Tennis shoes offer a range of features which involve varying degrees of trade-offs including durability versus maneuverability, stability versus flexibility, sizing by length and width, as well as cushioning and support. There’s also materials to consider such as a leather versus mesh upper as well as the type and tread of the sole. Tennis shoes are also offered in a range of fashionable colors, which for many people is really important. Regardless of your needs, all quality tennis shoes must be non-marking as you can’t go out on a tennis court and leave skid marks all over the court. Below is a list of fundamental tennis shoe information to help you find the pair right for you.
Durability versus Maneuverability
A heavier tennis shoe is more durable but may also be less maneuverable on the court. Alternately, lighter shoes may feel great but they’ll wear out much faster because of less tread and total material on the sole. For the casual tennis player this might not matter, but if you’re on the court three to four times a week you’ll burn through light tennis shoes very quickly. It’s recommended you keep a light pair of shoes for match play and a heavier, durable pair for everyday practice.
Stability versus Flexibility
Tennis shoes must offer the stability to quickly start, stop, and change direction many times in a single point. A flexible tennis shoe may feel good standing still but it won’t respond well when you start to move and cut on the court. Alternately, a very stiff shoe can supply a lot of stability but prevent you from making you next dynamic move. The tradeoff between stability versus flexibility is something you will have to feel out for your specific style of play.
Modern tennis shoes already incorporate a footprint design that amplifies the toebox and heel. However, if you have weak ankles or prone to rolling your ankles, look for a wider toebox footprint with a little extra roll guard on the side.
Sizing by Length and Width
It’s important you choose a comfortable tennis shoe. Keep in mind your feet will expand as you play so what feels perfect on a cold dry day may actually be too small on a hot humid day in the third set. Tennis shoes run true to size and a little experimentation will help you find the right size; remember, in some cases different products run long or short.
Wider sizes are shown in either a 2E or 4E, with 4E being wider. If you have a wide foot, look for a wide shoe as narrow shoes can chafe feet and lead to injuries. On the other hand, shoes which are too wide give the feet room to roam which also can lead to chaffing and possible injury.
If you play a lot of tennis you’re going to get calluses which is normal. However, it’s not normal for you to get blisters so double check your shoe size as blisters can come from a shoe that’s too narrow or too wide.
Cushioning and Support
It’s no surprise tennis is very demanding on your feet because of all the starting, stopping, and directional changes, so a good pair should provide you with ample cushioning. While very soft cushioning may sound and feel great, it may not provide you with enough support. A good tennis shoe should firmly support your foot including your heel and arch.
If you have special foot conditions such as a low arch, you may benefit from custom orthopedic shoe inserts to support each foot properly. In that case, it’s important to know the cheap insoles provided with the shoes can be removed easily.
Some shoes offer a more cushioned feel than others which may not translate to shock absorption during play. When in doubt, ask other players, review our recommendations for best tennis shoes, as well as consulting other online shoe reviews.
Materials and Tread
The typical tread pattern on the sole of a tennis shoes is called “herring bone”, a pattern which looks like a series of zigzags with manufacturers offer subtle variations. Regardless of whether you’re playing on clay or grass, double check to ensure the shoes tread pattern will help you on those surfaces if it’s other than a herring bone style.
Apart from the sole, tennis shoes are constructed mainly of leather or synthetic leather with the upper part of the shoe available as a breathable mesh as well as a solid piece of material. Preference over one material over another is something you’ll just have to see what feels best over the course of many matches.
Some soles are guaranteed by their manufacturers to last you a certain amount of time or the manufacturer will provide a one-time replacement for a new pair of shoes. Some tennis shoes are designed with additional material under and around the big toe so if you’re a “toe dragger” the shoe will hold up longer for you.