Summary
I really like these shoes. From the pimpled inner sole that's kind on your feet, to the great grip, or just the general construction, this shoe is a winner.Construction and Ventilation
The Yasaka Gatien Pro shoes use a soft but tough material (I think it's some form of roughened leather) as the main construction material, along with synthetic suede mesh inserts on the sides, toe and tongue to provide ventilation. The rubber ribbed sole also extends for about half an inch up the side of the shoe around the toe and heel regions. The rubber around the toe has also been stitched in place, which is great for people like me, who tend to drag their toes at times, which often causes the rubber on other shoes to separate from the toe of the shoe.Living in Australia, I was playing in a fair amount of heat, but there was plenty of ventilation to keep my feet cool.
Cushioning, Comfort and Support
These shoes are super-comfortable. Even with the stiff prosthetic inserts I wear, my feet felt really good. Plenty of cushioning, the leather is soft rather than stiff, so it is easy on your ankles, and the support is fine. After the initial couple of minutes getting used to the pimpled inner sole (kind of strange at first), I pretty much forgot I was wearing new shoes - they just work.Grip
The grip is very, very good. A number of other local players use this shoe by preference, and I can see why.The Yasaka Gatien Pro shoes also have the sole extending up the side of the shoe for half an inch or so, which helps stop you from skidding if you accidentally put the edge of your shoe down on the floor first.
Weight and Flexibility
These shoes are definitely light, and flexible where you want it - around the ball of your foot. They are firmer around the mid-sole and heel.Durability
Durability will be the $64 question. I'll report back in a couple of months time regarding how my shoes have held up. But seeing as how my partner wore her Gatien Pro Deluxe shoes (the next model up from the Gatien Pro) for a couple of years, I'm pretty confident that things will be fine.Value for Money
At about $40-50 US for a pair of Yasaka Gatien Pro shoes, these are excellent value for money.Conclusion
As you have probably already worked out, I am really impressed with these shoes so far. They are light, super comfortable, and really grippy. Judging from the number of old Gatien Pros that I see my fellow players wearing, the durability is OK too. And the price isn't too shabby either. Once these shoes eventually wear out, I'm looking forward to trying the Yasaka Gatien Pro Deluxe shoes - the next model up, which is based on the Gatien Pro. At only $50 US it should be pretty darn good!Interested in Purchasing Yasaka Gatien Pro Deluxe Shoes? Buy Direct
