Cut corners like never before in the all-new NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes and styles, the Air Zoom GP Turbo has been a hands-on project from day one. The shoe has play-tested and proven all-year by Touring professional Frances Tiafoe.
First Impressions:
Designed with the objective of making fast players even faster, the Air Zoom GP Turbo weighs in at 16.2 ounces (size 10.5) and is featured in true-to-size and medium-snug width. Looking to build on the success of the Air Zoom Zero, NikeCourt succeed in providing an updated silhouette that addressed a few issues that were present with the Air Zoom Zero. First, the Air Zoom GP Turbo provided a substantial amount of support and padding at the heal portion of the shoe, compared with the Air Zoom Zero. The Air Zoom Zero—although comfortable—did not possess adequate support toward the heel and ankle portion of the foot. Second, the Air Zoom GP Turbo also excelled over the Air Zoom Zero in the comfort department. Sitting on double-stacked Zoom Air units, players will undoubtedly feel a more plush, responsive ride in the Air Zoom GP Turbo over the Air Zoom Zero.
Outsole:
Moving onto the outsole of this model, Nike added extra rubber to high-wear zones to ensure a more durable experience for those aggressive movers who like to slide on hard-courts. All in all, the durability of the Air Zoom GP Turbo was impressive, although it has to be said that competitive juniors who play 4-5 hours a day will likely blow through this shoe in 2-3 weeks.
Personally, I’ve used the Vapor family of shoes for the better part of the past 5-6 years. The low-to-ground-feel, coupled with the light-weight properties of the Vapor X are still the best NikeCourt sneaker on the market for me.
That said, there is definitely a place for the Air Zoom GP Turbo in the NikeCourt family. Where the Vapor X fulfills the match-day requirements for most players, and the Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is a great training shoe with durability in mind, the Air Zoom GP Turbo could be placed right in the middle as a slightly more durable offering than the Vapor X (not as light) and a more speed-friendly choice to the Zoom Vapor Cage 4 (although not as durable).
Playability:
Playability of the Air Zoom GP Turbo was comfortable with no break-in period required. Lateral and horizontal movement on court was achieved with ease, but it still did not have the same feel and support of a Vapor X. Nevertheless, the Air Zoom GP Turbo more than held its own on court and should gather quite the following in the coming months.
If you’re looking to try a fresh new tennis sneaker this summer, then the NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo should definitely be at the top of your list.
You can purchase the Nike Court Air Zoom GP Turbo at the following stores:
Nike: LINK
Tennis Giant (Canada): LINK
TennisWarehouse (USA): LINK
TennisWarehouse-Europe: LINK
What is so special about it for a price tag of $140? How is it different from the regular $55 shoes?
Hi Kiran,
Full air zoom under the heel will provide much better support and comfort. You will not get that in a $55 shoe.
Hi Nima,
I’ve been using the shoe for months now, but I always end up with blisters on my big toes. This is my first pair of tennis shoes as I’m a rookie, and I can’t help but wonder whether it is because of the extra lateral thickness. Do you know if this is specific to this shoe? I will add that the sizing is otherwise perfect.
Thanks,
B.
Hi Bobby,
Thanks for your note. Yes, these shoes are comfy but they are rather narrow so you could experience some blisters. Best thing to do is either wear two socks or change your socks so that they don’t damp while you play. That causes blisters as well. Thanks again and enjoy!