PADDLE TENNIS WHICH ONES ARE BEST FOR YOU? SNEAKERSThe following are observations from an informal poll of 30 platform tennis pros, league players, and new-to-the-sport addicts. Photos are the sneakers in action from some of our respondents. ASICS GEL For anyone with plantar fasciitis or sore feet, these are the go-to brand. Resolutions 7 or 8 These are the easiest to switch back and forth from my platform tennis game to my tennis game. Challenger 12 It has a harder outer heel and good cushion. They seem to last longer than my other sneakers. Game 7 A comfortable court shoe with soles that appear to last longer and are good for a high arch. Zero break-in period, wide toe box, and no pain for flat feet. BABOLAT These have a higher cuff, offering ankle support for the active K SWISS blitzer. The classic brand to come back Propulse Rage I love them to. Our pros are fans, especially so much. They are the the cool blue color. most comfortable sneakers I have Ultrashot 2 Comfortable and yet ever worn and I have terrible feet. durable with a touch of style! SFX and SFX3 Good for wide feet and comfy. Propulse Fury Stiff but solid underfoot. I put cushion inserts in and they are now wonderful. 26 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 ❘ www.platformtennis.org PADDLE TENNIS NEW BALANCE Affordable and some of the lighter shoes on the market. Fresh Foam Lav They have great stability yet are still lightweight. I also like that they are a local company (Boston) and are supportive of tennis. SNEAKERSWHICH ONES ARE BEST FOR YOU? WC 996v3 They are lightweight for a quick first step off the deck. NIKE Recommended by pros on their feet all day. Air Zoom GP Turbo These shoes provide NIKE ZOOM VAPOR X CARPET extreme comfort for the rough surface that helps I ordered a pair of Nike Zoom Vapor X and mistakenly got the the knees and hips, especially when teaching. “carpet” version. They had no tread on the bottom, which was Air Zoom Vapor X This shoe fits well and concerning, but the traction was actually great. They held up maneuvers well for all of the cuts and footwork longer than any other shoes I’ve worn for paddle. I might be on needed to play paddle. to something here. SURE, OTHER COMPANIES MAKE PLATFORM TENNIS BALLS. WE MAKE THE #1 BALL IN THE GAME. THE PLAYERS’ CHOICE. EXTRA DUTY ADVANCED FLOCKING PROCESS PROMOTES PROVEN, LONGER WEAR AND PROVIDES THE PERFECT TEXTURE FOR MAXIMUM BALL SPIN AND CONTROL. HIGH-END, PROPRIETARY RUBBER COMPOUND ALLOWS FOR THE SOFTEST FEEL AND MOST CONSISTENT BOUNCE. n The Official Ball of the National Championships n The Official Ball of the Presidents’ Cup n The Official Ball of the Grand Prix Series The Official Paddle of the vikingathletics.com PLATFORM TENNIS MAGAZINE ❘ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 27 viking.BALLHalfPage.AD.indd 1 7/13/20 9:51 AM.