All About Rush Pro 4.0
Antoine Oui, Wilson Footwear Product Line Manager, discusses the much-anticipated Rush Pro 4.0 Tennis Shoe.
Socrates once said, “when our feet hurt, we hurt all over.”
This sentiment was as true in Socrates’ day as it is in ours, and nowhere is it more applicable to tennis players than on the court. Tennis shoes only get one chance to make a good first impression, if their debut match ends in pain and blisters then it’s safe to say they will not be invited back to play again.
But while most competitive players obsess over their racket specs and string set up, not as many truly understand the technology behind their tennis shoes. Enter Wilson Footwear Product Line Manager, Antoine Oui. We sat down with Antoine to brush up on our tennis shoe knowledge, as well as learn more about the long-awaited Rush Pro 4.0 tennis shoe and what makes it so innovative.
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WILSON: The Rush Pro 4.0 is the latest evolution of the Rush Pro franchise. What is the latest technology in this newest version?
ANTOINE: The new bottom unit has been reinvented to bring more dynamic movement for the explosive attacking player that wants to control the game. The latest technology in the Rush Pro 4.0 is the Energy Cell technology. It’s a new foam that we use in the midsole to give it more energy and power to the player. To enable them to move forward faster, with more explosivity.
It’s a foam that’s unique. It’s resilient and a bit softer, so it’s very comfortable but has a lot of pop. Really that was our focus and goal: to give more energy to the Rush Pro 4.0.
WILSON: What does the innovation process look like behind that technology?
ANTOINE: For this new foam, we worked with Salomon, our sister company. Not many people realize this, but we share the same resources, the same design development and offices.
Salomon was working on some options, and we looked them and discussed together what would be best for tennis players. We took some technology from one of their trail running shoes and implemented it into our tennis footwear for Rush Pro 4.0. Of course, we tested it and adjusted it. We tested more than just one, but at the end this one was perfect for the expectation we had to improve that explosivity on the court.
WILSON: What type of tennis player are these shoes ideally suited for?
ANTOINE: Rush Pro 4.0 is designed for a player who wants to control the game. One who is very engaged on the court.
This player wants to dominate. They have a lot of power, especially in their legs. They can anchor strongly into the ground and burst forward. This is not necessarily for the player who is going to stay at the baseline for the whole game. The shoe is designed to move forward to the net, to finish the game quickly. These players are tactical and have excellent footwork and good strength.
WILSON: What inspired this lineup of Rush Pro? How did Rush Pro 4.0 come to be?
ANTOINE: Rush Pro has been quite successful in recent years with the 3.0 and 3.5, so we were focused on ways to improve the performance, comfort and look of the shoe for this launch. We took a two-pronged approach here, evaluating technological upgrades for improved explosiveness and silhouette updates for enhanced comfort.
WILSON: In addition to Rush Pro 4.0 we also have Rush Pro Ace Tennis Shoe and Rush Pro Tour Mid. Which type of player was each Rush Pro shoe created for?
ANTOINE: The Rush Pro Tour Mid, which is only available in Europe in a men’s model at this time, is the heaviest shoe in the line and is designed for the most demanding, aggressive players. The upper construction with 8 eyelets gives players the opportunity to adjust the amount of support they need, while the forefoot chassis is stiffer than the Rush Pro 4.0 and generates more propulsion. There is a bit more ankle support, thanks to the taller silhouette of the shoe.
The Rush Pro 4.0 is a perfect compromise between performance and comfort. It does a great job at maximizing the explosiveness for tactical players who like to push forward and control the game. The new technologies optimize forward propulsion, helping players accelerate after loading up and anchor in the ground from an open stance. Thanks to its blend of dynamic properties and comfortable feel, this shoe will be most popular for avid, competitive players looking to maximize their potential on the court.
The Rush Pro Ace is a wider shoe (2E) that provides extra room for your toe, so it will be the best option for players with wider feet because it will be more breathable. It still maintains good performance qualities, as it features the Rush Pro 3.0 bottom unit for great stability and durability. This will be the most comfortable option in Wilson’s 2022 footwear lineup, especially for players who appreciate a more generous fit.
WILSON: Let’s talk durability. How well do these shoes up over time?
ANTOINE: I am very confident in the durability of these Rush Pros. For one, we are using a great rubber called Duralast on the outsole, and we increased the density on the Rush Pro Tour Mid and Rush Pro 4.0 for additional longevity. We also patched these shoes with rubber pieces on the medial side to ensure that the shoe is protected when players slide on a hardcourt surface.
WILSON: How does the Rush Pro franchise differ from the Wilson Kaos franchise?
ANTOINE: Unlike Rush Pro, Kaos actually targets those baseline players. Kaos tennis shoes are designed for players who move back and forth, side to side, on the baseline. They engage more speed because these players are faster and have to run a lot.
That is the fundamental difference between Rush Pro and Kaos: Rush Pro is for players who move forward and charge the net while Kaos is for players who stay on the baseline and run mostly side to side. That is why there is such a difference in the look and feel of these two performance tennis shoes.
WILSON: What should players look for in tennis shoes?
ANTOINE: That is such an important question. Players should look for comfort, for sure. That’s something that needs to be understood and felt right away. They should be able to take a pair of shoes out of the box and go on the court and make sure the comfort is the same when they actually play. Just like it is recommended to playtest your racket before you purchase it, when possible tennis players should also playtest their shoes. Comfort is the most important factor.
Once you find a shoe that is comfortable on court, the next thing to look for is support. By that I mean some elements on the shoe to hold you, especially when you run and have to brake fast. We have a tongue construction called Endofit that gives extra lateral support. Players should also look at the material to protect the essential part of the product. This is something people don’t really consider, but it’s important for the longevity of your shoe and, ultimately, the protection of your foot.
Shop Rush Pro 4.0
The Rush Pro franchise is undoubtedly Wilson’s most popular tennis and pickleball shoe, often hailed as some of the most comfortable and durable tennis shoes on the market. Rush Pro 4.0 is now available in a selection of colorways. Other than the explosive energy discussed by Antoine, what makes the latest iteration of this popular shoe our best one yet?
- Energy Cell: Lightweight EVA foam in the forefoot of the midsole lends a softer feel for optimal transfer of body weight through impact, creating a more explosive acceleration.
- 4D Support Chassis 2.0: Split chassis extend under the foot to provide support and forward propulsion. Pair this with a lateral piece that runs from heel to toes for ultimate stability and control as you charge the net.
- Sensifeel 2.0: This minimally layered upper with an engineered mesh provides enhanced breathability and feel, leading to an overall more comfortable shoe.
- Endofit: A full inner sock construction enhances comfort, stability and intuitive fit.
- Medial Rubber Drag Pad : A rubber overlay in the medial area offers additional durability and protection when you drag your foot, making your shoes last longer.
- DF2: A 9mm heel-toe drop provides the best compromise between comfort and performance, maximizing both.
- Duralast : High-density, consummately durable rubber compound provides abrasion resistance and maximum traction on all surfaces.
- R-DST+: Midsole foam offers the best combination of cushioning and rebound for dynamic performance.