Following an in-depth analysis of the Bela Pro black model, I continue my investigations by focusing today on the technical characteristics and playing sensations offered by the Bela Tour, whose more dynamic aesthetic does not lack interest. A prestigious model that not only offers exceptional quality, but also contributes to environmental protection through the use of recycled materials.
Resulting from a unique collaboration started a few years ago with the Argentinian maestro, these shoes are part of the signature range dedicated to demanding players, which also includes snowshoes, luggage and textiles.
This 360-degree offering encompasses all the equipment needed to play padel with the W brand, and is therefore designed to satisfy the most devoted fans of the Pehuajó player.
Shoes, just like shovels, are determining elements to practice your favorite sport in the best conditions. The selection criteria favor the mechanical properties of the shoe (comfort, durability, stability), while the dynamic properties (cushioning, flexibility, grip) must be adjusted according to the player's profile.
Budget is also a factor to consider, given that the materials used, the technologies integrated and the manufacturing of the shoes padel high-end products often justify a higher price, which is amply justified.
It is important to remember that the choice of shoes padel differs depending on the level of practice. If beginner players will favor lightness to limit fatigue, experienced players, who have better control over movements and rotations, will pay more attention to reinforced tips in order to resist repeated slipping. A detail that is important for shoes adapted to each stage of your progress!
Bela Tour: Ma Che Bella!
I am fascinated by the beauty of these shoes.
The snow-white base, despite its susceptibility to dirt, goes perfectly with the always elegant and striking combination of red and black. Frequently considered as an absence of color, white is in reality the sum of these and symbolizes purity, delicacy and minimalism.
Far from being a mundane task, shoe lacing plays an essential role in ensuring comfort, stability and safety of the foot. Using flat laces with a stiff plastic tip and an optimal length making double knotting unnecessary, the double eyelet system offers a greater variety of lacing options for a personalized fit.
It is directly integrated into the upper, which allows for perfect anatomical wrapping and better pressure distribution, particularly in the midfoot. This ensures increased stability during exercise, optimizes tension distribution and reduces the risk of injury.
It is important to note that the sizing system offers precise adjustments with fractions of 2/3 for even sizes and 1/3 for odd sizes. This precision allows a perfect adjustment of the shoe to the length of the foot (from 40 to 49 1/3).
A plethora of engineering
You will quickly realize that this reference is equipped with numerous technologies aimed at offering a product combining comfort, safety and robustness. They offer optimal stability, limiting supination and promoting better control of lateral movements, while ensuring excellent comfort thanks to a recycled rubber sole reinforced by a layer of EVA foam in the insole.
But let’s see all this in detail!
Shoes use sewing technique strobel for increased flexibility, comfort, lightness and stability. This manufacturing technique involves sewing the upper (the upper part of the shoe) to a soft midsole using a chainstitch machine.
They have an insole OrthoLite Hybrid 3D Molded, made from recycled materials, providing three-dimensional support for greater comfort and less fatigue.
Technology 4D Chassis Support of Wilson integrated into the midsole ensures optimal rigidity, stability and energy transfer.
True to itself, the outsole Optimum Grip stands out for its characteristic vortex patterns, inspired by a cat's pads, offering maximum flexibility and reinforced stability. Located at the front and heel, these circular swirls improve rotational and pivoting movements in all directions on the court. padel.
Sensifeel 2.0, designed to withstand the demands of padel, further improves comfort and permeability in the upper part of the shoe. This technology offers exceptional resistance while being lightweight, and is made up of thin layers with a technical mesh, ensuring optimal breathability which allows you to stay dry.
Its ultra-light mesh upper molds perfectly to the shape of the foot, while its breathable design ensures optimal ventilation.
Technology DF2 (Dynamic Fit 2) takes care of protecting your heel thanks to a 9 mm drop and reinforced support through a more rigid rear counter construction in order to limit unwanted movements of the foot in the shoe.
Midsole Fused 8 Foam provides exceptional cushioning and comfort. The shoes are made with 100% recycled mesh, 50% recycled insole and 55% recycled TPU film for a reduced environmental footprint.
As the name suggests, this foam is created by merging 8 different EVA foam components, which are strategically positioned to provide zones of varying hardness within the midsole.
Softer zones absorb shock and provide comfortable cushioning, while firmer zones promote propulsion and dynamism.
Endofit is a technology developed by Wilson to improve the comfort and support inside its tennis shoes and padel.
It acts like a sort of second skin that perfectly matches the shape of the foot for a personalized fit, eliminating pressure points and friction for optimal comfort.
Finally, these shoes are designed for intensive daily use thanks to robust materials such as Duralast, resistant to abrasion, to ensure long-term durability. Combining high-density rubber with optimized grip patterns, these outsoles are designed to brave the changing conditions of the padel.
And what does it look like on the track?
From the first discussions, the exceptional grip and ergonomics of these shoes seduced me. The synergy between innovative technologies and high-performance rubber provides a sensation of fusion with the foot, allowing changes of direction as fast as they are precise.
The reinforced chassis ensures remarkable stability, guaranteeing perfect control of his movements, even during the most intense actions. Responsive cushioning, combined with excellent breathability, provides unparalleled comfort throughout the game.
With a weight of 362 grams (T45), these shoes achieve a perfect balance: light enough not to hinder movement, but robust enough to guarantee optimal stability.
Conclusion
After spending several weeks testing the Bela Tour, I can say today that they keep all their promises. Comfort is there, with excellent foot support and appreciable ventilation even during the most intense matches.
More flexible than the Pro version, these shoes were designed for Bela, who, with age, needs more flexibility to protect her tendons.
The grip is impeccable, allowing quick and precise changes of direction without fear of slipping.
Au padel, choosing the right shoes is essential to avoid discomfort and injuries. Aware of this issue, Wilson is working hard on R&D to offer ever more efficient references. Comfort, stability and grip are there: a veritable host of innovations at the service of your game!
Add to that a modern design and a durable construction that seems very satisfying, these shoes represent an excellent investment for players of all levels looking for performance and dynamism.
They are also available in red and black to satisfy the most undecided, and will pair perfectly with the Bela 2.5 snowshoes. I would like to renew my thanks to Wilson Europe for their trust and I look forward to presenting you new tests from the American brand which are arriving very soon!
Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!