Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe tested

Mijnracket.nl player Mike has tested the new Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe! This mid-cut tennis shoe offers great support combined with good durability and agility. Wilson naturally has a very rich heritage when it comes to tennis rackets (and balls). In recent years, however, the brand has also been making significant inroads in the tennis shoe market. This mid-cut Wilson Amplifeel shoe already attracted a lot of attention at Roland Garros 2017. Mike took the shoe for a test drive and put its range of technologies to the test.

 

Specifications: 

Brand: Wilson

Model: Amplifeel

Weight: approx. 450 grams (size 9.5 UK, 10 US = 44 EUR)

Outsole tread: Medium-depth herringbone tread for good grip on clay, artificial grass, and smash courts

Technology:

• Amplifeel 'strap': Extra support around the ankle and midfoot for lateral stability
• DF1 (Dynamic Fit 1): For a low-to-the-ground feel and good agility
• 3D-FS: Optimal forefoot support
• Endofit 'sock-fit': Provides a snug fit
• R-DST+: Provides good cushioning and energy return
• Pro Torque Chassis: Increases torsional stiffness and stability
• Duralast: Durable outsole for grip and durability
• 6 mm 'heel to toe drop': Height difference from heel to forefoot

Tested by:

Name: Mike
Current shoe: ASICS Gel Solution Speed 3 Clay
Playing intensity: 4/4
Test duration: 4+ hours

Rating:

 

Fit: 6.5

Stability: 9

Cushioning: 8

Grip: 8

Durability: 8

Agility and speed: 7

Ventilation: 6

Weight: 7

 

Review of the Wilson Amplifeel:

Fit

The Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe has a fairly wide fit. This was immediately noticeable when I first put on the shoe with the standard insole in place. The shoe also has a lot of volume in the forefoot. I have fairly narrow feet with a low instep. I placed my own Footbalance insoles on top of the shoe's standard insoles. This made the shoe fit my foot much better. I also tried the shoe with my own insoles left loose. Even then, the shoe still had too much room in the forefoot. So, placing my own insoles on top of the standard insoles worked best for me. The shoe's 'sock-fit' is great and feels very comfortable. The elastic 'Amplifeel' strap completes the design and allows the shoe to fit comfortably around the ankle and instep.

Stability

There are very few mid-cut tennis shoes available nowadays. I even know players with ankle problems who sometimes use basketball shoes to get enough support around the ankle. As far as stability goes, this Wilson Amplifeel comes highly recommended! Not only is the previously mentioned support around the ankle and instep excellent thanks to Amplifeel technology, but the forefoot support is also top-notch. The shoe has two plastic reinforcements on the outside of the forefoot, allowing you to transfer all your power when pushing off sideways without any problems. This was clearly noticeable despite the wide fit.

Cushioning

My current shoe is the ASICS Gel Solution Speed 3 Clay. This shoe has a noticeably narrower fit. What I really appreciate about this shoe are its speed, light weight, and excellent grip. In terms of cushioning, I think this Wilson Amplifeel performs equally well, if not even slightly better, than my ASICS shoes. I experienced very little impact, something I can sometimes be sensitive to in my heels. My longest session with the Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe was 3 hours. After this, I had no discomfort in my heels at all. So, the cushioning in this shoe is top-notch.

Grip

The Wilson Amplifeel does not have as deep a herringbone tread as my ASICS Gel Solution Speed 3, but I noticed no difference on the court. I did this entire playtest on clay. In terms of grip, the shoe performed just as well as my current ASICS model, which I found very impressive.

Durability

This Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe is quite tough. The reinforced toe and the PU reinforcement on the medial side do their job well. Personally, I would have preferred this last reinforcement to be slightly larger and wider for sliding. However, there has been no visible wear after a good 5 hours of intensive play.

Agility and speed

In terms of agility and speed, the Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe has to measure up against my trusted ASICS Gel Solution Speed 3. The ASICS is more direct and also lighter, while the grip on the forefoot for quick push-offs is comparable. The Wilson Amplifeel is naturally more of a stability shoe than a speed shoe, so this is no surprise. However, the Amplifeel does have a great 'low-to-the-ground feel', which still makes the shoe very agile.

Ventilation

The ventilation of the Wilson Amplifeel tennis shoe could be improved. The shoe provides a reasonable amount of ventilation, but no more than that. In my opinion, this is not surprising given the shoe's robust upper. Nevertheless, players with very sweaty feet will certainly notice this.

Weight

Weighing approx. 450 grams (size 9.5 UK), the Wilson Amplifeel is a medium-weight tennis shoe. Nevertheless, the shoe does not feel that heavy during play, actually feeling lighter than expected. When you consider the amount of support you get in return, this weight is more than justified!

Overall impression

Finally, there is another good mid-cut tennis shoe on the market! From my own experience, I know that there is definitely demand for this type of shoe. I would recommend this Wilson Amplifeel to players with a wide foot and/or high instep who are looking for optimal support. With this shoe, you can slide, move, and push off sideways with full confidence without having to worry about support issues. So, it is highly recommended for players with ankle instability or for players who are simply looking for a very supportive and durable shoe!