Comments: Very light, very breathable, close to ground feel, good heel cushioning. Lacks toe cushioning, is too flexible in the toe, the upper is very flexible and could be more supportive. I think this shoe is good, but not great. It's not as bad as some of the reviews claim, and not as good as some of the others claim. My experience of Nike shoes is these Vapor Xs and the Air Max Wildcards. The Vapor Xs are very light, very breathable, very low to the ground. Heel cushioning is good, toe cushioning is lacking. Compared to the Wildcards there is much more flex in the toe area of the sole, and this often hurts my big toe joint because I can bend in too much. The upper of the Vapor X is possibly a bit too flexible, it would be nice to have more support. When you first get the Vapor X, the sole grip seems overbuilt, as if they've put extra on there, so it will last longer as it wears away. This is a good idea, but initially before there is any wear the sole can be slippery in places, and occasionally you may slip unpredictably.
From: Tom, 3/29/20

Comments: I really don't understand the hate for these shoes aside from people who swear by the 9.5's. I didn't start getting legitimate tennis shoes for tennis until a couple years ago and these were the ones. I'm on my third pair now, almost completely wore through the first pair, and just wear them casually now, but the ones that I bought a year ago and wore the most are in great condition. People were also complaining about ankle support, but I have the weakest ankles of anyone I've ever met and have yet to come close to rolling an ankle in them. They're super comfortable to me, only complaint is the laces being short on the last two pairs I bought but they still work, just really small loops. If you haven't worn the predecessors to this show then you're fine, I'd recommend them any day.
From: Jake, 3/3/20

Comments: I do not normally post reviews, but on this occasion I feel I must. I am a champion of the Vapor X, and I can't believe how badly the majority of reviews seem to bash them. These are by far and away the best tennis shoes I have ever worn. They offer a very secure and comfortable fit to me, with a low to the ground feel and a real feel of the court, something most shoes don't offer me. They are super light and very fast feeling, which I prioritize. They are narrow, which I see could be a major problem for a lot of players, but this is something people should test in the shop. I think the majority of problems I am reading about come from people who are perhaps a little older than me, and some who have existing medical conditions/ or injuries, which I do not. For a young, aggressive mover I found these shoes to be a great. The only negatives I agree with are the cinching of the laces being difficult at first, and the laces being a bit on the short size. These shoes, as all shoes actually do, require a short break-in period. Nothing is perfect out the box. Mine took a session or two, but now fit like a glove, moulded to my foot. Having had three pairs of these shoes, the first only showing wear after a year of use, I think they are more durable than people suggest. I am a very aggressive move and toe dragger, but I am quite light, which might be the savior of the shoes in all honesty. I wore the 9.5s and prefer these in every way, lighter, faster, and softer for more comfort. They are also way more stable than Ubersonic 2s.
From: Rory, 2/17/20

Comments: Best tennis shoes I have ever worn, period.
From: Pete, 2/16/20

Comments: Absolutely amazing shoes for my game, thanks a lot.
From: Oleksii, 2/13/20

Comments: When I first tried Nike Zoom several years ago I thought I'd discovered the best shoe ever. Then with each passing year the quality and comfort level seemed to drop because of stiffer materials, cheaper lace beds and tongues, and more. This most recent incarnation was so painful to wear, pinching just above the big toe joint and rubbing blisters below, I had to return them. Could be my feet, but I'm skeptical of such a huge physiological shift over just a 5-10 year period.
From: Charles, 2/10/20

Comments: I bought these for my son at Christmas and he is very happy with them. He said they are very comfortable and look great.
From: Debbie, 1/17/20

Comments: Very nice tennis shoes. Comfortable since the first time that I've worn them.
From: Yoel, 1/17/20

Comments: Lacing system is not as good as as 9.5s. Traction is not great. Good if you want to slide, but not great for sudden movements. Preferred the Nike Tour 9.5.
From: Tim, 1/9/20

Comments: Love these shoes. Comfortable and great stability, really enjoy these.
From: Allen, 1/3/20

Comments: First time trying the Nike Zoom Vapor, and now I see why it's a favorite of many tour players. It's a pretty much all around great shoe. My only wish would be more padding under the tongue where it sits on top of the foot, of course this is something that two pairs of socks can fix. My favorite colorway are the violet and metallic ones. I have two pairs.
From: David, 1/3/20

