Round-up review: our score and verdict are based on published specs and reviews from across the web, not our own play-testing yet.
Nike’s speed-focused court shoe, aimed at aggressive, advanced players who slide into shots and change direction at full tilt. The third version adds a redesigned midsole that turned Tennis Warehouse Europe’s playtest team into converts, earning an 8.5 out of 10 and the highest comfort score in the breakdown.
Comfort first, which is new for a Vapor
All four playtesters led with the cushioning. Comfort scored 8.9 out of 10, one tester compared the first step-in to the food scene in Ratatouille, and fellow tester Jason, who wore the previous version extensively, called the underfoot improvement immediate. The fit runs true to size with a snug forefoot that loosens after a few hours, and a midfoot shank puts the flex point where it belongs.
Fast, grippy and surprisingly stable
Traction was the top score at 8.9, with enough give to slide out of a shot on hard courts. Stability came in at 8.4, and one tester said it rivalled shoes that weigh substantially more. RunRepeat’s lab put the weight at 383 g in a men’s US 9 with a low 8.6 mm drop, and Tennis Warehouse’s testers agreed it is heavier than the Vapor Pro 2 but never feels it once you are moving.
Heavier than the old Vapor Pro, and not one tester wanted the weight back off.
The two things to watch
Breathability is the weak spot: RunRepeat scored it 2 out of 5, and ventilation tied for the lowest mark in the playtest at 8.0. Outsole durability shared that 8.0. One tester saw tread smoothing after about 12 hours, another was balding at the toe after more than 40 hours without wearing through, and the same long-haul tester felt the foam compress over time. There is a dedicated clay version with Nike’s Claybreaker outsole, plus PRM colourways on both surfaces.
Key specs
- Weight 383 g (men’s US 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop 8.6 mm
- Heel stack 28.6 mm
- Court versions Hard court, clay
- Clay outsole Claybreaker traction
- Breathability 2 out of 5 (RunRepeat)
Verdict
The best-reviewed Vapor Pro yet, and a comfortable speed shoe for committed players. Budget for hot feet in summer and keep an eye on the tread.
