MEN
PRICE $120
WEIGHT 16.1 oz.
SIZES 61/2–15, 16
IDEAL FOOT TYPES Neutral, supinated, and pronated
WOMEN
PRICE $120
WEIGHT 14.5 oz.
SIZES 5–11
IDEAL FOOT TYPES Neutral, supinated, and pronated
FIRST TAKE:
The Barricade debuted back in 2000 as Adidas’ premier hard-court shoe for hard-core players. The fourth installment, worn by Justine Henin- Hardenne, Marat Safin, and many other pros, is another positive step forward.
HOW IT TESTED:
The Barricade IV may take some time to break in—a few playtesters said they needed a couple of outings before it felt good—but it’s worth the wait. The shoe offers excellent stability, with thermoplastic urethane around the heel and a lacing system that lets you pull the laces through rubber support pieces for a snug fit. The shoe also has improved ventilation, and the cushioning is great. On the downside, it’s a bit heavy and the fit in the forefoot is narrow.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Barricade is still the standard in stability.