The Indian Maharadja
Lacoste
Nike Kids
Yonex VCORE
Wilson Bela
Following the new Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro 3's introduction, it is time for another model in the hugely popular Vapor shoe series. The Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 has made its entrance into the tennis market!
In this article, we discuss everything about these new tennis shoes, designed with inspiration from the most successful Nike Vapors ever. What are the (technological) improvements? What are they based on? And are these shoes the right choice for you?
Inspiration
Previous versions of the Nike Vapor shoe series were among the most popular and highly rated tennis shoes worldwide. In recent years, these were, in particular, the Vapor 9, Vapor 9.5, Vapor X, and the first generation of the Vapor Pro. Perhaps you also have fond memories of these shoes—we certainly do! Due to this past success, Nike decided to take another close look at these highly popular Vapors. What were the aspects that made tennis players of all levels rate these shoes so positively? And what were the more critical points that could be improved?
First and foremost, it is important to mention that these Nike Air Zoom Vapor tennis shoes were designed for speed. One common factor among these successive generations was their relatively low weight. However, at the same time, the comfort of these shoes was also highly valued. These properties, combined with the refined support and stability for speed-oriented tennis shoes, made the previously mentioned versions of the Vapor series so beloved. For the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12, the focus was therefore on effectively integrating these aspects while also improving points that received critical feedback, such as durability, the level of grip provided by the outsoles, foot containment, and the weight of the shoes. With these clear goals in mind, the innovations discussed below were implemented.
Technologies
Find out below what the various technologies entail.
Cast PU
This material ensures that as much weight as possible is removed from the shoes while still protecting the most well-known and important wear areas on the toe and inner side of the shoe. This technology contributes to the highly sought-after combination of a lightweight shoe with a higher level of durability.
HART™ Rubber Outsole
Another way Nike has improved the durability and wear resistance of the new Vapor 12 compared to its popular predecessors is by incorporating HART™ rubber into the outsole. This has reinforced the sole in such a way that it lasts longer. Combined with the optimized tread pattern of both hard court and clay court versions of the Vapor 12, this technological addition leads to a significant development addressing previous concerns about grip and durability.
Midfoot Fit Band
To further address feedback on previous Vapor tennis shoes and improve foot containment in this latest version, Nike has integrated a band that runs across the midfoot. This band provides a locked-down feel while the lacing system allows for further customization of the fit. As a result, the responsiveness and agility experienced during play are enhanced.
TPU Foot Frame + Shank
Running along the entire length of the shoe on the outside is the so-called foot frame made of TPU material. This material can be described as a mix of plastic and rubber, offering properties such as strength, flexibility, and durability. Additionally, the midfoot shank that splits the outsole into two parts has been added to optimize the stability and torsional stiffness of these lightweight shoes. Thanks to these technological implementations, even players at the highest level can perform intense footwork with aggressive directional changes.
Zoom Air Unit
The generations of Vapor shoes that were so successful were praised, among other things, for their combination of speed performance and comfort. Therefore, it was crucial to at least match the comfort level in the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12. To achieve this, a well-known Zoom Air unit has been placed in the heel, allowing for responsive cushioning throughout movement on the court.
Experience
Of course, we tested the new Nike Vapor 12 tennis shoes ourselves to provide the best possible advice to interested tennis players. While trying out these shoes, we paid particular attention to the fit, comfort, and how the promised performance translated into actual on-court play.
Fit
The overall fit of the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 is relatively narrow. The midfoot containment, extending to the beginning of the forefoot, was especially noticeable. The inner material of the shoe feels quite flexible, but due to the TPU foot frame and Cast PU material on the outer sides, these new Vapors may feel tight for people with a wider midfoot or forefoot. Additionally, we were positive about the lacing system and how well the laces stayed in place. This ensured a fairly consistent sense of containment, facilitating quick movements.
Comfort
Due to the relatively narrow fit, the Vapor 12 was not equally comfortable for everyone in our testing group. To fairly assess the shoes in this regard, we focus on the experiences of those for whom the fit was suitable.
Because the inside of the shoe is made from fairly soft material, there is a comfortable foot-hugging feel. The outer components—the TPU foot frame and Cast PU material—provide the necessary stability and durability and indeed feel sturdy, but thanks to the inner lining, this did not come at the expense of wearing comfort.
The midfoot shank is an aspect that sparked divided opinions within our group. This sturdy plastic component splits the outsole into two separate parts and is intended to reduce weight while improving torsional stiffness for extra explosiveness in directional changes. This two-part sole structure encourages footwork to be performed mostly on the forefoot. Heel-to-toe rolling does not feel very natural due to the stiffness of the plastic shank. However, when moving primarily on the forefoot, the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 feels flexible and fast. Additionally, for a speed-oriented tennis shoe, the midsole is relatively comfortable. The Zoom Air unit in the heel also provides pleasant cushioning.
Performance
Now that we have covered fit and comfort, it's time to discuss performance. Since the Nike Vapor 12 tennis shoes are developed for speed, this aspect is of utmost importance. However, stability and durability are also crucial to meet the demands of players at all levels. In practice, we found that the lightweight nature of the shoes certainly contributed to the sense of speed and agility on the court. The fact that the midfoot shank is made of light yet sturdy material may not result in the smoothest heel-to-toe transition, but especially when pushing off and pivoting on the forefoot, the extra explosiveness it provided was very beneficial.
In terms of durability, these shoes did not disappoint us. On rough hard courts, the shoes naturally experience wear, but due to reinforcements in strategic areas, the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 held up relatively well in our opinion—especially for a speed-oriented tennis shoe.
Conclusion
The Nike Vapor 12 tennis shoes, designed for speed, feature a narrow fit with secure midfoot containment, offering comfort for those with narrower feet and enhanced agility, though heel-to-toe transitions are less natural due to a rigid shank; the shoes are durable for their type, but individual fit preferences should be considered. Curious as to how these new shoes will perform for you? Order your pair online, or come by our store.
Are these shoes right for you?
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 is a tennis shoe that falls into the "Speed" category — read more about the various shoe types. For players prioritizing maximum stability, alternative shoe models might be a better choice.