When it comes to finding the perfect tennis shoe, every player has their own priorities—support, durability, fit, or even aesthetics. After wearing The Roger Pro by On for six months, I’ve had the opportunity to put it through its paces on the court. This review captures my experience with the shoe, highlighting its key features, strengths, and areas where it might not suit every player’s needs.
Support
One of the strongest features of The Roger Pro is the strong ankle support. I have unstable ankles. And during the time I wore these shoes, I rolled my ankle only once. This is a testament to the shoe’s design. The entry area is rigid and stiff, creating stability for the ankle. While I don’t have scientific evidence to back this up, I believe the design also helps minimize the severity of ankle sprains. For casual and intermediate tennis players, this is a huge win. It keeps you on the court. That’s what matters most.
Another unique feature is the chrome plate on the sole. It provides a distinct level of rigidity. Try bending the shoe. You’ll notice it resists, unlike softer and lighter sneakers. This rigidity, along with a solid toe box, contributes to the overall support and stability of the shoe. However, if you’re looking for flexibility, The Roger Pro might not be the right choice for you.
For context, I’m 6’2” and 210 lbs., and my playing style is that of a baseliner who covers a lot of ground. These shoes work well for my game, offering the support I need during long rallies and sudden movements.
Fit
The Roger Pro delivers on comfort and fit. The snug design ensures the shoe stays securely in place during play—no slipping, and the strong laces didn’t come undone once.
It fits true to size; I wear Size 12. For those curious, the weight of the shoe is moderate, balancing sturdiness with wearability.
*Weight: 14.2 oz (405g)
*Heel to Toe Drop: 10mm
Durability
When it comes to durability, opinions may vary based on your playing style. For me, The Roger Pro performed well on hard courts. I don’t slide on hard courts. Players who slide will go through shoes quicker because of the increased wear and tear.
I did notice most of the sole deterioration occurred in the toe area of the sole. Also, there was a small rip on the outer portion of the sneaker.
Overall, the shoe held up nicely and didn’t compromise my performance. It does require a break-in period. Roughly 2-3 hours of court time before The Roger Pro molds to your foot. The rigidity is noticeable at first, but ultimately it’s a couple hours of discomfort for stability. I view this as a benefit rather than a drawback.
Moisture
One area where The Roger Pro falls short is moisture management. The material is highly absorbent and doesn’t wick away sweat or dry quickly. If I played in the evening and again the next morning, the shoes were often still damp. I recommend airing them out promptly after each session to avoid discomfort during your next match.
Cleaning & Washing
I washed my Roger Pros in a laundry bag with a specialized detergent pod, and after about ten washes, the blue dye began to run slightly. This is normal wear and tear, and the discoloration was barely noticeable. Cleaning these shoes is straightforward, and they maintain their aesthetic appeal even after extended use.
Price
At $200, The Roger Pro is on the pricier side, though it’s now discounted to $160 on some tennis e-commerce sites as the original version is being phased out. For me, the purchase was an easy decision.
I wanted to try something new, and I appreciate Roger Federer’s thoughtful approach to designing products with tennis players in mind. Plus, the sleek design adds to its appeal.