Intro

The adidas Adizero Defiant Bounce 2 builds upon the stellar performance of the original Defiant Bounce for a more comfortable and adaptive experience. SPACE Mesh combines with a bootie construction for lightweight breathability and support. The upgraded upper is paired with classic BOUNCE™ cushioning for greater shock absorption and energy return.

Fit

The fit of the Defiant Bounce 2 felt very similar to the original Defiant Bounce in terms of width, length, and toe-box space. However, the arch felt like it was either raised a bit, or did a better job of shaping to the contours of my foot. I would not call this arch change overly aggressive by any means. I enjoyed the performance of the bootie and new upper construction. They fit together more naturally, and elevate the shoe a little bit closer to the premium Ubersonic 3.

Cushioning & Breathability

Compared to the original Defiant Bounce, the Defiant Bounce 2 seemed to be a little bit softer on the inside. The inner materials were more responsive to my movements, and flexed to the shape of my foot well. This was all a bonus on top of adidas’ classic BOUNCE™ cushioning, which made the first version so enjoyable to wear. In terms of breathability, I would rate the shoe as good, but not great. The shoe wasn’t distractingly hot, but the combination of the bootie and layered mesh did restrict airflow a bit more than some other lightweight tennis shoes on the market.

Durability & Support

The durability of the Defiant Bounce 2 is about what you would expect from a lightweight, dynamic tennis shoe. It’s protected where it needs to be, but probably shouldn’t be worn more than a few times a week. I would personally save this shoe for matches. Since this is a light and responsive shoe, it naturally will not compare to shoes designed for stability. With that being said, I thought the support was good compared to other speedy shoes. The Defiant Bounce 2 provided a solid base, while the combination of the bootie and multi-layered mesh formed to my foot for a supportive feel.

Overall

The adidas Adizero Defiant Bounce 2 offers some notable improvements to the original Defiant Bounce. While the shoe doesn’t compare to adidas’ Adizero Ubersonic 3, this update brings the Defiant Bounce a step closer. If you’re looking for a lightweight and responsive tennis shoe, but don’t want to break the bank, I would give the Defiant Bounce 2 a shot.