Comments: This is an extremely strong shoe with narrow cut. I have a narrow fit and this is my shoe. This is serious tennis equipment. It feels like part of my body. I will buy again.
From: Louis, 9/11

Comments: This is the best Nike tennis shoe issued since I can remember. The quality of the Court Ballistec's doesn't even come close to this shoe. It is comfortable, stable, breathable, and durable.
From: Mauricio, 8/11

Comments: This is a great shoe overall. I got about three months of solid wear out of one pair and I train at a US academy. The only problem was once they fell apart they were done! The hole sole came off the bottom when I ran for a drop shot, but overall good shoes that lasted longer then most.
From: Ladislav. 08/11

Comments: First of all, these shoes look great. I got lots of compliments on how cool they look. However, they take forever to break in. After wearing them around the house and to school for the first week, they were still giving me blisters on the court. I have never had this problem with a pair of shoes before. After they were fully broke in however, they felt great. The only other problem with them was the durability. I've had them for less than a month now and am sending them back. Good thing they have a 6 month warranty!
From: Scott. 5/11

Comments: Shoes were great, comfortable, and I never slipped. But the soles were worn down within a month. Not durable at all.
From: Jeff, WA, USA. 4/11

Comments: These shoes are pretty good, although they hurt my little toe. They have great durability and very good suport. They aren't that heavy and they are easy to move around in. They look awesome. Over all these are great shoes. If they are a little tight, don't wear thick socks.
From: Anon. 4/11

Comments: I like the early Breathe Cage shoes (the ones with the green cage), probably the best tennis shoes I've ever owned, but this version the Breathe Cage II is heavy and clunky. Would not recommend.
From: Ray, Washington, DC, USA . 4/11

Comments: Great shoe but my sole actually started to detach itself from the shoe...made for a very annoying squeaking sound you heard when you walked around in them. Played a lot of hours in them on hard courts and the only problem was that.
From: Sam, Windermere, FL, USA, 03/11

Comments: I've been trying to make these shoes work for several months now, but they are simply too painful to wear. The durability is definitely there, but it's not worth sacrificing comfort. I kept thinking they just weren't broken in yet, but they are now and they are still stiff and unforgiving. Made a bad purchase.
From: Andrew, NC, USA, 03/11

Comments: This shoe is awesome. Feels great and looks kinda nice. Needs longer laces and more colors. Otherwise, this is an awesome shoe
From: Kobe, Bronx, NY, USA, 02/11

Comments: Break these in before you play, definitely! However, this shoe does have more cushioning on the bottom than the courtballistec, and just like the name says, the "cage" parts are extremely thin. Great for losing heat, but it's thick and heavy - not the fastest shoe Nike has ever made.
From: Devin, Pa, USA, 02/11

Comments: These are great shoes, when I first tried them out in a store they were too narrow, but after buying some on sale and stretching them how you see Nadal does to his shoes they fit perfectly. Nice low to the ground feel and I feel more stable than when I play in my Barricades 6.
From: Pat, CA, 12/10

Comments: I got another pair of these shoes. I do wish they would add more colors, but they may not be making any more of these shoes. I hope not. These are some pretty great shoes.
From: Ian, San Diego, CA. 10/10

Comments: These shoes are awesome. I usually play with Lotto shoes but they were out of my size. So I ordered these shoes based on the feedback people were leaving. It fits true to size, is amazingly comfortable, has great traction, and is very stable. The only thing I don't care for is that they are a "boot" shoe meaning the tongue will not move at all. Get these shoes, you will not regret it. If you do, send them to me and I will be glad to wear them.
From: Thomas, Lincoln, NE, 10/10

Comments: WOW the shoes are amazing. Nike makes the best shoes in the world. But they need to get more colors, and have Nike ID for tennis shoes. The only bad thing about the shoes was that they have super short shoelaces, and need to be broken in.
From: Rick, TX, USA, 10/10

Comments: I got these shoes for at the Nike Factory Store and these are one of the best tennis shoes I've ever worn. I like the max-air comfort and the breathability of the shoes. They're fairly light and easy to run around in.
From: Harold, Nokesville, VA, USA, 08/10

Comments: This is an excellent shoe. It's very comfortable, stable, durable, and good styling. The only complaints are the short laces it comes with. I cannot use the last string holes with the laces.
From: SSC, Seattle, WA USA. 07/10

Comments: Overall, this tennis shoes is fine. They have excellent durability, stability, and traction. Nevertheless, it took me about 2 or 3 months to break them in. Definitely NOT recommended for wide feet. They hurt your little toe badly.
From: Federico, 07/10

Comments: I've always been a Nike fan, but this shoe is the best shoe I've ever had. They are very durable, comfortable, and the sweetest looking shoe ever. I love them, and will keep buying them.
From: Anthony, Albany, OR, United States. 7/10

Comments: This was my first Nike's in a while and let me say I'm sticking with them for life. These felt great, looked cool, and very good grip on hard courts. Easy to change directions. Only one problem. THEY WON'T BREAK! Haha I've had these shoes for 5 months and I just barely got the warranty. Great shoe. I highly suggest them.
From: Anon. 07/10

