ASICS Blade FF 2 (1071A117) review

Full review

The Blade FF 2 is ASICS's lightweight indoor court shoe for squash and badminton. ASICS does not publish its weight, but its no-sew film overlays and mesh upper are clearly built to keep the shoe light.

Cushioning comes from ASICS's FlyteFoam. ASICS lists a 15 mm heel drop, which is high for a court shoe; it gives the heel more protection but puts you slightly further off the floor at the back than the Salming Viper Pro.

The second version adds a larger reinforcement on the inner side to resist toe drag and a softer, higher heel collar that holds the ankle a little better. The outsole keeps the X-shaped Precision Sole pattern with X-Guidance flex grooves, but with less rubber touching the floor than on the first Blade FF, which is a design choice that favours weight over maximum contact.

It is a sensible choice for quick, lighter players who want an ASICS fit at a mid-range price. As a recent release, it has a shorter track record than the Gel-Rocket or Gel-Tactic, so keep your receipt.