If you are a tennis player, you know that everyday shoes and running shoes aren't the best options for the tennis court. The quality of your shoes can affect your performance significantly, which is why you need to have the best tennis shoe on as you play.
There are hundreds of models on the market, and choosing one could be tricky. Fortunately, our list of the best tennis shoes can help you narrow down your options to a suitable pair. In this article, we'll cover the various shoes you can buy and the factors that should guide your choice.
Best Tennis Shoe
1. Asics Gel Resolution 8 Tennis Shoes
- PGuard Toe Protector - Enhanced toe durability.
- I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) Technology - ASICS design philosophy that employs linked componentry...
- P.H.F (Personal Heel Fit) Collar Lining - 2 layers of memory foam line the collar and mold to the...
- Flexion Fit Upper - Proprietary upper which provides form fitting comfort without sacrificing...
- Solyte Midsole Material - A lighter weight midsole compound than ASICS standard EVA and SpEVA...
If you are looking for the perfect blend of flexibility and stability, the Asics Gel Resolution will give you just that. It contains a DYNAWALL feature under the midfoot to help the tennis player brace well as they make quick turns and stops to reduce the chances of slipping.
Those with wider feet will appreciate the Asics Gel Resolution 8 since they are designed for easy wearing and provide a snug fit once laced up. As such, if you are worried about the width of your feet, rest assured that you can get a well-fitting size.
While some tennis shoes will leave your feet with sores and blisters, you can wear these Asics shoes for hours without discomfort. You won't even think of the need to take them off since they are comfortable, thanks to the thick pieces of fabric in the shoes.
In terms of durability, you can wear these hard-court tennis shoes without signs of wear or tear for months. Additionally, this product comes with a six-month outsole warranty for the rubber outsole. The traction on these shoes will facilitate the quick changes in movement necessary for tennis playing.
2. Nike Air Zoom Vapor X
- Style#: AA8030-107
- The Dynamic Fit system wraps your foot from the bottom of the arch up to the laces for a glove-like...
- A Zoom Air unit in the heel offers low-profile, resilient cushioning from swing to swing.
- The full-length TPU foot frame wraps up the outside of your foot for added stability on every turn...
- Padded collar provides additional comfort.
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is a lightweight and responsive pair of tennis shoes that is a great choice for tennis players. In these hard-court shoes, you can comfortably run, slide, and serve on the tennis court without feeling too heavy since they are built to provide power without additional weight. You won't even remember that you have shoes on since they'll allow you to focus on your game.
These Nike Air Zoom Vapor X feature a Dynamic Fit System that makes the shoe hug your foot for ample support as you move around the court. Each shoe has a solid, wave-shaped structure to help add stability as you make lateral movements. The excellent fit these tennis shoes provide will keep you comfortable whether you have narrow feet or wider feet, making them one of the best tennis shoes you can buy.
The responsive performance of the Nike Zoom Vapor X is thanks to the foam midsole, which features a Zoom Air unit inside the heel. This ensures you feel empowered and energetic with every step you take. Additionally, the lightweight mesh of these tennis shoes will leave your feet cool since it is breathable and can facilitate heat escape.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam LAV
- Non-Marking Outsole
- External Heel Counter
- Kinetic Stitch
- Bootie Construction
- Ortholite Insert and Fresh Foam Midsole
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav is the best overall tennis shoe in terms of comfort. They have Fresh Foam midsoles, a kinetic Stitch upper, a full-bootie design, and more technologies to ensure that tennis players feel great wearing them on the court.
The mesh in the uppers keeps these shoes flexible, while the padded heel collars will hold your feet in the shoe to provide a snug fit that is ideal for speed. A subtle feature you will appreciate is the rings on the heels of this New Balance model, which make it easier to wear them.
The bootie construction makes these shoes fit like a glove, and the arch support is more than enough for movement on the court. The knit structure of the upper material ensures optimal ventilation to keep your feet cool even during a sweaty game. These shoes are great for players looking for extra width since the uppers will stretch so well over them that you won't need to tie the laces tight for fit.
4. Babolat Jet Mach II Women's Shoe
Next, we have the Babolat Jet tennis shoe, which is a comfortable option for tennis players. You won't experience any rubbing or toe jamming with these shoes since they feature an ergonomic design. The cushion might seem minimal, but it keeps you low to the ground, which can help you feel connected to the tennis court.
Unfortunately, one of the main challenges of these Babolat shoes is that you might need to go a half or full size up to get the best fit. Nevertheless, these shoes are still ultra-light and can absorb the harsh shock on the hardcourt, ensuring excellent performance for the tennis player. They also offer lateral support and great traction as you move side to side while playing.
Most light shoes can hardly pass as durable shoes, but the Babolat can hold up well despite the lightweight build. As such, you can enjoy the comfort and great performance of these tennis shoes for a long while before they give out.
5. K Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Textile Collar Lining
- Rubber Outsole
- CMEVA Midsole
- Molded Ortholite x40 Sock Liner
The next pick in our list of the best tennis shoes is the K Swiss Hypercourt which has a sleek design thanks to the seamless construction and mesh material. These shoes feature a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern that has been modified for extra traction and durability on the court.
