Tennis Shoes for Men and Women: Buying Advice
In this comprehensive guide to the best tennis shoes, we’ll go over the top men’s and women’s tennis shoes. A buyer’s guide is also supplied to assist you in selecting the best shoe for your feet.
We analyzed and evaluated the top tennis court shoes from each primary shoe and tennis brand. Then, to show you how each shoe will perform on the tennis court, we looked at its weight, comfort, support, durability, and flexibility. Our goal is to assist you in selecting the appropriate shoe so that you can play your best tennis.
Before we get into each shoe, let’s look at our top tennis shoes.
Product Name | Product Image | Store |
|---|---|---|
Adidas Adizero Ubersonic Tennis Shoe | ||
Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro Tennis Shoe | ||
Asics Gel-Resolution 8 Tennis Shoe | ||
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe |
Tennis Player Reviews on the Best Shoes
The following are our top twelve selections for tennis shoes. All big brands have been tested and reviewed, and we’ve whittled it down for you.
Not all shoes come in Men’s and Women’s sizes, but we’ve noted this in parentheses.
1. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic Tennis Shoe (Men)
The Adidas Adizero range of shoes is for you if you’re a competitive tennis player who plays a few times per week or more and needs a high-performance and durable shoe.
The upper is constructed of a mix of textile and synthetic materials. At the same time, the outsole is built of thick rubber for further durability. The tongue has been eliminated from these shoes, leaving only a mesh covering to slide your foot into. It improves comfort by lowering the likelihood of your tongue rubbing or irritating your foot. This innovative upper wraps around your foot like a sock, making it easier to control the shoe and improving performance.
It is one of the most durable shoes because of the thick rubber sole. The Adituff toe protects tennis players who drag their feet on serves or volleys.
Adidas’ new collection is also lighter than the company’s prior footwear. Some cushioning has been removed in the ankle and foot area, which doesn’t affect comfort but may reduce support.
Pros
Cons
2. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro Tennis Shoe (Men & Women)
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro is ideal for a lighter-weight performance sneaker. It is an improved version of the company’s previous Vapor X shoe, which several professional tennis players wear.
This shoe’s reactivity is unmatched, making it excellent for advanced players. The Vapor Pro’s upper has been redesigned with many layers to increase comfort and breathability. The inner layer forms a glove-like fit around your foot, while the outer layer provides support and durability. The shoe’s midsole and outsole have the same Zoom technology as the previous model for added cushioning.
The sole is not remarkably durable because Nike stressed lightweight and mobility with this shoe. Suppose you’re an advanced tennis player who moves around a lot on the court, drags your foot on your server, or simply wants something that lasts longer. In that case, we recommend the Adidas shoe above. Also, if you require additional ankle support, you should choose a different shoe.
The Air Zoom Vapor Pro is an excellent pick if you want the best-performing shoe. Nike also makes some of the top tennis shorts on the market so that you can coordinate your tennis outfit.
Pros
Cons
3. Asics Gel-Resolution 8 Tennis Shoe (Men & Women)
Asics produces several excellent tennis shoes. Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils are two players who wear Asics shoes.
It is the best option for gamers looking for a high-quality, comfortable, long-lasting shoe. The Gel-Resolution features technology that increases comfort and stability on impact while retaining exceptional responsiveness from the front to the shoe’s heel. It’s also nicely cushioned throughout, with a tongue that prevents debris from entering the shoe, making it ideal for clay court tennis players.
For increased durability, the synthetic sole wraps around the toe and side of the shoe. Asics provides a 6-month warranty on the outsole if you wear through the sole!
This shoe is also one of the most durable and supportive. The well-designed upper will take a few tennis matches to break in. Still, it offers a terrific blend of comfort, stability, and support.
My only criticism is that it isn’t as breathable as its rivals. It’s also not a good choice for people with wide feet.
