Nike Vapor 11 Review

Are you seeking a tennis shoe that can provide you with utmost lateral stability and support? The Nike Vapor 11 should be your ultimate pick. 

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This shoe boasts of an exceptional truss fitted on the exterior, which bolsters lateral stability, a foam midsole that offers unparalleled cushioning, and an Outrigger truss that contributes to containment. 

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The Vapor 11 is structured to fit a broad range of foot sizes, be it narrow, medium or wide. In this article, we shall explore the Vapor 11's unique features comprehensively, as well as conduct an in-depth comparison with the Vapor 10 and Pro. 

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Moreover, we'll also be introducing the newly devised Universal Rating System meant for all types of shoes. So let's hop into the details!

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Breaking Down Nike Vapor 11's Materials and Design

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Nike Vapor 11 tennis shoes stand out with their unique combination of materials strategically placed to aid support, flexibility, and strength. This article analyzes the three main parts of the shoes from a design and material standpoint.

A. Medial Side - Stability and Flexibility in one

Nike Vapor 11's medial side comprises a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) panel from the height of the lace-line to the rubber toe cap. This TPU panel provides the necessary support and stability for lateral movements while ensuring the foot stays secure within the shoe. 

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The firebed of TPU, coupled with a drag guard, protects that part of the shoe that is most prone to wear and tear. Despite the shoes' robustness, the TPU panel's pattern allows for flexibility, letting the foot move freely while keeping it snugly in place.

B. Lateral Side - A Blend of Mesh and TPU

The lateral side of the shoes has a mesh-woven TPU container that offers the stability needed for lateral movements without sacrificing the shoe's flexibility or your comfort. 

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A traditional thread design found in the lateral side of Nike Vapor 11 tennis shoes adds to their strength and durability besides giving them a classic look.

C. Toe Cap - Built to Last

The toe cap can withstand the rigors of tennis thanks to its reinforced mesh layer underneath and yet another TPU layer. In testing the shoe's durability, there was no visible damage to the toe cap even after using a Dremel 10-second highest grit sandpaper. However, the gap between the rubber and the upper TPU pieces could potentially lead to wear and tear.

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In conclusion, Nike Vapor 11 tennis shoes' materials, and design provide stability without compromising comfort and flexibility. Although the toe cap still has some room for improvement, these shoes are still an excellent choice for tennis players looking for a durable and protective shoe.

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The Ankle Lockdown System

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The ankle lockdown system of the Nike Vapor 11 is crucial for players seeking stability and support during gameplay. 

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The system consists of reinforced eyelets, an internal lacing system, a higher medial ankle collar and potential fraying of laces. 

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The reinforced eyelets are made from durable materials to keep the laces in place, allowing the player better control over the fit. 

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The internal lacing system distributes pressure evenly, providing a secure fit that stabilizes the foot. The higher medial ankle collar reduces the risk of ankle injury by providing better stability and support. 

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Despite concerns of laces fraying over time, the Vapor 11 comes with a durable and reliable lacing system that can be easily replaced at low costs. 

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Overall, the Vapor 11's ankle lockdown system remains a strong point with minor potential drawbacks. 

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EVA Foam

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The Nike Vapor 11 is a noteworthy shoe with an impressive midsole design that enhances the player's performance. 

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At the core of its design is a full bed of dense EVA foam, which acts as an effective cushioning mechanism to reduce fatigue and discomfort during prolonged play. 

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However, some players may find that this foam compresses easily, dissipating its cushioning properties over time. Another vital feature of the midsole is the protruding Zoom Air unit situated in the forefoot. 

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This unit offers additional cushioning, and responsiveness reduces the impact forces, and improves energy return while playing, contributing to better comfort and efficiency. 

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The Vapor 11's midsole further offers a broad base design, further enhancing stability and support by providing a more robust platform for the foot. With the wide base, the foot's excessive rolling or injury is significantly reduced, which is crucial in prolonged wearing. Only that some of the players might find it bulky. 

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There is also a plastic shank situated on the shoe's bottom, which plays a significant role in improving stiffness and support in the midfoot area. This shank helps restrict the foot from flexing too much, which could cause discomfort or even injury. 

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However, its stiffness might not appeal to some players, thus potentially reducing comfort. The harder rubber compound integrated into the shoe's outsole, coupled with the Nike symbol, offers exceptional grip on hard court surfaces, and it's durable. 

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This makes it suitable for players that prefer this type of court, although some players might find it less comfortable with poor shock absorption. 

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TPU Chassis

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Finally, the Vapor 11 features a TPU chassis encircling the midsole's lateral area, boosting support and stability to the foot, preventing rolling and unwanted twists, making the shoe secure and responsive. 

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Nevertheless, some players might find the chassis weighty and stiff, reducing comfort during prolonged wearing. Having delved into the various components of the midsole, let's move to the outsole's tread and the features it offers. 

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Outsole

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When it comes to tennis, the outsole of a shoe plays a critical role in ensuring seamless court navigation. The Nike Vapor 11 is a tennis shoe designed with an innovative outsole that can deliver exceptional performance on hard courts. The outsole features a metal tank track pattern that serves as an aggressive tread providing maximum traction for players. 

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This tread is sturdy and resilient, providing durability even under harsh court conditions. Razor claws evenly scattered on the outsole act as a gripping mechanism to help players change direction quickly. This feature reduces slippage and maximizes grip during quick stops and starts. 

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Additionally, the chunky tread depth at the rear of the outsole provides extra support for fast multi-directional movements, ensuring players experience a smooth and swift court experience. 

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Designed especially for hard courts, the Nike Vapor 11's outsole promotes efficient sliding support while still maintaining traction. This design mitigates discomfort and the risk of injury while still meeting the unique needs of hard-court tennis players who require durable and reliable shoes that can handle the demands of their style of play. 

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The Vapor 11 also boasts technology that permits players to pivot off their heels to create more stability, leading to more power in their swings, accuracy, and control. 

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However, this outsole is not designed to stop immediately, which may cause difficulties for some players when trying to stop suddenly or abruptly, particularly on hard court surfaces.

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Sum It Up

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Tennis Point USA has managed to improve the already impressive Nike Vapor 11 tennis shoe, making it an ideal option for hard court players. Moreover, the new and intuitive universal rating system facilitates a seamless comparison between the Vapor 11 and its predecessors - the Vapor 10 and Pro. 

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When focusing on the Vapor 11's upper, it boasts an impressive design. The medial side comprises elements such as Firebed of TPU, Drag Guard, and Flexibility; whereas, the lateral side features a TPU Container, Woven Mesh and Traditional Threads. 

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The Toe Cap's durability is maintained through the use of a Mesh Layer. Furthermore, the Ankle Lockdown is enhanced by eyelets, an internal lacing system, and a higher medial ankle collar for a more secure fit. In terms of the midsole tear down, the Vapor 11 features a dense EVA full bed, a prominently protruding Zoom area unit in the forefoot, an ample base for added stability, and a plastic shank located on the lower end. 

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Lastly, the outsole tread is designed with a metal tank track structure, razor claws, and a thick tread depth in the rear foot. 

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To sum it up, the Nike Vapor 11 tennis shoe is a top-notch selection for those seeking a shoe fit for demanding hard court play.

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