Mike's go-to tennis shoe has received an update. Read all about ASICS' new speed demon here: the Solution Speed FF 4 tested!
Introduction:
I've been playing in ASICS tennis shoes for over 10 years now, and the Solution Speed has always been my go-to match shoe. The shoe's light, responsive feel, along with its narrow fit, are ideal for my game and my foot type. While the Solution Speed FF 4 is primarily designed for speed and agility for the all-court player (someone who covers the entire court and moves both forward and laterally), the Gel Challenger 15 and Gel Resolution X are designed primarily with the baseliner in mind. In other words, they're mainly for players who move a lot from side to side. The Court FF 3 (the shoe developed in collaboration with Novak Djokovic) combines the best of both worlds: stability and agility. But today, the focus is all on the fastest member of the family: the Solution Speed FF 4!
Fit:
The Solution Speed FF 4 has a few subtle but noticeable updates, without losing sight of the shoe's DNA. One of these is the slightly narrower fit. The difference compared to its predecessor isn't huge, but it's noticeable. With ASICS tennis shoes, there's one thing I can always count on: consistent sizing. Once again, US 9.5, or EU 43.5, was the right size for me. I also noticed almost immediately that the heel felt more cushioned. This isn't so much related to the fit, but it does contribute to a comfortable, ready-to-go feel.
Speed/agility ASICS Solution Speed FF 4:
This shoe is truly built for speed, and you can feel it in every way. For starters, it's nice and light (339 grams in my size), and with this shoe, you really "get off the blocks." The Solution Speed FF 4 has a SpeedTruss frame in the midsole construction that delivers a quick, powerful push-off: simply put, you get moving faster! The split-sole construction (with separate forefoot and heel sections) makes you a little more agile and helps you roll through to the ball of your foot more quickly, which also makes push-off easier. All in all, a wonderfully fast shoe with a direct feel on court!
Stability:
Despite the fact that speed is the main focus of the Solution Speed, stability is excellent for such a lightweight shoe! It has a sturdy heel counter, and your heel bone is held securely in the heel cup. The shoe's upper is more flexible than in versions 2 and 3. Version 2 in particular had a very sturdy PU upper, which I personally really liked. Version 3 already had a specially reinforced mesh upper, and in version 4, that upper has become a little more flexible and lighter still. As a result, the shoe needs virtually no break-in time. However, if, for example, you still have version 2, you may need a little time to get used to the lighter, more flexible upper.
Durability and grip:
I've always found the Solution Speed series to be pretty durable, and I expect the same from this version 4. I haven't put enough hours into them yet to give a definitive verdict, but I don't expect any problems. The same familiar P-Guard protection on the toe and medial side of the shoe is still there, along with the durable outsole rubber.
However, two updates stand out: a PU loop has been added to the medial side of the shoe, and lace loops have been added to provide extra protection for the laces when dragging and sliding. The other update is in the outsole grip. ASICSGrip is used on the forefoot. This provides more grip when pushing off, which was something people had been asking for—not so much me, but the pros.
Comfort/cushioning:
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 4 is, of course, a lightweight shoe with a low-to-the-ground feel for speed and agility. I mention this because, for example, it doesn't have the same thick (and soft) heel as the Gel Resolution X. Even so, this update to the Solution Speed is more comfortable, particularly around the heel. The FlyteFoam midsole material used here has been given a different, softer firmness, and it also provides a nice bit of energy return. In short, it's a welcome boost in comfort without sacrificing the shoe's speed and direct feel.
ASICS Solution Speed FF 4: the bottom line:
This latest version of the Solution Speed FF 4 is a wonderfully fast, light, and responsive shoe. Players who've worn the Solution Speed before will feel right at home in it. The subtle updates include an even lighter upper, improved cushioning (particularly in the heel), more forefoot grip, and greater durability on the medial side. All of this makes ASICS' bestseller even better without losing the shoe's DNA. An absolute recommendation for all-court players looking for a lightweight, explosive shoe!
Note: I tested this version in the all-court configuration, with an outsole designed primarily for hard courts that also works well on carpet. For outdoor courts (clay/artificial grass/smash court), I recommend the clay outsole, with a deep herringbone tread for better grip on these surfaces.
