Foot Doctor Explains Carlos Alcaraz STILL Uses 2 Year Old Shoes

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Real foot doctor explains why world #1 Carlos Alcaraz still plays in the Nike Vapor Pro instead of the Nike Vapor Pro 2 as he makes a bid to win the 2023 US Open. We also discuss why pro tennis and basketball players use old shoe models so often instead of switching to the latest models.

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[TennCom]

At this point it doesn’t feel like Nike has any idea what tennis players want. We hate change and we love routine. Incremental updates are much more suited to us. Racquet manufacturers know it. Why doesn’t Nike?

[christiannovak-zemplinski]

I understand why Nike release new models cause a lot of people want "upgrades" and get interested in new stuff, new tech, new look, etc. But I don't understand why they can't keep producing some of the more popular models at the same time. If both Alcaraz and Rune, two of the hottest players this year, both prefer the old Vapor Pro, why not just keep producing that one too...

[aaronarauj]

Very glad you addressed this. However, I would argue that many players who compromised for the Vapor Pro would go back to the Vapor X or 9.5. Both Alcaraz and Rune were seen practicing with the Vapor Pro 2 early in the year and then went back to the Vapor Pro. This combined with the feedback from everyone else seems to confirm some sort of regression on Nike’s end. They’re also all uglier shoes, which is just salt in the wound.

[Zenavesta]

I think we all still don’t like the Vapor Pro. I personally would LOVE to have back the Vapor Pro over the Pro 2. That Pro 2 is not a Vapor at all. Idk why they just didn’t drop a new line of shoe.

Answering your question, the X was my fav past shoe.

[JeremyGiese]

I don’t play tennis nor use tennis shoes, but always love hearing/seeing the tech and breakdown.

[lsee]

I bought a limited release wide version of the vapor pro at the end of last year. That version is an incredible shoe, especially for a speed shoe. In addition, it's a bit more durable than a typical speed shoe, however it's not a gel resolution type shoe, and tons of people forget that. The forefoot midsole area is surprisingly padded well too. The fact that they came out with a wide version was a surprise to me, because Nike rarely does that.

[shanetravis]

This video is very relatable, new does not equate better. I play different sports and find that older versions of a the models tend to be better built and accommodate my foot.

I’m still looking for the old adidas d rose 3/4 shoes to play, the fun I had in them can’t be replicated in other models

and boy do you see more regression in the latest models than the previous though

[dmeelarp]

Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 is that shoe for me. Very nostalgic about those and glad Nike brought them back for now.

[petemorrissey]

I just love the Nike vapor 9.5s. The traditional tongue and actual leather are my 2 fav features and I really like the classic styling

[spider-migz]

The shoe I wish would protro or retro in some form or fashion that I absolutely loved was the Hyperdunk 2013. I had a blast playing in those

[masonwrisley]

I grew up on the zoom cage 3, and I don’t even need to be nostalgic to say they are better than the 4s. I am hoping Nike goes back to a similar design of the 3 when they come out with the cage 5s.

[mandrews]

Vapor Pro is great as a lightweight, minimal tennis shoe - ideal for a pro who's moving at top speed, aggressively, and doesn't want to be slowed down. But for any rec player who wants comfort, it's a tough sell. For every person who loved the OG Vapor Pro, someone hated them for lack of cushioning. I think the Vapor Pro 2 tried to find a balance but overall, I feel it took away from the OG's strengths while not really fixing the weaknesses.

[bzomeful]

I always wondered....do pro athletes stock up on their favorite shoes or do they contact Nike and ask for some deadstock? Also doesnt the material just degrade over time, even if it's just sitting on a shelf?

[chanlegend]

i own the old vapor, and it was good but it kinda lacked some support and cushion for me. Since i have quite small and narrow feet. A more cushioned and support tennis shoes might suit me more.

[martinalonsoguajardosoto]

Totally agree!! I think Nike Vapor Pro the original is perfectly fit for new generations of tennis/athletes players giving some degrees of freedom that other classic models don't have. I used both models and just can say the original is way too better than the Vapor Pro 2

[smacko]

I still use the vapor x and have stocked up (i now have 10 pairs) i gave the vapor pros 2 chances and both failed miserably! Far less support and the foam just felt alot tougher and i found my feet getting sore. Durability was also average at best! Ill admitt im obsessed with the look of the vapor 10s. I recently ordered the re released vapor 9.5 and love the look too. They feel slightly heavier, but they are just as comfy and i think provide a bit more support.
I am tempted to give the vapor 11s a try as i dont mind the look, but like the rest of the comments i feel nike was better making smaller adjustments to the shoe. I hope they keep the 9.5s out for a long time. I laso like to match my gear where i can and i own alot of Nike's outfits so i like to keep the shoes in the same brand.

[jorgeandrescoppiano]

Nike, just make a revamped Vapor X.

Keep the adaptive lacing system but the lace holes like the Vapor 11. For a hassle free and fast best fit.

Don’t slant the midsole inwards. Just neutral. To fit most people.

And add a Zoom unit in the forefoot.

[benchan]

I have noticed a few players sticking to old shoes like Dimitrov has rocked the ZV9.5 with the carbon fibre shank even before the re-release. Casper Ruud has stuck with the previous model of the Yonex Eclipsion 3 rather than the 4.

[sichinawa]

After I changed vapor pro to vapor lite, I forget about my plantar fasciitis. )) Right now I use vapor 11 and Anta wave 4 pro. No more air zoom unit under calcaneus!!! And basketball shoe with right footprint is better for tennis.

[markmoore]

I think this touches upon a bigger issue with regards to Nikes entire shoe line the last 5 to 7 years. They seem to be changing models randomly at in hopes of finding a winning combination that sticks with the tennis playing public without regard for what the players want and need or value in terms of their shoe performance. The Vapor line is just one example. What about the Cage line - even Nadal can't wear the new Vapor Cage. Look at what they did with the Zoom Zeros and the GP Turbo - what shoes with cult following known for cushioning and they replaced it with the Zoom NXT, which was the total opposite in terms of performance and cushioning. Nike Tennis Division seems like an afterthought at the company at this point.