Which tennis shoes are best?
Whether you play tennis competitively or just for fun, a quality pair of tennis shoes is as important to your game as a good racket. The right pair can protect you against injury, enhance your performance and provide comfort while you train.
What to consider before buying tennis shoes
Court type
There are three types of courts you may play on, and each can affect your speed, bounce and traction.
- Clay courts are easy to slide on, so deep grooves are needed in the tennis shoes used on them.
- Grass courts are similarly slick, so you need a cleat-like shoe.
- Hard courts are most common and a shoe with high durability is what you want.
Versatility
Tennis shoes have evolved into a casual style of shoe you can wear off the court, too. If you are a novice or amateur tennis player, you won’t need to worry about selecting the most advanced pair of tennis shoes and you can prioritize qualities such as comfort and style. A more seasoned player should focus closely on qualities related to performance and injury prevention.
Safety features
Finding tennis shoes featuring arch and ankle support can be a step toward increasing your safety on the court.
Traction is also important, as shoes with shallow grooves on a court needing deep grooves can increase your risk of slipping or rolling an ankle. Make sure to evaluate the terrain you’ll be playing on to buy the shoes best for that environment.
Finally, breathability helps prevent injuries because moisture collected in a sneaker can cause slipping within the shoe.
Tennis shoes FAQ
Can I machine-wash tennis shoes?
A. Cleaning your sneakers in the washer depends on the material they’re made of. Synthetic materials often perform well in a washer, but any leather or suede elements on your shoes will be ruined in a washing machine. Spot treatment is a safer and more reliable method.
When is it time for a new pair of tennis shoes?
A. With everyday use and proper care, your tennis shoes should last for about a year.
How do I know my tennis shoes fit?
A. The right tennis shoe size supports and grips your ankle firmly but doesn’t irritate your skin. Additionally, a half-inch space between the end of the shoe and your big toe indicates that it is a suitable size.
Top tennis shoes for the money
Asics Men’s Gel-Game 8 Tennis Shoes
This pair offers the quality of a luxury pair of tennis shoes but is priced in the mid-range. Trusstic technology provides stability when making quick maneuvers on the court, and open mesh on the body lets air pass through, keeping you cool and preventing moisture collection. There’s also a women’s version.
Adidas Women’s Gamecourt Tennis Shoe
These have a sock-like fit, providing comfort and grip and ensuring your ankle is supported during play. The Cloudfoam sole technology provides extra arch support.
Top tennis shoes for hard courts
NikeCourt Women’s Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 Hard Court Tennis Shoes
Focused on keeping things light and breathable, this shoe is aimed at hard-court players who want a less padded, more natural feel. Its asymmetrical shape and lacing help the shoes fit your foot tightly, and the lack of excess rubber in low-wear areas helps cut down on excess padding and weight.
Nike Men’s Tennis Air Max Vapor Wing
Nike’s Air Max technology in the sole helps bring added support and cushion to these shoes, providing a more comfortable playing experience. The thicker, more durable sole is made to withstand the hard-court texture and provide significant grip and traction to the wearer.
Top tennis shoes for clay courts
Adidas Women’s Adizero Ubersonic 4 Clay Tennis Shoe
This shoe’s sock-like ankle support is accompanied by a drag-resistant toe that makes movement smooth on clay courts. The herringbone outsole is designed exclusively for clay courts.
Top tennis shoes for grass courts
Adidas Terrex Swift Solo Approach Shoes
With an extra-durable toe cover, these tennis shoes have deep grooves that provide traction in the most uneven terrain. Ethylene-vinyl acetate foam cushioning provides optimal comfort to the sole.
Asics Women’s Upcourt 6 Court Shoes
These shoes offer extreme traction with rubber outsoles and a mesh body to ensure breathability. Synthetic leather elements offer extra support and durability. They are suitable for playing on all court types.
Top kids tennis shoes
Skechers Unisex-Child Microspec-Gorza Sneakers
Lightweight and washable, these tennis sneakers offer durability and traction with the rubber outsole. Hook and loop straps and laces provide extra security and prevent slipping.
Adidas Unisex-Child Solecourt Tennis Shoes
Made with durability and comfort in mind, the Solecourt tennis shoes aim to be durable and comfortable overall and cater to some of the most common needs in a pair of tennis shoes. A cushioned midsole and supported midfoot help provide as much stability and longevity as possible.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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