The Ultimate Champion — YONEX GT1 Concept Shoe Autumn Review

With autumn in full swing and the sun shining today, I arranged a tennis match with some friends and took the opportunity to test the newly acquired YONEX GT1 Concept Shoe featuring a 3D carbon fiber energy system.

This shoe was launched this fall. I first saw it during the Shanghai Masters visit at YONEX’s “Home of Passion” in Zhangyuan. Its striking design and advanced technology immediately caught my attention — after learning more, I found it’s suitable not only for tennis and badminton but also for running, fitness, city walking, and even daily commuting, making it a truly versatile and stylish multi-scene shoe.

At first glance, I was captivated by the color scheme. The two shoes are cleverly designed: the main color is clean white, with the left shoe accented in fresh blue and the right in vibrant green, instantly becoming the center of attention on the court and adding flair to everyday outfits. Surprisingly, despite the high-top design, the shoes feel very lightweight and comfortable even after extended wear. The upper is made of soft engineered mesh with a three-dimensional breathable structure that lives up to its name — after two hours of tennis followed by gym training, my feet remained dry and sweat-free, with excellent ventilation. Notably, the shoe embraces sustainability, using recycled polyester for all mesh and laces, showing meticulous attention to detail.

As an Asian with generally wider forefeet, I’m quite particular about the space inside tennis shoes, and this pair did not disappoint. The interior is roomy with no tightness or pressure on the forefoot. Combined with slow-rebound insoles providing personalized support, sudden stops and quick turns feel secure and stable. The high-top silhouette pays homage to YONEX’s classic design while enhancing wraparound support. Whether moving fast or making powerful pivots on the court, the shoe fits snugly without any wobbling.

Now, let’s talk about its “cutting-edge technology”! The shoe’s English name is Grpht Thrttl, short for Graphite Throttle. “Graphite” refers to the carbon material, while “Throttle” means a device that regulates speed or acceleration. This name perfectly reflects the shoe’s core features — it incorporates a Power Graphite carbon plate paired with highly responsive energy cushioning technology to boost stability and propulsion during sports, functioning like a throttle that finely controls foot power and energy return, balancing athletic performance with everyday comfort.

In practice, the carbon fiber sole technology combined with the brand’s 25+ years of cushioning expertise means jumping and landing on the court never causes numbness; instead, there’s a clear rebound effect, and the forward drive during pivots feels very direct. Later, while running in the gym, this lightweight rebound advantage became even more apparent, with lateral stability making each step more secure.

“One step at a time, full power engaged” — from the court to the gym and city walks, this shoe performs consistently at a high level. As a milestone in YONEX’s footwear development, it truly redefines the standard for multifunctional athletic shoes. If you’re a sports enthusiast who also values practicality and style, the YONEX GT1 Concept Shoe is definitely worth adding to your collection!

(Text by Felix, Photos by Pouches)