My History With Tennis Specific Shoes
Introduction
Do You Need Specific Shoes for Tennis? The short answer is – yes, you do.
When you are a tennis player, wearing the right kind of shoes is one of the most important things to consider when selecting your gear. The right tennis shoe will help you move your body safely and effectively. It doesn’t really matter what they look like, as far as your playing goes, but looking great while playing tennis is certainly something that I consider when making a selection of what to purchase. But even more important than what they look like – is how they feel on your foot. If you have good shoes, and a decent racket, everything else is gravy!
Before I started playing tennis, all athletic shoes were called “tennis shoes” at my house. If they were shoes you went to the gym in, they were tennis shoes. If you had a cute pair of white converse shoes to wear with a casual dress – tennis shoes. If my boys wanted a new pair of Converse Skateboard shoes – tennis shoes. If you had an old pair of shoes that you would wear to mow the grass, they were your “grubby” tennis shoes. Pretty much any casual wear shoe was referred to as a “tennis shoe” – until I became a tennis player.
Now, as a tennis player, tennis shoes are for playing tennis – and they need to perform. It would be a mistake to think that I could perform well in a tennis match in a pair of really cute pair of Vans shoes or a shiny new pair of Sketchers or even a colorful pair of running shoes. None of these shoes that are designed for skateboarding, running, or for fashion, will give a tennis player the lateral support needed to push off from side to side or to help maintain balance while you load your serve and move to attack the net.
When I showed up to my first tennis lesson I was an adult without a clue. I showed up in a cute pair of Newton shoes that I selected because they were cute and I liked the colors. These Newtons were my gym shoes. They had served me well as I did cardio at the gym, worked on muscle strength or attended the casual step class or Zumba class.
But during my first tennis lesson I ended up falling like an idiot and getting hurt. The pro that was giving me the lesson (thank heavens it was a private lesson, so I did not have a bunch of people watch me take a spill) asked to look at my shoes. Upon further inspection, they (kindly) explained that these shoes were made for running.
He showed me the bottom of my shoe and explained how the grooves in the shoe generally run left to right through the length of the shoe, and that with running shoes there is a star shaped pattern to help with the impact on the heel when running.
Then he showed me his shoe. He pointed out that a true tennis shoe, a shoe that is made to play tennis, will have a circle type spot in the ball of the foot area, and will have lateral support on the sides of the shoe. This enables a player to be supported as they move quickly from side to side and hopefully prevent falling and getting scraped up and bruised.
Buying My First Pair of Shoes
I was such a new player it never occurred to me to search online for gear that was specific to tennis. What if the shoe didn’t fit or what if I didn’t like it? Did I have to pay to ship it back? How would I know if the shoe was the right size and width? Was it a good tennis specific shoe for a beginner? I had no idea. So, with a bit of hesitation, I tried out a pair of proper tennis shoes. I quickly discovered that many online stores like Tennis Warehouse have speedy quick delivery and excellent return policies if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
My first pair of proper court tennis shoes were pure white. At the time, and due to my lack of experience, I played it really safe going with all white. As I started playing more tennis, and noticing the cute tennis fashions around me, I began getting more adventurous with my court shoe purchases.
Not All Shoes Are Made the Same
I learned quickly that not all court shoes are made the same. Stella McCartney designs a line of athletic wear with Adidas. When I first started playing tennis, all of my selections of clothing, shoes and gear was centered on what it looked like and I loved the look of her line of clothing.
The clothes were cute and they even had a matching pair of Adidas court shoes. I purchased the whole line. It didn’t take much time on the court for me to figure out that these shoes from Addias did not work for me. They ran large on my foot and were clunky and heavy. Although they looked cute and matched the outfit, function overruled form, and I set the Adidas shoes aside.
Moving on to my next pair of tennis court shoes, I got the same pair of Nike shoes that my doubles partner had. She loved her Nike’s, I thought that they looked cute and I was ready to give another brand a try.
Nike is an iconic brand, so, coupled with my friend’s recommendation, I felt confident that Nike would be the one. But after a few weeks of playing with the Nike court shoes I knew they weren’t going to work for me. The back of the shoe hit my achilles tendon and I quickly developed large, painful nodules in that area. I retired my Nike’s and was back on the search for the perfect court tennis shoe for me.
The Search For My Perfect Tennis Shoe Continued
After being burned by expensive shoes that did not work for me, I doubled down, determined to find a shoe that would work. Almost all of the court shoes that I explored were $100 or more. I was tired of paying for shoes that did not work. Then my teammate told me that Tennis Warehouse had a very generous return policy and was the way that she got all of her gear, even shoes. I had always thought buying shoes online was risky, but with Tennis Warehouse, if your items don’t work, it is very easy to send the items back. They even give you a shipping sticker to use on the original packaging.
Love for Asics Tennis Shoes
While all of this was going on I noticed that a lot of the other club players used an Asics shoe. Looking at Tennis Warehouse, I found the Asics brand and was excited to see that they had an all white court shoe, but that they also had tons of fun colors to choose from.
