Nike vapor reviews. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro Tennis Shoe Review: Lightweight Performance and Comfort

How does the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro compare to previous models. What are the key features of this lightweight tennis shoe. Who will benefit most from its design and performance.

Design and Fit of the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro

The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro represents an evolution in the popular Vapor line of tennis shoes. Compared to its predecessor, the Air Zoom Vapor X, this model offers some notable updates in design and fit.

One of the most significant changes is the width of the shoe. While still maintaining a relatively narrow profile, the Vapor Pro feels slightly wider than the Vapor X. This adjustment may be appreciated by players with medium-width feet, but those with particularly wide feet may still find the fit too snug, especially in the forefoot area.

Improved Tongue and Lacing System

A standout feature of the Vapor Pro is its redesigned tongue and lacing system. The tongue now incorporates a stretchy material, enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the new lacing system allows for a more secure fit, enabling players to cinch the shoes tightly for optimal performance.

Break-in Period and Flexibility

Most testers found that the Vapor Pro required minimal break-in time. The shoes quickly began to flex and move efficiently, adapting to the player’s foot movements on the court. This flexibility is particularly noticeable in the forefoot area, while the arch maintains good rigidity for support.

Cushioning and Comfort in the Vapor Pro

Cushioning is a crucial aspect of any tennis shoe, and the Vapor Pro strikes a balance between protection and court feel. The level of cushioning is described as “perfect” by narrow-footed testers, offering protection from the court while maintaining a connected feel for confident movement.

Responsive Cushioning

The cushioning in the Vapor Pro is characterized as responsive and soft, without being overly plush. This design choice aligns with the shoe’s focus on speed and agility, providing enough shock absorption for harsh landings while keeping the player close to the court surface.

Heel Collar Comfort

A consistent feature across the Vapor line is the well-padded heel collar. This design element contributes to the shoe’s step-in comfort, a quality that has been maintained and possibly improved in the Vapor Pro.

Breathability and Ventilation of the Nike Vapor Pro

Proper ventilation is essential for tennis shoes, especially during intense matches or long training sessions. The Vapor Pro excels in this area, with testers noting the effective breathability of the shoe.

Upper Material and Sweat Management

The upper of the Vapor Pro is designed with breathability in mind. Players reported feeling cool and comfortable throughout their playtests, with no issues of overheating. However, some testers observed minor discoloration of the upper material due to sweat, although this did not affect the shoe’s performance or comfort.

Stability and Support Features

Despite its lightweight design, the Vapor Pro offers commendable stability and support. Players felt confident pushing their limits on the court, with the shoe providing a solid base for quick movements and direction changes.

Comparison to Other Nike Models

While the Vapor Pro may not offer the highest level of stability in Nike’s tennis shoe lineup, it provides a good balance for its weight class. Players looking for maximum stability might prefer the Vapor Cage 4 or React NXT Vapor models, but the Vapor Pro holds its own for most playing styles.

Ankle Support and Rollover Prevention

Testers reported feeling secure in the Vapor Pro, with no concerns about ankle rollover during lateral movements or slides. The shoe’s design allows for planting, sliding, and recovering without compromising ankle stability.

Performance on Court: Traction and Movement

The Vapor Pro’s performance on court is characterized by its lightweight feel and responsive design. Players appreciated the shoe’s ability to facilitate quick movements while providing necessary traction.

Flex and Push-off

The shoe offers an optimal balance of flex and rigidity. It moves naturally with the foot while still providing a stable platform for pushing off during explosive movements. This combination contributes to the shoe’s overall agility on court.

Traction for Various Court Movements

Testers found the Vapor Pro reliable for a range of court movements, including quick stops, starts, and changes of direction. The outsole design appears to provide adequate grip without excessive stickiness that could impede movement.

Durability and Wear Patterns

While long-term durability wasn’t extensively tested, initial observations suggest that the Vapor Pro holds up well to the rigors of tennis play. However, as with many lightweight performance shoes, players who are particularly hard on their footwear may notice faster wear in high-stress areas.

Outsole Durability

The outsole of the Vapor Pro appears to be designed with durability in mind, balancing the need for traction with longevity. Players who tend to drag their toes during serves or slides may want to monitor wear in these areas.

Upper Material Resilience

The breathable upper material, while comfortable and flexible, may be susceptible to showing wear more quickly than more rigid materials. However, this is often a trade-off for improved ventilation and reduced weight.