Comments: Love the colorway and the technology, but fit continues to be too narrow for my foot. I used to be able to wear Vapors, but not anymore. Reluctantly returned them.
From: Scott, 12/28/19

Comments: Two months and damage on the left shoe, I don't recommend, these are still bad shoes. I paid over $100 and these are still bad in my opinion.
From: Miro, 11/24/19

Comments: This is my third pair of Vapor X shoes. I like them a lot. Before I switched from another brand, my foot slid within the shoe on hard stops, jamming my big toe and causing nail loss. Now, with the Vapor Zoom lacing system, I can practically clamp-down the entire shoe around my foot. No more bruised purple toes, and great on-court traction. Playing three times per week at a 3.5 level, these shoes will last me about 6 months until the sole wears through to hard rubber. They fit perfectly out of the box and have virtually no break-in period. They are to shoes what the Wilson Comfort is to overgrips. Reliable and highly functional.
From: Fred, 11/21/19

Comments: Bought these for my teenage son. He loves them. Says they're the most comfortable shoe he's ever played tennis in and he gets lots of compliments on the design and color. Will be buying the same exact shoe when this current pair wears out.
From: MaryAnna, 11/21/19

Comments: Great looking shoe that does fit like a glove, but the use of mesh taken too far lacks a real stability in the top of the foot and feels like a slipper that needs some stabilizing factor to give more support. Previous models that began using mesh had that factor up the side of the foot to the laces. This one does not and so after an hour and a half of singles play the feet feel tired, and the ankles feel stressed. All major brands now use mesh to lighten sneakers that makes sense, but this Nike needs more help and more top of the sneaker stability. I doubt the sneaker will last through this indoor season, it will become so worn that it will literally be a slipper. TW agreed to exchange the sneaker for store credit on another brand but I haven't decided whether trying something after years and years of great Nike fit for me is worth the effort.
From: Martin, 11/6/19

Comments: Love these shoes, everyone tells me how nice my shoes are. I love how it feels considering it's a male size 6.
From: Evangeline, 11/4/19

Comments: As a 9.5 wearer for many years I can honestly say this is one of the worst shoes Nike could have come up with. Here are just some of the issues. The lateral support is poor. I was constantly worried about rolling my ankle. The shoe does not have the cloud like comfort of the 9.5s. There was a harshness and lack of cushioning from the first day. I can't speak to durability as I donated the shoes to charity after the second day. A real waste of money.
From: Jeff, 9/16/19

Comments: Absolutely the worst shoe I've ever worn. The 9.5's were amazing. The X has zero ankle support, zero arch support, zero lateral support, the tongue keeps moving, gave me blisters on both my feet, my knees are killing me, and my ankles are swollen. There was so little padding between my foot and the courts, so much pain in my foot. I've worn them twice and they are ready for the rubbish bin. The quality seems to be half of what the 9.5's were. My hitting partner had the exact same experience.
From: Nik, 9/5/19

Comments: I have been wearing the Vapor 9.5 since 2014. I want to say that this shoe is extremely good. It is breathable, lightweight, and is a very responsive aggressive moving shoe. I know that the 9.5s were lacking in durability, but it's an improvement with these shoes. I can also slide quite easy with it.
From: John, 7/14/19

Comments: I love the Vapor X. I've worn the 9.5 extensively and a few pairs of the Cage 3s after switching from adidas. I now wear the Nike X and Wilson Rush Pro 2.5 for all of my practices and matches, and I have absolutely have no complaints with either shoe. The Wilsons are slightly more durable, but a little less ventilated. Both ofter plenty of cushion and support for hard courts. The Vapor Xs are so much better in my opinion than the 9.5s they replaced. The soles last me at least two months longer, and slide just a hair more, which I love. The two biggest issues I had with the 9.5 are now fixed. The plastic piece around the toe of the 9.5 was thick and stiff enough that it wore a hole through the mesh by my smallest toe. It's fine if shoes wear out over time, but they shouldn't self destruct. The sole rubber on the edge of the 9.5 heel would wear through in less than a week of playing because it was all of 2 millimeters thick to begin with. Toe rubber is important for drag, but the heel needs some rubber as well. I loved how the 9.5 played, but it was expensive for having the lifespan of a fruit fly. Both the X and the 9.5 fit me identically once the laces are adjusted. The Vapor X laces are, as many people have mentioned, a little trickier to adjust. The laces don't slide through the loops quite as easily straight out of the box, but they're exactly the same brilliant design as the 9.5, which allows a much more custom fit once you figure out the laces. The Vapor X is the lightest, fastest, most comfortable and ventilated tennis shoe I've ever played that still has a dose of durability in it. Definitely my favorite match shoe for warm weather.
From: RT, 7/6/19