Pros
Cons
4. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe (Women)
K-Swiss is a lesser-known brand globally, but they offer exceptional value and quality. For girls with somewhat broader feet and lower arches, this K-Swiss shoe is ideal.
The Hypercourt Express provides excellent cushioning and comfort with a slightly wider size. Thanks to the supple synthetic leather upper, this shoe has a secure yet flexible fit, allowing you to maneuver around the court swiftly. The toe protection adds to the shoe’s toughness, while the materials make it relatively light.
It is not the most refined shoe for ladies with tiny feet. Players that run and cut swiftly may not get the stability they require with this shoe since it lacks support around the outside. On the other hand, most casual players shouldn’t have any issues with this.
Pros
Cons
5. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Tennis Shoe (Men)
Nike’s Vapor Cage tennis shoes are designed with support, stability, and durability. Rafael Nadal wears and developed these shoes.
The laces wrap around the midfoot, combining with the upper of the shoe to provide optimal stability and responsiveness. For further durability, the outsole wraps around the outsides and toes. These shoes are highly comfy, thanks to the Air Zoom technology underfoot.
Because of their durability and stability, these are great hard-court tennis shoes. With ease and comfort, you may slide and move around the court. These shoes are best suited to intermediate to advanced tennis players seeking high-performance footwear.
Pros
Cons
6. Adidas Women’s Barricade Tennis Shoe (Women)
The Barricade is one of the top tennis shoes of recent decades. This updated women’s version delivers stability and support without being excessively big.
This shoe’s mesh covering provides a secure and comfortable fit. The shoelace holes are constructed in an asymmetric pattern, which aids in stability and performance. The Adiwear rubber outsoles on these shoes make them highly durable for all-court players.
Although lighter than other supporting shoes, they are still heavier than performance shoes.
Pros
Cons
7. Adidas Stella Court Barricade Tennis Shoe (Women)
The Adidas Stella Court is an excellent shoe for women who want a high-performance, comfortable, and lightweight shoe.
The Stella Court offers superb comfort, performance, and style. Just like other Adidas sneakers. The mesh upper layer of these sneakers gives them a sock-like fit. It adds to the comfort, support, and reactivity of the system. The upper is also highly breathable, which aids in keeping your feet dry. The technology used in the shoe’s sole provides excellent cushioning without losing performance.
It’s a lightweight shoe with many comforts but not a lot of outer support. Advanced tennis players who play multiple times a week and move fast around the court will soon wear these shoes out, but they will adore the performance.
Pros
Cons
8. Prince T22 & T22.5 Tennis Shoe (Men & Women)
The Prince T22 tennis shoe is a superb value for leisure and competitive tennis players.
This shoe provides exceptional comfort, durability, and support for hard court players. They have a slightly broader fit than other tennis shoes, such as Asics, which allows your feet to breathe. These shoes have excellent toe protection, which reduces toe drag. The cushioning underfoot is superior to most shoes, making this a superb shoe for players who require additional ankle or knee support.
A 6-month outsole warranty is included. The weight of these shoes is a flaw. They’re a little heavier than most other shoes, but they provide more support and comfort.
Pros
Cons
9. Best Tennis Shoe for Wide Feet: New Balance MC 1006 4E (Men)
New Balance makes some of the most incredible tennis shoes for males with wide feet. Their MC 1006 4E model is made to be as comfortable as possible for more giant feet.
This New Balance shoe’s sole, midsole, and upper comprise high-quality materials and the soles, midsoles, and uppers of other New Balance shoes. REVlite technology adds more cushioning and comfort to the underfoot. To boost durability, the outsole wraps around the front of the toe and the inside of the shoe.
The upper is comprised of lightweight mesh and synthetic materials that promote airflow. The cushioned tongue adds to the overall comfort of the upper.
Pros
Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Tennis Shoes
When buying tennis shoes, you should consider what is most essential to you, like you would when buying a tennis racket.
