Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fans, go wild (but a bit less than Tsonga above, lol) by going to miadidas.com and designing a pair of adizero tennis shoes for the Frenchman to wear on Kid's Day at Roland Garros.
Tweet your design with #miTsonga and your design is entered. The contest opens May 2. Tsonga will pick his fav. He's told me he likes bright flashy colors, so head in that direction.
PS -- Ana Ivanovic lovers, watch for her cameo above.
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The shoe you are working with? The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour for men or women. Pick your main color, inset detail, laces, tongue, id and traction. The version above is custom grass by moi.
Made-to-order and delivered in 4 weeks so don't think about it for next weekend's hit; $165 USD.
Find them at NIKEiD.nike.com
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Above is one of three 2013 Babolat Aeropro Drive range tennis racquets coming out December 12. It is a cosmetic update of the 2012 version with the addition of new Cortex Active Technology which gives players extra help with feel that can, in turn, maximize your topspin potential (you do have to stroke the ball correctly of course). The new range includes:
AEROPRO DRIVE/AEROPRO DRIVE +
For baseline players looking for power and spin
$199 USD unstrung
Head size: 645 cm2 /100 sq. in.
Weight (unstrung): 300 g / 10.6 oz
AEROPRO TEAM
For baseline players who appreciate power, while looking for more maneuverability.
$195 unstrung
Head size: 645 cm2 / 100 sq. in.
Weight (unstrung): 280 g / 9.9 oz
AEROPRO LITE
For women and high-level juniors looking for a lightweight racquet with spin.
$189 unstrung
Head size: 645 cm2 / 100 sq. in.
Weight (unstrung): 260 g / 9.2 oz
The tennis techie's dream Play and Connect racquet is still on hold for retail release.
Joining the new Aeropro racquet are updates for the Babolat Propulse tennis shoe, one of my favorites. The Propulse 4 All Court is available in black/yellow (as here, left) and white with blue for men, $120.
It comes in a pretty coral for women (right), $120. Junior versions are $65.
The Propulse keeps you low to the ground and stable during rapid side to side movement. The footbelt locks your foot in giving a custom fit. The Kompressor system offers good cushioning and Michelin outsole, durability.
The shoes will be in stores in February 2013.
Learn more at Babolat.com or test drive/buy at Tennis-Warehouse and Babolat retailers worldwide.
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I'm a little late to the court with this one but 1.) these tennis shoes are cool looking and 2.) I love retro redux when done right so here goes...
Way back in 1992 (ha,ha), the Nike tennis design team created a burning ball logo. The mark was first used on the Nike Air Tech Challenge and was added to the neon colors, denim and spandex of that era's Challenge Court collection. It was said to stand for the game played "fast, furious and unapologetic."
Twenty years later, Nike has released the above Flame Collection which modernizes the old design nicely. The Air Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 and Breathe 2K12 are the 2012 redux.
Nike sponsored players at the ATP Finals in London wore them. Federer did his thing in the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. Nadal would have worn the Courtballistec. The shoes run $130 US each and the Flame tee, $30.
Find them at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.
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On Monday, July 16, Roger Federer will have spent a total of 287 weeks at the top of the ATP charts. A record. In his honor Nike is releasing 287 pairs of special edition Zoom Vapor 9 Tour shoes. The price? $287 (of course).
According to Nike "Each pair is packaged in a unique box numbered to represent a particular week of his reign, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by Roger Federer himself. The shoes feature an embroidered gold RF logo on the tongue and a large, lasered “287” in gold on the back heel."
How to get them: The special edition shoes will go on sale at 8 am EDT/ 5 am PDT on Monday, July 16 ONLY on NikeStore.com. Only mens sizes 9, 10, 11 and 12 are available.
Set your alarm and let the collecting begin. BTW I believe that price breaks a record as well ;)
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Tennis shoes continue to slim down while maximizing speed in all directions, a must for our multi-directional game. The new adidas adizero Feather II and Tempaia II weigh in at lightweight 11.8 and 10 ounces respectively and wow, that color. Anyone developing a tennis shoe fetish? Happiness is my closet looking a little like Dylan's, NYC.
It's not just tennis btw. Take a look at this baseball pic.
The womens adizero Tempaia II comes in pink/white (as above) and white/pink, $125 USD. The mens adizero Feather II comes in blue/lime (above) and infrared/white, $130.
adidas sent me a pair to check out ♥ Snug fit, low-to-the ground shoe, true to size. The outsole, like the box suggests, seems just fine on any court surface, although I haven't given these babies a go on grass yet. Honestly, they would be fine for a light hit but any serious grass court player wears grass-specific shoes. Did I mention I like the color?