Comments: Overall this is a pretty disappointing shoe. It does not break in as well as the 9.5s, is not as comfortable, and the laces don't tighten as well.
From: Edward, 6/6/19

Comments: I've been wearing the Zoom Vapor 9.5 for a long time. When the X came out, I bought two pairs. Since I still had some 9.5s stockpiled, I didn't bring out the X until yesterday. What a disappointment these shoes were. Like others have said, it feels very narrow and the laces are bad. Just wearing them around the house is giving my foot cramps.
From: Ed, 5/24/19

Comments: I started playing in a league again and the matches are relatively competitive, my current skill level is 3.5. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a nice pair of tennis shoes. The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is amazing, it completely solved my foot problems and they look great. Appearance doesn't necessarily matter, but it doesn't hurt either. These shoes are a quality product, the lacing system is customizable, and they cradle my foot in a way that no other athletic shoe ever has. If you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, you should consider the Vapor.
From: Patrick, 5/19/19

Comments: I have used Nike for a long time starting from the BF series to the latest Zoom Zero. They all are not great in durability, but the Vapor X is holding up better. No slide, pain, or twist with this version. If you want to pick something it will be shoelaces.
From: Ken, 5/13/19

Comments: As much as I want to like these shoes I really can't. The shoes take a toll on your feet after an hour or two. It can cause you plantar fasciitis, which it has on my right foot.
From: Ferris, 5/12/19

Comments: The cushioning is not great. I got huge blisters on the same spot of each foot. I gave it time to break in before playing a competitive set. Even then my feet were killing me.
From: Chris, 5/8/19

Comments: I wanted to love these shoes, the cosmetic is beautiful. However, these shoes hurt me from the moment I started playing. Just overall very uncomfortable foot pain.
From: Lior, 5/3/19

Comments: These shoes are nice and very comfortable. The weight is pretty good. Playing on hard surfaces is not recommended for these shoes, the sole lasts only for 3 months and now it is time to change them. Based on my game style, I will not buy them again due to durability.
From: Juan, 5/2/19

Comments: These shoes are really uncomfortable for me. I was surprised because most Nikes fit me really well and I've been playing in the Vapor 9.5 for years. The Vapor X hurt my feet so badly after the first time I played I thought I must have bruised my foot doing something else before playing. It was only after playing a few more times that I realized it must be the shoes. The main problem I think is that they feel very narrow around the mid-foot. Also the laces make no sense. It's like they tried to engineer laces that were as difficult to tighten as possible. Vapor 9.5 was my favorite tennis shoe of all time. Effortlessly comfortable, simple design, lightweight, and as comfortable as a classic sneaker. At first glance these just seemed like a natural evolution of the 9.5 but they're not, they're terrible tennis shoes.
From: Anonymous, 4/14/19

Comments: I really wanted to like these shoes. I'd read all the negative feedback and thought it was probably exaggerated. In my case it isn't. These shoes are so slippery and uncomfortable that I always choose to wear my old, almost completely worn out, pair of 9.5's. Even with a few years of wear and tear on them they still fit so much better than the X's and offer so much more support and comfort. I'd love some suggestions as to a better replacement for my 9.5's, anyone?
From: Darrell, 4/2/19

Comments: I have to say I agree with most others on here on how bad the Vapor X is. The pair I have now have been relegated to yard work, and it's a good thing I have a small yard because I can't wear these things more than an hour or so, they are so uncomfortable! Luckily I have a few pair of Vapor 9.5s that I rotate through. Hopefully they will last until something else comes out, or I'll be moving on from Nike.
From: Brett, 3/31/19

Comments: I love these shoes so much! I have to say that I hadn't bought a pair of legit tennis shoes until last year and I got the lava colorway Vapor X's. That being said, I didn't have anything to compare them to, aside from the running shoes I'd typically wear to play. Didn't have a single complaint with these, I'm on my second pair currently as I've started to coach and wanted a new pair. These ones were a bit tighter at first, I don't know why, but after hitting around for a couple hours for a couple days they're perfect. Highly recommend these shoes!
From: Jacob, 3/21/19

