Tennis Shoe Review: Yonex Ad-Accel

• Price: $129
• Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 9); 11.1 oz. (women’s 8)
• Size run: 4-13, 14 (men); 5-10 (women)
• Outsole warranty: None

What’s New

The Ad-Accel borrows technologies from some of Yonex’s other shoes, but it’s an entirely new franchise. Its unique feature is the Accel-Booster carbon plate in the mid-foot that encourages faster changes of direction and responsiveness. The shoe also boasts Power Cushion+ in the midsole to provide maximum shock absorption and rebound into the next step. The Durable Skin upper offers a streamlined and supportive fit without being restrictive. And the Round Sole makes for smoother transitions from heel to toe, and more contact area for assured landings. The Ad-Accel also comes in a wide model for a roomier fit, as well as a clay model with an outsole designed for the surface.

What Works

Yonex shoe names aren’t always easily discernible—or their racquets for that matter—but the Ad-Accel is less mysterious. The label derives from its easy acceleration, and it’s certainly not false advertising. It’s a fast-feeling shoe that has echoes of Yonex’s Sonicage, but with improved responsiveness and stability.

The Ad-Accel runs slightly long and somewhat snug. Players with narrower feet will appreciate the more glove-like fit, but the polyurethane-based Durable Skin Light upper is flexible enough that players with wider feet won’t find it feel too restrictive. It also translates into a limited break-in period. It couldn’t hurt to take a walk around the block before going full throttle, but they’re capable of going right out of the box and into action.

The upper has plastic covering to provide extra support and durability in high wear areas, with a respectable amount of cutouts to maintain breathability. With lightweight shoes, the balancing act is generally whether they can be stable and supportive enough to handle aggressive cuts. The Accel Booster—stiff shank in the middle of the shoe with a carbon sheet—makes that possible without feeling overly rigid. It helps with stability and stiffness when planting on lateral movement and then springing you back into the court. Plant, pivot and pounce.

Players familiar with Yonex shoes will recognize the Power Cushion+ in the midsole under the forefoot and heel. It soaks up shock to provide a soft, cushy response, but being low profile, you still feel connected to the court. The heel tab is higher than most—reminiscent of the Mizuno Exceed Tour—which gives more cushioning and stability to that part of the shoe. These elements are packaged with the light weight feel and pliable upper, making the Ad-Accel a highly comfortable ride.

The outsole has a split pattern with a tighter herringbone on the medial side and a thicker pattern on the lateral side for more traction. It is rounded on the edges to promote smoother transition into each step. There’s no flange on the lateral side of the forefoot for a little extra security when pushing off in the opposite direction, but it has a lot of grip and is pure efficiency when it comes to those small, squeaky, quick adjustment steps to get in proper hitting position.

What Needs Work

The length of the Ad-Accel could prove tricky for some feet. It’s cut a little long which can make the forefoot a bit too spacious. The narrower cut helps, and the lacing system is quite good and has an extra runner’s eyelet for added security. However, players may still need to size down—I wish I had—in order to find a completely locked-in fit. If possible, a try before buy is recommended.

The overall softness of the shoe comes with a cost: it can feel like there’s almost too much give when you slam on the brakes and tear in the opposite direction. To be fair, there were no ankle rolls or wipeouts to report, and it shouldn’t be an issue for confident movers. But the shoe doesn’t give the same assurance that sturdier models can promote.

The outsole is definitely on the grippy side. It’s a benefit on a slippery surface, but can almost be too much of a good thing on a stickier one. Hard-court sliders in particular may not find enough give when executing a serious skid into the ball.

Bottom Line

Nimble, responsive and comfortable, the new Ad-Accel is welcome addition to the lightweight performance shoe category.