If you're a beginner tennis player, besides picking the right tennis racquet, you'll need to get a good pair of tennis shoes. Your footwear needs to be suited to the type of court you'll be on and fit your feet well. If you're on the hunt for some tennis sport shoes, check out these shopping tips.
Do You Need Tennis Shoes?
If you're just starting in tennis, you might be curious about why you can't just wear your regular running or gym shoes. It can be tempting to hit the court with what you already have, but that could be risky. Tennis shoes, or court shoes, are specifically made for the quick, sharp movements that the game demands. Running shoes aren’t built for sudden stops, which means they can send you flying in the direction you're moving.
This could lead to trips, falls, and injuries, even for the most fit and agile players. On the other hand, gym shoes lack the grip and tread necessary for tennis and don’t offer enough protection against toe drags, scuffs, or slips. Tennis sport shoes come with supportive features that help keep your feet and ankles safe during those intense movements on the court.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Feet
There are three main foot types, and figuring out which shoes work best for you can make a big difference.
• Pronated - If your feet are pronated, you’ll probably see a lot of wear on the inside of your shoes, especially near the balls of your feet. When you do the wet foot test, your footprint will show almost the entire foot with hardly any space in the middle. About 60% of people have this foot type. If that sounds like you, look for shoes that offer strong lateral support to help protect your knees and ankles.
• Supinated - If you have supinated feet, you’ll notice that the outside of your heel and forefoot are more worn down. In the wet foot test, there will be a noticeable gap in the arch area of your footprint. For this foot type, go for shoes that provide good flexibility, shock absorption, and extra room for your heel.
• Ideal - If your shoes wear evenly and your wet footprint shows a neutral shape, you’ve got an ideal foot type. This means you can pretty much wear any tennis shoe design out there.
Think About the Court Surface
In tennis, there are three main types of court surfaces: hard, clay, and grass. When you're picking out your new tennis shoes, it's super important to consider which surface you play on the most. Each type of court has its own playing style and presents different challenges, especially when it comes to getting the right grip for safe play.
Hard Court
Hard courts are the most popular choice since they're easy to care for and cost-effective over time. If you find yourself playing on hard courts often, you'll want shoes designed to handle the tough conditions of this surface. Look for tennis shoes with a strong outsole, a good toe guard, and solid tread. They should also provide extra cushioning for comfort and shock absorption. Make sure there's added protection around the upper part of the shoe, and that they offer stability for those quick movements. Most tennis shoes you see online or in stores are made for hard courts, so if you don’t see a label for clay or grass, you can assume they’re suitable for hard court play.
Clay Court
Clay courts are the second most common and tend to slow down the game since the ball loses speed and bounces higher after hitting the surface. These courts can be slippery, and players often slide around. Plus, the loose clay can get stuck in the shoe's tread, which might affect your grip.
If you’re playing on clay, go for shoes that have a herringbone tread pattern all over. This design helps release clay when you move and supports smooth sliding. Also, look for shoes with a tightly woven upper to keep dust and clay from getting inside while you play.
All Court
These days, most tennis players are on the lookout for all-court shoes. You never know when you might end up on clay or grass, so having these versatile shoes is a smart move. If you’re just starting out, it makes sense that you might not want to splurge on a bunch of different pairs, so all court shoes will have you covered for any situation. Most tennis shoe brands focus on making shoes for hard courts, but they also work fine for the occasional clay or grass match. A typical feature of all court shoes is the herringbone tread pattern, which might not grip as well on clay as a true herringbone design, but it still gets the job done.
Grass Court
Grass courts are the rarest type of surface because they require a lot of upkeep and can be pretty pricey to maintain. They’re super slick, making them the fastest option out there. The ball tends to skid and bounce lower on this surface. While grass courts are easier on the wear and tear, having good traction is key. When picking shoes for these courts, look for ones with a flat outsole and some small bumps all along the bottom for the best grip. You might have a hard time finding these shoes in stores since not many players play on grass regularly.
