Everything you need to know about Asics Tennis Shoes! Asics Lineup Overview | Rackets & Runners

Summary

In this video, Luca from Rackets and Runners reviews Asics' A6 lineup of tennis shoes, focusing on the Solution Speed FF3, Gel Resolution, and Court FF. He discusses the differences in fit, weight, and playability, highlighting the Solution Speed's lightweight and agile design, the Gel Resolution's classic stability, and the Court FF's exceptional support and lockdown. The video also covers the shoes' durability, with the Court FF being the most durable, and the Solution Speed being the least. Luca recommends the shoes for different types of players based on their performance needs and preferences.

Takeaways

• 🎾 A6 is renowned for its tennis shoes' support and durability.
• 👟 The Solution Speed FF3 is not a hybrid shoe as initially marketed, but rather one of the lightest options available.
• 📊 In terms of weight, the Court FF is the heaviest, followed by the Gel Resolution, with the Solution Speed being the lightest.
• 👣 All three shoes have a similar fit, especially in the toe box, but the Gel Resolution might require a wider size for those with wider feet.
• 👟 The Solution Speed offers a snug fit that adapts well to different foot widths after a break-in period.
• 👍 The Court FF provides the most substantial fit and ergonomic shape, making it suitable for a variety of foot types.
• 🔼 The heel area is where the three shoes differ the most; the Court FF has the most compression, followed by the Gel Resolution, and then the Solution Speed.
• 🏃‍♂️ The Solution Speed's midsole is plush and bouncy, promoting a springy sensation and enhancing movement on the court.
• 🌟 The Court FF and Gel Resolution have more rigid outsoles, providing excellent stability and support.
• 💥 The Solution Speed sacrifices some stability for enhanced movement and agility, making it ideal for players who prioritize court coverage and quickness.
• 👟 For sliding performance, the Gel Resolution is the top choice, with the Court FF close behind, and the Solution Speed also performing well despite being less sturdy.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Luca from Rackets and Runners?

The main focus of the video is a comparison of three top-end tennis shoes from A6, a prominent brand in the tennis shoe industry, known for their support and durability.

What is the claim Luca disputes about the A6 Solution Speed FF3?

Luca disputes the claim that the A6 Solution Speed FF3 is a hybrid shoe with playability between the Gel Resolution and the Solution Speed, stating that it is not the case and that the shoe is significantly lighter than the others.

How does Luca describe the fit of the A6 Solution Speed compared to the other A6 shoes?

Luca describes the A6 Solution Speed as having a similar narrow fit in the toe box but being more adaptable to wider foot types due to less rubber on the upper, which allows for a snug fit without unwanted pressure.

What is unique about the heel area fit of the A6 Cord FF according to Luca?

The A6 Cord FF has a one-piece tongue construction that provides a very locked-in sensation, but the compression could be too much for people with really tall feet, as Luca mentions needing a day or two to break in the shoes.

Which A6 shoe is considered to have the most natural and comfortable fit according to the review?

The A6 Solution Speed is considered to have the most natural and comfortable fit due to its minimal rubber and lighter weight, fitting like a glove after breaking in.

How does Luca characterize the outsole of the A6 Gel Resolution and A6 Cord FF?

Luca characterizes the outsole of the A6 Gel Resolution and A6 Cord FF as having a natural angle, which is less intense than some other tennis shoes but is designed to keep the player more reactive in a wide ready stance.

What is the main difference in midsole feel between the A6 Solution Speed and the other two A6 shoes?

The main difference in midsole feel is that the A6 Solution Speed is described as more plush and almost squishy, while the A6 Resolution and A6 Cord FF have a firmer, classic stability shoe feel.

How does the A6 Solution Speed's design affect its movement capabilities, as per Luca's review?

The A6 Solution Speed's design, with its running shoe-esque outsole, flexible upper, and lightweight construction, makes it exceptionally agile and precise, offering a unique weightlessness that enhances footwork.