Comments: These shoes did not work well for me at all. I bought them because I wanted a good reliable pair of shoes since I play every day, but they are really uncomfortable and stiff and hurt my feet. I've had them for 2 months and still do not feel broken in.
From: Ariel, Bronx, NY, USA. 6/10

Comments: Pro's: looks good and sturdy! Con's: they gave me blisters, hurt my feet, and took forever to break in! I like the Nike air max court ballistics 2.3 better; they're more comfortable, don't hurt my feet, and they look awesome!
From: Nick Jacobs, Bakersfield, CA, USA 06/10
NTRP Rating: 4.5

Comments: If you are looking for a very sturdy durable shoe, then these are the shoes to buy! The afternoon I bought them, I played in a tournament and required virtually no break in. I have had these shoes for a year now, and only now has the out sole been completely worn off. If you are a toe dragger, these shoes are for you! The only slight downside is mobility: they are quite heavy shoes, but in time you will get used to them and will still be moving quick around the court. If you go through shoes very quickly, I recommend these shoes! Great shoes for your money.
From: Mark, 05/10

Comments: I have had these shoes for about 3 months and they are outstanding. They have great durability, great fit, and great support. They did not take a long time to break in. I would recommend this shoe.
From: Josh, Plainview, NY, USA. 5/10

Comments: Over the past 3 years, I've worn nothing but Adidas, Asics and New Balance, I was a bit hesitant to try any Nike shoe since I'm not a huge fan of how Nike's work for me, but let me tell you, I absolutely love this shoe. They broke in almost immediately, similar to Asics and NB, but they have much more cushion, in my opinion. I've only worn them 4 times but I like them better and better each time. They don't feel sluggish and the seem to be very stable laterally. I think the traction is above average as well. I had the NB 1004 recently, and I seemed to slip quite a bit in those, don't have that problem with the Breath Cage II. Highly recommended.
From: Todd, Atlanta, GA, US. 5/10

Comments: These shoes are true to size, feel great right out of the box and are very durable. I have a medium foot with a narrow heel and the shoes are great. I currently have two pairs I have been wearing for about 3-4 months and have just place an order for another pair. Great shoes, I highly recommend them.
From: Jerry, Ocala, Fl. 4/10

Comments: Length true to size. Heel area is snug. Toe box is narrow/medium (these won't fit a wide foot). Slightly heavier shoe but not overly so. Sock liner instead of tongue is nice. Break-in required. The shoe never really feels completely broken in. Fore-foot cushioning minimal. Heel cushioning good. Lateral stability excellent. Traction OK, but not great. Heat dispersion (ventilation) not good. I don't normally buy any Nike product because they are always over priced and of no better quality than the other high end sports products. Tried these anyway. Not among the most comfortable shoes to wear on court. I care about durability and lateral stability. So for me these are good shoes.
From: Jethro, SC. 4/10

Comments: I purchased a pair of these shoes and they felt stable and comfortable right out of the box. After about a week I ordered a second pair to allow one to always be dry and in case Nike stopped making them. They are very comfortable and true to size. I have a fairly narrow foot; they are snug but not too tight. The toe box is a little wider than the "Breath," which I find too tight. I play three to four days a week for 2-3 hours on clay, they have held up well. I am on the page ordering a new pair today.
From: Jerry, Ocala, Fl, USA. 03/10

Comments: This shoe looks and feels amazing. It feels like there is a lot of padding behind the heel area. The only problem, and the biggest problem, that I found is how long the shoe lasted. Overall the shoe lasted exactly 1 month and 4 days. I do have practice about 5 days a week but still... I would get this shoe again if I were going to only play on clay or once a week, but for the player who is going to play more than that, I would pass.
From: Dan, South Carolina 03/10

Comments: Great shoes. They do require some break in however. Overall I really like how they feel and they hold up longer than most any other tennis shoe.
From: Heath, Nashville, TN 02/10

Comments: These shoes look really great and durable! My size was 10 from running shoes, and I took chance and ordered the same. Fits perfect, no doubts. Tomorrow will be the first time on court with these shoes, will see. Anyway, the quality seems to be outstanding.
From: Takhir, 12/09

Comments: Cliff notes: great for people with narrow feet. As a size thirteen length with narrow feet, shoes I buy are frequently too spacious around the middle, allowing the tongue to slip to one side or the other. The Breathe Cage doesn't have a tongue in the normal sense, but rather the lining that pad's the heel area extends down where a normal tongue would be, creating a cushy and slip-free tongue. Right out of the box, I felt the court well and didn't experience any discomfort as I put the shoes through a considerable amount of running.
From: Erik, Las Vegas, NV, USA. 11/09

Comments: Extra durable shoe but it isn't the greatest outsole or the greatest comfort. Definite your shoe if you sweat a lot but not your shoe it you have a wide foot
From: Alvin, Chicago, IL 10/09

