While my mom did send me to tennis camp as a kid (think: forced sprints in the southern heat), it wasn't until I was an adult that I fell in love with the sport, and that was on the unforgiving, crusty courts of deep Brooklyn. I used to be a runner, but I've found that tennis provides a unique challenge. rigorous exercise Sure enough, I attempted to employ my Shoes for running , at first They wore out fast, and it was only a stroke of luck that no one sprained an ankle. So, I figured out that, like requiring the right racquet , but you can't play right or safely without a good pair of men's tennis shoes.
Real tennis shoes contour to your feet, provide a secure grip on the ground, and cushion your gait for all the steps you take—and the ones you don't. Although modern tennis shoes have become more comfortable (and some even have Foam that sticks in your brain , Long-Lasting, and (Occasionally) Good-Looking I found out the hard way that just wearing the shoes doesn't make you instantly faster (like This training regimen will ), but they're necessary for foot protection as you leap from serve to volley and back again.
We looked into the top men's tennis shoes to help you narrow down your options. Read on to learn how to pick the best shoes for the court and beyond.
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Top Picks for Men's Tennis Shoes
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Asics Gel-Resolution 8: The Best Men's Tennis Shoes, Period
SPECS
- Weight: 14 6 oz
- Choice of ten colors.
CONFIRM COST
Club players and pros alike have relied on Asics' Gel Resolution. Its wide toe box and flexible soles seem to work for a wide variety of foot widths, and the memory foam in the heel certainly doesn't hurt. The PU exterior prevents fraying and mud (and clay) from sticking.
It's close enough to the court to give you the response you want for intuitive footwork, and it adds cushioning where it's needed most, both for comfort and for durability (Asics guarantees the outsole for six months). These tennis shoes may not be the lightest available, but they pack a serious punch.
Our Favorites
- Equal parts quickness and toughness
- Guaranteed to last for 6 months
- Amazing security
The Things That Bug Us
- Rather expensive
- Added heft beyond what's required for use on grass and clay
Asics Gel-Resolution 8ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION 8: A PURCHASE
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes, the Best Affordable Men's Tennis Shoes
- About 12 ounces in weight
- Color choices: 6
CONFIRM COST
True tennis footwear, the Reebok Club C Surely you must be joking. You did say that you were trying to save money. Let me tell you, though: if you had worn these on the court in the 1980s or 1990s, no one would have batted an eye. And they do deliver as intended as court footwear, with a thick and stiff outsole for support and durability, sufficient padding to cushion the foot and lock it in, and adequate height to protect the ankles. While the leather upper won't allow much air in, it will keep out grime and clay and last long enough to buy a new pair.
Things We Dig
- A thick and rigid sole
- Extensive tongue padding
- Long-lasting leather upper
- Classical elegance
Disliked Features
- Not enough support for the ankles or arches.
- Not a lot of air flow
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage ShoesPURCHASE: Retro Reebok Club C 85s
The adidas Barricade is the most comfortable pair of tennis shoes for men.
SPECS
- Weight: 14 6 oz
- Choice of four colors.
REVIEW COST
Asics tennis shoes are famous for being able to accommodate a wide range of foot sizes. The Barricades are satisfying in this regard. The sock-like tongue allows for a snug fit, and the forward-slanted heel ensures that you won't be sliding around. The shank in the midsole provides support and responsiveness without adding bulk. The PU plastic that is popular in modern tennis shoes isn't as comfortable or breathable as the tightly knit textile upper.
Our Favorites
- Lacing and a tongue like a sock
- Midfoot shank improves responsiveness and support.
- Lockdown is improved by the slanted heel.
Disliked Features
- Not recommended for those with quick reflexes.
- The color choices are very vibrant.
adidas BarricadePurchase the Adidas Barricade
K-Swiss's Men's Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis Shoe is the best option for men with wide feet who play tennis.
- A mere 13 ounces!
- Choice of eight colors
COMPARE PRICES
The Hypercourt Express 2 is K-Swiss' best-selling shoe and is an all-court shoe that is lightweight, airy, and roomy; it also comes in a 2E width. Why wouldn't you love it? The molded rubber outsole is one of the most long-lasting options, and the Durawrap Flex ensures the shoe is comfortable right out of the box. The mid-range price makes giving them a try on the court a no-brainer.
Things We Dig
- Sized 2E
- Having a low weight
- Sturdy sole
- Superb Value
Disliked Features
- Size and lateral support concerns have been raised by a few users.
K-Swiss Men's Hypercourt Express 2 Tennis ShoeA GREAT TENNIS SHOE FOR MEN IS THE K-SWISS Hypercourt Express 2
The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav 2 are the best tennis shoes for men with high arches.
SPECS
- Weight: 14 4 oz
- There are 3 available hues.
CONFIRM COST
New Balance updates the classic tennis shoe with a knitted upper and a bootie silhouette to create the Lav 2. With each serve and pounce, the Fresh Foam makes the shoe feel new and light. However, the retro-inspired, one-piece outsole is sturdy enough to withstand lateral movements. This shoe is sturdy enough to withstand court use while still keeping its low profile. The insole is removable and can be swapped out for an orthotic if desired.
Things We Dig
- Cosy as a pair of socks
- Close proximity to the court
- Soft padding that maintains its shape
The Things That Bug Us
- Lacking the sturdiness of the best
- Rather on the slim side
New Balance Fresh Foam Lav 2New Balance Fresh Foam Lav 2: A Purchase
The adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoes are the Best Lightweight Men's Tennis Shoes.