Who Should Consider the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro?

The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro is well-suited for certain types of tennis players. Understanding its strengths and potential limitations can help determine if it’s the right shoe for your game.

Ideal for Speed-Focused Players

Players who prioritize speed and agility on the court will likely appreciate the Vapor Pro’s lightweight design and responsive cushioning. The shoe’s ability to provide a good court feel while still offering adequate protection makes it an excellent choice for those who value quick movements and rapid directional changes.

Considerations for Wide-Footed Players

While the Vapor Pro is slightly wider than its predecessor, it may still be too narrow for players with particularly wide feet. Those who required the wide version of the Vapor X will likely find the Vapor Pro too constrictive, especially in the forefoot area.

Performance vs. Durability Balance

Players who are willing to trade some durability for enhanced performance and lightweight feel will find the Vapor Pro appealing. However, those who prioritize long-lasting shoes or have a history of wearing through tennis shoes quickly may want to consider more durable options.

Comparing the Vapor Pro to Previous Models

The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro represents an evolution in the Vapor line, with several key differences from its predecessors, particularly the Vapor X and earlier models like the Vapor 9 and 9.5.

Improvements Over the Vapor X

• Removal of hard plastic pieces that caused blistering for some players
• Slightly wider fit, potentially more comfortable for medium-width feet
• Improved breathability and ventilation
• New tongue design for enhanced comfort

Comparison to Classic Vapor Models

Some testers noted similarities in comfort to beloved earlier models like the Vapor 9 and 9.5. The Vapor Pro seems to recapture some of the elements that made these shoes popular while incorporating modern materials and design techniques.

Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro represents a solid evolution in the Vapor line, offering improved comfort, breathability, and performance for players who prioritize speed and agility on the tennis court. While it may not be the ideal choice for every player, particularly those with wide feet or those seeking maximum durability, it provides an excellent option for players looking for a lightweight, responsive tennis shoe from a trusted brand.

Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro Shoe Review

Our playtester with the narrowest feet, Chris, needed only a slight break-in to get the Air Zoom Vapor Pros to start flexing and moving efficiently. He said, “Once I had the shoes broken in, I loved the way they felt on court. The level of cushioning was perfect for me. I felt protected from the court yet still had that connected feel for confident movement. The fit felt a tad wider than the outgoing Air Zoom Vapor Xs, but I was able to get a secure fit with my usual two pairs of socks and by cinching the laces tightly. My arches felt protected, and the shoes flexed correctly under my toes while offering good rigidity under the arch area. The ventilation also did its job, and I can’t once remember feeling too hot inside the shoes.”

Jason, whose feet are on the wider side, had some minor difficulties with the fit. He said, “If you have narrow- to medium-width feet, these would be very comfortable shoes. Even though the cushioning was more minimal, it was still enough to take the shock out of harsh landings. The issue for me was with the fit in the forefoot. The shoes don’t feel all that narrow, but I think they taper more sharply in the forefoot, which caused rubbing on both my pinky toes.”

“I think one thing that has been fairly consistent through the many iterations of the Air Zoom Vapor is the step-in comfort that they offer,” Michelle added. “The heel collar is always well padded, and the cushioning underfoot is responsive and soft without being too plush or overly cushioned since it is so quick and light. I have medium-width feet with a high arch and have never had an issue with the fit of these shoes, and this update fit just like the previous Vapor Xs. The length was perfect, and the width was a snug medium. I loved the new tongue, which feels stretchy and comfortable, and the new lacing system allowed me to cinch up my shoes. I did note some discoloration as the playtest went on due to sweat, but the upper felt really breathable. I know some of the playtesters with wider feet experienced some rubbing, which luckily never happened to me. I had a tiny break-in issue on the lateral side of my ankles with a little rubbing, but this is something I tend to experience every now and then with several shoe brands.”

Tiffani compared these shoes to past models, saying, “Some of my favorite Nike shoes have been Vapors, like the Vapor 9 and Vapor 9.5. I was really happy when I slipped on these Vapor Pros. The Vapor X shoes had hard plastic pieces that rubbed the sides of my feet, especially through the midfoot, and gave me blisters. I didn’t have this problem with the Vapor Pros. Although they weren’t really wide enough for my feet, these shoes didn’t rub or pinch too badly. Players who needed the wide version of the Vapor X will likely find the Vapor Pros too narrow as well. Still, I really liked the flexible feel out of the box, and the cushioning felt low and responsive. These shoes also felt well ventilated.”

