The right tennis shoes for every surface

Last modified on3 November 2025

Not all tennis shoes are the same. To give you the best possible support, they need to be suited to the surface you're playing on. It makes a big difference whether you're playing on clay, grass, hard court, or carpet. Depending on the type of tennis court, tennis shoes need to have certain characteristics.

Manufacturers have developed special tennis shoes for each surface. On many courts, you are only allowed to play with tennis shoes that are suitable for the respective surface. The different models differ in terms of outsole, cushioning, upper material, and other aspects.

Clay court

Clay court shoes differ from other tennis shoes in several ways, providing better traction, stability, and durability on this surface. The outsole features a herringbone pattern that ensures optimal grip and controlled sliding.

It also prevents sand from sticking to the sole and impairing grip. Nevertheless, you should regularly knock your clay court shoes clean between rallies to remove any sand, as a little bit will still stick to the sole. This ensures optimal grip and controlled sliding throughout the match. Since clay acts like sandpaper, good clay court shoes are made of abrasion-resistant materials so that they do not wear out as quickly.

To provide stability and protection during the many lateral movements and changes of direction, tennis shoes must fit snugly on the foot without restricting mobility. For this reason, clay court shoes usually have a slightly wider sole edge and reinforced, tighter-knit upper material. At the same time, they must be breathable so that your feet don't get too hot in summer. Despite their stability, the shoes should not be too heavy in order to remain light-footed, which is why most models combine lightweight materials with structural support.

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Hard court

Hard courts are more demanding on the body and shoes than other tennis courts due to their harder surface. Accordingly, all-court shoes suitable for this surface have certain characteristics.

First and foremost, they have a robust, durable outsole that can withstand the stress of the hard surface. The herringbone tread pattern familiar from clay court shoes is flatter and denser on all-court shoes. This ensures optimal traction on the smooth, firm surface, but also allows for controlled sliding to the ball.

A durable upper material provides stability and safety during all movements, while also offering a minimum level of breathability. Reinforced sidewalls and a firm fit in the midfoot area provide additional support during quick changes of direction and abrupt stops.

To protect muscles and joints from the increased stress caused by hard surfaces, all-court shoes offer greater cushioning than other models. Reinforcements in the heel area provide additional shock absorption.

To the all-court shoes

Grass court

Grass court shoes differ from other tennis shoes primarily in the construction of the outsole. Since natural grass is soft but also slippery, especially when wet, shoes for this surface need particularly good traction without damaging the sensitive ground. Fine studs, reminiscent of soccer shoes with multi-studs, provide better grip and allow players to slide into otherwise unreachable balls in a controlled manner.

Grass court shoes are also lightweight and flexible to ensure maximum mobility for fast play on grass. The cushioning is less pronounced than in all-court shoes, as grass naturally absorbs shock. Many models feature a breathable upper made of water-repellent materials to prevent the tennis shoes from getting wet on damp surfaces.

Unlike all-court shoes, grass court shoes must not be used on other surfaces except artificial turf courts.

To the grass court shoes

Indoor (carpet/granulate)

If you play on carpet indoors, you need special carpet shoes. Unlike other tennis shoes, carpet shoes have a smooth outsole without any tread, which allows for controlled sliding on the non-slip surface while ensuring optimal grip.

Soles with treads are completely unsuitable for playing on carpet, as they can damage the surface and increase the risk of injury when sliding and stopping. In addition, such shoes are usually not allowed on carpet. Carpet shoes are also particularly light and flat in order to cope with the dynamic and fast surface. Cushioning is usually minimal, as the carpet itself has a slightly springy effect.

Clay court or all-court shoes, on the other hand, are best suited for playing on granulate surfaces.

To the carpet shoes

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