What is the durability ranking of the three A6 shoes discussed in the video?

The durability ranking from highest to lowest is A6 Cord FF, A6 Gel Resolution, and A6 Solution Speed, with the latter being the least durable due to its minimal rubber.

Who are the A6 Gel Resolution and A6 Cord FF shoes best suited for, according to Luca?

The A6 Gel Resolution and A6 Cord FF are best suited for players looking for maximum support, stability, and those who value modern playability, including excellent sliding capabilities.

Outlines

00:00

🎾 A6 Tennis Shoe Lineup Overview

Luca from Rackets and Runners introduces a comparison of A6's top-end tennis shoes, following the release of their Solution Speed FF3 review. The video aims to explore the differences between A6's three flagship models, known for their support, durability, and cutting-edge technology. Luca emphasizes the unique playability of each shoe and clarifies misconceptions about the Solution Speed FF3's hybrid nature, comparing it to other models in terms of weight and design.

05:02

👟 Detailed Fit and Comfort Analysis

The script delves into the fit and comfort of the A6 shoes, highlighting the similarities and differences among the models. All three shoes have a similar, slightly slim fit, especially around the fifth metatarsal area. The Solution Speed is noted for its adaptability to wider foot types, while the Gel Resolution is recommended in a wider size for those with broader feet. The Cord FF is described as the widest with an ergonomic shape. The heel area's fit varies, with the Gel Resolution being roomy and low-cut, the Solution Speed offering a snug fit, and the Cord FF providing substantial compression for a locked-in feel.

10:02

🏃‍♂️ Performance and Movement Characteristics

Luca discusses the performance aspects of the A6 shoes, focusing on their movement, support, and stability. The Solution Speed stands out for its lightweight, flexible upper and running shoe-like outsole, which enhances agility and precision on the court. In contrast, the Cord FF and Gel Resolution offer more stability and support, making them suitable for players who value a sturdy and secure fit. The durability of the shoes is also compared, with the Cord FF being the most durable, followed by the Gel Resolution, and the Solution Speed being the least due to its minimal rubber construction.

Keywords

💡Tennis Shoes

Tennis shoes are specialized footwear designed to provide support, durability, and performance for tennis players. In the video, the discussion revolves around three top-end tennis shoes from the brand A6, highlighting their unique features and how they cater to different playing styles. The shoes are evaluated on aspects such as support, durability, and playability, which are crucial for tennis performance.

💡A6

A6 is a brand mentioned in the video known for its high-quality tennis shoes. The video focuses on a comparison of three A6 models, emphasizing the brand's reputation for fantastic support and durability. A6 shoes are described as cutting-edge, indicating that they incorporate the latest technology and design to enhance the player's experience on the court.

💡Solution Speed

The Solution Speed is one of the A6 tennis shoes discussed in the video. It is characterized by its lightweight design, which is described as 'ridiculous' at 329 G for a size 8.5 US, making it the lightest among the three models. The shoe is also noted for its snug fit and adaptability to wider foot types after a brief break-in period, suggesting it offers a balance of comfort and performance.

💡Cord FF

The Cord FF is presented as the heaviest of the three A6 shoes, weighing 416 G for a size 8.5 US. It is highlighted for its substantial build, which translates to excellent support and durability. The video points out that the Cord FF has a wider toe box and an ergonomic shape, making it suitable for a variety of foot widths, although it may require a break-in period for comfort.

💡Gel Resolution

The Gel Resolution is another A6 shoe model featured in the video. It is positioned between the Cord FF and the Solution Speed in terms of weight and support. The Gel Resolution is noted for its natural angle and its ability to provide a reactive stance on the court, which is a characteristic that has become an industry standard for tennis shoes.

💡Lockdown

Lockdown in the context of tennis shoes refers to how securely the shoe upper hugs and holds the foot in place during movement. The video emphasizes the Cord FF's lockdown capabilities due to its full rubber wrap and compression in the heel and tongue, offering a 'ski-boot' like fit that keeps the foot stable and supported.