SPECS
- Weight: 13 5 oz
- Choice of eight colors
REVIEW COST
If you're at a skill level I'll never reach (like you make most of your shots), then court speed is crucial. In order to move quickly from serve to volley to the mad scramble back for the lob, some players choose to lighten their footwear. In my opinion, the Ubersonic manages this feat without compromising the vehicle's steadiness. The comfortable lockdown is a result of the stretchy upper and sock-like cinch. They're cheap considering everything you get.
Things We Dig
- Minimalist construction
- Affordable
- Responsive
The Things That Bug Us
- Poor in terms of longevity
- Compromises some degree of reliability
adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis ShoesAdizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoes from adidas, Available for Purchase
Babolat Men's SFX 3 Tennis Shoes: The Best Choice for Men with Plantar Fasciitis
SPECS
- Weight: 13 9 oz
- Choice of five colors.
CONFIRM COST
When the tissue that runs from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed, a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis results that can make even the simplest of foot movements excruciating. The Babolat SFX 3's cushioned heel, thick outsole, and additional padding provide the support you need to either prevent or recover from such an injury. There is a large amount of shock absorption thanks to the combination of rubber and tube compression under the heel. It's one of the best tennis shoes for people with different foot widths and arch heights. Its larger size makes it simple to insert different components.
Things We Dig
- Comfortable heel padding
- Tolerable weight
- Wider foot space
Disliked Features
- Possible improvement in lateral support
- Not as rigid as we would like.
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Nike's Men's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa Tennis Shoes Are the Most Stable on the Court.
SPECS
- Weight: 15 6 oz
- Choice of five colors.
REVIEW COST
The Vapor Cage 4 is the heaviest of the shoes we recommend, but if you value stability above all else, you may want to model your style after that of Spain's clay king. Updated construction "puts flexible, durable materials exactly where they're needed most," as Nike puts it. Their outer layer of reinforced mesh is thin and flexible, so it deters clay without being too rigid. For added durability, the outsole crosses over the midsole at the ball of the foot. Additionally, the Zoom Air unit offers quick-reacting cushioning. You'll feel completely at ease changing course, setting down firm footing, or completely flip-flopping without fear of harming yourself. Surely Rafa has some insight into the subject.
Our Favorites
- Built to last
- Air Zoom shock absorption
- Extra cushioning for the heels
Disliked Features
Nike Men's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 RafaADVERTISED: Men's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa Tennis Shoes
Tips for Choosing the Right Pair of Men's Tennis Shoes
Surface
We've mainly focused on hard-court or multi-surface tennis shoes because that's where the vast majority of tennis is played now. They have thicker, rubber outsoles, more rigidity, and better heel support to protect the ankles from the harsh conditions of hard cement, side-to-side pivots, and unforgiving stops.
Shoes designed specifically for use on grass and clay mimic the softer, more forgiving nature of these surfaces. If you're lucky enough to use the courts often, you might want to invest in a specific pair that's designed for the surface.
If you were only going to buy one pair of shoes, it would be best to get a pair of hard-court shoes because they are versatile and can be used on any court surface.
Durability
The hard, cracked courts of Brooklyn quickly chewed up my running shoes when I got tennis fever after a long hiatus and started playing casually in them. That's why most traditional tennis footwear is wider and chunkier. The solution is straightforward; simply chew through a larger quantity of rubber. Also, strategic applications of rubber Their upper bodies are typically stronger as well. Most tennis shoes aren't as prone to top-level fraying as those "flyknit" running shoes.
Support
I don't think people realize how hard tennis is on your legs and ankles; the lateral loads, stops, and starts are probably on par with basketball. That's why tennis shoes resemble basketball shoes so closely, except they don't have a high top. Despite their bulky appearance, they are necessary for hugging your heels as you let off the serve, sprint to the net, and split stop for the final volley. The outsoles are thicker and provide more lateral support than standard running shoes. A midsole plate is worn by some. Because of this, they will likely be heavier than your most recent pair of running shoes.
Fit
Putting them through their paces on the court and giving your feet some time to adjust is the best way to determine whether or not a pair of tennis shoes is a good fit. They won't feel as soft as your favorite pair of slippers, but your toes should be free to wiggle without getting wet and your heels should be snug without being uncomfortable. And the laces need to be tight enough to keep your foot in place without cutting off circulation. Look for brands or sizes that specifically accommodate wide feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you define a hard court tennis shoe?
As hard courts predominate, the most popular type of sneaker among tennis players is hard court tennis shoes, which are built to withstand the rigors of rubber to road, lateral pivots, and sudden stops. To prevent ankle injuries, they feature thicker rubber outsoles, increased rigidity, and stronger heel support. The sole extends far past the toes to protect them from being worn down by constant dragging.
We won't go into detail about the differences between grass and clay shoes, but a single pair of shoes can be used on all courts if it's a hard court shoe.
Tennis players wear what kind of shoes?
Tennis shoes are designed specifically for the sport. While the term "tennis shoe" is often used to refer to any type of athletic footwear, today's tennis shoes are specifically crafted to accommodate the dynamic movements and demands of the sport.
Is it acceptable to use running shoes for tennis?
Although they do the job occasionally, you shouldn't play tennis in running shoes. Being both a runner and a tennis player, I can tell you that the flexible and lightweight nature of road running shoes is better suited to the more predictable footfalls of running than it is to the more abrasive demands of tennis. Playing tennis in your running shoes is not only dangerous, but will also cause them to wear out much more quickly.