Comments: It took a few days for me to break these in but since they have been extremely comfortable. They have a great look to them and fit snug (I have a narrow foot.) They have decent cushioning. A few negatives, first off the Nike swoosh in the inside of my left foot has ripped off. A couple other kids on my high school team have these same shoes and have the same problem with all of the four swoosh's on the shoe. The durability is by no means bad, they lasted me about one tennis season (3-4 months) but by the end of the month the tread on the bottom of the shoes, particularly under the balls of my feet, has dissipated and in one spot worn all the way through the bottom of the shoe. Some minor wear and tear in other places but nothing major. Final note, although this shoe has been above average for me. I am switching over to the Vapor's for the next few months to see if I prefer them. Hopefully by season in March I will know for sure which of these two shoes to wear.
From: Ben, Wichita, Kansas 10/09

Comments: I am a previous user of Breathe Free II and also the Breathe Cage as well as the Barricade V. I decided to give this shoe a try and was very disappointed with them. As compared to the original Cage they are not nearly as comfortable nor do they perform or hold up as well as the original cages. They are less durable like the Breathe Free's but much less comfortable. I have to say that of the current shoes on the market that I've tried the Barricade V are a much more comfortable, better performing shoe. I'm a 4.0 player that plays league, tourneys, and about 4 days a week. I love Nike most of the time but these are just not a good fit for me.
From: Brian, Denver, CO USA 09/09

Comments: I have had these shoes for three months and they are great!!! Best shoe I have ever had. I play 5 times a week and play many tournaments and they made it through playing easily. my old shoe was the barricades they were good but not as good as these. these are 10 times more comfortable. I highly recommend them!
From: Tulsa, OK 09/09

Comments: I have an NTRP of 4.0 and I play heavy on weekends, but daily on summer, up to 14 hrs/wk. These shoes are fashionable and comfy out of the box. At first, you feel it is tight, but as you play on (Clay) you feel adjusting the laces even more, and there's room in the toe box. However, after tennis, your feet sweat so much. I'd recommend the Barricade IV in terms of toe room, durability and comfort level though. I have wide feet, so Nike was a hit or miss for me, especially that I bought .5 to 1 size smaller, being the last pair and on sale.
From: Charlene, 09/09

Comments: I'm in this shoe, about 60 hrs a week. I teach, play, practice and string in it. I switched from a line I really loved (Wilson) after years of left knee tendinitis, and the Breathe Cage 2s have definitely made the difference! Goodbye to yards and yards of pre-wrap and tape! The collar does ride a little high, but otherwise, break-in is pretty pain-free. It's a substantial shoe for competition but also extremely comfortable. I'm on my 5th pair, and hope Nike ONLY changes the colorways and leave this one: as is.
From: Jim, Peoria, IL. 9/09

Comments: These shoes are AMAZING!! After going through like a year of choosing shoes... I like these the most! I purchased the white and red ones and they are light and they are just perfect.
From: Nick, Granite Bay, CA. 9/09

Comments: This shoe rides way too high. Every time I have to stop or change direction quickly I almost roll my ankle. I played one season in them and I already have a hole in the bottom of them. I will not buy this shoe again. I do play on hard courts almost every time I play (two times per week), so most shoes wear quickly for me. I'll go back to Prince shoes, but to each his own.
From: Jon P., Woodstock, GA. The United States of America 08/09

Comments: I have worn Nike shoes most of my adult life. Up until now, I have had a hard time finding a shoe that works well for me. This shoe is one of the lightest shoes available; plenty light to play in. I play mostly clay court and the shoe is very stable, has good traction but will slide well when needed. The toe box is perfect for me, I have a medium foot with a narrow heal. My previous shoes (Nike) did not have enough room in the toe area. This one is perfect! The shoe with a sock type upper feels really snug, stable and seems to be made well. I like this shoe so well that I have just placed my order for the a second pair...
From: Jerry, Ocala, Fl, USA 08/09

Comments: I'm a 5.0 player, played competitively throughout high school, and have tried almost every tennis shoe made. The Breathe Cage IIs are my favorite- they run true to size and are perfect for a medium/narrow forefoot and low-medium arch. They're lightweight, fit like a glove, of course have excellent breathability, are durable but still have good traction, and look killer. Great shoe.
From: Zach, Madison, WI, USA 07/09

Comments: I really hate this shoe. The shoes take forever to break in. I have 5 blisters from wearing these. Save yourself the disappointment (and blisters) and go find something else.
From: Jeremy, CA, USA, 07/09

Comments: They aren't the best shoes but they fit well. However, you still have to wear them in, but after about 2 days you should be good to go. These shoes provide not much ankle support and with the high bottoms, so they can be a bit risky when running from side to side. When using these you're going to want to stay your toes often just like always because you might hurt yourself if you stay flat footed with these shoes. I'm a ranked open tennis player in USTA. BU14, and I also play 7 days a week.
From: Anton, Los Angeles, California, USA. 7/09

Comments: Adding onto my previous feedback, the shoe has given me strange looking bumps on my big toe and my pinky toe area (the part that connects onto the foot) and then for my middle toe it has developed bumps on both of the joints. Something I found that worked is to buy another comfortable pair of shoes (I got the CB1.1 for free so I used it) wear your other shoes for a week or so and then wear the BC2. I think it makes a difference and before I forget, change your shoe soles. The ones that come with the shoe gave me Shin splits. Don't get me wrong its a great shoe but apparently it's not for me.
From: Gianni, 07/09

