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Blog > Equipment > Tennis shoes: What to look for when buying?
Anyone who regularly plays tennis knows that few other sports are as complex as tennis. In addition to strength and technique, solid footwork is also essential. Tennis shoes are designed to support precisely this.
They provide stability, cushioning, and grip for the movements typical of tennis. These are features that improve the overall feel of the game, protect against fatigue, and prevent injuries.
But what exactly is important when it comes to tennis shoes?
There are special tennis shoes for every surface, and without them, you are not allowed to play on many courts. The respective models differ mainly in their sole structure, but also in other features.
Whether you choose clay court shoes, grass court shoes, all-court shoes, or carpet shoes depends on the surface you play on. Only then does it make sense to consider the different features of tennis shoes.
Sole, upper and inner material, stability, cushioning, fit – there are many characteristics that influence your game. Only the perfect interplay of all these features allows tennis shoes to perform at their best.
The sole is the heart of every tennis shoe, because it determines how you move on the court, how well you find your footing, and how much strain is placed on your joints. Tennis shoes consist of an outer sole, a midsole, and an insole, which is usually removable. The outsole is in direct contact with the ground, so it is crucial for grip, sliding behavior, and durability, and is usually made of abrasion-resistant rubber. The tread pattern varies depending on the surface: clay court and all-court shoes have a herringbone pattern, grass court shoes have fine studs, and carpet shoes have a smooth sole.
The midsole is responsible for cushioning, energy return, and stability and is made of EVA foam (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PU foam (polyurethane). More expensive models often use special technologies and material combinations. In tennis shoes, the midsole is often firmer than in running shoes so that it does not react too softly during quick changes of direction and offers more direct contact with the ground.
The insole is usually removable and provides comfort and individual adjustment to the feet. It can also be replaced with orthopedic insoles. In some models, the insole provides moisture management and active odor control through special coatings.
Tennis shoes must be both durable and flexible. The upper material plays an important role in this. It encloses the foot and provides stability, breathability, and protection, whereby a good compromise must be found between lightness, durability, and flexibility. Manufacturers use various materials for this purpose.
Synthetic leather is robust, offers good stability and protection against slipping, but is less breathable and slightly heavier than mesh, for example. Thanks to its open weave structure, mesh is very light, breathable and flexible, but wears out faster and offers less protection. Strategically placed plastic reinforcements are also often used to increase lateral support and the life expectancy of the shoe.
Genuine leather, on the other hand, is hardly ever used for tennis shoes these days. Modern tennis shoes usually combine mesh and TPU overlays to achieve both breathability and stability. A reinforced toe area offers additional protection when sliding and stopping. Integrated side stabilizers and a reinforced heel area protect the ankles and prevent twisting.
The inner material of tennis shoes ensures comfort, stability, and a pleasant foot climate during play and training. It usually consists of soft, breathable materials that absorb moisture and release it to the outside to keep the foot dry. Padded areas on the heel, ankle, and tongue prevent pressure points and improve support.
Some models use moisture-regulating or antibacterial materials that keep unpleasant odors at bay. Overall, the inner material plays a key role in ensuring that the shoe remains comfortable, non-slip, and stable even during intense matches.
The cushioning in tennis shoes absorbs shocks when running, jumping, and stopping abruptly, thereby relieving pressure on joints, muscles, and tendons. This ensures comfort, protection, and performance on the court. Special foams and cushioning systems such as gel, air, or foam inserts are used in the midsole for this purpose.
Good cushioning is particularly important on hard courts to protect the musculoskeletal system. Less cushioning is needed on softer surfaces such as clay or grass. In general, it should not be too soft in order to maintain good ground feel and remain stable and responsive during quick changes of direction.
💡Tip: Tennis shoes are not immune to wear and tear. If at least one of the properties is severely impaired due to wear, it is time to buy a new pair. Above all, stability and cushioning should always be guaranteed. A look under the sole also provides information about the degree of wear on the tread.
The fit is crucial for the comfort of tennis shoes. To find the right shoes for your game, it is important to pay attention to the specific characteristics of your feet to avoid discomfort. Depending on the anatomy of your feet, tennis shoes for wider or narrower feet may be suitable.Basically, the recommendations for the ideal tennis shoe are no different from those for other sports shoes. For example, they should not pinch your toes or rub your heels. On the contrary: to provide optimal support for abrupt changes of direction, explosive sprints, and sudden stops, there should ideally be about 1 cm of space in the toe area. If in doubt, you should always choose the next size up.
Another criterion is individual playing style. Light-footed players who like to use the entire court need different footwear than powerful baseline players. While the former can compromise on stability in favor of speed, heavier tennis players should opt for sturdy shoes with decent cushioning that promise the best possible support.
💡Tip: In addition to comfort, a look at the workmanship provides information about the quality of the shoe. Are all seams neatly finished? What is the upper material like? And is the sole suitable for the corresponding surface?
When in doubt, it is always worth investing in quality, especially for frequent players and coaches who spend several hours on the court several times a week. This not only increases the enjoyment of the game, but also protects muscles, joints, and bones in the long term.
And ultimately, it also saves money, because good tennis shoes usually last longer.
You don't like the product you ordered or the fit and size are incorrect? No problem. You have a legal right to cancel your contract before delivery and up to 7 working days after delivery. Furthermore we promise you our Tennis-Point has extended this to a total of 30 days after delivery! If you want to return goods please e-mail us or write us. We will advise you what to do and refund you, including the original postage charges, within 30 days. You do not have to give any reason for cancellation. However, a brief explanation will help us to improve our service in the future. If you cancel, you must return the goods at your own expense. In this case, you are also responsible for the risk of loss or damage, therefore we recommed a postal insurance to cover the value.
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