[Review] Inner Power, Reinvented: The Experience of VICTOR P9200III

Joyce September 7, 2024 4 0

Since its launch, the P9200 has undergone numerous color variations, maintaining a consistently high market sales figure and enduring the test of actual play. Even today, it remains a timeless classic. However, technology advances, and past glories eventually fade. The P9200II then arrived, ushering in a technological revolution in the shoe industry with its E-TPU technology. If you’ve yet to experience the intimate protection offered by the 9200 legacy on the court, today’s 9200 returns with “Built-in Midsole Technology, Reinvented”!

Built-in Midsole: The Modular Shoe Concept

Talking about built-in midsole shoes, do you, like me, feel a sense of familiarity mixed with unfamiliarity? Indeed, since the debut of the VG-10 leisure shoe and its subsequent iterations like the VG-1 worn by Indonesian doubles legend Hendra Setiawan, this technology has waxed and waned in popularity, never truly taking off.

The modular shoe design concept of built-in midsoles feels like a novel approach, but consumers seem skeptical. Nevertheless, it persists, even in international tournaments and amateur gyms, where I rarely see players wearing shoes with built-in midsoles from Victor. With the introduction of the 9200III, this technology has evolved through multiple generations.

Inner Power Parameters

From VG-11 to P9200III, spanning 2016-2023, we’ve seen advancements from feather-light EVA, lightweight EVA, high-elasticity EVA, and anti-slip materials to today’s E-TPU, supercritical nitrogen-infused foaming, and hyper EVA. The built-in midsole’s modularity, fit, and solidity are the hallmarks of the P9200III.

The reviewed shoe is a size 41, with an inner length of 265mm and a weight of 336.4g. The magic lies within, as the built-in midsole seamlessly integrates with the outsole, ensuring a sturdy connection. Removing the midsole reveals a weight of 61.3g, significantly lighter than the 80g VG-1 midsole I previously tested, thanks to the lighter hyper EVA technology.

Wearing Experience

Unlike traditional shoes, the P9200III with its built-in midsole offers a more compact and rigid interior. Despite a labeled width of 2.5 (3E), the forefoot feels spacious, and the smooth midsole provides less friction and adhesion than traditional wave-patterned insoles.

Victor thoughtfully includes a suede insole with double-sided adhesive to enhance friction, along with an instruction manual. This significantly improves the wearing experience.

Despite the futuristic built-in midsole concept and super-fiber upper, the overall feel is surprisingly traditional, with a rigid and straightforward on-and-off sensation. It’s a solid all-around shoe for intense play.

Key Wearing Sensations:

The unique wedge-shaped built-in midsole offers notable arch support from three directions, effectively alleviating arch fatigue and preventing plantar fasciitis.
Contrary to the soft and bouncy feel of traditional shoes, the P9200III’s rebound is firm and substantial, with a clear ground feel without being overly hard. The dense, colloidal-like “stability” may initially concern some about its landing response.

Lateral Support

Unlike the VG-10, the P9200III has a lower design center, facilitating lateral movements. Coupled with the embedded L-shaped lateral stability structure and outward-extending outsole edges, it ensures stability during wide movements.

While not as steady as the “Eagle Claw” lateral support of the P8500 II, the embedded L-shaped system in the P9200III is reassuring.

Quick and Responsive Start

The noticeable heel-to-toe drop in the P9200III creates a natural forward lean, enhancing the shoe’s overall responsiveness. The rigid midsole structure and solid ground feedback contribute to swift starts. However, the forward lean may be uncomfortable for certain foot shapes like Greek feet (long middle toes).

Modular Design Concept

Advanced concepts require sophisticated technology. From VG-1 to P9200III, Victor has gradually introduced E-TPU, supercritical nitrogen-infused foaming, and hyper EVA, marking significant progress in under three years.

Advantages of Modular Design:

Flexibility and adaptability to different needs and preferences.
Easy replacement of the midsole as it wears out.

Disadvantages:

A noticeably different wearing sensation from traditional shoes, requiring time to adjust. Even after experiencing Victor’s built-in midsole shoes like the VG-1, switching back can still feel odd.

Recommendation Summary

The P9200III, fusing the “built-in midsole” technology with Victor’s flagship IP, represents a balance between tradition and innovation. While modular design still has much room for improvement, particularly in incorporating E-TPU or supercritical technologies, the P9200III boasts impressive shock absorption, making it suitable for heavier players. It also delivers impressive start-up speed. Despite the novel wearing sensation that may take some getting used to, its overall performance in actual play highly recommends it for all players to try.