Tennis is undoubtedly a fast-paced and heart-racing sport. Players have little time to make match-winning decisions and need to act quickly with every shot. While this is heavily determined by their skillset, their equipment can play a role in how well they perform.
Aside from the racquet, players’ footwear is perhaps the second most important piece of equipment since it’s the main point of contact between the players and the ground. They’re supposed to provide stability, comfort and breathability during those long and nerve-wracking matches.
How to Pick a Pair of Tennis Shoes?
When you decide to buy tennis shoes from a well-stocked sports store, you need to pay attention to several deal-breaking factors. This can determine how well you perform on the court and how comfortable you feel while executing even the hardest of shots.
Court Type
For starters, you should consider the playing surface – is it hard, clay or grass? This directly influences your tennis sneakers’ insoles and their core composition.
Hard courts require a modified herringbone pattern that combines optimal grip and stability while giving you superior flexibility and ease of movement. Most models are lightweight but durable, which means you can easily navigate the hard-surfaced courts throughout your training.
Next, clay courts rely on a full herringbone design, with zig-zags to help keep the clay from getting stuck on your outsoles. Even if there’s some build-up, you can quickly tap your shoes with your racquet to knock it loose. Their tread pattern offers superior traction and comfort, so you can move back and forth on the court quickly and easily.
Finally, tennis shoes for grass courts feature signature nubs or pimples, closely resembling cleat-like soles. This improves your grip even on wet or slippery grass terrains and facilitates quick movements from one side to the other. Unlike the other options, these can’t be used for hard surfaces.
Size and Fit
Once you decide to buy tennis shoes for the appropriate court terrain, you need to focus on how well they suit your foot morphology. After all, you’ll be wearing the pair throughout your training sessions and perhaps on important career-defining matches.
If you’re shopping online, you can find your size by tracing your foot on a piece of paper. You should wear socks while doing this to mimic how your foot would look like when you put on your sneakers.
Next, carefully trace the outline of your foot while keeping your body weight over it and holding the pencil perpendicular to the ground. Once you’re done, you can measure vertically and horizontally with a ruler and compare it to the manufacturer’s size chart.
Game Style
Are you a light-footed sprinter that easily gets from one side of the court to the other? Do you hit hard on your baselines and want more support for your ankles? Or maybe you just want the best of both worlds with an all-round pair. You need to keep these factors in mind when determining which shoes you buy.
If you want support and stability, look for rigid and form-fitting models that snugly wrap around your feet but don’t restrict your movements. There’s a fine line between supportive and blister-causing options, so be careful which side of that line you end up on.
For lightweight shoes, look for breathable and flexible options that allow for quick movements on the court. This can be anything from mesh materials to synthetic overlays that provide minimal support but maximum agility. Even if you're not a light-footed player, having proper ventilation in your shoes can prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.
Next, durable models are great for players who drag their feet or play on rough surfaces. These shoes usually have reinforced soles and thicker materials to withstand wear and tear. They may not be the lightest options, but they will last longer and provide more stability during fast movements.
Another key consideration is the weight of the shoe. While lightweight options may offer more agility, they may not provide enough support and stability for players with a more aggressive playstyle. On the other hand, heavier shoes can slow down movements but offer better cushioning and durability.
It's also important to look at the overall design and fit of the shoe. Some models are designed specifically for narrow or wide feet while others may cater to those with high arches or flat feet. Even if a shoe has all the necessary features, if it doesn't fit your foot properly, it may still cause discomfort and affect your performance.
Special Features
Finally, there are some special features that you may want to consider when purchasing tennis shoes. Some models offer extra cushioning for players with foot pain or injuries. Others have added ankle support for those prone to sprains and other ankle issues. If you play on clay courts, look for shoes with herringbone tread patterns to provide better traction on the loose surface.
Additionally, some brands offer customizable options such as removable insoles or adjustable straps for a more personalized fit. These features can make a huge difference in comfort and performance, so don't overlook them when choosing your tennis shoes.
