Verdict from 2 experts and 92 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- According to heaps of reviews, the Prince T22 Lite offers comfort right out of the box.
- To many, this all-court trainer is well-cushioned on the tongue, collar, and under the heel.
- A good number of Prince users say that it comes with a soft upper that doesn’t need any break-in.
- Lots of impressed playtesters like how the outsole holds up after several months.
- Plenty of the reviewers claim that it offers the right amount of grip.
- Several wearers affirm that this stability court trainer hooks up well on the playing surface.
2 reasons not to buy
- Prince T22 Lite still feels heavy even though the weight was reduced to an ounce.
- Toe durability is an issue for some because the toe guard feels thin.
Bottom line
Prince T22 Lite continues to captivate the hearts of diehards with the optimum blend of comfort and traction. This lighter version comes with a more flexible upper than that of the flagship model, granting a soft environment for the foot. Though such material provides less of a lockdown feel, it’s graced with a sturdy outsole that’s ready for the demands of rigorous foot drills and intense matches.
Tip: see the best tennis shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 90/100 by Tennis Warehouse
Video reviews
Good to know
The Prince brand slashed down about an ounce of weight from the original T22 model and came up with the Prince T22 Lite. This iteration in predominantly mesh cover isn’t only 10% lighter but more ventilated and quicker too.
The tongue and heel offer adequate cushioning, making comfort one of its trademark features. Broad-footed users looking for a footgear that grants a plush ride can benefit a lot from this Prince option with a partly roomy toe box.
Composition. The use of the PRC 1000 rubber compound delays any early signs of smoothing, balding, and wear. Thicker, tough-wearing rubber is stretched in high-wear zones of the outsole for longer life.
Tread design. The wavy, modified herringbone tread design offers stable footing on clay and hard court surfaces. Such an outsole pattern keeps the foot from slipping, while its grooves grant flexibility.
Durability feature. Prince T22 Lite comes with a six-month outsole durability guarantee. This feature is usually attached to high-performance tennis shoes with tough-wearing outsoles.
Cushioning. Working as a shock absorption unit as the foot hits the court is the Shock Eraser. This technology minimizes the amount of impact that gets to the foot and converts it into lasting comfort and support. By shielding the foot from blows, the Shock Eraser lowers the risks of foot injuries and discomforts.
Support. Tight under the arch is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shank that’s devised to provide stability. This rigid unit is engineered to resist unwanted torsional rotation during play. The firmness of this material hinders the heel from rotating outward and stops the foot from overpronating.
Material. Unlike the earlier models under the T series, the T22 Lite is built with mesh in a spacious knit pattern. The open mesh design is made to allow air to circulate throughout the shoe. The mesh cover is welded with foot straps that serve as upper support and lateral stability.
Fit. Midfoot width is on the standard size, but it gets wider on the forefoot. This trainer comes with a spacious toe box that benefits wearers with bunions and wide foot.
- The one-time outsole replacement warranty means that the user can have the shoe replaced within six months from the time of purchase if it sustained a considerable amount of damage.
- Prince started as a producer of tennis racquets, which transitioned into the production of innovative tennis shoes. Its Lightspeed series are low-to-the-ground for mobility, whereas its Grinder and T22 lineups are light, supportive, and well-cushioned.