Because there is no one-size-fits-all shoe, we’ve put together a guide to help you figure out what type of shoe is best for you. For example, if you desire a lightweight shoe, you may have to forgo some durability in your purchase shoes.
What Makes Tennis Shoes Better?
Tennis shoes are distinct from regular “tennis shoes” in some ways.
- They have a flat sole with little tread, responding faster to your movements.
- To boost durability, they provide extra toe protection and cushion.
- When traveling laterally, the outer is designed to keep the foot stable.
A Tennis Shoe’s Components
To completely comprehend this tutorial, you need to know a few terminologies linked to shoes before selecting the correct shoe style.
- The bottom of the shoe is often known as the sole or outsole. Rubber is commonly used.
- The component that goes inside the shoe under your foot is called an insole.
- The top component of the shoe that covers the foot is known as the upper. Textile and synthetic materials are the most common.
- The tongue is the part of the shoe beneath the upper that goes over the top of your foot.
- You’d better know what laces are if you’re going to use them.
Do you want a shoe that is more durable or lighter?
When it comes to shoes, you often have to choose between durability and weight.
Tennis court shoes with more durability last longer
It is critical for advanced tennis players who play frequently and move quickly around the court but don’t want to replace their shoes every six months. More support is often (but not always) provided to players who choose a more durable shoe. Below, we’ll go into support in greater detail.
On the other hand, shoe producers must use more materials to create a sturdy tennis shoes. The shoe’s weight is increased as a result of this.
Some materials and technology can help a shoe stay light and last a long time, but this only works up to a point. Tennis is hard on shoes, and all materials eventually wear out. It’s a simple matter of adding a fraction of an inch to the sole of a shoe to make it endure longer, and that’s precisely what the designers do.
- Women’s Tennis Shoe: Asics Gel Resolution 8
- Men’s Tennis Shoes: Asics Gel Resolution 8
Lightweight Shoes Help the Tennis Player Move Faster
A lightweight shoe will allow you to move faster on the tennis court. With a thinner sole, you’ll be able to feel the court more efficiently and move faster. Tennis players in good form who like to cut, leap, and run rapidly will typically prefer a lighter shoe.
Lighter shoes don’t last as long as heavier ones, so you’ll need to replace them every six months, depending on how you move on the court and how often you play.
When you’re not on the court, the best tennis bags often contain pockets for your shoes to keep them safe. N have pockets for shoes to keep them protected when you’re not on the court.
- Best Lightweight Shoe for Tennis (Women’s): Adidas Stella Court
- Best Lightweight Shoe for Tennis (Men’s): Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro
Support and Stability vs. Flexibility and Performance
Choosing between flexibility and support is like deciding between a sturdy and lightweight shoe. When you put one ahead of the other, the other suffers.
Who Uses More Flexible Shoes?
As you move around the tennis court, flexibility allows the shoe to conform to your foot better. Because the material in the shoe adjusts to your movement as you move, a more flexible shoe will help you cut and sprint about the court better.
Advanced players in good shape and less prone to injury should wear more high-performance, flexible shoes. This type of tennis player moves quickly on the court and requires a shoe that can react rapidly to their motions.
According to a decent rule of thumb, the more flexible you are, the more relaxed your shoe can be. However, a more flexible shoe will likely have less support.
- Best Flexible Shoe for Tennis (Women’s): Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro
- Best Flexible Shoe for Tennis (Men’s): Adidas Adizero Ubersonic
Who Needs a More Supportive Shoe?
Support gives your feet and joints stability and cushioning. A supportive shoe can have a higher profile around the ankle for further support. It could also include additional cushioning in the sole and top to help absorb impact and keep your foot steady on the tennis court. It can help with pain and injury prevention, reducing mobility and flexibility.
Support will be a top priority if you’ve ever suffered tennis injuries or ankle or knee pain. Make sure you’re wearing the best tennis socks for your feet to boost support and comfort even more.