Comments: I did not like these shoes at all. I didn't find the inside of the shoe comfortable at all. If you are looking for a very comfortable shoe, you should try the Adidas Barricade IV.
From: Daniel, Chesterfield, MO, USA 07/09

Comments: The search is over. I was getting aches in my right knee, and sometimes in my hips after long singles matches. I had just chalked up the aches and pains to "that's tennis on hard courts," until one day about 4 months ago when I decided to see if a shoe change could fix my aches and pains (I have always worn Adidas because they fit my narrow feet great). 5 pairs of shoes later, the pain and search is over (I tried 3 other pairs of Adidas, and another pair of Nike air without air in the forefoot...none of these made a difference). My foot is narrow, low/medium arch. These shoes fit like a glove, breathe well, and have unreal cushioning. They feel great on the court, I don't feel too high off the ground. It would be great if they last 6 months, but even if they only lasted 2 month it would be worth it. Based on how I feel now after my matches and next day. I can't say enough good things about these shoes!
From: Ryan, San Francisco, USA. 06/09
NTRP Rating: 4.5

Comments: Overall a great shoe. They are a little heavy at first, but after breaking in, they are great. They are very comfortable and I would buy them again. Thank you Nike!
From: Eric, Saratoga, CA, US 06/09

Comments: These shoes are awful. I almost sprained my ankle when I was playing in these, 3 times in practice.. and the durability isn't all the great. It wears down in about 2 weeks of play, the traction's gone in the toe area. And to top it off, the shoes are literally breaking on me. On my right shoe, it started cracking from the edge in the arch, and its starting to go around the Nike sign and creep towards the other end. I do not recommend these shoes to anybody.
From: Anon., Fredericksburg State, VA, USA. 06/09

Comments: I don't know why people complain about the durability and comfort of these shoes. They lasted my entire high school season (I play 2nd singles), playing 3-4 hours every day during the week, then 5+ hours on Saturday. The only thing slightly worn out on my shoes is the bottom, which obviously happens on every shoe made. However, even though the bottoms were worn slightly, the traction is still very close to as good as it was on day 1. As for the comfort, I can't complain at all. Not once did my feet distract me during play, however after I had finished play in one particularly tough tournament, I noticed that my pinky toe on either foot hurt a bit. To what other people have said about holes in the shoe - that's just their own fault, with dragging their feet and poor footwork. I cant figure out where anybody would get blisters with these shoes, because there's no point on the shoe that rubs or pinches my foot. Overall, these are GREAT shoes, and definitely worth every penny.
From: Zach, Crystal Lake, IL, USA. 05/09

Comments: This shoe seems to run a half to a full size small; I normally wear 13.5 in other Nike shoes, and 14 in Adidas, but this shoe was too small at size 14. It's also not especially breathable or light, and can get surprisingly hot. The cushioning is good, they are comfortable if they fit right, and they look really sharp. I still prefer Adidas's Barricade II to this (or any other) shoe. It is unfortunate that Adidas hasn't either updated the II's styling, or been able to translate its performance to later versions.
From: Tomas, Austin, Texas, USA. 05/09

Comments: These are my favorite Nikes that have been made. The shoe is incredibly comfortable and last longer than other Nikes. One pair lasted me for 2 months over the summer when I was playing 5-7 hours a day, and about six days a week. I recommend them to anyone. Now that they are on sale on TW they are probably the best value in the world.
From: Yahn, 05/09

Comments: This shoe is really bad. I have used the original cage for several years now and there is no comparison. The Cage2 is very stiff and uncomfortable. It is extremely hard to get my foot into. For the price I would have expected more. I won't buy another pair.
From: James, Austin, TX, USA, 05/09

Comments: These are some of the most versatile shoes anyone will ever get. Just make sure you are financially sound, because competitive play will wear the shoe's sole at the toe in less than 1 month.
From: Asher. 04/09

Comments: This is the first time I bought expensive tennis shoes. I decided to buy a nice pair because I was ripping up the outsole on all of the other cheap shoes. This is a great shoe. It does take about 2-3 weeks to break in, but after that they are amazing. With the Nike Breathe Cage I got amazing traction and grip on the hard courts. Great shoe, Thanks NIKE.
From: Brad, Boston, MA, USA. 4/09

Comments: Not that great really, had a major blister crisis and the wear on this shoe is not more than a month really especially if you are playing on hard courts. I play everyday for more than a few hours. Not really my favorite shoe.
From: Arvind, 03/09

Comments: I liked these shoes a lot. The feel a little tight, but the break in time is very short. The sole lasted me about 2-3 months before they started getting smooth. What's nice is the six-month thing.
From: Terrance, Alhambra, CA, United States. 3/09

Comments: These shoes are awesome!!! They have great support, very lightweight for being a sturdy shoe, and the ventilation that I got was astounding. Overall, this shoe is by far my shoe of choice!!!
From: Nick, Bakersfield, CA, USA. 3/09

