The Fila Axilus 2 Energized tennis shoe offers a unique blend of comfort and durability, making it a compelling option for players seeking a long-lasting and supportive shoe. This review delves into the shoe's key features, analyzing its performance on the court and examining its strengths and weaknesses. From its incredibly lightweight and breathable upper to its exceptionally durable outsole, we explore every aspect of the Axilus 2 Energized, highlighting its pillowy comfort and surprisingly stiff midsole.We'll investigate the trade-offs inherent in this design: the luxurious comfort provided by the soft upper versus the impact of the firm midsole on responsiveness and flexibility. We also assess the shoe's performance in speed and serve tests, analyzing its grip, stability, and overall suitability for various playing styles. Discover whether the Fila Axilus 2 Energized's exceptional comfort and durability outweigh the potential limitations imposed by its stiff midsole, and if its $77 price point represents good value for money.
Pros And Cons
- Very light, spongy upper material.
- Retains stability from toe box to heel due to rubber cage.
- Good toe drag protection.
- Highly durable outsole (barely scratched in dremel test).
- Excellent fit, especially for wide feet; soft uppers provide comfort.
- Lightweight feel (13.7 ounces).
- Good airflow through outsole air channel.
- Efficient horizontal break points in outsole for heel-toe strikers.
- Relatively inexpensive (~$77).
- Shoelaces are flimsy.
- Uppers are not the most breathable.
- Stiff midsole foam offers little forgiveness.
- Flimsy heel counter.
- Slight heel slippage experienced by reviewer.
- Midsole stiffness reduces responsiveness during pivoting.
- Soft upper material deforms easily under pressure during hard pivots.
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Upper Material and Construction
The Fila Axilus 2 Energized boasts incredibly lightweight and breathable mesh uppers. This material feels almost spongy, providing a comfortable and flexible fit.
However, the thin tongue and somewhat flimsy shoelaces might require an upgrade. The shoe's construction features a rubber cage that wraps around the entire shoe, providing excellent stability from toe to heel and offering toe drag protection.
This rubber cage also ensures the shoe maintains its shape and support throughout the various movements on court. The durable rubber construction is evident in the dremel test, showing minimal wear, even after intense abrasion.
Midsole and Outsole Analysis
The midsole foam in the Axilus 2 Energized is remarkably stiff – surprisingly so, when compared to other models. This stiffness is complemented by a plastic shank that runs the length of the midsole, offering additional arch support.
However, the heel counter feels surprisingly flimsy during teardown, a surprising contrast to the firm midsole. Despite the midsole’s stiffness, the outsole features an air channel that enhances airflow and offers good sliding capabilities on hard courts. Three flexible break points in the forefoot provide enhanced flexibility.
The outsole’s herringbone pattern provides ample grip, with a chunky pattern laterally and a flatter one medially. The horizontal break point in the heel facilitates heel-to-toe transitions during powerful movements.
Fit, Feel, and Performance
The Axilus 2 Energized offers a remarkably comfortable fit, thanks to its soft uppers. There's minimal break-in time needed; the shoe feels great from the first wear.
The shoe is relatively wide in the forefoot, making it suitable for those with wider feet. The molded rubber compound around the shoe is surprisingly unobtrusive, enhancing comfort without adding bulk.
Despite being slightly heavier than some competitors at 13.7 ounces, the pillowy uppers make it feel much lighter. Slight heel slippage was noted during testing but wasn’t overly problematic.
On-Court Performance and Durability
On-court testing revealed a responsiveness hampered by the stiff midsole, which reduces flexibility. The soft uppers, while comfortable, contribute to some deformation during lateral movements.
The shoe performed well in speed tests (14.57 seconds in the suicide test), suggesting good overall responsiveness despite the stiff midsole. However, the serve test (21 cm) indicated a less powerful serve due to the midsole's lack of bounce.
The durability of the outsole is exceptional, evidenced by the dremel test showing minimal wear. This high level of outsole durability contributes to the long-term value of the shoe.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
The Fila Axilus 2 Energized presents a compelling blend of comfort and durability but with a notable compromise in the midsole’s stiffness.
The pillowy uppers are exceptionally comfortable, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting performance. However, the firm midsole may not suit all players, especially those seeking a more responsive feel. Custom orthotics could mitigate this.
At $77, the Axilus 2 offers excellent value as a flagship model. Its significant strengths lie in its comfort and durability, but potential buyers should carefully consider the midsole stiffness to see if it aligns with their playing style and preferences.