The Roger Pro 2
BRINESQUAD RATING
Brand
ON
Release Year
2024
Price in USD
169.99
Summary:
The ON The Roger Pro 2 delivers outstanding stability, traction, and durability for aggressive pickleball or tennis play on outdoor courts. Comfort and forefoot cushioning are firm, and the fit runs short, but the shoe excels in support and ventilation.
PLAYER PROFILE:
Designed for aggressive, movement focused players, the Roger Pro 2 from ON prioritizes stability, responsiveness, and a connected court feel. It suits athletes who frequently cut laterally and want a secure, locked in fit. Engineered for hard courts, the outsole is optimized for that surface, and performance on clay or indoor courts is not specifically documented. Expect exceptional stability and torsional rigidity, strong traction, and a lightweight, breathable build paired with a modern, stylish design. Cushioning is firm and minimal, particularly in the forefoot, and the snug fit may require sizing up. The flat platform can limit natural roll through for some players.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & BREAK-IN EXPERIENCE:
From the moment you slip them on the Roger Pro 2 announces a light, breathable ride that catches the eye with its airy feel. The upper uses a lightweight mesh and a perforated tongue to keep air moving, so the shoe feels cool from the first step in. Inside there is a half bootie construction that locks the forefoot securely, though a few testers found the fit runs a touch short and recommended going up half a size to gain extra toe box room. The molded heel counter and the lateral TPU clips deliver an immediate sense of stability and structure, yet the flat chassis and firm platform can take a moment to adapt to for players accustomed to more rockered or cushiony shoes.
Fit tends to be secure in the midfoot and heel thanks to the molded heel counter and internal bootie, but several reviewers noted a tighter overall feel and a lack of forefoot cushioning, suggesting a break in period may be necessary for optimal comfort. The forefoot width sits above average, which can benefit players with wider feet, though the snug length may pose an issue for those with longer toes.
Initial comfort is a mixed bag. The breathability and lightweight sensation stand out, but the ride remains firm and the forefoot cushioning is minimal, so this may not be the shoe for players seeking plush, forgiving comfort. The heel is well padded and secure, reducing slippage, but the lateral support can feel unforgiving during aggressive movements, with some testers wishing for a more forgiving structure in that area.
Compared to other high performance tennis and pickleball shoes, the Roger Pro 2 shines in stability, torsional rigidity, and court feel, while it lags behind in plush cushioning and overall comfort, especially in the forefoot. The flat, firm platform is a unique approach that will appeal to players who prize a connected, stable ride over a soft, cushioned one.
SPECS
Surface
outdoor
Available Widths
B (standard, runs short)
Arch Support
moderate
Weight (Grams)
370
Heel Stack (MM)
28
Forefoot Stack (MM)
20
Drop (MM)
8
OutSole Pattern
open herringbone
Rubber Hardness
75
TORSION SHANK
carbon fiber Speedboard
Lateral Outrigger
yes
Toe Drag Guard
yes
UPPER MATERIAL
engineered abrasion-resistant mesh
Breathability Design
perforated tongue, mesh upper
Heel Rigidity Note
molded, rigid
Fit Shape
slightly short, medium width
T Test Time (Secs)
2.9
Stop distance (M)
0.82
Subjective Stability
9
Breathability Temp Delta (C)
3.2
Comfort After 45 Minutes
6
Heel Slip Present?
No
ON-COURT PERFORMANCE:
The open herringbone tread pattern on the outsole delivers excellent traction on hard court surfaces, providing grip and give for quick changes of direction. The durable rubber composition enhances longevity, though performance on clay or other surfaces is not specifically documented for pickleball.
Stability is a major strength. The combination of a carbon fiber Speedboard, lateral TPU clips, and a wide firm midsole creates a platform that feels exceptionally secure during lateral movements and aggressive cuts. The shoe’s torsional rigidity is among the highest tested, making it nearly impossible to twist, which translates to confident, dynamic movement on court.
The carbon fiber Speedboard and high performance foam midsole offer quick energy return and a responsive, connected feel, helping players feel fast and agile. However, the flat design can make pivoting and rolling off the toes more challenging, and initial direction changes may feel slightly delayed until the player adapts to the shoe’s unique geometry.
The shoe excels in linear sprints and lateral shuffles, with a stable, grounded feel that inspires confidence during rapid transitions. The curved edge along the outsole aids in smooth weight transfer, though the lack of rocker may limit natural roll-through for some players.