💡Support

Support in tennis shoes is crucial for stability and injury prevention. The video discusses how the Cord FF and Gel Resolution offer rock-solid support due to their rubber and taller midsole construction, while the Solution Speed, despite being less supportive, still provides a good fit and is suitable for players with precise movement techniques.

💡Movement

Movement in tennis shoes is about how easily and efficiently a player can move around the court. The Solution Speed is praised for its exceptional movement capabilities due to its lightweight design and flexible upper, which encourages a more agile and precise footwork. In contrast, the Cord FF and Gel Resolution, while supportive, are heavier and offer less in terms of movement fluidity.

💡Durability

Durability is an important factor for tennis shoes, as it indicates how long the shoe can withstand the rigors of play. The video ranks the Cord FF as the most durable, followed by the Gel Resolution, with the Solution Speed being the least durable due to its lighter construction and less rubber material.

💡Sliding

Sliding is a critical aspect of tennis, especially on hard courts, and the video discusses the sliding performance of the A6 shoes. The Gel Resolution is hailed as the 'king of sliding,' suggesting it offers exceptional grip and ease of movement during slides. The Cord FF is also noted for its close second place in sliding performance, indicating that A6 shoes are highly regarded for their sliding capabilities.

Highlights

A6 is known for fantastic support and durability in tennis shoes.

All three A6 shoes are cutting-edge and offer unique playability.

The marketing behind the Cord FF3 as a hybrid shoe is misleading; it's more substantial than the Solution Speed.

Weight comparison: Cord FF (416g), Resolution (386g), and Solution Speed (329g).

Fit comparison: all shoes have a similar, 'A6y' fit, but the Gel Resolution may require a wider size for some.

The Solution Speed adapts well to wider foot types due to less rubber in the upper.

The Cord FF is the widest and most ergonomic of the three shoes.

The Cord FF's one-piece tongue construction provides a locked-in feel but may be too compressive for taller feet.

The heel area fit varies: Gel Resolution is roomy, Solution Speed is snug, and Cord FF has the most compression.

Outsole angle comparison: Solution Speed is more natural, Cord FF is flat, and Gel Resolution is in between.

Midsole feel: Solution Speed is plush and bouncy, while Cord FF and Gel Resolution are firm and stable.

Lockdown and support are excellent in Cord FF and Gel Resolution due to the full rubber wrap and taller midsole.

Solution Speed has good lockdown but less support due to its narrow and squishier outsole.

Movement: Solution Speed excels with its lightweight and flexible design, promoting agility.

Cord FF and Gel Resolution, while supportive, feel traditional compared to the Solution Speed's modern movement.

Sliding performance is top-notch in all A6 shoes, with Gel Resolution leading the way.

Durability tier: Cord FF is the most durable, followed by Gel Resolution, and then Solution Speed.

The Gel Resolution is considered the best style for its versatility, while the Cord FF represents the Holy Grail of tennis shoe performance.

The Gel Challenger is a great value option, offering 85% of the Gel Resolution's playability at a lower price.

Transcripts

have you ever wondered what the

differences are between a6's three Top

End Tennis Shoes well that's the project

we're taking on in this

[Music]

