The adidas Barricade, 25 years in the making, is a popular Adidas tennis shoe and now returns with its 14th version. This time it’s not a mild update, it’s a proper reboot. The Adidas Barricade 14 is lighter, quicker and generally more aligned with today’s explosive, direction-changing tennis.
What’s New?
The Barricade 14 introduces lighttraxion for the first time in the line. It’s a running-inspired outsole compound and tread pattern designed to provide strong traction and durability while cutting down weight compared to previous Barricades. We also found good breathability through the bottom of the outsole.
The midsole now uses a dual-density setup. The forefoot features lightstrike pro foam, giving the shoe more energy return and pop during quick accelerations and sharp directional changes. The heel still uses repititor foam to soften landings and absorb heavy impacts during serves and abrupt stops.
There are also some updates to the shoe’s fit and stability platform that improves midfoot support and adds some toe-spring for a more dynamic position when playing. The padded tongue and collar, along with a lighter, reworked chassis that keeps the famour Barricade “claw,” help provide a locked-in heel.
A cleaner look
Based on what we’ve seen so far, the shoe is noticeably cleaner, with a weight reduction, and less bulky than recent versions. Past Barricades could feel tank-like; this one moves toward a more streamlined, modern feel without abandoning the basics.
It’s still very much a stability-oriented shoe. It isn’t trying to compete with ultra-light speed models, but rather to combine the old Barricade solidity with improved comfort and responsiveness. Expect a stable, secure ride with some more agility than before.
Who is it for?
The Barricade 14 is aimed at players who live on baseline exchanges, who slide into their shots, and who value support and control over pure lightness and speed.
If you prefer a super-light speed model we would rather recommend the Ubersonic 5.
What’s Changed on the Barricade 14 model?
The biggest improvements is surely the reduced weight, compared to earlier versions (read our review on the Adidas Barricade 13.). We also noticed the added responsiveness and energy from the Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot and the more comfortable heel cushioning.
What remains true to the Barricade identity is the high level of lateral stability. The claw-like chassis and tougher upper materials are still there, making it a reliable option for players who put a lot of stress on their shoes.
Even though the shoe is lighter, it’s not in the featherweight category. Players used to fast-feeling speed shoes may still consider this one on the heavier side. As with all new outsole compounds, hard-court durability will need testing over several training hours.
The Barricade 14 feels like a good return to form. With enhanced durability and improved sliding, it’s still quite quick but stable and doesn’t need much break-in time.
Find the new Barricade models, both in clay and AC versions, over at our partners Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada) and Tennis Warehouse Europe (use code TNERD10 for a 10% discount)