They will feel plush and stable on your feet thanks to the Durawrap Flex technology and the Surgelite midsole, which provide comfort and support. This shoe might not be as soft as its predecessor, but you'll get enough arch support, and you won't need break-in-time. The shoe has a soft cushioning underfoot that will ensure you can head out to the court immediately after wearing them.
These K Swiss tennis shoes will provide enough stability for you to play with confidence. You'll be able to make quick forward stips and flexible lateral movements. As such, even if you want to take an aggressive stance, these shoes will have your back all the way.
6. Adidas Stella Barricade Boost
- Adidas prime knit is carefully engineered to naturally expand with your foot to give you a more...
- Boost's energy-returning properties keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast...
- 360-degree tpu support foil for durability in key abrasion areas and superior lateral stability;
- Lightweight molded midfoot support allows forefoot and rear foot to move naturally for better...
- Adiwear 6 outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability; durable all-court outsole. Torsion...
The Stella Barricade Boost is the most comfortable tennis shoes 0f the entire brand. These women's shoes have plush cushioning underfoot that ensures each foot will stay comfortable enough for a great performance. Unfortunately, you might need to size down since these shoes come a bit wider on the exact size.
You don't have to worry about sliding, slipping, or sticking to the court during the game with these shoes since they have excellent traction. As such, players can deliver fast recoveries and aggressive movements without any fear.
These Adidas shoes are lightweight enough for you to run after the ball without feeling weighed down. At the same time, they are soft, tight-fitting, and can provide a lot of support. The outsole durability is quite impressive, and the 6-month outsole guarantee will encourage your confidence on the tennis court.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Tennis Shoes
1. Comfort
Unlike running shoes, tennis shoes are designed to be stiff since they support a wide variety of movements on the court, including lateral motion. Despite the solid constructions, there are several features that can be used to improve the comfort of tennis shoes for men and women, like soft cushioning in the midsole.
Additionally, if the shoes feature a removable insole, you can detach them for extra comfort, but you'll be sacrificing the support it would provide. It's crucial to feel comfortable in your tennis shoes since you wouldn't want your foot to get sore or blistered because of discomfort.
2. Stability
The instant and quick movements tennis players make on hard courts require a lot of stability. As you move side to side to hit groundstrokes or forward to volley, you want your shoes to keep up and deliver the best performance. This means that you'll have to choose shoes that are designed to keep your feet stable during rigorous movement.
To find a stable tennis shoe, you'll have to consider the width of the outsole. A model with a narrow outsole will perform less stably than one with a wide outsole since it won't have a reliable platform for balance.
Additionally, the sole should be rigid enough to facilitate the quick starts and stops around the court. Most brands include a shank, a rigid plastic insert that goes in the middle of the sole to prevent twisting and increase stability.
You should also check the upper of the shoe, especially at the ankle, since it can determine how stable the shoe feels on your foot.
3. Durability
Tennis shoes are subject to friction, shock, and impact on the court and should therefore be durable enough to hold up for multiple games. One shoe section you should check for durability is the outsole because it's in constant contact with the ground.
The toe and forward upper area of your tennis shoe will also touch and scrape the court as you play. As such, you'll have to ensure these areas are thoroughly reinforced to endure the harshness of friction or wear. Consider the movements you make and determine the areas of the shoe that should have extra protection for optimum durability.
4. Weight
The weight of your tennis shoe is essential when considering the speed you need to make strikes during the game. A lightweight shoe will work best for most players since it can allow for fast movement. A heavy tennis shoe will place additional weight on your foot and make it more challenging to take speedy and responsive actions.
You could sacrifice your shoe's stability or durability by removing some materials to reduce the weight. However, you should choose the best size and weight of your shoe from the onset. You could take a smaller size if you want to reduce weight.
5. Breathability
The level of ventilation you need in your tennis shoes depends on the type of climate you'll play in. When it's hot, you'll need breathable shoes to keep your feet dry and prevent blistering. You should select a shoe whose fabric allows heat to escape from your feet to keep you feeling cool even on hot days.
Additionally, the color of your shoe can also affect how hot your foot gets as you play. Darker colors absorb heat while light colors reflect. So, going for a tennis shoe with a brighter color could help maintain a breathable environment for your foot.
6. Traction
The outsole of the shoe determines the level of traction it can provide. For many players, hard-court shoes are preferable since they offer a decent grip on the court.
When checking for traction, you'll need to assess the outsole material, texture, and tread pattern. You don't want a model that doesn't prevent you from slipping or sliding since this will affect your performance.
Nevertheless, the surface of the court also affects traction. Clay court tennis shoes typically feature a herringbone pattern on the bottom, which helps the shoe release the clay as you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best shoes for playing tennis?
In this review, the overall best tennis shoes are the Asics Gel Resolution 8, which are durable, offer great stability, and have a lightweight build.
2. What is the most comfortable tennis shoe?
The New Balance Fresh Foam LAV is the most comfortable tennis shoe you can buy, thanks to the ultra-soft cushioning and ergonomic design it has.
3. What is the best men's tennis shoe?
The best men's tennis shoes are the NikeCourt Air Vapor X shoes.
