If you want to make progress with your tennis game, you need adequate equipment, including good-quality tennis shoes.
Your shoes are, in fact, the most important piece of your kit. Their fit and comfort play a huge role in your performance on the court.
Below, we review the best tennis shoes currently on the market. After that, we discuss the key things to look out for when choosing tennis shoes.
Best Men’s Tennis Shoes: Asics Gel-Resolution
The Gel-Resolution 7 by Asics is a pair of outstanding tennis shoes for men.
They’re designed for hard courts and provide comfort and stability throughout the duration of play for people with a high to average arch.
The choice of a lower external heel counter and flexible upper give you all the freedom you need, so you can focus on the game rather than on your feet.
Pros
- Excellent midfoot support
- AHAR plus outsole provides ultimate resistance
- Flexible upper ensures freedom of movement and comfort
Cons
- Toe area may be rather tight for some players
Best Women’s Tennis Shoes: Asics Gel Solution Speed FF
The Asics Gel Solution Speed FF is another great choice for players wanting to up their game.
These women’s tennis shoes are designed to enhance your speed and performance and come with Flexion Fit uppers that deliver unrivalled freedom of movement.
A reinforced toe area and midsole cushioning technology will also help you boost up your game.
Pros
- Ideal for stability and responsiveness on the court
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Excellent traction and multi-directional stability on clay courts
Cons
- Rather expensive
Best value: New Balance 696v3 Women’s Tennis Shoes
Women looking for an affordable pair of tennis shoes could be impressed by the New Balance 696v3.
Sleek and stylish, these shoes are built for motion control and feature a breathable upper made from a blend of mesh and leather.
The cushioned midsoles are designed to protect your feet on all grounds, while the engineered outsole improves grip and lateral motion.
Pros
- Ndurance rubber enhances durability in all critical zones
- Cushioned midsole provides superior shock absorption
- Herringbone pattern on outsole improves traction and swift cuts
Cons
- Some players may find it tricky to find the right fit
Adidas Men’s Courtjam Bounce
The Adidas Men’s Courtjam Bounce is a tennis shoe designed for performance on all types of courts.
It boasts flexible cushioning that provides adequate support to your toes and midfoot, while the breathable mesh upper enhances both comfort and durability.
Pros
- Hardwearing outsole ensures a perfect grip on all terrains
- Outwearing breathable mesh uppers
- Flexible bounce midsole absorbs shocks and enhances comfort
Cons
- Some people may struggle with sizing
Adidas Barricade Women’s Tennis Shoes
The Adidas Barricade is designed to provide exceptional coverage on a range of court surfaces but with a focus on clay.
They feature a lightweight, breathable design that provides unrivalled comfort. Furthermore, a host of features boost performance even during the most intense rallies.
Pros
- ADITUFF toe design prevents drag
- 3D TORSION midfoot and EVA midsole provide stability and cushioning
- ADIWEAR outsole enhances grip on clay courts
Cons
- These shoes provide the specified performance on clay courts only
How To Choose Tennis Shoes
We all know that uncomfortable shoes are a pain to walk in, let alone to play tennis. That’s why you should consider the following criteria before buying.
Court surface: An essential thing to check is the compatibility between the shoe and the court surface. Some shoes are compatible with all surfaces, but they will have an average performance on any type of court at best. If you aim for utmost performance, get a pair of shoes made specifically for the type of court you play on.
Foot type: Once you assessed surface compatibility, check the compatibility with your foot type. There are dozens of models made specifically for thinner or wider feet and for different types of arch, so it should be easy to find a pair that suits you.
Fit: Another important thing is to check the fit. Don’t just assume that the size stated by the manufacturer will fit your size. All shoemakers have a size chart that shows you the dimension of the shoes in centimetres, and it’s a good idea to check it before ordering.
Breathability: Intense activity on the court can easily overheat you; a pair of shoes that are not breathable will only enhance the uncomfortable feeling, and this could distract you from the game. To make sure you’ll stay as cool as possible, invest in a pair of shoes with breathable uppers.
Shock absorption: Regardless of the type of court, tennis is a challenging sport that will put a burden on your feet. A way to reduce soreness and prevent ankle injury is by investing in a pair of shoes with cushioned midsoles. These will absorb shocks and keep your feet happy and healthy for longer.
Verdict
Which are the best tennis shoes for you may depend on many factors, but our top picks are the Asics Gel-Resolution 7 for men and the New Balance 696 for women.
Both shoes are designed for performance and to improve your stability and flexibility during the game.
Breathable uppers enhance comfort and keep your feet cooler as you play. Moreover, the outsoles and midsoles deliver excellent traction and shock cushioning.
Excellent for play on either hard or clay court but also suitable to use on other terrains, these tennis shoes can easily satisfy any player’s needs
