Our verdict

Having thoroughly tested the Nike Vapour Lite 2, we found it to be one of the best tennis shoes under £100! It ticks all of the boxes that a beginner player needs to feel confident on the court. And its outsole and toe guard even exceeded our expectations for the price! Not to mention that the Vapour Lite 2 also looks nice and clean pulling visual cues from the more advanced Nike Vapour Pro 2.

Pros

  • Fantastic value for money
  • Outstanding rubber durability for the price
  • Lighter than average
  • Nice breathability
  • Sufficient stability for beginner players
  • Good impact protection
  • Well-padded interiors

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Short laces

Audience verdict

77
Good!

Who should buy

We highly recommend the Vapour Lite 2 if you are in search of the following:

  • an entry-level tennis shoe with excellent value for money
  • a sleek court shoe that feels light and nimble
  • a budget-friendly tennis shoe with promising outsole durability

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 review

Who should NOT buy

Players with wide feet are very likely to feel constricted in the Nike Vapour Lite 2. And because it is not offered in wide widths, we recommend looking into the ASICS Gel Dedicate 8 which is an affordable option that comes in wide.

Another reason to consider a different tennis shoe is if you have overpronation or you prefer more stable footwear. The ASICS Gel Challenger 14 offers fantastic lateral stability at a moderate price.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

Measuring the shoe's midsole thickness in the heel returned 30.7 mm.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Heel stack

This is a typical heel stack height for a tennis shoe offering enough impact protection for most players.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 30.7 mm
Average 29.3 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
25.3 mm
Heel stack
33.0 mm

Forefoot stack

We also found that the shoe's forefoot stack is on par with the average.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Forefoot stack

With a measurement of 19.2 mm, it created a solid buffer between the balls of our feet and the hard court without muting out the latter.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 19.2 mm
Average 19.6 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
16.1 mm
Forefoot stack
23.4 mm

Drop

As you can see from the photo below, the shoe's heel is notably thicker than the forefoot resulting in an 11.5-mm offset.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Drop

But even though the Vapour Lite 2's heel drop is slightly taller than average, our toes didn't feel pushed forward.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 heel bevel

A visible heel bevel also helped to smoothen our heel-to-toe transitions and accommodated a rocking foot motion whenever we leaned back to serve.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 11.5 mm
Average 9.7 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
6.2 mm
Drop
14.7 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Phylon is Nike's basic cushioning foam which is commonly used in the brand's budget-friendly shoes. It's not particularly soft or bouncy but it feels balanced in the Vapour Lite 2. 

Pressing a Shore A durometer against the shoe's half-cut midsole returned 26.3 HA which confirmed that the foam is in between soft and firm.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Midsole softness
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 26.3 HA
Average 28.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
17.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
34.0 HA

Insole thickness

A 4.9-mm insole also provides a touch of underfoot padding in the Vapour Lite 2. It is a standard insole thickness for a tennis shoe.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Insole thickness

There is nothing noteworthy about its shape either - it is a simple and flat one.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 insole

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 4.9 mm
Average 5.2 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
3.9 mm
Insole thickness
7.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 is slightly small (33 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 22 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

On its product page, Nike warns that the Vapour Lite 2 fits small and recommends ordering a half-size larger.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 fit

We can subscribe to that only if you have wide feet or bunions, or if you prefer some extra toebox space.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Toebox width - widest part

Our calliper measured 99.2 mm in the widest part of the shoe's forefoot which is only a couple of millimetres narrower than average.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 99.2 mm
Average 101.0 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
96.3 mm
Toebox width - widest part
105.0 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Near the big toe, our calliper recorded 74.7 mm which is also a couple of millimetres narrower than average but not critically.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Toebox width - big toe

There is just a minor fit construction coming from the shoe's sturdy toe guard.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 74.7 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
74.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
81.0 mm

Laces

We do have a gripe about the shoe's somewhat short laces. Making a double knot would be a challenge.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 laces

Stability

Lateral stability test

Testing the Vapour Lite 2's stability for side-to-side movements, we were pleased with its level of support.

Of course, it's not the kind of stability that an aggressive baseline player would expect in a shoe but it is just right for a beginner/intermediate athlete who swiftly moves around the court.

However, if you have notable overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or you simply want more stability from your tennis shoes, consider the ASICS Gel Challenger 14. For an extra £20 this shoe offers a considerably higher level of stability.

Torsional rigidity

Torsional rigidity can tell a lot about the shoe's overall stability. The harder it is to twist a shoe, the more stable it feels on the court because it doesn't allow the foot to twist so easily.

Considering the Vapour Lite 2's simple construction, we were surprised that it resisted our manual test enough to receive a higher rigidity score of 4.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 4
Average 4.3
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

However, the shoe's heel counter turned out to be more pliable. It felt rather forgiving to the touch and didn't provide a tonne of stopping power when we performed forceful lateral movements.

That's why the Vapour Lite 2 got a lower heel counter stiffness score (3 out of 5) and consequently took a few stability points overall.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 3
Average 3.9
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

We have nothing to complain about when it comes to the shoe's midsole width.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Midsole width - forefoot

Showing 111.0 mm in the widest area of the forefoot, the Vapour Lite 2 has a sufficient lateral flange for a good sense fo stability.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 111.0 mm
Average 111.9 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
105.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
117.4 mm

Midsole width - heel

As for the heel, our calliper showed a few millimetres narrower than average at 84.9 mm. But it's not a critical deviation from the average.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 84.9 mm
Average 89.5 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
82.4 mm
Midsole width - heel
99.7 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

The Nike Vapour Lite 2 doesn't feature any shanks or stabilising components so its stiffness is rather moderate. It is actually on par with the average tennis shoe according to our in-house flexibility test.

