OUTLOOK 2016: Shoes — Stepping Forward

Colors continue in new shoes for 2016, along with moves to either lighter weight or more durability.

Continuing the trends of recent years, tennis shoes in 2016 will showcase an ever more colorful palette. Similarly, while there are no game-changers, the construction of the shoes will continue to take them mostly toward either end of the spectrum, with light weight and durability serving as the poles. You’ll want to make sure many of these models are on your shoe wall. (Prices are suggested retail.)

ADIDAS

adidas.com • 971-234-2300

Elegance, comfort and response are the key benefits for the extensively named Adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade Boost (women, $150) debuting in 2016. Features include a Primeknit upper, Boost technology in the midsole, an ergonomically-shaped TPU heel counter, and outsole durability backed by a six-month guarantee. The Energy Boost (men, $175) will also be introduced as the company’s most comfortable tennis shoe in history. The lightweight shoe’s upper has engineered mesh, and integrated tongue-bootie construction; Boost technology in the midsole for responsiveness; and an outsole made durable enough to stand up to the hardest of hard courts.

BABOLAT

babolat.com • 877-316-9435

France’s singular tennis company will introduce new and even “special edition” colorways into its Propulse All Court line of stable and durable shoes (men, $120) that are also available with a wide “comfort fit.” There will also be new colorways for the SFX 2 All Courts (men and women, $100) that among the cushioning features include midsole construction focused on providing an exceptional level of long-lasting and comfortable support.

DIADORA

diadora.com • 800-768-4727

Extending its flagship Star K line, Diadora introduces the Star K VII AG (men, $140) dressed in kangaroo leather and featuring the brand’s proprietary technologies for maximum shock absorption, energy recovery, and interior ventilation, as well as a six-month outsole guarantee. The Star K IV (men and women, $140) series grows with the addition of two new colorways. Additionally, the Speed Pro EVO II AG (men and women, $120) built to compete in the lightweight section of the market and featuring maximum breathability and a comfortable, snug fit, will receive three new colorways for men and two for women.

FILA

fila.com • 800-845-FILA

The performance-oriented Fila Cage Delirium (men and women, $100) has been enhanced for 2016. Designed for optimum upper support, and breathability, comfort and stability throughout, the shoes also feature a patented “four-pivot outsole configuration” to enhance acceleration. Additional benefits include a flexible toe shield and carbon fiber midsole layers for improved foot comfort. The shoes are available in outsole options created specifically for hard, clay and grass courts.

HEAD

head.com • 800-289-7366

Nitro Pros (men and women, $139.99; junior, $79.95) are unveiled just in time for the first ball in Melbourne. The premium lightweight shoes designed for all surfaces showcase a low profile and feature technologies for robust flexibility and comfort. The Revolt Pros (men and women, $139.99) created to synthesize equally comfort, stability, durability and energy rebound gain new colorways in 2016.

K-SWISS

kswiss.com • 800-768-4727

Out of California come new colorways for the company’s high-performance Hypercourt Express (men and women, $110). The lightweight, durable player’s shoe features a seam-free upper, padded tongue and collar for comfort, “stay-tied” laces, a superior mid-foot support chassis, durable outsole and toe guard.

NIKE

nike.com • 800-344-6453

The NikeCourt Air Zoom Ultrafly (men, $220), which the company describes as its “most innovative tennis shoe,” premieres in white/volt and triple black. Highlights for the ultra-lightweight shoe include maximum responsiveness, a mesh upper, superior heel and forefoot cushioning, and an ankle cuff.

PRINCE

princetennis.com • 800-2TENNIS

2016 will see Prince continue to explore the color spectrum for its premium performance Warrior lines (men and women, $109). Two new colorways will be introduced in January for both men and women in this line of shoes featuring support and stability, and backed with a six-month durability guarantee. As for the company’s best-selling T22s (men and women, $99), colorway introductions will be rolled out for the cushioned, breathable and durable shoes in March, June and again later in the year.

WILSON

wilson.com • 773-714-6400

The lightweight and flexible Kaos (men and women, $125) shoes arrive in market with attention-demanding colorways, and with an extra attention to arch support, comfort and outsole durability. The recently introduced Glide series (men and women, $199) is designed with patented Glide Plate technology in recognition of the increasing need for players to control their slides across hard surfaces. The shoes also feature rubber reinforced toe and internal drag pads, and an enhanced outsole durability.

See all articles by Kent Oswald

About the Author

Kent Oswald is a contributor to TennisNow.com, producer at the JockBookReview.com and a former editor of Tennis Week magazine.