Comments: I've been a die hard Vapor fan for the past 6ish years. That is until the Vapor X. What did Nike do? I'm so disappointed. They kill my feet and knees. I just bought the Cage yesterday. I wish I could go back in time and buy 10 pairs of the 9.5 or earlier models.
From: Chris, 3/7/19

Comments: I keep trying to wear these when I play matches, but I always finish with foot pain and definitely find them less supportive than my old pair of 9.5s. Even though the soles of my last pair of 9.5s are worn to the bone, I still prefer wearing them. I hope Nike is reading all these reviews and listens to folks on here.
From: Jerry, 2/14/19

Comments: These are by far the most uncomfortable shoe I have ever worn. I have gone thru about 9 pairs of Vapors since the day they came out and have absolutely loved them. These shoes are causing me to have plantar fasciitis, I wear these everyday playing and coaching and it hurts to put my feet down in the morning. 100% will not be wearing again. Super disappointed. Bring back the 9.5s!
From: Megan, 2/12/19

Comments: I normally wear a 10 tennis shoe because I wear custom orthotics. I have had four previous pairs of Vapor X in size 10. I ordered this shoe also in size ten and have the following comments: A size 10 without my orthotic feels very snug and narrow through the toe box, and good and snug in the heal with no slippage. I think this shoe is slightly smaller so I have not been able to use my orthotics because they normally require a half size larger. The upper leather or whatever synthetic Nike uses is very stiff. That said, if you don't have a wide foot, order your normal size. If you wear a orthotic, order a half size large. Otherwise I really love the shoe, there was no break in required.
From: Jerry, 1/22/19

Comments: I have used the 9.5 for my entire tennis career then I switched to the Vapor X. There are some ups and downs. The ups are lightweight, pretty comfortable, and nice looking. One major downside is that you really have to break the shoes in to gain traction. I played with these shoes brand new in a tournament and I hurt my ankle really bad because of how slippery it is, but when I break them in, the traction is pretty good
From: Trinh, 1/5/19

Comments: After the discontinue of the Nike Air Vapor 9.5 Tour, all the current Nike shoes from last year are a disappointment in the sense of traction and the design looks rather cheap. The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is a horrendous shoe and seeing other people comment that I agree upon. Their quality shoe has dropped off significantly for the Vapors, in comparison of a few years ago. Is Nike going to make change of this design for something far more grippy like the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 5.
From: Michael, 1/3/19

Comments: I am very disappointed with this shoe. I got a pair of 9.5 which seem a little smaller than a standard 9.5 size. Good looking, expensive shoe that comes with a bad design and hurts my foot. I will stay away from this shoe.
From: Anonymous, 12/29/18

Comments: Everything is in comparison to the 9.5 which I have devoutly gone through many pairs. Smaller in fit about 1/2 size (I just played without socks in these because I only have thick socks for now), lighter, and lower to ground. The toe box is rigid but the midsole part of shoe is very flexible so there is some uneven pressure that takes getting used to (but not terribly bad to cause foot pain). Less traction than before so good for sliding if needed. The lacing system not as good. If it's an evolution, then it is becoming more of a running sneaker rather than tennis. Overall, I prefer the 9.5 to these which does feel smaller and lighter, but otherwise not better. It almost reminds be of the old adidas Ubersonic I used to wear before I went to the vapors.
From: JW, 12/16/18

Comments: Clay court.Pros: Very nice looking, good traction, light weight, good ventilation.Cons: Short laces, very tight around the feet, narrow and much stiffer than the previous model, adjusting the laces takes some effort.
From: Ernesto, 11/28/18

Comments: Very comfortable and nice looking shoe but the traction ruins it for me. I've only worn them a couple times, but had one moment on court where I slipped and I almost hurt myself very badly the last time I played. It's tempting to wear them for serious match play but my pair of Vapor's will now just be a practice shoe for me.
From: Andre, 11/6/18

Comments: Slippery, poor cushioning, poor support, toe jamming, lack of durability. All in all, not a good shoe.
From: Dale, 10/31/18

Comments: All in all a good shoe, but I found them to be very slippery.
From: Anonymous, 10/18/18