video hey everybody it's Luca from

rackets and Runners so we released our

solution speed ff3 review a couple of

weeks ago and in it I mentioned we might

do a full A6 lineup comparison video and

people seemed pretty interested in that

so here it is A6 is obviously a giant in

the tennis shoe world and they're most

well known for their fantastic support

and dur ability but all three of their

shoes are also Cutting Edge right now

and they all offer unique playability

now of course before we get into this

comparison I do want to remind you that

any of the shoes we talk about here you

can check out on our website rackets

andr

runners.com so not getting into the

prediction game anytime soon now there

are three pretty different shoes with

two of them much more similar than the

other and that's a theme you're going to

sense during this review there is one

thing I need to talk about straight away

because it's been bugging me for years

and now that the solution speed has

changed so much it's even more apparent

and that's the whole marketing behind

the cord ff3 when it first came out this

was kind of touted as a hybrid shoe

meaning its playability was supposed to

be somewhere between a gel resolution

and solution speed that's just not the

case we'll get into more specifics here

in a second but even just looking at

these three shoes you can tell which is

the most substantial first it's the cord

FF then it's the resolution and then

it's the solution speed if anything that

in between shoe is kind of the rule

these newer gel resolutions have taken

and by the way the weight stats back me

up on this all in a size 9.5 us the cord

FF is by far the heaviest weighing 416 G

then it's the resolution weighing

386 and then it's a quite frankly

ridiculous 329 G for the solution speed

anyways sorry that's just a little pet

peeve of mine if you take nothing else

from this review that's the most

important thing solution speed here cord

FF here and gel resolution somewhere in

between a little closer to here but

anyways let's get into more

specifics so first of all all three of

these shoes have a pretty similar fit

especially in the toe box and the best

way I can describe it is by saying

they're all very a6y it's not to say

that they're narrow but they are a

little Slimmer around the fifth

metatarsal area and that's especially

true on the gel resolution where I

actually recommend going for a wide so 2

e for men and D for women if you do have

a wide foot it's just a little low

volume on that side and when you combine

that with all the rubber the upper won't

give very much so best to air on the

side of caution there the solution speed

is similarly narrow right here but it

doesn't have all that rubber so it's way

more adaptable to wider foot types I

didn't have any issues with width on

this one and that's because after just a

little bit of Breakin that tighter fit

turned into this really nice snug wrap

around my foot without any unwanted

pressure now the cord FF is definitely

the widest of the three and has the most

ergonomic shape where it does get a

little bit wider in the toebox to

accommodate the fact that a lot of

people's foot gets wider right there

unless you have obscenely wide feet I

don't think width will be an issue but

just keep in mind the rubber here is

similar to what it is on the resi maybe

even a little sturdier so it definitely

won't get any roomier after breaking now

in terms of width most shoes have a

wider toe box that kind of compresses

into a narrower midfoot but these shoes

keep a similar width throughout

ironically that leads to a pretty wide

midfoot where you don't really feel the

upper hugging at your arch but what that

does give you is a fantastic platform to

fit an orthotic into the cord FF and

resolution are especially good shoes for

any type of footed just because that

extra space gives you so much room to

play around within there the solution

speed is a little narrower right here

but I don't think there would be any

issue fitting an orthotic in here either

now one very important caveat with the

fit in the midfoot is that of course the

cord FF has that onepiece tongue

construction makes you feel very locked

in for sure but that compression could

be a little too much for people with

really tall feet my navicular does come

up pretty high and I always need about a

day or two to really break in my C and

even then sometimes they can press a

little bit too much but this neoprene

material has gotten more comfortable on

the three the heel area is where the

three shoes are the most different in

terms of fit starting with the gel

resolution honestly it hasn't changed

much over the last 15 years it's pretty

roomy and fairly low cut the solution

speed hugs you a little tighter than the

resi but nothing crazy the cord FF is

where you'll really have to get used to

just how much compression there is back

there it makes for a super locked in

sensation because of how much you feel

the heel counter pushing inward but yeah

that combined with the tongue it's a

shoe that you really feel hugging your

foot it's not that it's uncomfortable

but it's the least instantly comfortable

of the three the solution speed as you

can imagine with so little rubber has

the most natural and comfortable fit

don't worry if it's a little bit snug at

first after a bit of breaking it fits