Available at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas retailers worldwide.
Follow TennisIDENTITY using any of the tools below!
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Hit the courts with pride for Old Glory. The Babolat Propulse 3 has been cosmetically updated as the limited edition red, white and blue Stars & Stripes to celebrate the 2012 Olympics and certainly the upcoming US Open.
Will Andy Roddick rock them? Yes, no question. Women, order two sizes down. This shoe is made in mens sizes only. Wear these with all white. Fresh.
Pre-sale starts this week.
More info at Babolat. Available at Tennis-Warehouse and select Babolat retailers.
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In tennis it often takes beating a big name to get on the fan radar. Tuesday at the Paris Open France's Virginie Razanno did just that.
Razanno's Paris '12 story ended fairly quickly against Arantxa Rus but those who watched Razzano defeat an admittedly uncharacteristic Serena Williams were shown textbook focus under fire. Most noteworthy was Razzano's ability to fight the distraction of hindrance calls against her during that most challenging of match phases, the closing.
If only we could bottle this magic and keep it going through a tournament. "Giant slayers" all too often can't keep the tank running after such huge effort allowing other players to move up in what would have been a tough draw. Advantage them.
Razzano wears Asics, a brand expanding into tennis apparel. Her dress here is the Women's Break Dress, currently on sale only in Europe.
Although she didn't wear them, I'd put the new and super comfy Asics Gel-Solution Speed tennis shoe in pink $130 (official color=beetroot purple) with this dress.
Find it at Asics, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
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Roger Federer will hit Paris dressed like a stealth bomber. Very sharp look for the crafty attacker. True, the man is already wealthy, but he wants that number 1 back.
Pictured is the RF Smash Clay Polo, $84 and RF Woven short, $52. Polos can connote a measure of tidiness that many men don't like on court.
This one makes tidy kinda cool. Tennis mortals should wear black or white shorts with this shirt especially if they are going to wear the matching bandanna, $14.
Federer's shoes are the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in anthracite and cyber, $130. I LOVE these shoes; so hot looking and no break-in. Best with black socks though. White socks are a tad dated looking at the moment.
Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.
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Here's what Nike has planned for Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. Pictured, the king of clay wears the scarlet fire Rafa Finals Clay Crew, $68 and Finals Short, $68 in white. The last time he wore red for a Slam was the 2011 AO (which he did not win). The color is fab on Rafa though; I have no problem with giving it another gorgeous rip.
Take a close look at the shirt detailing. This is not your basic red tee; it's all performance with a faint but energetic tonal graphic. Anthracite accents add more interest; bull logo on the back hem. We've already seen the peach version. I far prefer this for its attention grabbing energy.
Nike looks to be going for an even more relaxed fit on Rafa, steering away from the tighter looks that only work well for the most buff of men. The march to marketable style continues. I still miss the Toreador but I get it.
Nadal's shoes are the scarlet Air Max Courtballistec 4.3, $130.
Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.
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Pretty dress for Serena Williams in Paris. This is a must-have for summer's heat. Cool on the eye and in fabrication, this tennis look is right on color trend; I love the medley of mint, a refreshing mojito for the courts. Slimming detail at the bust and a built in bra with cups are pluses. The Nike Soar Statement Rally dress is $90.
Sorry guys, no head-band to match for those of us not in the top 10, but a visor in tropical twist ($20) will do you one better in the sun.
Williams' shoes are the Air Max Mirabella, $90.
Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.
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Just in time for summer tennis. Amp up those white-weary dogs with these colorfully jazzed tennis shoes from Asics. All performance and built for the most aggressive of players, they are a dressed up Gel Resolution 4, which happens to be a very comfortable shoe.
Left is the men's color way, blue base with accents of yellow and orange. Below is the women's version, yellow base with violet, teal and pink.
Don't go to crazy mixing colors up top when wearing these. Let your feet do the talking.
Find these technicolor beauties only at Tennis-Warehouse, $120 USD. The 4 is available everywhere, but not the candy shop colors. Consider ordering a 1/2 size down as these run large. 6 month durability guarantee (always welcome).
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The hot looking new Speed Pro Lite is HEAD’s lightest tennis shoe ever. It is 10% lighter than the original HEAD Speed Pro tennis shoe at only 14 oz per shoe (based on Men’s size 9).
The upper is constructed using mesh and flexible TPU (like the rubber material used in some cell phone covers) and the shoe has what's called a half-sock construction which contributes to a comfy slipper-like feel. Despite all the lightening, foot friendly HEAD Vi-Pod, Energy Bridge and CXG technologies make this a stable, low to the ground, high-perfomance tennis shoe.
