A Triple Threat: Babolat's new Propulse Fury 3 has all the equipment bases covered

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Where racquets and strings are concerned, Babolat needs no introduction. Ever since it rolled out the Pure Drive in the mid 1990s, its frames have become permanent fixtures at every level of the game. Strings are an even bigger part of its DNA. For nearly 150 years it has been the preeminent provider of natural gut—the company and string are practically synonymous. More recently, as polyesters took hold, it started a spin revolution with its inventive RPM Blast. Both strings are mainstays on the pro tours.

However, when it comes the third piece of the equipment puzzle—shoes—Babolat’s reputation is less established. This has more to do with a lack of recognition than an indictment on the product. The fact is Babolat has been designing and innovating tennis shoes for more than two decades. And just like racquets and strings, it knows what it’s doing.

Take the Propulse Fury 3. The Propulse line has been the brand’s big, sturdy and stable model, going back to the days of Andy Roddick and double Velcro support belts. But the game has evolved and today’s players rely even more heavily on speed and footwork. They require a shoe that anchors them to the court and supports the body’s rotational movement on every stroke.

So a big emphasis for this latest update was to create a quicker and more reactive shoe. Even the look of it would relay fleet feet. The sole shape, from heel to forefoot, gives a low-to-the-ground appearance that inspires speed. The PU generative design on the upper promotes a sense of energy and explosion. And weight has been sheered wherever possible to make it lighter and responsive.

Still, it wouldn’t be a Propulse if it didn’t provide ultimate support. The Power Belt has evolved into a wide strap that wraps around the midfoot to bolster the shoe on lateral movement while also tailoring the fit. Along with the plastic S-Block on the sidewall, it gives a sense of security when you slam the brakes on a wide forehand, and confidence when you change directions back inside the court. The midsole has a bucket seat shape to allow the heel to sit securely in the midsole—rather than on top of it—for enhanced stability. And the entire heel zone is protected by a soft EVA foam to absorb harsh court landings.

Which leaves the outsole of the Fury 3. When Babolat set out to make shoes, they knew what they didn’t know. While well-versed in what goes into increasing a racquet’s power or a making string more durable, something like the outsole of a shoe wasn’t in their strike zone. And since the outsole is the only contact a player has with the court, it’s an absolutely critical part of the shoe. So they decided to tap specialists on what happens when rubber meets the road.

Who better than Michelin.

The renowned tire company is an expert when it comes to wear-resistant abrasion. The outsole had to be resilient and durable without being heavy and uncomfortable. Just as different tires serve different purposes, the tread pattern and composition of an outsole has its own specific needs and characteristics depending on the player and surface. It’s a subtle balance of providing the proper amount of stick with just enough leeway to promote safe and controlled slides.

For the Fury 3, the sole sculpture was thickened in high wear areas for greater durability, yet reduced in lower impact zones to save weight. It also successfully marries grip with give to allow modern hard-courters to slide into their shots, or stop on a dime. And it’s the only Babolat shoe that offers a six-month outsole guarantee.

Add it all up, and the Fury 3 checks all the boxes for serious competitors looking for dynamic support. But there’s no one perfect shoe. Every player is looking for something different in terms of feel and performance. To capture the widest audience means developing a range to offer different benefits. And some players want to be faster to the ball.

The JET Mach 3 is built for that purpose. It’s as light and fast as any shoe on the market. Babolat wanted to keep the same Michelin outsole underfoot so the weight had to be shed somewhere else; that left the upper, the other major part of the shoe. Once again, the company teamed up with an industry authority.

Chamatex specializes in manufacturing textiles and technical apparel such as Formula 1 racing suits and bulletproof vests. They were tasked with constructing an upper that tipped the scales at less than 100 grams. The result was a new jacquard-woven fabric—Matryx—composed of Kevlar yarns and polyamide fibers that delivers optimal support, abrasion resistance, breathability and extreme lightness. It’s what gives the JET its wings.

Speed shoe enthusiasts who are fast off the block and rely on their footwork and agility are the perfect match for the Mach 3. The different zoned densities of the upper provides the targeted support they need, exactly where they need it. And because it’s so light, it has enough midsole cushioning and outsole integrity to handle the most rigorous competition.

For those lightweight fans who don’t demand as much toughness, the JET Tere is something of a dressed-down, softer, value version of the Mach 3. Named for the Maori word for quick or fast, it’s feathery, breathable and aimed at players who prize speed and responsiveness combined with step-in comfort. The big difference is the Tere’s upper is composed of a pliable mesh for a relaxed and cushy ride. Not as supportive, but the added forgiveness makes it an all-day wearable.

Rounding the shoe collection is the SFX 3. It’s a model for those more casual players with an eye toward cushioning and comfort. The memory foam insole is like having a pillow underfoot. Throw in the Kompressor cushioning system and you’ve got the ultimate shock absorber. It also has the most generous toe box of Babolat’s shoes, providing a roomier cut that’s perfect for players with wider feet. At under $100, you’d be hard-pressed to find a comparable shoe with this many features.

That’s because Babolat puts all its efforts into racquet sports. As opposed to other brands that divide their attention across various sectors, that’s all it does. Its highest priorities are researching performance trends and how they affect the needs of its athletes. Their racquets and strings are some of the most trusted in tennis. Put the same faith in Babolat’s shoes and you won’t be disappointed.