The U.S. Open is lastly right here, and we’re already blockading our schedule to look at this yr’s motion unfold. If there’s something higher than the can’t-miss matches and inevitable upsets, it is positively the model. Between the flouncy skorts, preppy polo attire, and equipment, we’ll be glued to the display for inspiration we are able to copy in our personal on-court outfits.
High of our checklist this yr is a pair of Asics sneakers. Extra particularly, the Asics Gel-Decision 9 Tennis Sneakers ($120), that are the sneakers of selection for opponents like American tennis execs Alycia Parks and Coco Vandeweghe.
Claire Liu, one other American athlete competing within the 2023 U.S. Open, loves the Gel-Decision 9s for his or her constant, supportive match. “Tennis is a really quick-twitch sport with numerous change of course and I really feel very safe and supported after I’m transferring on the courtroom with them,” she says. “Not solely are the Gel-Decision 9s gentle and supportive, however they’re additionally extraordinarily snug. Placing in hours on the courtroom and taking part in matches nearly each week places a whole lot of put on and tear on sneakers, and these maintain up very effectively.”

Asics, Gel-Decision 9 — $120.00
Out there sizes: ladies’s 6-12, in half sizes
Colours: 5
- Designed for baseline play
- Rearfoot and forefoot gel know-how for higher shock-absorption
- Supreme stability
- Grippy rubber outsole for higher tread
- Light-weight higher
- Made with recycled supplies
- Would possibly really feel stiffer than another tennis sneakers
- Runs small
Designed particularly for the baseline (the parallel line behind the courtroom), the Gel-Decision 9 sneakers boast a spread of options that make them a grand slam for tennis, pickleball, and extra. The Gel cushioning system within the rear- and forefoot absorbs influence, guaranteeing you consolation throughout intense rallies whereas decreasing the chance of pressure in your joints. There’s additionally the Flexion Match higher, which not solely presents a glove-like match but in addition enhances breathability, conserving your ft cool and dry via each set.
One other “ace” function of those tennis sneakers is their specialised outsole. Designed with a herringbone sample and a pivot level, they supply distinctive traction and stability on varied surfaces, notably on clay or acrylic. This ensures that fast lateral actions and explosive sprints on the baseline are executed efficiently and, above all else, safely. (Nobody needs to slide or roll an ankle when it actually counts.) Mixed with additional stability within the midsole and higher, the Gel-Decision 9s are a grand slam relating to lateral stability.
Different athletes, like 2022 semi-finalist Caroline Dolehide and Swiss athlete Belinda Bencic, are carrying the Asics Answer Velocity FF 2 ($140) tennis sneakers. Whereas the Gel-Decision 9s are designed for baseline play, the Answer Velocity FF 2s are engineered for all-court play, which means they’re sooner and lighter for swift actions. Most of their flexibility comes from the higher, which is light-weight and breathable versus stiff and structured; this permits them to be additional quick for fast modifications of course and agile footwork.

Asics, Answer Velocity FF 2 — $140.00
Out there sizes: ladies’s 6-12, in half sizes
Colours: 5
- Designed for all-court play
- Light-weight foam and gel delivers supreme flexibility and shock-absorption
- Sturdy grippy outsole for wonderful tread
- Supreme stability
- Light-weight higher
- Made with recycled supplies
- Some gamers would possibly choose a extra stiff higher
- Runs small
One other key distinction between each sneaks is the usage of the model’s FlyteFoam within the Answer Velocity FF 2s along with Gel. Asics’ proprietary foam permits for severe shock absorption on laborious surfaces whereas permitting for wonderful propulsion. This implies they’re sooner and bouncier on the draw for diving after stray balls and slicing backwards and forwards throughout the courtroom throughout severe rallies.
You don’t should be an elite athlete to put on these sneakers, although. Certain, they’re made for professional-level play, however that doesn’t imply us leisurely gamers cannot put on them both. If something, they’re sure to make you the preferred man or gal at your weekly tennis match or after-work pickleball league; to have the ability to say, “Yeah, these are the identical sneakers Caroline Dolehide is carrying on the Open this yr, no massive deal,” is one helluva flex.
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