Comments: Very, very good shoes from Nike. Unlike some other people, I didn't have any problems with blisters or sores or anything like that. Very durable and comfortable, nice support.
From: Bill, Mankato, MN, USA. 3/09

Comments: These shoes are pretty good. They are very ventilated because of the sockliner thing, and my feet never hurt after playing in them. The upper is like this rubber material, which is kinda cool because I haven't seen anything like it before. However, it it gets scratched up some, the scratches show up darker than the rubber so it looks like you walked through a lot of gravel. The upper durability is amazing, but the rubber's durability is far from amazing. So, they are comfortable and cool, but the color changes due to scratches and the sole is not the most durable ever. I would buy these again, but I want another pair of a3 Accelerators.
From: Reese, Gainesville, FL. 2/09

Comments: These are awesome shoes. I've used the Breathe Cage 1 and Breathe Free 2 along with these. The Cage 1s gave me an inflammation in my heel, and the BF 2s split in half. I never had problems with these. They are incredible comfortable, stable, awesome. I play 10-14 hours a week.
From: Tim, 2/09

Comments: Got a pair of these as replacements for the Breathe Free II size 10 that I wore out and used the guarantee through Nike. I ordered the same size 10 but found these shoes to run 1/2 size smaller. I had to take out the foot bed just to keep my foot from getting numb. I used them for 3 sets and had to keep taking them off to keep my foot alive. Since they were replacement shoes, I didn't return them but will not be buying these shoes in the future.
From: Brad, Denver, CO, USA. 2/09

Comments: The best shoes I've ever worn. Extremely comfortable and durable. Very stable when running full force to get to a ball. Great color schemes too.
From: Jamey, Port Orange, FL, USA. 2/09

Comments: This is a very good shoe. They feel light on your feet than they do when you first feel them. The only problem is durability. I wore them out in a month. Very comfy, though.
From: Steve, Baltimore, MD, USA. 2/09

Comments: These shoes are the best I have ever worn. I used to think that the only reasonably durable shoes on the market were the Adidas barricades. I decided to try these though just because I liked their looks. I was shocked to find out how durable they are. I was barely able to wear through the outsole before the 6 month period to get my second pair. I was playing 10 hours per week of hard court tennis. They last longer than the barricades, and they are also much lighter and more comfortable, not to mention better looking.
From: David, Franklin, NC, United States. 2/09

Comments:Not nearly as good as the original cages. They rub me weird. Good stability and traction, and definitely durability. Overall they are good not great.
From: Mark, Nashville, TN, Usa. 12/08

Comments:These are not as good as the original cages or the vapor 4s. I found them to be uncomfortable after about 10 hours of playtime on clay courts and playing on hard courts only emphasized my discomfort. I still find my original cages to be quite comfortable, and these shoes gave me a more narrow feeling around my ankle. I feel like my foot slipped around less, but when I did I knew when my foot was hitting the edges because the outsides of my feet were glowing red when I took the shoes off. I'll take either a pair of Cage Is, Vapor 4s, or even a pair of Babolat Propulses over this shoe.
From: Andrew, Wilmington, NC. 12/08

Comments: Not as good as previous Breathe Free Nikes. After wearing these for 6 months, I have to say Nike is moving backwards. The older Breathe Free had better heel cushioning (important since we play tennis on concrete!). The previous models had a separate tongue, which allowed a better fit and less pressure from the lacing on the top of the shoe. Main problem I have is my toe jamming on hard stops. Never had this problem with previous Nikes.
From: Victor, Eugene, OR. 11/08

Comments: This shoe does not compare to the breathe cage (1). The tongue area is too high and I started having blisters and sores the first day I played in them. The first breathe cage has a lower ride and is not as stiff and hard as the breathe cage 2.
From: Danny, Brentwood, TN, USA. 11/08

Comments: Pretty solid shoe overall. The only problem I had was the eyelets for the laces broke through in several places. It can be fixed with superglue but is definitely a nuisance. Also the Nike logo peels off rather easily on the inside of the foot. Besides that, great shoe. I've had mine since June or July, playing a minimum of three times a week and am just now having to replace them. Great job, Nike!
From: Ben, TN, USA. 11/08

Comments: This is a great shoe with style and a lot of comfort and support. As a U.S.A. high performance coach, I am on the court several hours a day teaching and playing. This shoe definitely does the job.
From: Andy, Katy, Tx., USA. 11/08

Comments: The only complaint I could find, is the arch is a hair too low for my feet. But I only feel it off the court walking around. On court, I can hardly tell.
From: Anon. 11/08

Comments: This is a really comfortable shoe. The only problem is I play tennis every day and the bottom of the shoe has worn smooth within 2 weeks. Good thing it has the sole guarantee!
From: Alan, Greenville, Sc. 10/08

Comments: I've tried the Barricade 5 and 4 and I thought that those shoes were the best BUT when I tried these shoes wow! I mean the support, durability, traction, style, breathability and everything else you can think of SURPASSES the Barricades! So if you're looking for the best of the best pair of shoes please don't think about anymore just buy them!
From: Andy, Knoxville, TN, USA. 9/08