Comments: Not sure where all this criticism is coming from. But as always, to each his own. Personally, I really like this model, and I owned several pairs of the 9.5 before Nike decided to cancel that model. I only play on hard court, and here they work very well for me. Good traction, low to the ground (which I should state is a deal breaker for me personally), stable enough (again, considering how low to the ground they are), fast, light, and very comfy enough out of the box. Yes, the durability isn't great. But to be honest, I didn't find the durability that great in the 9.5 either (if one is to compare with models from Asics, Adidas Barricades, etc). So yes, all in all, I approve.
From: Joe, 10/18/18

Comments: The 9.5's were an excellent shoe with good support, cushioning, and traction. These are a terrible disappointment. They are poorly designed offering little support and poor cushioning. The 9.5's basically alleviated all of my foot and achilles problems. Playing with these has not only inflamed those issues, but has created other problems as well. This is really a case of design failure and marketing hype. I do not recommend these shoes to anyone, but I do recommend that Nike revive the 9.5's.
From: Jeffery, 10/13/18

Comments: These shoes look great, but are designed terribly. Not sure whether mine were defective or the norm but the insoles push your feet to a very unnatural position and I ended up aggravating my hamstring and calves because of it.
From: Anonymous, 10/1/18

Comments: Epic and comfy shoes. I wear an 11, with thick thorlo socks and they fit well. Have used them on clay, hard (which is where they excel) and no problems. After 3 months of playing 4 times a week they start to lose the cushioning and the treads on the bottom wear down. I found them to be more flexible and faster then the Vapor 9.5.
From: David, 9/4/18

Comments: I got several of these as a gift and I am sorry but they look cheap. I know they are trying to keep prices down but this is just not the way to go in my humble opinion. Maybe I will have to start looking at more expensive models. I will be looking for other options in the future. As far as comfort, not much, very close to the ground, I will need to put a high quality insole. Overall not happy...I am a weak 5.0 player( getting old), mostly singles.
From: Fernando, 8/16/18

Comments: I'm on court 8 hrs a day as a teaching pro. 35 years old been doing this since 15. This shoe gave me planter faciatis. I have worn all the vapors up until this point, this is by far the worst of them all. Too bad they don't make the 9.5 anymore. Will try another shoe. Don't recommend- but to each their own.
From: Stephen, 8/15/18

Comments: I don't know where all the bad reviews are coming from. I've had all the Vapors including the beloved 9.5s. These feel exactly the same to me after 2 days of casual wear to break in. No slipping or issues anywhere with this shoe.
From: Tom, 8/5/18

Comments: If people are asking if I can recommend the X, I would say no. I slipped twice while playing intense tennis in them. One of the times made me rolles my ankle really bad. I came from 9.5s and they weee the best shoes. So I would not recommend them.
From: Trinh, 7/16/18

Comments: Feels great, I like the support. However, it is made with very poor quality and durability. I put a hole in the mesh my 2nd time playing and already splitting on the front of the soles within 3 months of light use. Nike will not allow returns for this as it is considered normal "wear and tear." I have owned and worn this Vapor Line for the last 15 years without having this issue so soon.
From: Daniel, 7/2/18

Comments: I made the switch to Nike tennis shoes when the Vapor Tour 9.5s came out and never turned back. The 9.5s made playing tennis feel more comfortable than other shoes I'd been wearing in the past. They also felt very durable. When the most recent time came around to purchase a new pair of tennis shoes, the only option I had was to go with the X's. Before I ever even played in my Xs, I wore them out one day to break them in and noticed how much tighter they were around my feet. It was a challenge to even tie my shoes because the laces were so short. This prompted me to keep playing in my worn down 9.5s for the time being until I absolutely had to start playing in the Xs. For the last month I've been dealing with a multiple toe injury on my right foot, and it just so happens the toe pain began shortly after I started playing in my X's. I began noticing the pain after playing maybe half a dozen times. I'm sure it has to do with how tight the shoe feels around my feet. I gave the shoes the benefit of the doubt to see if they just needed to be broken in, but I've worn them enough now and nothing has improved. I'm disappointed Nike is no longer making the 9.5s. I would think the only major change that comes with releasing a new model shoe would be appearance, but sadly the Xs don't feel the same as the 9.5s in overall wearability. Not to mention, at the same time in buying my Vapor Xs, I bought a pair of Air Zoom Prestiges, and the Air Zoom Prestiges lasted me one match before they became unwearable. Until Nike can put something out that is comparable to the 9.5s I'm going to have to bring my business to another brand.
From: Chris, 7/1/18

