We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
The Air Zoom Vapor and Air Zoom Prestige are some of Nike’s best tennis shoes made. However, the ultimate question and debate that everyone wants to know, which one is the best?
If you are the type of person that is a little confuse and wants to have some clarity of which shoe is suitable for your game. Then you are in the perfect place.
In this post, I would be comparing both shoes by looking at the different parts of the shoe and see which one is the best. If you are excited like me then let begin with the design for both shoes.
Table of Contents
Design
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 4.5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 4/5
In terms of design and aesthetic, both shoes look very colourful, simple and attractive.
However, from my perspective, the black colour version for the Air Zoom Prestige is a little dull.
It would be awesome if Nike combines the main colour (i.e. black) of the shoe with other colours such as light blue, pink etc. This would make it super colourful.
The same criticism goes with the Air Zoom Vapor X’s green colour. With little changes from Nike, it should be nice. Overall, I would personally give the Air Zoom Vapor the best design.
Lacing System
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 5/5
One of the similarities of both shoes is the adaptive lacing system. What this means is if you have either a narrow or wide foot, the lacing system would adapt to your foot perfectly.
This is essential because it provides you with stability and comfort on the court. On top of that, it would allow you to move freely and hit the ball with ease. Overall, both shoes are spot on when it comes to the lacing system.
Outsole
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 4/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 5/5
One of the major differences for both shoes is the outsole. Firstly, the Air Zoom Vapor X has an innovative outsole which is going to provide you with excellent durability.
Although the downside to this is, it can feel a little slippery on the court. But it’s still going to give you decent traction.
And secondly, the Air Zoom Prestige is designed with a modified herringbone pattern which provides you with excellent traction on a variety of court surfaces.
In terms of who wins the outsole, I think this one is a little challenging. But I think the Air Zoom Prestige deserves it for its excellent grip and traction.
Supportive Fit
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 5/5
In terms of how the shoe fits you, there is not much difference between both shoes. So whether you have a narrow or wide foot, you should be fine.
The cool thing is, it takes less to no breaking time. This allows you to put the shoes on with no worries and help you to get into the rhythm of your game quickly. Overall both shoes deserve a thumbs up from me.
Colour Options
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 4/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 3.5/5
Currently, the Vapor has the upper hand when it comes to choosing varieties of colours/design for both women and men.
For men, the Vapor has three different colours and the Prestige has two different colours which are black and grey
With the ladies, the Vapor has three different colours whiles the Prestige has only two options.
Vapor deserves the win for this section because they brighten and lift your mood whiles on the court due to their bright colours. A good example is the ladies pink.
Breathability
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 5/5
Another similarity between both shoes is how the upper section of the shoe has open-air mesh.
This is awesome in providing you with good breathability throughout the match and keeping your feet fresh and cool. Although the Vapor is more open and a little softer than the Prestige. In terms of breathability, it’s equal on both sides.
Surface To Use On
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 4/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 4.5/5
In terms of the surface to use on, the Vapor is specifically designed for hard court surfaces. Whiles the Prestige on a variety of court surfaces. As a result, the Prestige comes up on top in this category.
Cost
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 3.5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 5/5
Another important factor I want to talk about is the costs of both shoes. The Air Zoom Vapor is more expensive than the Air Zoom Prestige.
Some of you may be asking why come the Air Zoom Vapor is more costly than the other shoe if they have similar features?
Personally speaking, I feel that the Air Zoom Vapor offers more qualities and excellent features compared to the Prestige. Which is why I think the pricing is quite high. In terms of saving cost, Prestige has the upper hand.
Cushioning and Comfort
Editor Rating:
- Air Zoom Vapor – 4.5/5
- Air Zoom Prestige – 4/5
The last part of the shoe for us to take a look at is the cushioning and comfort. With the Vapor, the foam midsole has a Zoom Air unit in the heel to provide you with responsive cushioning.
However, the Prestige does not have enough midsole compared to the Vapor. But it would provide you with good stability, comfort and cushion on the court. Again Vapor comes up on top here.
Final Verdict!!
As we come to the end of the ultimate debate between Nike Air Zoom Vapor vs. Nike Air Zoom Prestige.
It’s a little tricky to see which one is the best, because the Vapor excels in many aspects of the shoe such as comfort, cushioning, and design.
On the other hand, the Prestige is not a bad shoe at all because it’s fairly cheap when you compared it with the Vapor. Also, you can use it on different surfaces such as grass-court etc.
Overall, both shoes are very good in their own ways. It’s important that you select the shoe that suits your game, budget and the court surface you are playing on. This way you find more success and confidence on the court.