like a glove without any uncomfortable

pressure the resolution is a resolution

it's comfortable as long as it fits your

foot you'll love it especially if it's

worked for you in the

past the solution speed and gel

resolutions outsoles have what I would

call A natural angle to them most tennis

shoes angle you in a little bit but I

will say it's less intense than on

something like a vapor Pro it's made to

keep you a little more reactive when

you're in that wide ready stance and it

works really well which is why it's kind

of become the industry standard what's

interesting is that the cord FF is

almost dead flat when I threw it on one

foot with the gel resolution on the

other it was almost a little weird just

how flat it was that makes for a super

grounded feel but like I said a bit of

angle inward does feel more natural most

of the time probably because I've gotten

so used to it but that is worth pointing

out in terms of the midsoles the

solution speeds is much more plush and

almost squishy whereas the resolution in

cord FF have that classic stability shoe

firmness to them if you watched our

review of the solution speed you'll know

I talked a lot about its really unique

rocker which is uncommon on tennis shoes

but obviously something you'll see on

almost every running shoe you add that

to the fact the midsole is softer and

bouncier and you get this very naturally

springy sensation where you almost want

to be moving and running around the

court because the shoes are so efficient

at doing just that now that's all great

but it does take away from this shoe's

stability you're definitely not going to

be as grounded in the solution speed as

you are in either the cord FF or gel

resolution and that's why this shoe

won't be for everyone moving around on

it you can definitely feel a bit of a

wobble especially because it's on the

narrowest platform but we'll talk about

how this can actually help performance

in the movement section A little bit

later the other two have way more

standard outsoles so in the world of

tennis that means they're flatter and

more rigid the cord FF has a higher Heel

To Toe drop which gives you a little

more of that on your toe sensation than

the resolution that has a really low

heel to toe drop but that's classic gel

res right there between the two the cord

FF is definitely a little bit firmer

almost unnaturally so where this is just

a really Snappy solid outsole the gel

resolution does flex just a little bit

more especially in the toe that does

complement your foot's natural movement

a little bit better which I really

appreciate I tend to prefer a bit of

give from my outo but there is something

to be said about just strapping these

pontoons onto your feet and trusting

them with your life because they're

about as sturdy and stable as it

gets lock down and support are

determined by how well the upper hugs

your foot and how well it holds up when

you're moving around in the shoe well as

you can imagine this is again where

we've got the gel resolution in cof F

here and the solution speed over there

for one all this rubber means that

lockdown is fantastic on the cord FF and

resolution but especially on the cord F

and honestly I don't think there's any

other shoe that competes with it in that

regard full rubber wrap but then there's

also the combination of the compression

in the heel and the tongue it's a shoe

that once you're in it you're definitely

not moving around kind of like a ski

boot although not nearly as unpleasant

support goes hand inand with lock down

here again thanks to the Rubber and the

taller midsole the cage you're sitting

in here is very stiff so it's super

sturdy when you're moving from side to

side the gel resolution is very similar

for support the dino wall sidewall comes

up really high on the lateral side and

the heel counter is almost as stiff as

the cord FF so it's another rock solid

shoe it doesn't have the same vacuum

like fit as the cord FF but but it's

still excellent for lock down the only

little bit of movement I feel here is in

the heel because it's a little bit

shallow and roomy for my taste but it's

pretty much a non-issue lockdown and

support are a different story on the

solution speed but before I explain why

they aren't quite as good I need to

emphasize that we're comparing it to two

of the best shoes for this in the entire

industry in terms of lockdown it's

actually quite good this narrower

profile does a good job of providing a

snug fit and then this lacing system is

pretty good at cinching the upper down

to your foot support is where it does

suffer compared to the other two because

there's so little rubber and the fact

that the outsole is narrower and

squishier it doesn't have that same

rigidity which can lead to some roll

over when you're pushing it really hard

laterally this can become a slight

problem for players who really count on

their shoes to hold up especially if

their movement gets sloppy your movement

has to be really precise and you have to

use proper technique because these shoes

won't bail you out now you might be

thinking okay what's the point of the

solution speed then isn't the whole

point of a tennis shoe to be as

supportive as possible well yes support

is important but the sacrif in support

means it can absolutely excel in another