This shoe is best suited for aggressive, movement-intensive players who value stability and court feel over plush cushioning. It may be less ideal for those who prefer a softer, more forgiving ride or require extra forefoot cushioning.
COMFORT & BREATHABILITY IN EXTENDED PLAY:
Comfort starts with a surprisingly firm and minimal cushioning, especially in the forefoot, which some testers found lacking for extended play. The heel is well padded and secure, but the overall ride emphasizes court connection over plush comfort. Breathability is excellent thanks to the lightweight, abrasion resistant mesh upper and a perforated tongue, keeping feet cool even during intense rallies. The shoe feels extremely lightweight on foot, contributing to a speedy agile sensation during play. Testers noted they could barely feel the weight, a significant advantage for quick reaction sports like pickleball. Over longer sessions, the firm ride and snug fit may lead to discomfort for some, particularly in the forefoot. Players with a preference for softer cushioned shoes may find the Pro 2 taxing during extended matches.
DURABILITY & VALUE OVER TIME:
The outsole uses a more durable rubber composition and an open herringbone tread, and testers found it held up well after dozens of hours on hard courts. Specific longevity data for pickleball use is not available, but the design suggests good durability for court sports.
The upper is constructed from abrasion resistant mesh with reinforced overlays and a rubberized toe cap, enhancing durability against toe drags and slides. The lateral TPU clip and reinforced upper add further structure and longevity. Information not available for other durability metrics. At a premium price point, the ON The Roger Pro 2 offers elite level stability, responsiveness, and durability, but may not deliver the plush comfort some players expect at this price. Value depends on the player’s prioritization of stability and court feel over cushioning.
Marketing Claims
Enhanced stability and agility, Improved durability over previous version, Worn by Iga Swiatek, High-performance foam midsole, Carbon fiber Speedboard for energy return
PROS:
Exceptional lateral stability, Durable outsole and upper, Excellent traction on hard courts, Very breathable
CONS:
Runs short; sizing up recommended, Firm forefoot cushioning, Fit may feel unforgiving for wide feet
Who Is It For?
Players seeking maximum stability, durability, and court feel for outdoor pickleball or tennis, especially those with standard or narrow feet.
Who Should Skip?
Players needing plush cushioning, wide toe boxes, or a softer ride should consider alternatives.
Test Notes
All sources agree on the shoe’s stability, durability, and ventilation. There is consensus that the fit runs short and forefoot cushioning is firm. Some testers found the lateral support structure too rigid for comfort during aggressive lateral moves. Brand and retailer specs were used for stack heights and materials; weight is an average from multiple reviews.
Recommendations
FAQs
Does the ON The Roger Pro 2 fit true to size?
No, it runs slightly short; most testers recommend ordering half a size up for extra toe room.
Is this shoe suitable for outdoor pickleball?
Yes, the durable outsole and open herringbone tread are designed for hard court surfaces, making it ideal for outdoor pickleball.
How does the cushioning feel?
The cushioning is firm, especially in the forefoot, providing a connected court feel rather than plush comfort.
Is the shoe breathable?
Yes, the mesh upper and perforated tongue provide excellent ventilation.
Is the ON The Roger Pro 2 durable?
Yes, both the upper and outsole are highly durable, with reinforced toe and lateral areas.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Coming soon
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The ON The Roger Pro 2 is a top tier choice for players seeking maximum stability, responsiveness, and durability in a lightweight, breathable package. Its firm, connected ride and secure fit make it a standout for aggressive movers, though those desiring plush cushioning or a more forgiving fit may want to consider alternatives. Compared to other premium court shoes, the Pro 2 excels in lateral stability and court feel but falls short in forefoot cushioning and overall comfort for some users. It represents a clear evolution in On’s tennis line, with technology co developed with Roger Federer and endorsed by top players.
To close, this model serves best for players who prize precision, stability and a light feel more than a cloud like ride. For those who need extra softness or a more forgiving underfoot, you may want to explore other options. In the end, the Pro 2 marks an important step forward for On with a design that emphasizes stability and court connection through Federer developed technology and pro endorsements, making it a compelling choice for speed oriented players who want reliable support as they push the pace.
Brinesquad Rating
Traction
9
Cushioning
6
Upper durability
9
Breathability
7
Stability
9
Fit
slightly short, medium width
Outsole Durability
9
Value
6
Final Score
80.5
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