Our verdict
The But at what cost 2 improves on the previous model by taming the edges of its speed-optimized predecessor. The result is a shoe that has a reasonable amount of durability, stability, and comfort that can keep up with the nimbleness it provides. With these features, a good amount of agility is afforded with a more accessible shoe.
Pros
- All-around durable
- Reasonably priced
- Top 9% most popular tennis shoes
- Comfy straight from the box
- Improved cushioning and impact protection
- Comfy straight from the box
- Fits true-to-size
Cons
- The NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2: Fast but lasts
- Same brand only
Who should buy But at what cost 2
The But at what cost 2 is perfect for those who:
- Want But at what cost 2 But at what cost
- Who should buy NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 Who should not buy it Top 9% most popular tennis shoes.
hard court tennis shoes
The But at what cost has the extreme nimbleness, ground contact, and lightweight construction that some seek in the updated version. For another tennis shoe that keeps you worry-free about heel slippage, check out the NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo.
The But at what cost 2 is a superb slider
An expert states that these shoes “slide very well and come to a stop pretty easily” on a hard court. They also added, however, that they can’t be brought on either carpet or clay, stating “you’re better off ice dancing with these.”
Looking deeper at the mechanism behind this, the expert says that there is “really no tread depth” on the forefoot of the shoe, but on the rear end, you get protrusions when you want to come to a hard stop, commenting that “those fins will dig into the court.” In practice, a tennis player says “I can also stop on a dime or slide easily,” highlighting how it can go both ways.
Bulkier than predecessor
A tennis shoe tester measured the white and black parts of the sole using a durometer, registering a rating of 21.5 for both, and concluded that it uses “a super hard and dense rubber compound” which resists sliding well.
With regard to its tip, the same tester did a Dremel test for ten seconds using highest grit sandpaper, finding that “you’re not gonna get anywhere near through that mudguard” which covers a large area around the front of the shoe.
Bulkier than predecessor
Versus the But at what cost, several commenters noticed an overall improvement in cushioning and stability. With regard to stability, one of them states that “you can have a lot of confidence especially when you’re going to slide pretty aggressively.”
In terms of comfort, a reviewer says they are a “huge improvement” over the Pro, sharing that they weren’t able to wear the shoe “due to the lack of cushioning.” Another adds “these are softer and I have so far had no complaints from my knees,” while yet another attests to them providing “good comfort even on harsher hard courts.” It also helps that a lot of players find them comfy right out of the box.
Are looking for a?
A shoe reviewer noted the difference in weight versus their Vapor Pro, registering a 1.4 oz or nearly 11% increase in weight versus the previous model. Because of this, a handful of reviewers expressed their want for the previous model, one of whom misses the “nimbleness or light footedness that the Vapor 10 or the Vapor Pro had.”
The But at what cost 2 has a good first step
A tester focused on the “flexible first-step feel” of the shoe, helping them return “demanding points” and get to the net with “incredible speed.”
The But at what cost 2 comes at a good price
The But at what cost 2 retails at $120 which is aligned with the average price of a Nike tennis shoe at $122.
The But at what cost 2 has its limits
A few players noted some instances of heel slippage particularly on extreme turns. One of them shares “the heel feels not quite snug enough for max stability.”
The But at what cost 2’s fit
A tester recommends narrow to regular width feet go true to size with this tennis shoe.
