Read on before you decide to buy after losing your mind that LCW is wearing the "red" one and Kevin is wearing the "green" one. There are STARK differences. Since it was split into 2 threads the EX and JP only models as they were announced on different dates, I decided to once and for all create this guide to solving any queries on the models for the next upcoming 2 years (well, since product renewal cycle of Yonex shoes seem to be around there..) SHB03MD (MID ankle cut) Most important one first; and potentially the MOST confusing of the lot. The MID CUT 03(JP). Long story short: There is a 03EX using this colorway which is NOT MID CUT. If you're not in Japan/browsing importers listings and see one of these, then NO you're not getting the "high ankle version of LCW's shoe". JP: notice the grey lining on the ankle, outsole has a silver lining with writing "Power Cushion". Bottom sole has a silver X/Z-ish pattern with holes in the middle. This is a 03Z outsole to us non-Japan folks then. EX: no grey lining and lower cut at ankle. All black bottom sole, white Power Cushion wording at middle of shoe, triangle carbon plate showing at the bottom. Sooooo..... what shoe is this then? Read on below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next up: SHB03EX Right. Kevin's boots for the Malaysia/Singapore Open 2017. What's the diff from LCW's, you wonder? Easy. The 03EX is essentially a SHB65 with slanted arch lacing pattern, thinner and more snug shoe tongue for a tighter fit when laced, and a tougher RUBBER UPPER skin for lunging protection. SHB03EX: notice again the triangle carbon plate showing at the bottom, Power Cushion wording in middle of shoe and same heel sole design pattern as..... SHB65 (EX and JP, same thing): tada! Same bottom as 03EX, same carbon plate pattern! Nothing much to say here for you'd be scrolling up and down and playing "spot the difference". Mind blown yet? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Which brings us to the SHB03(JP)/03ZM/03ZL (EX). This is the "real", "actual" successor to the SHB02MX/LX/LTD. New sole design (blue line running through the side with Power Cushion wording at heel, bottom sole has a blue X/Z-ish pattern with holes in the middle. This is the one that will have the most fanboys drooling over. For myself, I am drooling over this or the mid because I want to try out the "booty" feel. How it feels to have a pair of asscheeks squeezing your ankle. Oooooooooooh. Fun. Must be like a lapdance club in there. This shoe is the one with all the "wow LCW's wearing this", "oh that old fart finally changed to this", "inner booty", "wow THAT new red shoe". Though personally I am a "chest booty" guy, but hey, whatever Yonex comes up with. I hope this helps you if you are indeed thinking to get one based on color. Don't end up with one you never intended to get and get confused. Started this thread due to at least 3 people asking me which is what and one saw the white/black 03EX and thought it was LCW's booty, just in a different color. It ISN'T. Ok kthxbye.
So where's the like, dangit! (jk lol) And also... I share your pain. 4pairs here; 1 on its way out after 2.5 years but still rocking, 1 in service and going sturdy, 2 brand new in boxes...... ARGHHH.
Haha liked! 2.5 years is good investment. These days the shoes glue starts breaking apart after some time. Haha start rotating the rest of your shoes..
And it's the SHB03Z's grandpa..... SHB01LTD purple. But sides are opening up and needs glue, and while functional looks like crap up close... Also got 65X aka 87EX JP version in service, F1NLTD yellow and SC6iEX in box still... And I was considering a CFT white/blue, CFA green, and 03MD/03 JP.... FML.
Haha I returned the sale SHB01 LTD after 2 sessions when the same happened to me. Changed to shb02 Ltd (which happened to be sale ) with the returned credit. While I was doing the returning and very pissed using my old shb40 (haha actually there are four pairs..the earliest pair with paper thin insoles), I bought lining training shoes and the Victor olympics camo a9200. So end up with too many shoes.. Then more sales went by... Aerus.. SC6... Hopefully when the next SHB03Z sale comes, some shoes have gave way. (Unlikely)
Well. Friend's piece just got delivered today. Mid cut of the 03/03Z. Gotta say, the Inner Booty concept is real; dang, upon lacing it in, the sides presses gently and eliminates the gap between ankle and shoe. The fit is so snug it feels like the ankle is wearing compression wear. Mid cut helps hold more as well, not bad at all. I'm really tempted now.
Oh this is lovely! I am returning mine as the size don't fit going for one size bigger. Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Do get the 03Z red then. You'll truly enjoy what the 03 moniker is meant for, not a stiffer, rubber SHB65.
Well, at least they're offering both versions in the UK for a change. Part of me wants to be mad at typical Yonex shenanigans, but they're at least offering the choice this time.
