Tennis Shoe Review - Babolat Propulse 4 Wimbeldon Edition 

June 24th, 2014 by Do It Tennis

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Just one look at the Babolat Propulse 4 Wimbeldon Edition and you can see how complex in design and construction this tennis shoe is. These tennis shoes are the newer edition of the Propulse line by Babolat. This edition is more favorable than the previous edition for many reasons. This tennis shoe’s upper has what is called a cell shield technology placed over a mesh fabric to increase durability as well as breathability. This tennis shoe claims to be breathable but somewhat lacks in ventilation and may leave your feet a little sweaty. You will also note a couple Velcro straps on this the Propulse 4, one over the midfoot of the upper and one along the heel. These straps can be adjusted and tightened to improve lateral stability and provide a secure fit. Beware of how tight you tighten these straps because they can tend to pinch or cause discomfort if fastened too tight. The upper of these tennis shoes could use some break in time if you are feeling any pinching or slight discomfort on the heel collar. The midsole of the Babolat Propulse 4 has the new Side 2 Side technology which creates more responsiveness and rebound off of the tennis court. You can see the Side 2 Side technology on the bottom of the shoe in a white S shape. The heel of this tennis shoe feels solid and there is a shock absorption technology also known as the Kompressor system. It is displayed on the heel with a purple gel like substance and provides cushioning to help take the pressure of impact off the rest of your body. The outsole is guaranteed to last 6 months like most of the tennis shoes in the industry. The non-marking outsole of the Propulse 4 uses the Michelin OCS2 technology and is called out on the back of this shoe by a small picture of the Michelin man. The Michelin OCS2 technology, put simply, is a performance rubber formulation that is high abrasion and has a good amount of grip. It has a somewhat decent amount of traction so you may not feel as confident sliding around in these tennis shoes but it does have an impressive amount of stability. The Babolat Propulse 4 has a true to size fit and a medium width. Even though it has a medium arch it is recommended to break in this tennis shoe before extended use. The Babolat Propulse 4 is decked out in a darker green color with purple accents designed to represent the iconic Wimbledon tennis club, just in time for the prestigious Wimbledon Tournament. There is even the Wimbledon logo on the upper of the shoe. The Babolat Propulse 4 tennis shoe has labeled most of its features making it easier to understand the makeup of this shoe and where there is extra support. The Propulse 4 seems to be on the heavier side at 16.4 ounces which is one of the more common complaints about this tennis shoe. From some of the other tennis shoe reviews on the Babolat Propulse 4, I do question the actual durability of these shoes. This one may be one you really have to use the 6 month guarantee on. These tennis shoes are well priced at $129.95 for the extra features it possesses and overall a great new edition to the Propulse line, and in your own tennis bag.