Comments: I had several pairs of the 9.5s and never could gel with them. This shoe is softer and it really does fit like a glove. Better heel cushioning than the previous versions. This shoe is what it is, though. If you are looking for a cushioned shoe, look elsewhere. It is very fast, lightweight, rides low to the ground, but does not provide much shock absorption for hard courts. I will be using these primarily on har-tru courts.
From: N8, 5/18/18

Comments: Please bring back the Vapor 9.5, I have gone thru all the previous versions of this shoe and felt the 9.5 was perfect. I go through about 6 pairs of shoes per year, never had an issue with the 9.5s as they always felt great right out of the box. I've used the new Vapor X for about a dozen matches, I'm at the 4.5 level, they just don't fit well. I am constantly trying to adjust laces for tightness, tapping my heal back in an effort to find a sweet spot of comfort. They feel narrower and stiffer sometimes bothering my arch, other times discomfort in the toe area (ball of foot), I could go on but you get it, I'm disappointed that Nike took a step backwards with the Vapor X. I have been a loyal customer of Nike and believe in their products, I have one new pair of 9.5s in inventory and not sure what I'm going to do after that -- don't think I can get behind the Vapor X
From: Brian, 4/22/18

Comments: Really liked this shoe, I am coming from the Babolat Jet. I normally wear a 9.5 but I went up half a size to a 10. This worked pretty well for me but I have a narrow foot so you might want to try this on before hand. Speed felt great, support wasn't amazing but for a light shoe I thought it was good. Took about an hour to break in which I thought was pretty minimal. The show had a really locked in feal in the mid foot and heel but still had a roomy toe box. In terms of comfort the shoe was great, but for longer sessions, (3+hours) I think there could have been a little more fore foot cushioning. I don't know why people have been complaining about the traction, it felt fine to me but I never used the 9.5 so that might have been the reason. I have been wearing them for about 1.5 month for about 5 hours a week and I have seen few signs of wear. I am starting to play much more because of the warmer weather in my area so I will see how they hold up. Overall, a great shoe.
From: Lucas, 4/16/18

Comments: This is my first use of the Nike Air Vapor X. I own the 2018 Barricades and have wanted a lighter shoe. The shoe is more neon red than red which I actually like. It pops and I've had a few comments on how good it looks. The pros: The shoes don't need a break in period. I have wider feet and found it fits well immediately on wear. It feels like it has better ventilation compared to the Barricades and I think this is due to the tongue and the lace eyelets which allow a bit of air through to help with the breathability.The cons: I have issues with stability in the shoe. I've sprained my ankle taking a forehand on the forehand side as a righty yet sprained my left ankle. I've never sprained my ankle in the 18 years I've played. The bottom of the shoe doesn't grip the court as well. I've slipped three times in the two sessions I've played in this shoe. Compared to the 4 times I've played with the barricades on the same court. I do ask a lot out of the shoes with quick change of direction. I can slide in the Vapor X shoes but not in the Barricades.
From: Anonymous, 4/11/18

Comments: When I initially saw the shoe I thought it looked cheap and inferior to the 9.5 (which I loved). However I have to say this is a better performance-oriented shoe. The fit frame thing around the heel really keeps your foot firmly in place and the shoe feels really stable. The additional width on the outer part of the forefoot also gives better court stability than the predecessor.When I switch back to my 9.5 Tours now they feel like the inferior shoe. Hope they do a Flyknit version of this shoe as initial designs have been a little dull, that is my only major knock on the shoe.
From: Jim, 4/2/18

Comments: Disappointing compared to the 9.5 Wore through the fabric toe in 4 weeks. Sole is okay but upper materials are lower quality. Could also be in part that they are shorter. Bring back the 9.5s!
From: Elayne, 3/26/18

Comments: I've played with the X for almost two months, about 15 hours per week and I can say with confidence that this model is an absolute downgrade from the 9.5. The X is more narrow, much stiffer and significantly less comfortable and responsive than the previous iteration. It seems Nike intended to make the outsole more durable and used a sturdier material. In doing so they've made the shoes inflexible and harder on your feet. I've gone through dozens of pairs of the 9.5s but this will be my only pair of the X. I'm a 4.5 player, singles and doubles.
From: Matt, 2/20/18