Our force gauge showed that the shoe needed 33.8N of force to bend to a 90-degree angle - just about the same as the average tennis shoe requires.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 flexibility

Staying on our toes felt easy throughout the entire session. 

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 33.8N
Average 31.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
18.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
52.0N

Weight

Torsional rigidity can tell a lot about the shoe's overall stability. The harder it is to twist a shoe, the more stable it feels on the court because it doesn't allow the foot to twist so easily.

Considering the Vapour Lite 2's simple construction, we were surprised that it resisted our manual test enough to receive a higher rigidity score of 4.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 11.85 oz (336g)
Average 12.84 oz (364g)
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
10.30 oz (292g)
Weight
14.71 oz (417g)

Breathability

There are no bells and whistles in the Vapour Lite 2's engineered mesh but it just works.

The moment we pumped smoke into the shoe's upper, it escaped straight away! We don't often see this kind of ventilation in tennis shoes but we are certain that the Vapour Lite 2 can handle the heat of a summer game.

Hovering the shoe's half-cut upper over the light, we also discovered large ventilation holes on its side panels along with the visible pores of the mesh itself.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Breathability microscope test

Combining these findings with our own experience on the court, we can readily give the Vapour Lite 2 a high breathability score of 4 out of 5.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Breathability under microscope

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toe guard durability

For a tennis shoe under £100, we were amazed at the sturdiness of the Vapour Lite 2's toe protection. It even looks strikingly similar to that of the more advanced (and expensive) Vapour Pro 2.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 vs Vapor Pro 2 toe protection

But is it just as durable? There is only one way to know.

Using a Dremel with a sandpaper tip, we drilled the rubber aggressively at 10K RPM speed for 22 seconds. And as you can see, the material showed amazing resistance!

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Toe guard durability test

Even though the tool left a visible dent in the toe drag guard, it was not destroyed completely. Considering that there is an extra (blue) layer of protection beneath the main rubber, we can confidently rate the Vapour Lite 2's toe guard durability with a high score of 4 out of 5.

Quite impressive for a shoe in this price range!

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 4
Average 2.6
Compared to 8 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toe guard durability
5

Toebox durability

On the flip side, you should be careful not to slash the shoe's mesh layer against the court because it is evidently more prone to wear and tear.

But even though the fabric quickly gave in to sandpaper, it was not destroyed all the way through! And that's why we rated the toebox durability of this Nike shoe with a more moderate score of 3.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Toebox durability comparison
Isn't it crazy that the upper material of the Nike Vapour Lite 2 (left) showed better wear resistance than the upper of the £200 On The ROGER Pro2 (right)?
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 31 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

On the other hand, the shoe's inner lining gave in much easier and showed a glaring hole after only 4 seconds of Dremel drilling.

Because its durability doesn't look very promising, the heel padding of the Vapour Lite 2 gets only 2 out of 5.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Heel padding durability comparison
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 31 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

When we tested the Vapour Lite 2's outsole durability, we couldn't believe our eyes. That kind of rubber for only £90?!

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Outsole hardness

First of all, that compound is tough. With a durometer reading of 90 HC, it is one of the hardest tennis shoe rubbers we've come across.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 90.0 HC
Average 86.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
79.0 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

And guess what, that outsole showed tremendous abrasion resistance! Just like its advanced counterpart the Vapour Pro 2!

Even 22 seconds of aggressive drilling at 10K RPM speed left nothing but a minor scuff on its surface! According to our tread gauge, the dent is barely even measurable with a depth of 0.3 mm.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Outsole durability test
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 0.3 mm
Average 0.8 mm
Compared to 31 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Finally, the amount of rubber (4.0 mm) on the Vapour Lite 2 allows us to conclude that the shoe promises above-average outsole durability for its price point.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Outsole thickness

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 4.0 mm
Average 4.2 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
3.0 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Using a very hard rubber compound for the outsole, the Nike Vapour Lite 2 doesn't have the tackiest bite on the court.

But we think that most beginner and recreational players won't have issues with the gripping capacity of this Nike shoe. It's not extraordinary but it is sufficient.

Sliding, on the other hand, feels effortless in the Vapour Lite 2 and its durable toe guard accommodates that movement just fine.

Price

Considering its performance, we can't believe that the Nike Vapour Lite 2 is one of the cheapest tennis shoes we've tested!

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 toe drag guard

If you are a beginner/recreational tennis player seeking some great value for money, the Vapour Lite 2 is one of the best options under £100!

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 $85
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
£65
Price
£200

Tongue padding

This Nike tennis shoe offers some pretty generous padding around the collar and inside the tongue.

The latter showed a slightly thicker-than-average reading of 9.3 mm.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Tongue padding
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 9.3 mm
Average 7.7 mm
Compared to 33 tennis shoes
Number of shoes
2.5 mm
Tongue padding
13.1 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue of the Nike Vapour Lite 2 is only partially attached to the upper on the sides (semi-gusseted).

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Tongue: gusset type

Being used to full-length gussets and bootie uppers in most professional tennis shoes, we felt only minor tongue shifting in Vapour Lite 2.

Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

No finger loops or pull tabs on the Vapour Lite 2 but it's fairly easy to put on thanks to the large shoe opening.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Heel tab
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 None

Removable insole

The shoe's insole is very lightly glued to the strobel making it easy to remove in case you prefer a custom orthotic.

NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 Removable insole
Test results
Court Vapor Lite 2 Yes