Diadora is rightfully recognized by many as offering some of the most comfortable tennis shoes in the game. Their Speed Blushield line has been near the top of this list for a while now, and we see an update for 2020 in the Speed Blushield 4. While fans of past models can still expect a wide, soft, and highly-cushioned fit, there are a few key differences in this iteration designed to take performance up a notch. Let’s take a closer look:
Diadora Speed Blushield 4 Tennis Shoes
Updated Upper
Perhaps most notable of all, the Speed Blushield 4 ditches the full-overwrap construction of the 3 in favor of a greater reliance on mesh. While we still see heavy-duty protective elements, they’re localized in high-wear areas as opposed to across the entire upper, thus enhancing ventilation. Diadora also added a new strap feature into the laces to provide greater lateral support. They’re designed to keep your foot centered in the footbed for quicker transitions.
Reworked Heel
The heel is an area that has been modified in the past couple of updates. I can recall back to the Speed Blushield 2 where players felt rubbing above the heel because of the high, and somewhat stiff, rear of the shoe. Diadora made the top of the heel softer on the 3, and now even softer/lower on the 4. To compensate for any loss in heel lock-down, we see another eyelet near the top of the shoe. The hardest part of the heel casing is also lower, while a slightly less stiff component runs above it. The goal with this change is to enhance comfort without losing stability or a locked-in feel. Diadora also added a heel tab to help with getting the Speed Blushield 4 on.
Familiar Interior
The Speed Blushield 4 keeps a familiar half-sleeve construction for greater support in the forefoot, and a more adaptive feel. The soft, anti-slip lycra lining throughout the rest of the interior remains largely unchanged. These features help promote the first-fit comfort and security Speed Blushields are known for.
Blushield Technology
Diadora’s Blushield technology is revered among many tennis players for its excellent comfort. It can be broken down as follows:
- The Morpho Base: This element has been carved following the shape of the human foot to maintain its natural anatomy, and help in the transition from the impact to the push-off phase.
- The Zero Strain Nucleo: This blue component results in excellent shock absorption and energy return. It consists of multi-cones shaped into a dune wave, and an advanced S.B.S. compound.
Familiar Outsole and Stability
Durability and stability remain key areas of focus for the Speed Blushield 4. CCB technology returns to enhance torsional stability near the arch. We see the return of a Duratech 5000 wear-resistant rubber outsole, as well. AG models are backed by a 6-month warranty, whereas Clay models are not.
Fit and Sizing
Diadora has kept the fit and sizing of the Speed Blushield 4 virtually identical to prior models. This means you can expect a comfortably wide width, medium arch height, and first-fit comfort.
Watch
To check out all of the colorways for this high-performance tennis shoe, visit TennisExpress.com. Be sure to keep an eye out for our full review on this shoe in the coming weeks!
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