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Wilson has launched an explosive tennis shoe designed for rock solid stability, speed and energy return. The Rush Tour 5 is the latest shoe in the range and is a continuation of the premium high performance tennis legacy of its predecessors. The Rush tennis shoe range is premium designed and all about comfort and performance.
Recently I tried the predecessor, the Rush Pro 4.5. I remarked the following,
‘These Wilson Rush Pro 4.5 require no break in time whatsoever. You can put them on first time and feel the comfort. It’s remarkable for a tennis shoe that its chassis is supple enough to put on and play without a break in period. These shoes are comfortable straight out of the box. The soft materials really make a massive difference to how the shoes feel.’
Even nearly two years down the line, my Rush Pro 4.5 are still hugely comfortable and show very little signs of wear and tear. Of course there is some sign of abrasion on the drag pads on the inside of the foot and the upper is a little scuffed. The shoe has still maintained its structural integrity, it supports my foot and it has proved a very sound investment for me.
Not just a new colourway
There can be a lethargy towards tennis footwear releases as they can be given cosmetic updates, normally with a change in colour for a particular series of tennis tournaments and badged us as a new product. This cannot be further from the truth with these tennis shoes. The shoe has been designed from the floor up with several enhancements which set it apart from its predecessors and make it worthy of a new model.
This shoe, the Rush 5, is available in 3 options. The Tour 5, Pro 5 and Lite 5 versions. This is a shoe to suit all budgets. I have been playing with these shoes for a month now, on varying surfaces and in different weather conditions. What’s new?
Wilson Rush 5 Technology
What makes this more than just a cosmetic upgrade is the new technology in the shoe. The headline grabbing feature is the carbon insole which is designed for maximum energy return. Carbon running shoes have revolutionised speed and records, ensuring runners don’t lose any energy in each stride. The Carbon insole returns the energy back into the foot and you feel the bounce from the shoe. This is first for a tennis shoe to feature a carbon insole. Wilson is pioneering in this regard.
The chassis of the shoe is covered with a gamma weave mesh upper. This is a multilayered mesh, it feels quite lightweight and pliable. Although impossible to tell during an Irish spring, I imagine this material would be very breathable on a warm summer day. The new Rush Tour contains the FORTYFIVE technology to allow natural foot flexion.
Speed Carbon Fibre Insoles.
The carbon insoles create a unique and quite addictive feeling. There is a real bounce in every step. Having used carbon running shoes before, the feeling is similar but the padded tennis shoes give a much more premium feel.
As I moved across the baseline from forehand to backhand I definitely felt the unique carbon insole of the Rush Tour 5. To really feel the energy return however, chasing down a short ball at the net is where this shoe shines and sets itself apart. The spring in every step is just class. The liveliness of the shoe really enhances my footwork and it feels like I am lighter on my feet than normal.
Aesthetically stunning
The Rush Tour is available in a huge 7 different colourways. There is bound to be a colour for every taste. I trialled the version white, bay and fiery coral. This is predominantly a white shoe which would not be my colour of choice as I play outdoors all year around and white shoes pick up all the dirt and grime from the court. They look great on grass courts no doubt.
I can only say that these are beautiful looking shoes. I love the green glow in the dark type band on the outside of the shoe. The navy blue accents really add a dash of class and of course the W is instantly recognizable.
Support, cushioning and fit
The Rush Tour 5 is a hugely comfortable shoe, it fits like a glove and the insole and ankle support provide high levels of comfort. With such comfort it’s not surprising to hear that these shoes are not super light. I guess they don’t have to be. The heel collar is quite high around my ankle and provides super support, more so than much current tennis shoe of choice, the Solution Speed FF3.
On astro turf tennis courts, these shoes provided great grip and traction, especially when changing direction. Unfortunately, I had a few instances on rubber courts in which a foot slipped. In the grand scheme of things, it was nothing to worry about, just a little annoying and knocked my confidence.
Durability
I haven’t had these shoes for even a month and I had best circle back within six months to comment on durability. The build quality feels extremely high and using the Rush Pro 4.5 as a recent precedent I would expect a similar life span on the Tour 5. By making an investment in these shoes, they will support you and your game.
I have no doubt they are built to last, but I’ll be sure to provide an update once I’ve put a full season’s worth of sliding and pivoting through them
One thing I should point out though is the carbon insole is super durable but, in carbon running shoes, carbon-plated models are often built for racing rather than daily mileage, but only time will tell how this translates to the lateral demands of tennis.What will be the case for the Rush Tour 5?
A first for tennis shoes.
The carbon insole is a very first for tennis shoes. Wilson is innovative and leads the pack in this regard. No doubt many other tennis shoe manufacturers will follow in due course.
Quite simply, this unique product carries a premium price tag but it is certainly not much more expensive than a pair of Court FF3 or Nike Vapor 9. Players with aggressive footwork who cover the court and really put themselves about the court will like the support, unique carbon sole and the plush support provided by this shoe.