We also recommend prioritizing support if you’re new to tennis or planning to start playing more and expect to play on hard courts. Tennis on hard courts is more difficult on your joints than virtually any other sport. Therefore you should start with a supportive shoe.
- Best Supportive Shoe for Tennis (Women’s): Adidas Women’s Barricade
- Best Supportive Shoe for Tennis (Men’s): Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage
Note: If you’ve had an injury or are concerned about an injury, consult a doctor about the best shoe and insole for you. We are not doctors or nurses.
Quality vs. Value in a Tennis Shoe
As with any purchase, you must choose how significant the tennis sneaker’s quality is to you.
Many shoes under $70 are available, but they often do not last as long or provide the mix of performance and stability that competitive players require.
If you’re a casual tennis player who only plays a few times per month, though, a better bargain may be more significant to you.
Finally, you must make your own decision. Both sorts of shoes have been discussed previously.
The Prince T22.5 shoes are a superb value for beginners and advanced players.
- Best Value Shoe for Tennis (Women’s): Prince T22 Tennis Shoe
- Best Value Shoe for Tennis (Men’s): Prince T22 Tennis Shoe
Finding the Perfect fit for Men and Women’s Tennis Shoes
Unquestionably, the fit is the most crucial aspect to consider when selecting new tennis shoes. Let’s examine a few considerations to keep in mind when evaluating shoes.
Size
The shoe size is likely the most obvious factor in attaining a proper fit, but are you certain you have it right?
There should be roughly a half-inch (13 millimeters) of space between your big toe and the front of your shoe. Using the breadth of your thumb to assess this space is a quick and reasonably accurate method.
A shoe’s forefoot space allows your toes to air, cool, and prevent squishing and blistering. Conversely, excessively large tennis shoes might lead to excessive foot movement, which can cause blisters and problems with the calf muscles and Achilles.
Width
Standard or ordinary width shoes work for most of the world’s population, but if you fall outside of this range, it’s vital to select the ideal width for the health of your feet.
Most men’s tennis shoes are available in normal width, with some wide and extra-wide options. On the women’s side, there are a few narrow-fitting shoes. Still, the majority are standard width, and there is a reasonable assortment of broad shoes.
Foot Box
The breadth of a shoe is proportional to the amount of room available for your toes. However, as most shoes are standard size, you will find that some toe boxes are more or less roomy.
If you’ve ever had problems with cramping in the front of your foot or toes, look for shoes with more room in the front, or measure your feet to determine if you’re a candidate for a wider shoe. It is typical for Adidas tennis shoes to feature a somewhat larger toe box.
Ankles
The bones at the outer edge of the ankle (fibula and tibia) may create discomfort when they come into touch with the upper edge of the shoe in some individuals.
When you initially try on a pair of shoes, you should be aware of any rubbing around your ankles, which may exacerbate and cause discomfort.
Heel
A properly fitting shoe should prevent the heel of most players from slipping out of the shoe. Still, several models emphasize the heel design to keep your foot in place.
If a shoe lacks sufficient heel support, you should pay more attention to this characteristic. Obviously, getting the size perfect is also vital.
Tennis Shoes and Court Conditions
Although most tennis is played on hard courts, it is important to note that different shoes are available for different surfaces.
If a shoe’s description does not include a court type, it is safe to presume that the shoe will perform well on hard courts.
Strict Courts
To withstand the unyielding surface, tennis shoes prioritize comfort and durability for hard courts. In addition, its non-marking soles safeguard the court from unattractive scuff marks.
Since hard courts are the most common surface, most tennis shoes are designed with hardcourt features. In addition, hard court tennis shoes can be utilized on clay and grass courts; nevertheless, a specialist design is recommended, as we will discuss next.
Clay Surfaces
Clay court tennis shoes offer several distinct characteristics that enhance their play on this surface.
The outsole of these shoes often features a herringbone tread pattern to assist traction on slippery terrain. However, this tread pattern is also advantageous because it efficiently releases clay, ensuring the shoe’s traction.