Comments: This are the most outstanding tennis shoes I've ever had. Whoever has blisters and pain when wearing this shoe should buy Nike Men's Dri-Fit Tennis Power 1/4 Socks. With these socks, there will be NO more pain and blisters. After I got these socks and put them on, it felt good. I just order 3 more pairs for my future games. :-)
From: Michael, Buford, GA, US. 9/08

Comments: I worked for Nike 2 years ago and from my experience NO shoe (provided by Nike at least) requires a "break in" period. They should feel comfortable the instant you put them on (which these did). If you believe you need to "break in" a pair of shoes then you have already made the wrong choice. Now I used to play in Jordan's and these things are hands down better for tennis (duh). I love them and played the instant I got them and immediately noticed an improvement in my footwork. But don't just buy this shoe because its Rafa's buy it because it's yours.
From: Ty, Chicago, Il, USA, 09/08

Comments: These shoes are great. They feel sooo good on my feet, and they're lighter than the Barricades. The bad thing about these shoes are: No. 1: not very durable. It's really easy to wear the bottom. I have worn them down but not to the point of a hole yet, but it's getting there. No 2: The grip is not that sexy. I have been sliding around in these shoes all over the court. At first I hated it! but then I started to get used to it and I actually like it now. The side top could use a better material because the rubber part is also wearing down. The good thing about these shoes: They are comfortable, look good, and have a really snug feel. I hear about people getting blisters but, I have not gotten them yet. I also like it that these shoes are reasonably light.
From: joe, ca, usa. 9/08

Comments: These shoes are nice. I usually play in the Barricades but mine got too small so I tried these. The Barricades and these Nikes feel almost the same cushioning wise but the Nikes feel lighter.
From: Alan, Greenville, SC, USA. 9/08

Comments: I really love this shoe. It looks really fly, no lie! I have the white and black ones and they go with anything outside of tennis and on the courts they're freakin boss, they make me taller so my net game jumps up (pun, clever right?) I'd have to say these are the most comfortable shoes I've seen on court, I'm a sophomore playing 1 doubles so they should last me a lot, the break in is pretty rough though, go jog or somethin in them and they're ok
From: Miguel, EC, TX, USA, 09/08

Comments: These shoe are great to the eye! However, the overall durability of the shoe stinks. I bought these in a 9 1/2 they are really nice, but after 3 hours of match play I began developing blisters :( In addition, they are already showing intense wear and discoloring on the upper, lower, and toe of the shoe. The side trim, of black, is tearing off as well. The XDR on the flip side is very good!! I love Nike tennis shoes but these were not made for me, and definitely NOT Nike's best shoe. I recommend purchasing the regular Breathe Cage shoes in any color for people who have a tendency to develop blisters. RATING---> 6.5/10
From: will, Philadelphia, PA. 8/08

Comments: Amazing shoe, I just got the black and red cages. They look good and play great, only thing I would complain about is the short shoe lace and not enough grip; I'm sliding all over the courts. Oh and I can't wear ankle braces with it. Other than that it's amazing.
From: Anon. 8/08

Comments: I'm sorry, I've tried these shoes repeatedly for the past month, I and can't seem to make them work for me without blisters and pain! I bought my normal size 12s and even had these shoes stretched, but cannot play any time in them without serious discomfort. I own over a dozen pairs of tennis shoes including Adidas, Asics, Yonex, K-Swiss, Babolat and Prince, but these shoes are undoubtedly the worst in comfort for me. Even though I wear a "B" width dress shoe with narrow feet, I have trouble with these Nike shoes in the toebox, across the balls of my feet (outsides) and around the ankle (even though I haven't even laced my shoes up to the top eyelet). Although the overall cushioning and stability are good, the shoes are so uncomfortable that I refuse to ever wear them again. I will stick with my Asics Gel Resolutions and Yonex SHT-306s, both delightful right out of the box, lightweight, cushioning and comfortable, not requiring any break-in period at all both fit like a glove for me.
From: Gary, Houston, Texas, USA. 8/08

Comments: I've put these shoes through some rigorous workouts over the past two months. These are a high performance shoe but I have a beef on two issues: 1)The sockliner. These can be hard to put on as there is no tongue. If you are picky about the way your socks fit into the shoe, you might want to look elsewhere. 2) The ride feels a little high and not as low to ground as I prefer. However, stability is good. The outsole is showing wear. Looks like there will be no trouble using Nike's 6-month guarantee for shoe replacement. My last 4 pair of shoes prior to the Breathe Cage IIs were Barricades and now that I've satisfied my curiosity, I'll be making the switch back. Don't get me wrong, this is a solid shoe but when it comes to exceeding performance specifications, the Adidas Barricade's ARE the standard.
From: Johnny, Coldwater, MI, U.S.A. 8/08

Comments: It took time adjusting from Vapor 3s to this shoe, but once I got used to it, I was flying around. I'm a serious player and play 2 hours a day causing a hole to develop in my shoe within 2 months. Thankfully for the warranty, I get another pair.
From: Jimmy S, Arizona. 8/08

