Spring has sprung! This is the time of year when players test new shoes updates. Some arrive with fresh colorways while others switch to the latest models.
From the desert hues of Indian Wells to the vibrant tones of Miami, here is a wrap-up of shoe spotting during the Sunshine Double.
Emma Raducanu – Wilson Intrigue Tour
Emma Raducanu arrived at Indian Wells with one of the biggest changes in the tennis world. Raducanu debuted a new deal with Uniqlo as her apparel sponsor, becoming the brand’s main endorser for female tennis. Uniqlo has kept a tight roster over the years, and Raducanu now becomes central to their women’s push, with a clean, minimalist look.
From a gear standpoint, her setup remains a mix. She continues with her Wilson Blade, while Wilson keep pushing for full brand alignment across their players. So far, the shift is only partial. She shifted from Nike shoes and now into the Wilson Intrigue Tour. She was sporting the Tofu/Vetiver/Caramel Cafe on the practice courts which go so well with the Indian Wells backdrop. For match days, she opted to go for the sleek and minimalist white colorway.
Elena Rybakina -Custom Yonex Eclipsion 5
Elena Rybakina is seen wearing a custom version of the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 5, highlighted by an all-red midsole that stands out against the usual retail colorway. It is a small change, and there is probably more than meets the eye with the construction of her customized shoe. The Eclipsion 5 is designed to be a very stable shoe and built for players who prioritize support, durability, and a secure feel during aggressive movement.
Naomi Osaka – Custom Nike GP Challenge 1.5
Naomi Osaka brought her usual stylish approach to Indian Wells, making a statement with a perfectly coordinated look. Her shoes matched her outfit almost exactly, creating a seamless visual from head to toe.
Aryna Sabalenka – Custom Nike Vapor 12
Aryna Sabalenka turned heads not just with her dominant tennis by winning the Sunshine Double, but with her shoe colorways as well. The current world number?1 brought out a custom colorway of the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 12 that she first debuted at the 2025 US Open, and continued to wear it in both the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open. The outsole of her Vapor 12s feature the same pattern as her former shoe of choice, the Nike Air Zoom NXT.
Jack Draper – Asics Solution Speed FF 4
Jack Draper made a strong statement at Indian Wells, not just with his tennis, but with his footwear. He was sporting a crisp white colorway of the Solution Speed FF 4. Draper seems to be emerging as the new face of the Solution Speed line after Alex de Minaur, who continues to stick with the Asics Solution Speed 3 in a whiteout version, is set to make a full switch to Wilson.
Andrey Rublev – Custom K-Swiss K-Frame Speed Rublo
Andrey Rublev’s brand, Rublo, has partnered with K-Swiss since 2024. He has been sporting the K-Frame Speed model which is known for being lightweight, supportive, and stable on quick lateral movements. Unlike the retail version, his shoes feature the Rublo logo on the side, rather than the K-Swiss logo. It is a small detail, but it makes his look unique.
Tommy Paul – New Balance CT Rally v1 and v2
Tommy Paul made a noticeable shoe switch during the Sunshine Double. At Indian Wells, he continued to wear the New Balance CT Rally v1, a reliable and comfortable option especially for an explosive player like Paul.
New Balance released a signature colorway for Paul in mid-March and by the time he played his first match in Miami, he was laced up in the v2s. The updated shoe keeps the stability and support of the original while offering improved cushioning and responsiveness. On court, it gave Paul a fresh ‘outdoor’ look.
Reilly Opelka – New Balance CT Rally v2 Whiteout
Reilly Opelka has made a major footwear switch this season. His contract with Fila has ended, and he is now wearing a whiteout version of the New Balance CT Rally v2.
Durability Issues?
The hard courts at both Indian Wells and Miami are famously known to be slower due to the gritty texture of the surface. Gritty courts are extremely tough on shoes. Both Rinky Hijikata and Arthur Fils were spotted with tape on the medial side of their shoes. Hijikata on his Yonex Eclipsion 5, and Fils on his Asics Gel Resolution X shoes. We can assume the tape was covering small holes or worn spots from court abrasion.
Both the Eclipsion 5 and Gel Resolution X are among the most durable shoes on the market, built to withstand heavy hard court use. Seeing players resort to tape is a clear sign that these courts are on another level.
*Photos are from Instagram and various tournament photographers. I do not own any of these photos.
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