Novak Djokovic to launch new tennis shoe with Asics
Novak Djokovic has given in to his commercial partners and agreed to release an upgraded version of his Asics tennis shoes.
Djokovic’s shoe supplier are set to launch the Court FF3 Novak sneakers on 1 January 2023.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner wasn’t sold on the idea of bringing out, and subsequently wearing another shoe for competition, but during the process of development came around.
He is now quite keen to get the shoes on and get Downunder for the Australian Open swing.
Djokovic has been blown away by the advances in technology as he didn’t think it would be possible to top the Court FF2 Novaks.
“At the beginning, I said I don’t want to change. When I switched from my last sponsor to Asics shoes, I felt really like I was going to a sportscar from a commercial car. I felt lighter on my feet, I felt there was more flexibility. I could change direction quicker, and I could slide. Why change when you feel good? Why change? Let’s try to make an even better shoe,” he said.
Djokovic has intimated that while the process was ultimately rewarding, it was not always easy developing a new shoe that will serve as Asics top of the line tennis shoe.
He has set the bar very high for those developing the shoe, as he could not accept any compromise in his equipment.
“I’ve really enjoyed the process. Sometimes not, most of the time, yes. Good things take time. I am really proud of the whole process.
“Don’t know if I can choose between stability and flexibility. You need to combine the lightness and comfort with functionality. For us, we change directions a lot and the first step is so crucial. We need a good shoe to absorb the shock of stopping and help us launch and change direction to the first step back to the middle of the court,”
The FF2 has been a massive hit with players of varying skill levels, earning plaudits for its support, balance and zero break in comfort.
Djokovic is happy with how the shoe performs in the areas he has highlighted.
“Every tennis player has specific elements, things they want to emphasize in their footwear,” Djokovic said.
The shoe features Asics Twistruss technology in the midfoot helping connect outsole pieces and allowing for stability on impact and during a slide. The technology enables Djokovic “to bounce off and have a recovery step quicker.”
The new FF3’s are set to be a big hit with tennis players at all sorts of levels, considering not just Djokovic’s marketing appeal but also the success and performance of the previous iteration.
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