In addition, clay court shoes don’t require as much cushioning or stability in the soul; thus, design modifications take this into account, which helps them lose weight. Clay court tennis shoes tend to employ mesh sparingly or feature tighter than their hardcourt counterparts to prevent the clay from entering the top.
Lawn Courts
Grass courts are currently in the minority among court surfaces. Still, suppose you’re fortunate enough to consistently play on this surface. There are a few design considerations to bear in mind in that case. Grass courts are very slippery; therefore, tennis players wear shoes with flat, stud- or pimple-covered soles to maximize traction.
Obviously, they must be subtle to prevent harming the courts. Players on Wimbledon’s courts must adhere to strict regulations surrounding this particular shoe style. Unfortunately, grass court tennis shoes with studs are difficult to get due to a lack of demand.
Breaking Tennis Shoes In
Break-in refers to whether a shoe will cause discomfort if worn for a lengthy period and during aggressive play right out of the box. Most tennis shoes no longer require break-in time for comfort. Still, some players feel that taking caution with a new pair of shoes helps avoid unexpected consequences such as a persistent blister.
You can wear a new pair of tennis shoes off-court for a few days or engage in shorter practices to break them in. Which will allow the shoe’s materials to become more forgiving. If a shoe is causing you discomfort after a few practices, the shoe’s design may not be optimal for your feet.
Don’t Forget About the Socks
Despite how often they are ignored, Tennis socks may make or break a player’s comfort and significantly cut down on the risk of blisters.
Athletic types are typically more durable than regular socks; besides offering more cushioning, they also effectively wick sweat.
Many different materials can be used to make tennis socks, but the following are some of the most frequent ones:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Lycra
- Spandex
- Teflon
- Profile
- Olefin
Before you buy a pair of socks, check at the materials they’re made of to get an idea of the kind of performance they’ll deliver.
If you put a premium on comfort, you should seek socks that have extra cushioning in the toes, the forefoot, the arches, and the heels. Socks that are both moisture-resistant and breathable may also be beneficial in keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Whether or not socks are appropriate for players is an open question; however, you should give this a lot of attention.
Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe
Because we will be discussing the many features of a shoe for the entirety of this book, let’s take a moment to quickly go over the fundamental components before delving any further.
Outsole
The highest and most exposed layer of a tennis shoe’s outsole’s rubber compound is responsible for the shoe’s long-term durability and traction. When it comes to stopping or sliding, some players prefer their shoes to have a rock-solid grip, while others favor a touch of giving in their footwear.
Midsole
The midsole of a shoe in the sole area is the most substantial and serves as the primary source of comfort. It can be found between the outsole and the insole of the shoe. Thicker midsoles absorb more shock than those that are thinner. Still, thinner midsoles keep a player closer to the ground, which results in a more responsive ride.
Insole
The insole is the topmost layer of a shoe’s sole and is located above the midsole. Its aim is to protect your foot from the stitching that connects the upper and bottom of the shoe.
The insole of most shoes can be removed for cleaning or replacement. There is a wide range of thicknesses available for insoles, and some of them are better at wicking away sweat than others.
Shank
The term “shank” refers to the hard piece of material inserted toward the center of the midsole of a shoe to give stability and prevent twisting. Some of them are visible at the bottom of the shoe, while others are hidden in the shoe’s midsole.
Upper
The part of a shoe that covers or wraps a player’s foot and attaches to the sole to make the shoe is called the upper, and it may be found on tennis shoes. A significant portion of a shoe’s breathability comes from the material and structure of the top.
Tongue
The term “tongue” refers to the piece of padding or material that is positioned beneath the shoelaces to provide additional comfort. Many shoes are constructed in a bootie or sock style, with no discernible tongue. The aim of that section, on the other hand, stays the same.
Collar
The collar is a layer of padding that wraps around the wearer’s ankle and lies at the back of the shoe. Its purpose is to assist keep the wearer’s foot in place, protect the wearer’s heel from the shoe’s heel counter, and provide additional comfort.
