GEAR GUIDE

By Cory Sekine-Pettite

As the summer ALTA season begins, make sure your equipment is in top form. Should you need any new clothes, shoes, racquets, or strings, our 2023 Gear Guide has you covered. So, get out there. Play fairly. And remember to have fun!

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The NEW Prince Phantom 1 has a retro style with technologies built-in to provide the support and stability needed for aggressive movers. Players love the mid cut which delivers a supportive fit with plush padding around the ankle. The low-to-the-court ride keeps you feeling light on your toes. The toe-box is designed for extra stability on quick changes of direction, while the X-Light Endurance rubber compound provides superb traction on a variety of surfaces. tennis-warehouse.com

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Wave Exceed Light AC

Designed for the active player, the Wave Exceed Light takes lightweight cushioning to another level. Whether your game is tennis or pickleball, you can stay on court all day long as the Wave Exceed Light is one of the lightest shoes on the market. MIZUNO ENERZY is utilized in the heel, allowing for an extremely high level of energy return and responsiveness from the first serve to the final point. A new forefoot design provides a relaxed, wider fit while the X10 outsole supplies added durability. The total result is a luxurious, yet lightning-fast shoe created for all-day play. MizunoUSA.com

The Axilus 2 Energized is FILA’s premium lightweight performance tennis shoe, and one of the brand’s most popular performance shoes to date. The shoe offers a lightness and responsiveness that allows for optimal agility on the court, with a protective, molded forefoot cage that offers abrasion resistance, stability and an overall maximum comfort fit for all players. fila.com/tennis

8 K-Swiss Ultrashot 3

The Ultrashot 3 is built for competitive, aggressive, and powerful tennis players who demand a shoe with the highest level of performance. The Ultrashot 3 offers maximum energy return with Surge 7.0 midsole technology; stability from the 360 Plantar Chassis; and Dragguard 7.0 for durability. Comes with a 6-Month Outsole Guarantee. Worn by ATP and WTA professional athletes. kswiss.com

9 Mizuno Wave Enforce Tour AC

Designed for the advanced player, the allnew Wave Enforce Tour AC is the ideal shoe for powerful competitors who love to dictate points from the baseline. Equipped with MIZUNO ENERZY throughout the footbed, the Enforce Tour provides highenergy return and plush cushioning for quick transitions without added weight. The DuRubber outrigger outsole supports forceful rotational movement, maximizing stroke power and footwork stability, and works in conjunction with a unique upper blend of TPU and mesh to produce a professional level of durability. The proprietary Dyna-Heel Lock system improves the fit and alignment of the ankle and heel, further enhancing stability and maneuverability. Includes a 6-month warranty. MizunoUSA.com

10 Wilson Rush Pro Ace

The most generous fit in the popular Rush Pro line, the Rush Pro Ace earns high grades for tennis players with a strong preference for comfort on the court. Highlighted by its wider toe box to accommodate wider feet, this shoe also helps stabilize the foot through its 4D Support Chassis: a symmetrical heel-toe chassis that limits supination to help control pivot movements. Layered with Sensifeel on the upper for additional breathability, the Rush Pro Ace delivers an appealing blend of comfort, stability, and aesthetic for supreme confidence with every step. wilson.com

11 Yonex SONICAGE PLUS

The Yonex SONICAGE PLUS is engineered for recreational and intermediate players looking for a super-wide (4.5E) shoe. This unisex allcourt shoe features a seamless tongue, TPU Shank, and Flexquip durable skin to provide maximum comfort and stability. Additionally, signature POWER CUSHION + technology is incorporated for increased shock absorption and repulsion. yonex.com/us

12 Babolat Propulse Fury Men

The New Propulse Fury has been reinvented while remaining true to its DNA. The Powerbelt strap wraps around the midfoot and offers exceptional lateral support. Situated between the midsole and the Powerbelt, this reinforcement piece increases lateral support and anchors you to the ground for increased stability. This is the only shoe in the Babolat range offering a 6-month outsole warranty. babolat.com

13 Diadora B.ICON

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Diadora’s premium performance shoe, the Speed B.Icon 2, gets updated with some slight changes to the upper for durability. Taking the midsole super foam DD Anima from their premium running shoes and infusing it into the B.Icon, you’ll find great shock absorption, while also being extremely light and responsive. The D-Skin upper material hugs the foot uniformly to help maximize the support, and to reduce stress on pressure points. An outer hook on the lateral side of the shoe is connected to the lacing system, which helps to lock-in the heels, and boost support around the ankles. Available in both all court and clay outsoles. diadora.com

14 K-Swiss

SpeedTrac

The SpeedTrac is the next-generation tennis shoe designed for quickness and movement around the court. The new 180 PSC design for lightweight midfoot support incorporated with a new outsole pattern provides maximum speed around the court. kswiss.com

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Mizuno Wave Exceed

Tour

5 Ac

Faster, lighter and more flexible than before, the all-new Wave Exceed Tour 5 AC is designed for the advanced tennis or pickleball player looking for the utmost in explosive on-court performance. MIZUNO ENERZY, is integrated in the midsole at the forefoot and throughout the sockliner to deliver quicker turns, starts and stops for optimum performance and ultimate energy return. An all-new “bootie” construction and a remodeled 3D-SOLID upper design offer greater flexibility and comfort, allowing the foot to truly integrate with the shoe no matter how intense the movements. MIZUNO WAVE Technology increases ankle stability and shock re-distribution while the DuRubber outsole provides the durability and longevity top players demand. Includes a 6-month warranty. MizunoUSA.com