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Intro

HEAD updates their match day shoe to version 3.0 with a reduction of weight and a full sock construction. The Sprint Pro 3.0 sits closer to the court than previous versions and has a new Delta Strap system which offers custom support. The upper has been re-designed with mesh to improve the shoes’ breathability and vastly cut down the weight. I put the Sprint Pro 3.0 to the test in the oppressive summer Texas heat.

Fit

The full sock construction is a welcome addition to the Sprint Pro 3.0. The previous models have always been focused on speed, but in the past the traditional tongue and thicker upper made the shoe heavier than it needed to be. The 3.0 version made it simple to get my foot inside the shoe, and the sock wrapped my foot comfortably without being restrictive. The Sprint Pro is more narrow in the forefoot than HEAD’s Revolt Pro, but the material stretches nicely and should be able to handle a wider foot after a brief break in period. I felt the shoes fit true-to-size, and with a large enough toe box for hard court tennis. Lacing up the shoe took some trial and error. At first I had them laced way too tight, but since they have full a sock construction, I retied them a little bit looser still feeling very secured and locked in.

Stability & Responsiveness

The Sprint Pro 3.0 has impressive ventilation thanks in large part to the mesh upper. The full sock construction is thin and breathable, and not stiflingly hot like several other shoes with a sock system. Head’s Cooling System, the window under the midsole of the shoe, allows air to flow to the bottom of the foot. It doesn’t act like a full on air conditioner, but having some extra breathability on a 115 degree tennis court certainly doesn’t hurt anything.

As far as cushioning goes, TRI-NRG technology in the midsole combines lightweight cushioning, shock absorption, and plenty of support. There isn’t a major heel-toe offset, so more of the shoe is in contact with the court resulting in better balance and mobility on quick changes of direction.

Durability and Support

The Sprint Pro 3.0 doesn’t have an outsole warranty like the Sprint SF, but it is much more supportive than I thought it would be for a 12.7 ounce shoe. Though high wear areas offer a good amount of durability, because the shoe is so lightweight, it won’t hold up to hours and hours of drills or sprints. The Sprint Pro is at it’s best when worn for matches.

Overall

I felt a step or two faster in the Head Sprint Pro 3.0. There is enough support, but also an impressive amount of flexibility in the forefoot to make the shoe very dynamic. I loved the way the shoe hugged the court surface, and felt fast around the court. The full sock construction is a welcome addition to the Sprint Pro 3.0, but my favorite improvement is the well ventilated mesh upper which stayed comfortably cool even on 100+ degree days.

About the Reviewer: Sam Jones currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Southwestern University, taught tennis for 10+ years and earned his USRSA Master Racquet Technician Certification in 2011. He is an active NTRP 5.0 League and Tournament player.