Comments: I just got these, and they are pretty comfortable but where the Zoom Air is in the toe area on the right shoe was a little uncomfortable, but I'm sure I just have to break them in. Also the Swoosh scratches off, but other than that it's a great shoe.
From: BLAKE, westerville, ohio, usa. 7/08

Comments: Great ride and cushioning right out of the box. I have played in them for 4 hours now, and they are not yet broken in. They feel like bricks currently and I feel like I'm "on them rather than in them." They are very well cushioned, but they seem to have a long break in period. There are no signs of wear within 4 hours like my last shoes. Bravo Nike great durability and cushion with a good ride, the only downside is the break-in. Overall 9.5/10
From: Anon, USA. 7/08

Comments: Very bad shoe and not wide enough. Nike needs to make a shoe that is wider for us people who have very wide feet. The shoe is fine for people who have narrow feet but not for us!
From: Sean, riverside, Ca, USA. 7/08

Comments: Fantastic shoes! Light, stable, comfortable, well cushioned, fresh. I have tried New Balances and other high end Nikes, but these are the best by far. Ideal shoes, in the sense that you forget about them and focus on playing. I've got the black / white / "red" (which in reality is bright orange) with some black shoelaces to blacken it a bit more. They didn't require any wear-in time at all, they went directly to some hardcore racquetball session. Uni-tongue is a bit hard to get into, but once you've got your feet in the shoes, they just don't slide inside the shoe.
From: GC, Norfolk, VA, USA. 7/08

Comments: I have had these shoes less than two weeks, and sole is separating in the toe area on the side. Nice snug fitting but falling apart way too soon.
From: Hal, San Ramon, Ca. 7/08

Comments: I have wide flat feet, and these shoes were fine for me. They felt great and are still fine after 5 months of 4x a week of play. The only gripe is that I play on hard court and when I slide I seem to wear down the Nike Swoosh, so now it is half gone on both shoes.
From: Ian, Portland, OR. 6/08

Comments: My style goes back and forth between aggressive baseliner and serve-volleyer. I used these shoes about about twice a week (on average) for about 4 months before the outsole started to tear. The shoes are very comfortable upon first wear. I recommend them highly over my stiff Adidas Accelerators!
From: Bryan, NJ, USA. 6/08

Comments: I am a serious tennis player from Florida, and I play tennis 5 hours a day. These shoes immediately gave me blisters on both my toes, have still not broken in yet, and I even rolled my ankle when I was transitioning from a backhand to a volley. They might look cool, but there is no ankle support or easy break in. On the other hand, the shoes are very comfortable for walking around and they look pretty cool until you use them on clay.
From: Anon. 6/08

Comments: The sole broke, the plastic arch stiffener debonded from the heel; the shoe was falling apart. After only 2 months playing 2x a week. Note: this was a size 13 shoe, I think smaller sizes probably would not do this. Bigger shoe needs thicker sole where this broke. I did like the shoe, until they (both shoes) broke.
From: Kenny, Mesa, AZ, USA. 6/08

Comments: Overall a very good shoe. There is a lot of support for the arch of the foot, and for the ankle. It does not rest high on the ankle and is comfortable.
From: Keith, Ridgefield, Connecticut, United States. 6/08

Comments: Amazing shoe - I have tried a lot of the shoes in the tennis market and these are by far the best. The fit very snugly and the weight is perfect. They are fast, durable and has great traction. Couldn't ask for anything more.
From: Tim, Carlisle, Ma, U.S.A. 6/08

Comments: This has got to be the very best tennis shoe I have ever worn. I play regularly on the clay and this shoe slides very well. I thought when I bought the original Breathe Cages that they were the most comfortable shoe I had ever worn. I was wrong; the Breathe Cage II are a whole lot more comfortable.
From: Colton, Sherwood, AR, USA. 6/08

Comments: These are the greatest shoes I have ever worn. They're much better than the Barricades. They need some break in, but they have good durability and great traction. They are worth buying.
From: Kevin C, NY, USA. 6/08

Comments: Great shoes. I have converted from Barricades. I just wish they had the option to offer different sole options as the sole provided is not great on red clay, and the ones Nadal uses have a completely different tread pattern for clay, so would be good to find if they would offer a clay, hard court or artificial/grass court sole.
From: Steve. 6/08

Comments: Great shoe built for the strong leg. Great for putting on the breaks without any risk of ankle problem. This is the third pair I have worn. Vamos, Rafa, you've done it again!
From: Dale 6/08

Comments: I have pretty wide feet with a low arch, and these weren't the shoes for me. I usually buy New Balance and figured I would try something new. I wore them once, and my arch and outside of my feet ached. I'll be going back to New Balance. This Nike does have a bunch of cushioning in the heel, which was nice.
From: Steve, Falls Church, VA. 5/08

