Shoe Review: Head Endure Pro

Head Endure Pro

• Price: $200 (BOA); $169 (standard)
• Weight (men’s 9): 14.3 oz. (BOA); 14.1 oz. (standard)
• Size Run: 7-13
• Outsole Warranty: 6-month

What’s New

The Endure Pro is a new shoe line from Head. It slots in between the durability and stability of the Revolt Pro and the speed and breathability of the Sprint Pro. It’s available in both a traditional laced model, and a BOA Performfit Wrap that employs dials to tighten the shoe. Otherwise the shoes have matching technologies.

The Core Frame is a TPU sidewall running through the heart of the shoe to provide lateral stability. A Dual Density Midsole combines high rebound forefoot EVA for responsiveness with DynaFoam in the heel for maximum shock absorption. And the Head Cooling System has perforations through the outsole, midsole and sockliner to enhance ventilation. Head is also offering a 30-day trial with hassle-free returns on either model purchased through their website.

What Works

There’s a lot to like about Head’s new Endure Pro. The shoe is sturdy, supportive and can handle any assignment asked of aggressive all-court movement. It has a step-in comfort and a soft, cushioned ride that keeps your feet protected from start to finish. But let’s not bury the lead—what gives the Endure an edge over comparable high-performance offerings is its one-of-kind BOA lacing system.

Popular in alpine sports, cycling and running, the setup uses small dials to tighten thin strings in micro increments for a precise fit. It has been tried in the tennis space before with mixed results. What makes the Endure unique is it implements a dual dial setup. The pair sit on the lateral side of the shoe and turn to pull panels on the medial side that envelop the foot to provide a thoroughly secure and customized lockdown.

Just like the snake it’s named after, turning the dials gradually constricts the upper to find the perfect level of squeeze. Because one dial addresses the forefoot and the other handles the midfoot and heel, you can really hone in the fit with varying pressure. The strings look ripe for breakage, but no amount of tightening will cause a snap. And if you do overtighten, the dials also reverse in micro turns to relieve pressure which is a nice touch that’s not always available in other BOA setups.

However, if the BOA doesn’t suit your eye—or wallet—the traditional lace model is still a worthwhile shoe. Instead of the BOA system it has straps integrated into the lacing (called a Deltastrap) which does a bang up job of creating a supportive fit. The coloring of the shoe is flipped—its yellow in the heel and white in the forefoot—to better differentiate between the two models, but otherwise it has the same features as the BOA model.

Notably, both share the new Core Frame—a TPU shank in between the midsole that essentially runs through the length of the shoe. Unlike other Head shoes, it’s a single piece and provides extra stability and support on lateral movements.

Likewise, each has the Dual Density Midsole which puts EVA in the forefoot for responsiveness paired with DynaFoam in the heel for maximum shock absorption. It’s a winning combination as the shoe is exceptionally comfortable right out of the box—no break-in required—and handles the toughest landings.

Head’s Cooling System—a staple in their other lines as well—is also designed to keep your feet happy. It’s essentially a cutout through the heart of the shoe that promotes better airflow. This prevents the feet from overheating, even on toasty hard courts.

The Hybrasion+ outsole uses a non-marking rubber in an all-court diamond-shaped pattern. It has a nice level of grip and after a short period works its way into loosening its grip for slides. It’s intended for hard courts, but provides plenty of traction on a well-kept clay court as well. It’s not currently available, but there will most likely eventually be a clay-specific outsole available in the future.

Ultimately, either option gets the job done. When wearing both at the same time—one on each foot—once the fit is secure it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference in performance. However, all things considered, the standard model just isn’t as user-friendly getting in and out of, or as customizable as its more sophisticated sibling.

Having the option for a contoured, glove-like fit gives you that extra bit of confidence in your footwear. If you’re about to serve out the match and need more lockdown around the midfoot, all it takes is a click on the dial. No untying and retying, trying to find the right level of squeeze. The BOA just adds another element that takes the shoe to another level.

What Needs Work

There’s not much to dislike about the Endure Pro, only minor quibbles. The cushioning is robust, which can make it feel both a little high off the ground and rather soft. So the connection to the court is sometimes a bit muddled, and reaction time slightly compromised.

The shoe’s cooling system and mesh bootie ventilate pretty effectively, keeping the feet from getting overly hot. However, it does seem to soak up moisture and can get a little wet and heavy, especially during long matches in humid conditions.

Lastly, while the BOA dials aren’t felt in action, they’re certainly easily seen. It’s a distinct, technical look that some players may not embrace. Which is probably why there’s the laces option.

Bottom Line

👉 The Endure Pro sets a new standard in the Head footwear arsenal. The security and supportive fit of the BOA model in particular makes it a real standout.