Wilson Crossfire: The Ultimate Tennis Shoe... At a Cost
Written: Apr 09 '03 (Updated Jan 06 '04)
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Pros: Comfort, Durability, Cool Cosmetics
Cons: Weight, Price
The Bottom Line: This is a great shoe for a player who doesn't feel bad paying top dollar for a shoe built for serious players.
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| Plumdogger's Full Review: Wilson Crossfire DST 02 Mens Tennis Shoes |
As you can see by my profile, I am a tennis professional. I spend 8 plus hours a day on a tennis court, running around in my tennis shoes. If I don't take care of my feet, I can't stand. If I can't stand I can't teach. And if I can't teach then my family starves. So good tennis shoes are important to me to say the least. Thee shoes are not just good, they are great. Great to teach in, great to play in. With that being said, lets move on.
When you open the box for these shoes, Wilson greets you with this bold statement: "Welcome to the ultimate in performance tennis footwear!" This may be bold, but it may also be true. The Crossfire DST 02 has no fewer than nine separate features to enhance your tennis footwear experience. This is quite possibly the most technologically advanced tennis shoe ever manufactured, which is great, but it comes at a price.
I received these shes as a part of my annual advisory staff contract with Wilson. Therefore, I paid nothing for these shoes, where as the average consumer will have to fork over $120 for them. Is it worth it for the average player? Probably not, but for the serious tournament player it probably is, for one reason... the 12 month warranty that comes with the Crossfire. What that means is that if you beat up these shoes so much in 12 months that you can see your toe, you'll probably get a free pair of shoes. That is how confident Wilson is that these shoes were made to last. Serious tournament players realize how tough they are on shoes, and they know the value of a shoe that can stand up to whatever they throw at it.
Cost aside, I feel these shoes are by far the best that Wilson has made since the original DST (see my review). As I mentioned before there are nine different technologies that makes the Crossfire what Wilson claims it to be. Starting with number one-these are those nine features, and what they mean to you.
1) Hyper-Tec
Hyper-Tec is lining materials that "enhance comfort and performance by wicking moisture away from the foot." I can tell you that after 8 plus hours in these shoes everyday everyday, there is moisture inside them at the end of the day. The Hyper-Tec doesn't eliminate sweaty feet, but it does make it manageable.
2) Stable-Wrap
Enhances lateral support by wrapping the midsole all the way around your foot. Lateral stability is probably the most important thing to look for in a performance tennis shoe. Few sports require as much side to side movement as tennis, and at the top levels if you don't have that stability you don't play, because your ankles are torn apart.
3) Unibody Construction
The upper part of the shoe is constructed by pulling it up over the midsole. This creates a low to the court feel, and it also means less seams to split apart.
4) Duratex
This is a high abrasion material that protects the shoe against toe dragging, a huge enemy of tennis shoes, and a common attribute of serious tennis players.
5) Independent Traction Control
"allows your shoe to flex where needed to provide the best traction through lateral and forward movements."
6) Cushion Core
A more cushioned outsole using a blend of EVA and rubber.
7) DST 02 Cushioning
Shock absorption through the use of spheres to reduce impact. Similar to Nike Air or Asics Gel cushioning. These shoes are very well cushioned. It is rare that I come home with sore feet, or beat up knees.
8) Heel Stability Locking System
Locks the heel in place with a strapping system that provides "a perfect non-slip fit." I never notice my heel slipping, so I guess it works!
9) Duralast Supreme
Wilson's exclusive rubber compound that lasts forever.
All of these features add up to make a great all around shoe for top level players. The only downside to all of this is that it comes with a $120 pricetag.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Plumdogger
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Member: Jeremy Plumley
Location: The Nation's Capital
Reviews written: 117
Trusted by: 32 members
About Me:
A man surrounded by his three beautiful girls... And now a son!
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