The Speed Pro Lite is available for men in black/white/orange (pictured here) and white/black. There is a 6 month durability outsole guarantee on these, $100 USD.
Ladies, they do not make this shoe in womens' sizes. Buy 2 sizes down to fit (they do run wide so if you've got a narrow foot this trick might not work for you). Hot looking shoe with a black or white outfit though.
Find a retailer at HEAD or buy at Tennis-Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide.
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11/1/11 is running out but as promised, today the mysterious new Nike/Tennis Warehouse collaboration was revealed. Spotlight on above.
It's a limited edition of the Nike men's Air Court Ballistec 3.3 tennis shoe and a pretty hot one at that. Super stealth. I love the understated and very unusual patent black on matte swoosh and discreet dashes of cyber orange. This is a new version of the shoe Rafael Nadal wears with updates that include reinforcements in key high-wear areas. Strap 'em on and jam.
The shoe goes nicely with the new Nike Winter Showdown crew, Victory Track jacket and anthracite and cyber orange bandana. Seems like something Rafa would wear but I'm told he won't. No worries about looking like a poser then. The look can be yours only.
Tennis-Warehouse is the exclusive retailer of this just-out Nike tennis shoe.
Of course women can wear 'em. Much tougher looking than a white tennis shoe (brands make far too many of those). Buy two sizes down.
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Check out Andy Murray's new kicks. Just out, they're the adidas Barricade 6.0 Dragon Edition, a fierce warrior like change-up to the tennis shoes Murray has been wearing this year.
The new issue celebrates the Chinese Year of the Dragon (2012), a nod to the culture of the country hosting Andy in October.
According to legend the Dragon symbolizes good fortune and power. A dragon personality is free spirited, driven and self-directed.
Murray looks to have been born during the year of the rabbit (1987) so some dragon karma might be a good thing for him.
The shoe's metallic finished outer is outfitted with dragonlike scales that help the shoe breath (looks a little like armour too). A tough looking exterior for a durable shoe.
A red on black dragon-inspired print covers the outside of the tongue and heel collar. A bright red dragon symbol adorns the heel and tongue.
Retail price is $120.00 USD.
Find them only at specialty tennis retailers including Tennis-Warehouse.
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I'm impressed. As much as Maria Sharapova has going on outside of tennis she is still rockin' the courts; her latest jump from 7 to #4 in the world.
The starlet (you have to admit she has become one) has two outfits planned for the US Open. Here's Janice Lucena, creative director at Nike tennis, to take you through the two dresses:
The Maria Ace Day dress is soft and flowy in feel with accents of solar red, light touches in front, bigger bang of color in back.
For night it's a much more sleek and fitted dress inspired by night in the city, black and grey with flashes of drama. Check out that strappy back (in video) in high voltage yellow, an energizing contrast to what is a stately skyscraper palate. I do not see the night dress for sale anywhere. Likely it's a Maria only item.
I really like the separates in the Maria Ace group however, and want to point to this two piece set, left, which I think will be more popular on rec courts than the dress. Madison Keys is one player to look for wearing this set. Top and skort are $65 each. It comes in a variety of colors.
Sharapova's shoes are the Nike Lunarlon Speed 3, $120.
Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
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First up, Verdasco, god of wearing color well, gets graphic in a new adizero Feather tee in
and feather Bermuda shorts (stripe detail in the fabric). See the shirt right for best red/infrared color.
The shoes (how about these babies?!) are adizero Feather as well, $120.00. Shirt $55, Shorts $50.
It's a pretty cool graphic if you study it. The designer took a color block, sliced and tilted it creating the illusion of adidas logo-size triangles dynamically falling from the solid. This shirt begs to move.
Tsonga will wear the like adizero Feather polo
with modern zip neck and collar, $60. White base and solid red (cripes, it looks purple here again but it's more burgundy red as below left). Same shorts and shoes as Verdasco.
The adizero group does a great job keeping you cool and ventilated as you move and stretch. Take a look at the inset right for a close up of the vent on the blue version of the feather polo. There is similar ventilation built in the inseam of the shorts.
Murray will wear all adidas Barricade; the group is by nature more traditional, the tamer of the two collections. It suits Andy's athletic scruffy look (although he's tidied up nicely for this shot).
This is going to look great against the blue and white that is Center Court at the Open (he's going to be there right?)
His top is the Barricade tee in red, $55, with a dash of intense green at the neck. The back has the funky looking panel of mesh we've started to see built into performance shirts. I'm getting used to the look of it. It really does help in the heat. Shorts are $45. Shoes, Barricade 6.0 $125.00. Andy's sig resides inside.
Find it all at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
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