Peter Hermanns, Product Manager at ASICS Padel, reveals the behind the scenes of the creation of the new shoe Swift FF 3 Solution Padel. With its strong 10 years of experience at ASICS, Peter takes us through the improvements made to this third generation, particularly in terms of lightness, breathability and technology. If you're curious to know how the feedback from professional players like Coki Nieto influence product design, and what are the differences with the Swift FF 2 Solution, this interview will give you all the answers!

Can you explain to us, step by step, how you design this type of shoe?

Peter Hermanns : Sure. It always starts with feedback from athletes. We talk to professional players like Coki Nieto, but also with amateurs who practice padel, and we ask them what they like or don't like about their current shoes. Then we look to improve these points. After that, we create prototypes that we test several times. In general, it takes about two years before launching a new shoe on the market.

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Two years for a new shoe, but is it really a brand new model? What are the differences between the FF 2 and the FF 3?

Peter Hermanns : Very good question. One of the main differences between the FF 2 and FF 3 is that the FF 2 had a stem in TPU (editor's note: refers to the upper part of the shoe, which is made from thermoplastic polyurethane), a very durable rubber material that extends the life of the shoe. However, this material can restrict movement slightly and is less breathable, which can make the shoe warmer. For the FF 3, we have developed a technical mesh with an open structure that allows better ventilation while being as resistant as the previous version.

Another important development is the addition of technology Speed ​​Truss under the foot, which helps with forward propulsion. In the previous version, the emphasis was more on overall dynamic movement.

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And the weight? Is this new version lighter than the previous ones?

Peter Hermanns : Yes, it is significantly lighter. We reduced the amount of foam used a bit, and we also changed the outsole. There is a large cutout in the outsole to reduce weight. Less rubber means a lighter shoe. But be careful, you have to find a balance, because reducing the amount of rubber too much could lead to slipping.

How long can you use these shoes before you need to replace them?

Peter Hermanns : It depends on the usage, but it's good to know that each model is tested for 250 hours with players of different levels before being released for sale. So, if you play once a week, these shoes should last a very long time. If you play five times a week, they will still last you at least a year.

I notice that the sole has specific details. Why were these choices made?

Peter Hermanns : We have incorporated specific technologies for padel. For example, this pivot point (pivot point) helps to turn more easily when playing against the wall. Our research shows that about 60% of balls hit the wall before being returned, so this movement is essential for padel players. Then, the X-Groove allows for quick and dynamic movements, which is crucial on a padel court, which is smaller than a tennis court. Finally, the herringbone pattern on the sole improves grip, especially on courts with sand.

Is it possible to play on clay with these shoes?

Peter Hermanns : Yes, it is possible, but it is better to use shoes specially designed for clay. On this surface, dirt can accumulate in the holes of the sole and reduce grip. Shoes specifically for clay are therefore more suitable to avoid this type of problem.

What type of court are these shoes designed for? With or without sand?

Peter Hermanns : These shoes are primarily designed for the new sandless courts that are becoming more and more common. That said, even on the professional circuit, some tournaments, especially in South America, still use sand on the courts. That's why the herringbone pattern is still present, to ensure good performance even with a little sand. But the Swift FF 3 Solution is truly optimized for modern sand-free terrain.

Can we say that it is a hybrid model?

Peter Hermanns : Yes, that's a good summary. It's a hybrid model, but it's designed more for modern courts. I'd say it's 60% for new courts, and 40% for old sand courts. If you play regularly on courts with a lot of sand, the model Swift Solution of the range, with a more pronounced herringbone pattern, might be more suitable for better grip.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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