Comments: I have several pairs of the previous Vapor 9.5 Tours. These definitely run a bit more narrow and are shorter. I'm a size 9.5 to 10 in the 9.5s and I got the 10s after reading the reviews. They are still a bit tight. You can probably go up a 1/2 to a full size to help the length and the width compared to former Nike models (Vapor 9.5s and Lunar Ballistecs).
From: Fred, 2/16/18

Comments: Update: After playing in these shoes for the better part of a month, I returned them and bought 10 pairs of the Vapor Tour 9.5s. For me, there's just no comparison. The previous version is just so much more comfortable, secure, grippy, and after 4 hours of play you get the same quickness as the new ones once broken in with no initial arch discomfort. The 9.5s are basically a perfect shoe. Maybe I'm a creature of habit, but I really wanted to love these new shoes and felt like I was overtly rooting for them. They look pretty cool, but that's where the love affair ends. When I put my old ones back on, it was so obvious which one was the flat out winner. Maybe they were too expensive to make, maybe Federer just wanted them a certain way, or maybe the lab showed something would be improved upon if tweaked, but make no mistake -- the X is a completely new shoe. So, take this for what it is. The X is fine, and we will all need to deal with them as they stopped making the 9.5s. But the magic is gone.
From: Light, 2/15/18

Comments: Nike has this incredible talent for taking an award winning product and making it worse. Unless you can get your hands on a wide version in an attractive colorway, I'd stay away from the Vapor X. In short, they just don't cut it. There is still a healthy supply of the outstanding Vapor 9.5s out there. Perhaps the best performing and most comfortable shoe I have ever come across.
From: Jeffrey, 2/12/18

Comments: Disappointed. The shoe looks great aesthetically, but has caused blistering with one of my feet after one week of wear. I'm not sure whether it's the cushioning as it appears they're going for a more locked-in feel with these but whatever they changed isn't agreeing with my feet. I felt like the fit was perfect with the 9.5s -- it's too bad they couldn't have maintained that same fit while updating the appearance of the shoe. I went with a half size up and they feel good through the toe box the tread design seems to grip and might wear better but I don't think I'll risk my feet getting more blisters. Looks like I'm going to have to stock up on 9.5s and hope Nike eventually changes the X.
From: Brandon, 2/11/18

Comments: They messed it up. The 9.5s had better quality to the fabric portions and the toe/insole rubber was softer and smaller. The X has that early 90s basketball mesh short material throughout and it looks and feels cheap. I've never before seen such difficult laces to either tighten or loosen, doesn't seem to make sense, but just a forewarning.
From: Thomas, 2/6/18

Comments: No doubt about it, these kicks are much tighter. If you get them and think that the wide version will be roomier you're right, but your feet may pay a price like mine did with blisters. Stick with regulars.
From: Timothy, 1/30/18

Comments: Like many 9.5 fans, I've held my breath for this iteration for several years. Did they disappoint? Slightly. Tour 9.5s are in my opinion, an A++ of a shoe, they balance comfort and weight perfectly. Like wearing a running shoe on the court, the first time I wore them it transformed my opinion of what a tennis shoe should be. These I give a solid B+/A-. They're not as soft and cushiony as the ones they replace, and not nearly as roomy, more like a cross over between the cage and the 9.5's, but they are quicker and lighter out of the gate. There is definitely a break in period. Your arch will be sore the first couple times you play in them, it's significantly sharper than the 9.5s, but then it's fine and you will become accustomed to them with no issues. Adjusting the laces takes some effort compared to 9.5's, they're much much tighter to loosen and configure to your liking. The thinking might be to give you more of a locked-in feel -- which is certainly accomplished -- but for me they, just feel a bit too claustrophobic and are not easy to hang out in after a match. Super snug, maybe go a half size up or try the wide version to remedy this. Comfort aside, you will be more nimble on the court in these, so from that perspective alone they are probably worth the upgrade and where the technology kicks in. The sole is thinner so your cuts will be sharper and you will get to balls earlier, but again, at the sacrifice of comfort. I have noticed some extra sliding on my side-to-side movement, they don't seem to grip laterally as much as the 9.5's, but they're a tad quicker so it makes up for it in the long term. After the match my feet and achilles don't feel as cared for as they did in the 9/5's, but they are still a comfortable-ish shoe. Wear seems above average after 8 hours of play, so they get the nod there as well over their predecessors. So this was a mixed bag for me. I appreciated the little extra speed I had in then, but the comfort is significantly lower than the 9.5's so I'm at a crossroads. Would I buy these or a new pair of 9.5s? Jury's still out. But am going to buy some 9.5s to stock up, just in case they discontinue them.
From: Light, 1/15/18