Since I only play on hardcourts (unless I am traveling) I went with the Gel Resolution 8 as my first Asics court shoe. Since then it has been love. I love the way my Ascis shoes fit on my foot and I feel totally supported as I run around the court. I have also enjoyed many of the different color combinations that the designers at Asics come up with.
To this day, Asics is the only shoe that I buy as a dedicated court shoe. During Covid, it was more difficult to get a new pair of Asics, and since then it seems like there has been a slight change in the design of the shoe. I find that the structure of the top of the shoe can be a little tight at first.
When I got my most recent pair of Asics, the comment section was full of negative comments about how tightly the shoe fit and that it was not good for wider feet. I noticed that when I got my latest pair, and I first put them on, they did feel snug over the top of my feet, but as I moved my feet and allowed myself some time to get used to it, it actually worked really well for me.
Can You Use Running Shoes for Tennis?
I noticed that a new friend that I made at Cliff Drysdale, Tennis With the Stars Camp in Indian Wells, had a really cute pair of shoes on the court that I had not seen before. I asked her about them, and she told me that they were actually running shoes, but that they worked well for her and they were not too expensive. I rarely see people who play tennis a lot wear running shoes. However, everyone is different, and if that works for her, then great.
But one thing that you should be aware of before employing non-tennis specific shoes is that shoes not made specifically for tennis can leave black scuff marks on the court – a social faux paus you don’t want to commit on the court. So make sure that whatever shoe you are wearing on the court does not leave black scuff marks. I know you want to be comfortable and have your feet supported, but please be considerate of the court, because a tennis court can get damaged by the wrong kind of shoe.
My Tennis Shoe Collection
In my closet, I have a couple pairs of Asics court shoes that I use when playing tennis. I have a bright and colorful pair, a white with a bit of navy pair, a pink pair plus two pairs that are still in boxes, waiting for me to rotate them in the mix. I like having the fun, colorful ones because the bright colors are happy and they actually match a lot of the clothing choices I have been making recently.
But it is nice to also have some more traditional white with a bit of navy, for when I want to be a bit understated. I have the pink ones in the mix, because I love pink and since the color blends that Asics have will change, if you find a color blend that you like, it is smart to go ahead and get them because they will not be there forever.
Rotating Your Tennis Shoes
Many players who play tennis every day feel that rotating the shoe that you use is helpful. This is not something that I necessarily do, but I understand their logic. I like to use whatever shoe matches what I want to wear for the day, but I have to admit that sometimes it feels good on my feet to rotate my Asics shoe.
Don’t Wear Your Tennis Shoes Off Court
When I was still a newbie tennis player, one of the first things that I noticed about tennis players and their shoes was that players would put their court shoes on right before the match rather than wearing them to the court. I asked a friend about this, she told me that “all good players keep their court shoes for only the court” and that has stuck with me.
On very hot, summer days; it is common to see players show up in slide type shoes. On a cold winter day (like we have here in Utah), players might show up in a pair of UGG boots, or some other warm style of boot. I have even seen some players show up to a match and change from their street shoes to their court shoes before play.
Personally, I don’t always bring extra shoes to a match, but if the driveway was snowy and I had to plow it before I left the house, or if it is hot outside and if it feels great to keep your foot in a sandal before or after play, I do just that.
When is it Time to Get a New Pair of Tennis Shoes?
When is it time to get a new pair of court shoes? This is another personal choice. When I start feeling my feet slip a bit when I am playing, I take that as a hint that I should look at the tread on my shoes.
It is noticeable to me when my shoes do not have the same grab on the court. You will not hear your footwork as much – this is another telltale sign that a new pair of Asics is on the horizon for me. I find it somewhat embarrassing to hear my foot work, but it is a good reminder that you are moving your feet and moving to the ball. Overall I would say that if you look at the bottom of your shoe and you aren’t seeing many grooves, do yourself a favor and get a new pair of shoes.
Summary
Do You Need Specific Shoes for Tennis? Yes, you do.
Having the right kind of tennis shoes is essential for a successful game. Not only do they help you move around safely and effectively on the court, but they can also enhance your style.
While looks may not be the main focus when selecting your shoes, it’s certainly an important factor to consider. However, comfort should always come first when deciding which shoes to buy. With the right tennis shoes and a good racket, you’ll be well on your way to playing your best game.
In conclusion, tennis shoes are an essential piece of gear for any tennis player. Comfort should be the main priority when choosing a pair, but looks can also play a role in selecting the right shoes. With the right footwear and a good racket, you’ll be ready to take your game to the next level! See you out on the court!
Hot Tip – Did you know Asics now has shoes just for Pickleball? They do – check them out!
About the author
Katri is an avid club player and certified tennis junkie. Katri lives by the tennis mantra of, “Do whatever it takes to keep tennis fun. Sometimes it is playing more, sometimes it is buying a new tennis skirt.” Sportsmanship and fair play are utmost important and promotion of the game of tennis is paramount. Follow along for further tennis fun and friendship while keeping your head in the game.