category movement encompasses a number

of different things of course lateral

movement is one of them and because the

cord FF and resolution are so supportive

they beat out the solution speed in that

regard but because of the running shoe

esque outsole because the upper is more

flexible and of course because they're

able to make it so light with less

Rubber and less structure it's a shoe

that moves unlike anything else I've

ever tried the feeling of weightlessness

is completely unique putting on a for FF

and a solution speed side by side I'm

not kidding when I say that this shoe

feels like a brick and the solution

speed feels like nothing you gain a

flutterin to your footwork which makes

it feel like you can move with more

precision and Agility and it's a

sensation that you don't know you want

until you've tried it and gone back to

something heavier also because this shoe

is almost made for running it makes you

want to move around the court sometimes

in a heavier shoe I get a little bit

lethargic especially when it comes to

getting quickly up to the net not in

these even the fact that the outsole is

narrower and squishier kind of pushes

you to not stay planted in one position

you're never fully grounded here so you

kind of need to move to get the best out

of the shoe and you move a lot in modern

tennis it's a really cool sensation

again it won't be for everyone and I get

that but if any of what I'm saying

sounds like something you might like I'd

definitely give these a shot now I do

just want to say compared to the

solution speed the cord FF and

resolution feel like traditional brick

issues but they are absolutely nothing

like what we were getting from stability

shoes 10 years ago those were firm

unyielding and super heavy and they

didn't have a lot of tech complimenting

modern movement these certainly do the

flight foam provides a nice Airy

sensation and the gel pocket does a

similar thing on the gel resolution and

this twist trust shank which is a really

hard thing to say by the way but anyway

it gives a nice blend of torsional

stability and snappy energy return the

dino wall sidewall is one of the coolest

pieces of tech on any shoe you feel it

hold up really well on lateral Cuts but

then it pushes back in the other

direction with way more energy than you

would expect so yeah these shoes don't

move anything like the solution speed

but they're they're far from being the

unmovable bricks of yester year honestly

these are some of the most

technologically impressive shoes I've

tried just touching on sliding the gel

resolution is the king of sliding no

question about that the cord FF is a

close second and the solution speed is

also great same rubber compound it's

just not as sturdy so you do need to be

a little more careful that said every A6

shoe is insane at sliding very

consistent you can slide very easily and

for very long they figured it out over

there this review is getting really long

but I do just want to briefly touch on

who each of these shoes is for and I

think you may have figured it out during

this review but the gel resolution and

CT FF are pretty interchangeable oops

that's not the gel resolution I think

the cord f is a more impressive shoe

because of how phenomenal the lockdown

and support and stability are but the

gel resolution is right up there with

that impressive factor it's really a

testament to if it ain't broke don't fix

it and all they've been doing with this

over the past nine Generations is

refining a bestseller into an even

better shoe pretty much every time it's

a little more class classic tennis shoe

than the CT FF but both of these are

made for you players looking for the

maximum amount of support and stability

and if you want a little bit of modern

playability as well especially that

great sliding the solution speed also

has that impressive Factor but in a

totally different way if you think you

want something that compliment

scrambling around the court and also has

that weightless sensation these are

about as good as it gets also just

touching on durability there's a pretty

clear tier the cord FF is the most

durable and it's also probably the most

durable shoe on the market right now the

res ution is a close second but the

rubber did get a little bit softer for

this generation so it's less durable

than the cord FF and than the last gel

resolution and then you've got the

solution speed which as you can imagine

is the least durable of the three by far

just because it has so much less rubber

than the other two these are three

fantastic shoes though I think the gel

resolution is probably still the best

because it's a style that works so well

for so many people but from a

technological point of view I think the

cord F kind of represents at least to me

what I consider the Holy Grail of what's

possible in terms of tennis shoe

performance also quick shout out to the

gel Challenger it's one of the best

value shoes on the market right now

because it gives you 85% of what you'll

get from the playability of a gel

resolution just in a less expensive

package with that said though that is

going to be the end of this review it's

been way too long thank you so much for

watching and remember that if you do

want to try on any of these shoes you

can come visit us in store or you can

check them out online at rackets andr

runners.com