided to change the Vapor Pro 2 to a far less popular design.
Bizarre decisions all around and, long story short, there was fear that Nike had ruined the Vapor. No one knew if it would ever be back, and yet here it is. The new Nike Vapor 12 is the spiritual successor to the Vapor 10, and we couldn’t be happier.
The Vapor represents comfort, responsiveness, and a nimble feel around the court — that’s what’s been missing with the previous two versions, and one look at the 12 shows you all you need to know. Whether it’s actually built on the same last as the Vapor X, I’m not 100% sure, but what I can tell you is that it certainly looks like a Vapor; I could recognize this iconic silhouette from miles away.
It also plays like a Vapor — the fit and comfort are top-notch, and the shoe provides that raw, quick, and nimble court feel that is synonymous with this line. If you’ve been scouring the internet looking for old stock of Vapor Xs, or if you’ve been struggling to shoehorn other models onto your feet, the Vapor 12 is here to save you: the Vapor is back!
Nike Vapor 12 All-Court
women's
Nike Vapor 12 All-Court
men's
The Vapor Pro 3 has also seen a couple of changes over the Vapor Pro 2. It has a much better lacing system that cinches down on the upper more effectively to lock you in and personalize the fit. Nike has also removed the top medial lace cover, which is a little bit disappointing since it protected the laces very well, but the shoe does feel slightly more streamlined without it.
Nike Vapor Pro 3 All-Court
women's
Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour 2 & Wave Exceed Tour 6
We’ve been getting tons of requests to bring in and review Mizuno’s court shoes, and 2025 is the year we can finally oblige. Mizuno’s tennis shoe lineup is now available in Canada, and we are so excited to share these shoes with you.
Mizuno is, first and foremost, known for their craftsmanship, and having recently opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Osaka, they’ve taken production to the next level. Their court shoes represent the highest level of R&D and attention to detail, and they currently have two top-end models, the Wave Enforce Tour 2 and the Wave Exceed Tour 6.
The Enforce is their support and stability shoe, and it features a blended mesh and rubber upper that is both comfortable and durable. The heel portion of the shoe provides incredible lockdown thanks to a thick foam insert outlining the upper portion of the collar, which is snug without allowing for any uncomfortable pressure. The midsole is also impressive as it blends two different durometers of foam for a combination of plush cushioning and responsive push-offs that you’ll need from a shoe you run around in all day.
It’s a great take on modern support and stability and has already become extremely popular since its release last year.
The Exceed is a one-of-a-kind court shoe that takes the whole lightweight speed category to another dimension. It’s very light — 343 grams in a size 9.5 US — but more impressive than its weight is the way the shoe seems to disappear on your foot. It also features a blended mesh and rubber upper, but it’s much softer and thinner than the Enforce Tour’s, and it immediately molds to the shape of your foot. Heel retention isn’t quite as secure as the Enforce’s but still very good, although you should use the back lace loop for optimal lockdown.
That wraps up our March court shoe roundup, although we’ll surely see more releases over the course of the year. Our personal favourite new release has to be the glorious return of the Nike Vapor — the 12 will certainly be a popular model, and we highly recommend you come into the store to try it on.
If you do want to learn more about all these court shoes, you can check out our full reviews on YouTube, and if you do decide to buy them, please visit us online.
