K-Swiss Express Light 3 Shoes Grey / White / Blue

The K-Swiss Express Light 3, the best value in the range

The Express Light 3 is the most affordable tennis shoe in the K-Swiss catalogue, and one of the lightest at around 354 g in a 42.5. It leans on immediate comfort and versatility rather than competition level performance. Carbon grey, white and Baltic blue colourway.

Who is this shoe for?

For the club player who is on court one to three times a week and wants something reliable without paying competition money. It also works well as a second training pair, or as a first proper tennis shoe for someone starting out. Cushioning is maximum and the fit is a standard width. Lateral stability, however, stays standard: a heavier or very explosive player will find more hold in an Ultrashot or a K-Frame.

The technologies explained

• DuraWrap Flex: a moulded RPU cage over the upper that adds support while staying flexible. It mainly protects against toe drag, and because it flexes there is no break in period.
• K-EVA midsole: a formula built to maximise cushioning while improving midsole durability, often the weak point of entry level shoes.
• 180 P.S.C.: a 180 degree thermoplastic chassis under the midfoot. It is what stops the twisting sensation when you plant the foot, a rare piece of technology at this price.
• Aösta 7.0 outsole: non marking, high density rubber with a deep herringbone tread, built to last from heel to toe and grip on every surface.
• Padded ankle collar and a die cut foam sock liner: the heel sits locked in and the cushioning underfoot stays responsive.

The Extreme Tennis team's view

This is the shoe we recommend without hesitation to anyone starting out or playing occasionally. It is light, comfortable from the first session, and above all it carries the 180 P.S.C., which is the real difference from a generic sports shoe. You simply should not ask it to keep up with a competitive player training four times a week: at that point the midsole gives out before anything else.