Yes, the On Roger Pro 2 has been out for over a year. However, the silhouette remains a popular option on all types of courts and is still going strong in its product lifecycle.
On was kind enough to send over a pair of the Roger Pro 2, and after some weeks of testing, it’s better late than never for another WearTesters pickleball shoe performance review.
What is the On Roger Pro 2?
The On Roger Pro 2 continues Roger Federer’s tennis line with On, focused on improving breathability and durability over its flagship predecessor, the original On Roger Pro. While the Roger Pro 2 released in May 2024, it remains an available option alongside the Roger Pro and new Roger Pro Fire as well as other lifestyle court-ready options in the Roger Federer collection.
Some notable features and details of the On Roger Pro 2 include:
- Aggressive herringbone outsole
- Carbon fiber Speedboard
- Internal heel cup + external heel clip
- Lateral forefoot TPU support clip
- Reinforced toe cap
- Abrasion resistant mesh upper
- Half bootie internal construction
- Retail price: $220
How did the On Roger Pro 2 perform?
Support is the star of the show for the Roger Pro 2, especially torsional and lateral support thanks to the use of carbon fiber for On’s Speedboard, the lateral TPU clips, and the subtle sidewalls extending above from the midsole. Fit is true to size (though not quite wide-foot friendly), and an abundance of court feel lends itself to security moving across the court in all directions. Midfoot lockdown felt solid due to cabling on both sides that rise from the footbed into the lacing system. The shoe did require a little break in for heel lockdown, but I found this to be a rather quick process.
I have heard critiques regarding the upper durability, including the reinforced toecap, however I think this will be less of an issue on pickleball courts with less ground to cover and doubles pickleball being the more popular option of play. I personally enjoyed the lightweight breathability of the upper. Another highlight of the Roger Pro 2 for me would be the outsole, which grips pickleball courts perfectly thanks to the thick aggressive herringbone that also appears to hold up well against wear and tear compared to a number of pickleball shoes. Coverage wrapping up the medial forefoot section is also appreciated, especially for drags during aggressive court-court dink rallies.
My one true critique of the ROGER Pro 2 is the lack of space within the toebox. Not only does it alienate some wide footers with its narrowness and irritation from the TPU clips (I’ve seen this reported by non-wide footers as well, though it did not affect me), it also restricts toe splay a bit, which is something I look for in my court shoes. I would also prefer a touch more feedback from the midsole, but given the amount of court feel combined with how I like to navigate the court, cushion is not a dealbreaker for me in the Roger Pro 2.
Who is the On Roger Pro 2 best suited for?
If you prioritize breathability, court feel, and never want to question the security of a shoe, the On Roger Pro 2 is up to the task. If you have issues with shoes that have a more narrow fit, then it may be best to skip this one.
While I personally would prefer a touch more cushion as a heavier player, I honestly enjoyed my time testing the Roger Pro 2 as I felt quicker on my feet the whole time. Lateral movement and sharp changes in direction happen without thought due to the abundance of containment and stability. While it’s not a shoe made for everyone’s needs, it works well enough for me in pickleball that I’d strongly consider pulling them out for a future tournament or rated pickleball event.
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Disclosure
While On did send the Roger Pro 2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