Comments: Many may not like these shoes but, I love them. These are very easy to break in. The stability of these shoes is very good. As for durability, they could improve a little bit. The fit was good, although I had to tie the lace up to the top, but then again I did that for the Barricades as well. These shoes also make you like 2 inches or so taller. Would I get these shoes again? Probably, not just because of the price. If they weren't on sale I probably would have gotten the Barricade Vs. All in all, though, these are really good and way easier to break in than the Barricades. The stability on these is amazing, and although the durability can improve, it is still better than the Barricade IVs in my opinion. But, keep in mind, people's feet are different, so look around.
From: Larry, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA. 5/08

Comments: I liked the shoes. I just got my white ones in the other day. Likes: Very Breathable, Well-Cushioned, Dislikes: Feels a bit heavier (might be cause I was using my running shoes for tennis before), They are a bit higher than the previous one, a bit heavier, and could use more ankle cushioning. Overall I liked the shoe. Maybe after wearing it down a bit, it might be better. I recommend people to use it.
From: Vinh, Morgan City, LA, USA, 05/08

Comments: Well, the weight is a problem for me. Besides that, these are awesome shoes with an awesome look. The durability and stability are unparalleled by any shoe on the market. I won't buy these again for my second pair, but excellent tennis shoe. Bit pricey though.
From: Alex, St. Peters, Missouri, US. 5/08

Comments: The absolute best shoe I've ever worn. The uni-tongue design makes it fit around your foot like a glove. I had no trouble in changing direction really fast. Super durable and they look awesome. They require a slight break in period, but it's worth it.
From: Bobby, Philadelphia, PA. 5/08

Comments: On my second pair. Simply terrible durability, there's no question. My first pair wore out with a hole in the bottom in like 12 days. My all white pair are wearing out almost a hole in first 10 days. Are you kidding me! Nike used some soft rubber, I guess. Time for Barricade V.
From: Sam, DE, USA. 5/08

Comments: I got these in blue. I wore the first Cages. These require a little break in period. The IIs have more support and cushioning than the first Cages.
From: Jason, NJ, USA. 5/08

Comments: Another great shoe from Nike. These required no break in period (for me) great breathability and durability. Definitely worth the price.
From: Michael, Corpus Christi, TX, USA, 04/08

Comments: These are the best shoes I have worn, hands down. They have great support all around and are very comfortable. It took me a few days to get accustomed to them, but after that I don't plan on ever buying any other shoe. I play tennis upwards of four hours a day, and these shoes definitely stood up to the test. They have proved to be very durable, surprisingly more durable than the pair of Barricade IVs I previously owned. They are more comfortable, more supportive and more durable than the Barricade IVs. Even on the hot Texas courts this shoe lives up to what it says it will, it blocks the heat. All in all I have never owned a better pair of tennis shoes.
From: Richard, Dallas, Texas, USA. 4/08
College Tennis Player

Comments: The first pair of Cage II I tried seemed stiffer than the Breathe Free II. Tried another pair and they felt great, just like the Breathe Free II but with a bit more support. Very nice. But all white? Hey, Nike, how about an all black Cage II? That would be most welcome.
From: Chris, North Carolina. 4/08

Comments: These shoes are great! The toe box is smaller than the Cage 1s, which is a lot better for my narrow feet. These shoes are really stable and have a lot of support and cushioning! By far the best shoe I have ever worn thus far. Although as most people have said it takes a while to break them in, but after the short break-in period (unlike the Barricade IVs super long break in), they felt great.
From: Chris, Buffalo, New York. 4/08

Comments: I was worried about how these shoes would perform with my custom orthotics, but they fit perfectly. No trouble with break in time. I played four heavy sets right out of the box, and they felt great. Good support throughout and I have been a fan of the glove-like fit having worn the Air Max Breathe Free II for the last year. I expect the durability will be the same. I wore out the Breathe Frees in five months, sent them back and found when I wore out the free pair from the guarantee that they are not replaceable again. Best of all I put them on and did not think about them again till I took the off.
From: Jay, socal 4.0 all court player. 3/08

Comments: I personally found this shoe to be clunky and very awkward, but then again I have been using the Adidas Feather lights for a while which are the complete opposite. These shoes are heavier and don't stay on my foot very well.
From: Ty, Missouri. 3/08

Comments: The arches are a little high, but after I broke them in after a good month of serious high school singles play, they seemed to form to my medium arches. They are amazing and no shoe can beat them.
From: Sam I, De, US. 3/08

Comments: These shoes are nice and comfortable once broken in. They feel like the Breathe Free II but with better stability and support. WARNING: Do not play with them right away. You need to wear them 4 or 5 times first around the house, walking in the mall or buying your groceries. You need to break them in. They are very stiff at first but will get softer once broken in. My current favorite shoe. I love them. Go buy them
From: Ray, Washington. 3/08

Comments: What are the arches on these shoes like compared to the Adidas Barricade Vs? Are they higher or lower?
From: Alex, The Woodlands, TX, USA. 3/08
(The arch support feels lower in the Cage II for the TW playtesters. -- TW)

Comments: Nice shoe. I had used Barricades for the last few years. I was worried I might roll my ankle, but the wide sole near the toes makes the shoe pretty stable so far. The main reason I like them is that I'm about an inch taller than when wearing the Adidas.
From: Anon. 3/08