Nike Vapor tennis runners

Vapor tennis shoes

Nike has been creating tennis shoes since the 1970s, with its iconic Vapor series established in 2004. Inspired by the great Roger Federer, the Nike Vapor is designed for players seeking matchday success.

The Vapor S2 launched the series with a lightweight, breathable microfibre upper, a durable moulded toe cap, an external heel counter and injected TPU rollcage for stability, a Phylon foam midsole with heel and forefoot Zoom Air for comfort, shock absorption and court-feel, and a Speed Herringbone tread for reliable multi-surface grip. 2005’s Nike Vapor Speed introduced a Durable Rubber Compound 2 outsole alongside an updated forefoot shape and sturdier heel structure, and 2006’s Vapor 3 added a contoured fit design, flexible forefoot drag zone and Momentum Control System for increased comfort, durability and stability.

Federer boosted the series with multiple Grand Slam wins, and his expert insight led to the lightweight, stable FitFrame of the Vapor 4, which also includes cooling Heat Block midsole technology and hard-wearing XDR outsole rubber. In 2009, the highly popular Vapor Tour 6 introduced a secure, lightweight Flywire upper alongside a soft, flexible Lunarlite midsole with heel Zoom Air and a broad midfoot shank for a powerful balance of agility, cushioning, stability and court-feel.

For 2012’s Vapor 9, Nike enlisted the legendary Tinker Hatfield, who based the design on a running shoe as per Federer’s request. Its lightweight, supple mesh upper is secured by a flexible Adaptive Fit lacing system, while the TPU foot-frame offers lateral stability and strategically placed overlays enhance durability. Cushlon foam replaces the Lunarlon of its predecessors, combining with heel Zoom Air to provide low-to-the-ground comfort and balance as the midfoot shank and herringbone outsole deliver lightweight support and outstanding grip.

Nike enhanced this iconic shoe with the even quicker and more comfortable Vapor 9.5 Tour in 2013, while its successor, 2018’s Vapor 10, introduced a Dynamic Fit upper, full-length TPU frame, padded collar and roomier forefoot for improved lockdown, support and comfort. Its stable outsole features a generative tread that provides traction through rapid changes of direction, with zonal variations in thickness to minimise weight while maximising durability.

2023’s Nike Vapor 11 switched to a tough, accommodating mesh upper woven reinforced with rubberised strands and supported by a stabilising yet flexible TPU chassis. Forefoot Zoom Air gives a springy toe-off as full-length EVA provides comfort and impact protection, the grippy sawtooth outsole facilitates efficient sliding and the lateral outrigger improves stability.

In 2025, the Vapor 12’s lightweight, adaptive engineered mesh returned the focus to speed. Its top eyelets are protected inside the collar and a midfoot fit band secures the foot as swooping polyurethane bands add durability across the medial flank and lateral forefoot. The full-length TPU Footframe combines with Zoom Air in the heel, a bottom-loaded midfoot shank and a high-abrasion herringbone outsole to deliver shock-absorbing comfort, lightweight stability and durable grip.

The Nike Vapor series offers high-performance tennis shoes designed to enhance comfort, speed and court-feel while supporting dedicated competitors through challenging tournaments.