Comments: I just received a pair of these in size 9.5 I also got a pair of the blue Nike Air Zoom 9.5 alao in size 9.5, which is my usual size in almost every shoe made. I have a narrow heal and average front foot. As for fior fit the X seems to run a half size small and is slightly narrower than the Vapor 9.5 I have worn the two around the house for a short while and will be returning both and ordering size 10. Sadly, Nike can't seem to get their sizing correct. Last year I ordered several pair of the Vapor like Federer wore and loved them once I got the right size (had to order a half size smaller). The soles of the X look great for both hard and clay court play. My suggestion is in doubt order a 1/2 size larger. Definitely do so if you wear custom orthotics.
From: Jerry, 1/11/18

Comments: Coming from Vapor 9.5, my initial reaction is disappointment with the Vapor X. Why did Nike decide to narrow the shoe? I am 28 years old and have worn Nike Vapor for the last 10 years in size 9.5 and the beauty of the shoe was each iteration was nearly identical in fit. The shoe has definitely improved from its early days of Federer wearing at the Australian Open each year, however the X is so narrow that I couldn't even walk around my house in them. If you're looking for the same fit as the Vapor 9.5, I would recommend the Vapor X Wide. The wide version arrived today and the fit is much better, however we are limited to only the plain white shoe. The main differences in the X from the 9.5 is the outsole, there is definitely more material in high wear areas. Aside from the outside, the differences are minimal. Would like to see Nike reconsider its width decision with the Vapor 11 if we ever see it. In the meantime, more colorways would be appreciated for Vapor X Wide.
From: John, 1/11/18

Comments: These shoes seem similar to the Vapor 9.5 except for the arch area. In fact, just from walking around my kitchen I knew these shoes would cause a blister if I were to play tennis. So I returned them and now I am waiting for the wide version to arrive.
From: SpinTop, 1/6/18

Comments: Got my new Xs last week and I'm all in. It's always tough to switch to a new generation of a shoe but props to Nike for getting this one right. The shoe feels much faster but almost just as stable as the 9.5. They're even a little easier to slide with on an indoor hard court. No big signs of wear after about 10 hours of play. Not as technologically advanced as the 9.5 but they struck a nice balance of feel and fit. The X is def narrower but I'm playing in the same size. If your 9.5 was narrow or snug in the toe box go up a half size. Can't wait for the new colors!
From: Matt, 1/5/18

Comments: Arrived Friday; put them on -- they are even more cushiony than 9/9.5s. And significantly lighter. But they are snugger. The toe is not as 'long' -- it is more rounded and definitely snugger in the arch area. Some may want to go up 1/2 size -- or try the wide variant. Like the styling, they have a high tech look. Wore them out for a short walk to break them in, but as Madison Keys said -- it's not necessary, they're ready to go out of the box. Got on court Saturday; felt great. The new sole design really gives grip, even at daybreak when the hard courts are a little moist. The rubber bottom felt harder, so I'm optimistic they'll last. And the lightness is really obvious once you start going side to side -- like playing in socks. We'll see if I can get 6+ weeks of life (what I get out of 9.5s), if so, another winner for Nike.
From: Mark, 1/1/18

Comments: Returned my size 10 after wearing them in my home for just a few minutes. The forefoot is similar to the 9.5 however the arch area is snugger, and the lacing system is kind of funky -- open in the front, narrow in the arch area, and open again near the ankle. They are light but overall, not as nice a fit as the 9.5 in my opinion.
From: Brian, 12/31/17

Comments: I tried these on today at the local tennis store. Comparing these to the 9.5's:Pros - They're much lighter than the previous generation (not quite as lite as the zoom ultras but noticeable). The sizes also run the same as the 9.5's length-wise.Cons - Much narrower this time around causing a tighter fit. My recommendation would be to purchase the 'wide' version of the shoe as it's closer to the 9.5's.Can't speak to durability yet, as I haven't worn them on the court but I'll buy the wide version when the red / black colorway is available for it.
From: Phil,12/26/17