Having tested several Nike shoes over the past year, Michelle appreciated how each model offered something a little different while still providing solid support and stability. She explained, “I would say the Vapor Pros are clearly the lightest premium shoes from Nike, but fortunately it never felt like they sacrificed support. The new upper was not only noticeably more breathable and thinner, but the material felt like it truly added support. Also, these shoes had a good amount of stability. They definitely aren’t going to be the most stable shoes in Nike’s lineup, but I never felt like I was going to twist over the side of them. I felt confident pushing the limits in these Vapor Pros and can understand why so many pros are wearing them. I tend to prefer shoes with lots of stability, so I give the slight edge to Nike’s Vapor Cage 4s and React NXT Vapors.”

For shoes as light as these Vapor Pros, Jason found the stability to be pretty solid. He said, “I was moving around confidently and was able to plant my feet, slide a little, and recover with no issue or risk of my ankle rolling. As for the support, I felt that it was really good. It probably wasn’t as good as the Vapor X with its Dynamic Fit system, but it’s still very good. “

“These shoes aren’t as stable as the Nike Vapor Cage 4s, but I sat down low in them so I felt secure moving side to side,” Tiffani added. “I did find it necessary to use the last eyelet to shore up the support through the heel, and I found the laces to be annoyingly short after lacing them up that way. I barely had enough to tie them, but it still worked.”

Chris found the Vapor Pros to be very reliable on court. He said, “These shoes offered just the right amount of flex so they moved with my feet but also gave me a nice platform to push off. The fit was just a tad wide to be ideal, but I was still able to get it secure enough by using thicker socks and lacing tightly.”

In Jason’s opinion, the durability of the quick and lightweight Air Zoom Vapor Pros was surprisingly good. He said, “For a shoe under 13 ounces (in a men’s size 10.5), it held up well through the tenth hour of playtesting. I didn’t really see any significant areas of tread loss even though I was able to slide in these shoes. “

“They were holding up decently well for lightweight speed shoes,” echoed Tiffani. “The Vapor Pros aren’t winning any durability awards, and they are wearing out like previous Vapor models. I am seeing smoothing on my toe tips and on the medial edge on the forefoot after a dozen or so hours on hard courts.”

The outsoles of the Air Zoom Vapor Pros looked to be built just the same as the outgoing Vapor Xs, and Chris found a very similar level of durability. He described, “I saw the first signs of wear under the big toe area of my right shoe. I drag that part on every serve and most forehands, so the Air Zoom Vapor Pros took some punishment there. With that said, my shoes still had plenty of life left in them at the end of the test and lasted better than my pair of React Vapor NXTs.”

Having worn the Vapor X, Michelle knew what to expect in terms of durability since the outsoles seemed identical to her. She said, “These Vapor Pros are not the most durable shoes, but I did find them to last a little longer than some other speed shoes we have been testing. I wore them a solid three weeks and am seeing some smoothing under my big toes, but it’s not too slick just yet. If you go through outsoles fairly fast or play on gritty courts and durability is a priority for you, I would suggest skipping these and trying the Vapor Cage 4s instead. Also, it’s worth noting that the upper material on my shoes got a bit dirty and dingy as the playtest went on; this was strictly cosmetic, but it was noticeable.”

The outsoles on these Air Zoom Vapor Pros allow for quite a bit of movement, and Tiffani is confident that these shoes would be a great option for fans of sliding. She explained, “I had to get used to how much I was sliding out of my shots, and it took me about three hitting sessions to feel comfortable. After that acclimation period, I felt smooth on the court in these shoes.”

Chris found himself sliding around a little in these shoes, especially during the first hour or so of wear. He said, “As the shoes broke in and started to flex better, the outsoles became scrubbed in and started to provide better grip. There was still plenty of slide available, and I did find myself sliding out of shots more than normal. All in all, the level of traction started out similar to the Vapor Xs, but as the Air Zoom Vapor Pros broke in and flexed better, I found just a smidge more grip.”

“Similar to the durability, I knew how the outsole was going to play traction-wise having worn the same outsole pattern on the Vapor Xs,” said Michelle. “I prefer a little more stick from my outsoles. I move a bit more ‘traditionally’ on the court and definitely don’t slide into my shots. The outsole is a little slippery for my personal tastes, but there were only a handful of times when they sort of slipped or gave a little under me.”