Foot Counter (also known as Heel Counter)
The heel counter is a more stiff component that supports the heel and offers stability to the shoe. It is placed at the back of the shoe. The heel counter of a shoe is often woven into the upper of the shoe by the maker so it is not visible to the wearer.
Guard for the toes
The term “toe guard” refers to the piece of the outsole of a shoe that extends up the front of the shoe and serves to provide protection and increased durability for the high-impact area of the shoe. Some lightweight tennis shoes give some toe protection.
Instep Cap
The front of a tennis shoe’s toe cap is placed immediately above the toe guard and extends to the sides. Its primary function is to offer an additional layer of protection and stability to the front of the shoe. There will be a variety of materials and levels of durability.
Toe Space
The term “toe box” refers to the area of a shoe that encloses and protects the player’s toes. The toe cap is located at the front of the shoe, outside of the toe box. Generally speaking, players with bigger feet will want a wider toe box.
The following is not an entire list of the various components of a tennis shoe. However, it should give you some of the essential aspects you should be looking for when selecting your next pair of shoes.
As we continue to go over these topics throughout the rest of this book, we hope that it can act as a useful reference for you.
Conclusion
You should now know what tennis shoes you need. To summarize, pick the variables that matter most to you.
- Lightweight vs. Durability
- Support & Stability vs. Flexibility & Performance
- Value vs. Quality
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic is the most remarkable men’s tennis shoe because it combines performance, comfort, and durability.
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro is our top pick for female tennis players. For every level of a tennis player, it’s a lightweight, comfortable, and responsive shoe.
Read more: How to Choose the Right Tennis ShoeFrequently Asked Questions About Tennis Shoes for Men and Women
The width of the shoe is the fundamental difference between men’s and women’s running shoes. Women’s shoes are more expansive in the forefoot and toe area and narrower in the heel area than men’s shoes, reflecting gender variances in foot form.
Between Men’s and Women’s sizes, there is about a 1.5 size difference. NOTE: Unisex styles are sized for males. Measure down 1.5 sizes for women.
Men’s and women’s Adidas shoe sizing chart Adidas simply adheres to the basic rule that US women’s sizes begin at size 0 and men’s sizes begin at Size 1. As a result, Adidas women’s sizes in the United States are one size larger than equivalent men’s sizes for the same foot length.
However, for most people, wearing court tennis shoes is essential. Alternatively, you should wear tennis-specific shoes. These tennis shoes are built to give you the support, cushioning, and traction you need on the court.
Male shoes will have a larger toe than female shoes and a narrower heel. It is another reason women should avoid buying male shoes, even if they are long enough to wear. When a person’s toe is too wide on their foot, their shoes will not fit properly.
Conversions between men’s and women’s running shoes sizes Men can occasionally use women’s running shoes and vice versa. A man in a size seven medium, for example, could be able to fit into a women’s size eight wide. A men’s medium is a women’s wide.
Between men’s and women’s sizes, there is about a 1.5-size gap. For example, a men’s size 7 is almost similar to a women’s size 8.5. However, widths remain the same during conversion: if you wear a woman’s D width, you will also wear a man’s D width.
For example, a US size eight woman is a US size 6.5 man.
Women’s Nike Air Force 1s and men’s Nike Air Force 1s have the exact fit. If you’re a size UK 6, a Grade School silhouette, a men’s shoe, or a women’s size will suit you perfectly!
Running shoes include a fluid forefoot that helps you push off with each stride and a sturdy midfoot that keeps you from moving too much. Tennis shoes, on the other hand, provide additional lateral stability. Consider gliding back and forth across the baseline as an example of side-to-side movements.
A hard court surface, like concrete, needs more durable shoes, whereas a soft court surface necessitates shoes with more traction on the sole. Tennis shoes made for hard courts are more durable, with a more sturdy outsole and a more supportive upper.
