Joyce
When it comes to speed, it excels, and yet it manages to deliver on wrap-around support, cushioning, and torsion resistance all at the same time. This is the S82 3rd Generation NL.
Hello everyone, welcome to Gear Experience. I’m Guangying. After seeing the S82 3rd Generation NL at the year-start conference, I’ve been waiting for half a year to finally get my hands on the mass-produced version with its supercritical nitrogen-infused foam. Let’s see how it performs.
First, let’s talk about the aesthetics. The shoe is predominantly white, with a large area of nylon mesh on the upper, giving it a good look for breathability. The design of the upper is almost identical to the older S82 3rd Generation, with TPU film covering the inner abrasion-resistant layer. The laces are also designed with differentiated weaving, but the orange accents around the ankle collar add a more eye-catching touch. The biggest change lies in the cushioning layer, which has been completely replaced with supercritical nitrogen-infused foam.
The sole markings have been updated accordingly, and the heel section has been redesigned to prominently feature the supercritical nitrogen-infused foam element. As for the outsole, it should be the same as the older S82 3rd Generation. Overall, the design concept of the 3rd Generation NL hasn’t changed significantly, and personally, I think the white colorway looks even more stylish than the older model. What do you think?
This shoe weighs around 330g per shoe, which is about 20g heavier than the older version. It has a V2.5 standard last, with a slightly narrower forefoot, but not overly noticeable. The sizing is quite standard, so you can purchase according to your usual sneaker size.
As a speed shoe, the S82 3rd Generation NL maintains its primary characteristics of quick start and high speed while also achieving a good balance in wrap-around support, torsion resistance, cushioning, and weight.
Let’s dive into the detailed experience. In terms of start-up speed, the S82 3rd Generation NL excels, with a thin forefoot that allows for a crisp and clean takeoff. However, it adds a touch of softness to the feel, avoiding the harsh impact that some speed shoes can have on the foot. When transitioning to heel strikes during lunges, the thicker heel cushioning layer provides more noticeable cushioning. Typically, speed shoes lack in cushioning and have a harder feel, but the incorporation of supercritical nitrogen-infused foam significantly enhances the cushioning experience, making it a pleasant surprise.
In terms of wrap-around support, the shoe feels very comfortable right out of the box, with a snug fit that contours to the shape of your foot. The upper is relatively soft, giving it a casual sneaker-like feel when not in motion, without too much restriction. For those with slimmer feet, like me, this V-shaped standard last provides better forefoot containment. Players with slimmer feet will find this suitable, but the majority of nylon mesh used in the upper should offer some tolerance for wider feet, so wider-footed players can give it a try. The nylon mesh is not overly thick, with large mesh holes providing good breathability, and I don’t find the shoe to be stuffy.
With such a comfortable and less restrictive fit, many might worry about torsion resistance. Based on my experience playing both singles and doubles, while it may not be as eye-catching in overall stability as shoes designed primarily for cushioning and stability, the S82 3rd Generation NL still offers quite good stability as a speed shoe. At my weight of 130 pounds, it provides ample torsion resistance and lateral support. However, due to the large area of nylon mesh and the softer upper, the overall deformation of the upper can be relatively significant, which may not be as favorable for heavier players. In summary, achieving breathability often comes at the cost of some overall upper strength, which is a necessary compromise.
The outsole of this shoe appears to be a direct carryover from the older model, with good grip thanks to its quadrilateral design that has been proven reliable. The rubber is slightly softer, which enhances friction and grip but may require time to test its durability.
In conclusion, the S82 3rd Generation NL, as a speed shoe, not only retains its excellent speed characteristics but also surprisingly balances wrap-around support, torsion resistance, cushioning, and weight. It offers a comfortable overall feel, with a clean and quick start, good containment, and impressive cushioning for a speed shoe, providing a unique alternative. It’s suitable for speed shoe enthusiasts who also desire some cushioning, torsion resistance, and containment, especially those with slimmer feet and a moderate body weight.