With his aggressive hard court sliding, Jason loved the Vapor Pro’s level of traction. He said, “The outsoles were definitely more on the slick side, which made sliding out of a shot much easier to do, but there was enough grip that I could plant, pivot and push off without slipping. ”

Our playtesters agreed that the Air Zoom Vapor Pros are light and speedy shoes. Chris thought they moved well with his feet and helped him feel agile on court. He said, “I felt pretty light on my feet in these shoes and was able to cut and change directions well when I had traction.”

“Without looking at the scale, these shoes feel light and fast,” added Michelle. “The streamlined design kept me connected to the court, and I was ready to get going quickly on any ball. I never felt like the shoes were bulky, and while I may not be the quickest mover, they helped me feel fast and cover the court well.”

These shoes felt very lightweight and speedy for Jason as well. He said, “I loved how quick I felt moving around the court in the Air Zoom Vapor Pros. No complaints from me.”

Tiffani couldn’t find anything to complain about in the weight department either. She said, “These shoes feel light and quick, and they don’t feel clunky as I move around. They’re not the most durable, but they’re actually holding up just as well as, if not better than, the heavier React Vapor NXT, and I would have predicted the opposite.”

Nike Vapor Speed Driver – Independent Golf Reviews

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Nike is “All-In” with Vapor Speed Driver

Nike has been an innovator on the driver front for years.  Every model seems to add some new technology feature to  improve the performance.  In 2015 Nike is going “all in” with the Vapor Speed driver as they have combined all their technologies over the years into one driver.  Covert Cavity , Compression Channel, NexCore face, and FlexLoft 2 adjustable hosel is all part of what make the Vapor Speed a top performer in every category.

Gone is the the black and red of the VR line and in is the Black and Volt of the Vapor line.  The shift lines up with the rest of Nike products, not just golf as well as a changing of the guard on Nike Tour staff.  While it might be a love it or hate it kind of color scheme, I think it look good in person.  The crown is mostly black with just a volt swoosh near the lower back of the crown.  The sole is polished with black paint fill and the cavity and channel are volt.  It is certainly striking from the bottom.  The Fubuki shaft is mostly white with some black near the grip and the black Golf Pride wrap is black.

Any club that has a Fubuki shaft in it always worries me because I rarely have hit any version of this shaft well, especially a 50 gram one.  And sure enough the first time on the course I had the head set at 10.5* loft and everything went high and right.  It wasn’t the way I had hoped to start with this club.  But after adjusting the hosel to 8.5* everything went straight and even a little left at times.   I made one more adjustment to 9.5* and boom; long, straight and with a good launch angle.  I wouldn’t have guessed changing the hosel setting would make such a big difference, but it did.  The Fubuki Z50 didn’t become a hindrance to this club, but the great feel associated with this shaft really made this club a fairway finder;  straight hit after straight hit.  I even found that the spin was moderate for the “base” model of the Nike Vapor family.

The combination of all the head tech really pays off in the Nike Vapor Speed driver.  Between the compression channel and the cavity, this is one forgiving driver.  Pretty much the entire lower half of the face offers consistent results and the anywhere near the center works well, leaving only the far upper corners for bad shots.  Nike is really able to put weight and forgiveness in what seems to be the right places for good sound, great feel and excellent results.  It launches the ball fairly easily with a flat flight.

Flightscope X2 Launch Monitor

Nike Vapor Speed Driver

• • Spin: 2524 rpms
  • Launch Angle: 14. 8*
  • Dispersion: 7.1 yds
  • Club Head Speed: 103.7 mph
  • Ball Speed: 152.4 mph
  • Total Distance:  271.1 yds
  • Carry Distance:  260.7 yds

Based on what I am reading and seeing out there, this is the most underrated driver of 2015, not too many are talking about it.  It really isn’t even the most hyped Nike driver, but the results speak for themselves, this is a top performer in just about every category.  Sure it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Vapor Flex or the Vapor Tour name, but it offers excellent performance for a so called “base” model driver.  Nike is “all-in” with the new Vapor line of drivers and the Speed is a great choice for forgiveness, accuracy and solid distance.

Check the price online here

For more information: www.nikegolf.com

Quick Hits:
+All of Nike’s driver tech
+New Volt color scheme
+Very forgiving
+Plenty long
+Adjustable hosel makes a difference

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