The new NikeCourt Zoom Vapor Cage 4 focuses on a specific design proposition: How can a tennis shoe return more energy and allow for a faster transition to the next hit? The contemporary all-court game leaves no margin for error in getting back into position.
Rafael Nadal’s style of play during the final match of the 2019 US Open best illustrates this. Won in dramatic fashion — five sets of edge-of-your-seat tennis played over 4 hours and 49 minute — Nadal shot his frame across the baseline before sprinting back to center court. He constantly focused on the footwork necessary to transition back to the center of the court for the next return. Doing so required him to efficiently pop back to the forefoot.
To facilitate this transition the Zoom Vapor Cage 4 combines the durability of the Cage series with the speed of the Vapor line. The medial side of the upper is encased in the studded, molded traction of the Cage to endure the abrasive drag of the shoe against the court. The lateral side is a sleek upper outfitted by a TPU rand for a rigid propulsion point upon contact with the ground. The shoe sole’s Zoom Air unit responds when players are anticipating a serve and shifting across the court. The fit is adjusted in a burrito-style bootie with hidden laces.
The NikeCourt Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is available from January 2 on nike.com.
