Designed to outperform and outpace every other shoe on the court is the FILA Axilus 2 Energized. This is one of the Italian brand’s best-selling shoes and they have made a few minor tweaks to fit the modern players’ game. It’s super light, stylish, and extra durable so players never have to worry during crucial points. The updated model gets an improved rubber outsole, enhanced cushioning, a made-for-you fit and an arch-boosting sockliner. 4 of our playtesters hit the court and give us their thoughts on this shoe.
Renee’s Thoughts:
I really loved the Fila Women’s Axilus 2 Energized shoe. Straight away, it felt like a trusty, broken-in shoe. Super comfortable, light, and fast. As someone with a slighter wider-than-normal foot, I love how roomy the toe box is. The midsole is cushioned yet not too soft and the cage around the outsole offered just the right amount of support. I definitely get the sensation that these are long-lasting, durable shoes that could take a beating and still perform for ages. On the flip side, the cage construction really limits breathability. I’m not someone whose feet sweat much, but they definitely did in this shoe. The limited arch support wasn’t a big problem during the few times that I playtested this shoe, but with time it could become an issue as I have a high arch. I would also recommend moving up a half size as this shoe runs a tad small.
Pros:
- Light and fast
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
- Durable but felt already broken in
Cons:
- Low arch support
- Limited breathability
- Runs small
Playtester Renee Bergere:
Renee has been playing tennis recreationally for the last 25 years and currently plays at a NTRP 3.5 level. She also runs marathons and follows a high intensity training program called F45.
Albane’s Thoughts:
The Women’s Axilus 2 Energized shoe offered me great support and stability during play. Having a high performance and lightweight shoe at the same time is often a challenge, but the Fila Axilus 2 didn’t neglect anything. It is a practical shoe in which I could still play for hours. Also, I felt comfortable moving from side to side and was always balanced, which is not the case with other lightweight shoes. The outside rubber protects the upper construction well, and makes it durable while still being breathable. I often slide and drag my feet on the court, but the outsole didn’t break easily.
On the downside, I found this shoe to be too short for me and I had to go half a size up to feel more comfortable in it. Additionally I wish the midsole was a little bit thicker as I didn’t have as much cushioning as I am used to. Overall, it’s a great lightweight, high performance shoe that has many qualities worth trying!
Pros:
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Stability
Cons:
- Slimmer midsole
- Shorter fit
Playtester Albane Queinnec:
Albane is currently part of the Team Sales Department at Tennis Express. She is originally from Versailles, France. She graduated from Reinhardt University, GA, where she helped the tennis team win their first AAC Conference Tournament Championship. Her favorite Grand Slam is Roland Garros.
Christopher Worman’s Thoughts:
From the get-go, the Men’s Axilus 2 Energized felt much lighter and more responsive than I had anticipated. I really felt like I could fly around the court unabated. Despite the upper’s thick appearance, it formed to my foot well, and flexed naturally as I crashed the net or moved side to side on the baseline. It also provided a good level of protection.
Perhaps my biggest disappointment came with the level of underfoot support. The shoe sits pretty close to the court, which I know others like, but I would have preferred to have more substance beneath my feet. My joints would feel a bit beat up after wearing these shoes because I’m accustomed to thicker insoles/midsoles. That said, if you’re looking for a fast, dynamic shoe that offers excellent durability, FILA’s Axilus 2 Energized is a great option.
Pros:
- Unexpectedly fast
- Good overall durability
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Little underfoot support
Playtester Christopher Worman:
Chris currently works at Tennis Express as the Content Marketing Team Captain. He primarily participated in soccer and track & field at Homewood-Flossmoor High School outside of Chicago, Illinois. He is an avid weightlifter and nutrition enthusiast that enjoys Cycling and various outdoor activities.
My Thoughts:
I loved the first version of the Men’s Axilus Energized, and the 2nd version is not much different for me. I truly appreciate the comfort and stability of this shoe. It’s an easy shoe to just wear around the house and then go to the tennis court to play. The updated model has improved breathability which I value because I tend to sweat a lot when I play. There was a subtle change in the fit seeming to be a little bit shorter in length. However, this change didn’t bother me much because once I started moving around the shoe seemed to go back to the normal fitting. Movement, responsiveness, and durability will still great for me as I could move around the court with ease without feeling out of position. All in all, still one of my favorite shoes to wear anytime for tennis or life in general.
Pros:
- Comfortable and Stable
- Closer fitting around my feet
- Improved breathability
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons:
- Fitting takes time to get use to
Playtester Chris Virk-Brown:
Chris currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Neumann University and coached at the collegiate level for 3 years. He is USPTA Certified and is an active USTA League and Tournament player at the 4.5+ level. He really wants Gael Monfils or Jo-Wilfred Tsonga to win a grand slam.
For More:
