Buying guide forBest men’s tennis shoes

Tennis is a sport that involves a lot of stopping and starting as you sprint around the court in pursuit of the ball. That means your feet get quite a workout during a game, which is why having good footwear is so important.

With the right men’s tennis shoes, you’ll protect your feet and joints as you work to improve your game.

However, there are so many different tennis shoes on the market that choosing a good pair can be a challenge. To find the right men’s tennis shoes, you need to consider your playing style, the type of courts that you usually play on, and the shoe’s construction and materials to make sure that you maximize your performance on the court. Unfortunately, sorting through all of the options can get confusing in a hurry.

Men’s tennis shoes should fit comfortably without being too snug or too loose.

Considerations when shopping for men’s tennis shoes

What type of tennis player are you?

When you’re in the market for men’s tennis shoes, it’s important to consider your playing style. Some shoes work better than others for certain types oftennisplayers.

• Serve and volley:If this describes your tennis style, you likely spend much of the game running between the net and the baseline. This style of play requires that you be on your toes a lot, so the toe design of your tennis shoe is very important. You may also find that you drag your feet along the court, so you also need to pay attention to the arch support, flexibility, and durability of your tennis shoes.

• Baseline:If you spend most of the game near the baseline, you’re likely moving side to side quite a bit. That requires tennis shoes that provide plenty of lateral cushioning and support, as well as a durable sole to hold up to the repeated side-to-side motion.

What type of court do you play on?

While your playing style is an important consideration when you’re shopping for tennis shoes, you should also keep in mind the type of court that you play on most frequently. The playing surface will help you determine the shoe construction and foot protection you need.

• Hard:If you play most often on concrete or other hard tennis courts, you’ve probably noticed that the friction wears out your shoes very quickly. It’s important to choose a pair that is sturdily constructed so it will hold up well to repeated use. Make sure the shoe offers enough support for your feet, is made of strong materials, and the tread is designed for hard-surfaced courts.

• Grass or clay:It’s easier to slip and slide on softer court surfaces, so if you normallyplayon grass or clay, you’ll want tennis shoes that provide effective traction that also don’t tear up the court during play. For clay courts, it’s also important to look for a shoe tread that won’t clog with clay. LIghter weight shoes enable you to maneuver more easily and quickly on grass and clay.

• Multi-purpose:If you play on both hard and soft courts, choose a pair of multi-court shoes designed to provide the best of both worlds. You can play on all surfaces without worrying about having the right shoes for the court.

• Indoor:Many indoor tennis courts have surfaces carpeted in rubber, which can cause an issue with traction. Look for shoes that have a softer sole to provide better grip on the court surface. It’s also best to choose a smoother sole, so you don’t have to worry about marking up the court. The difference between indoor and outdoor courts is fairly significant, which is why most players who use both have a specific pair of tennis shoes for each type.

Shoe construction

• Upper:The tennis shoe’s upper covers the top and front part of your foot. The material should be durable, so look for shoes that feature genuine or synthetic leather. In order to make sure that your feet don’t get too warm, many tennis shoe uppers have some areas made of breathable mesh. The combination of leather and mesh provides maximum durability and breathability for the best all-around tennis shoes.

• Cushioning:It’s important to make sure that your feet are supported as you run around the court, so the right cushioning is vital. Pay specific attention to the shoe’s midsole, which is the the section that covers the shoe bed. The midsole is usually made of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or another type of foam that not only cushions the foot but also helps stabilize it. Look for cushioning that’s flexible and lightweight, so you can easily maneuver around the court.

• Outsole:The outsole is the bottom portion of the tennis shoe that comes in contact with the court surface. It should provide stability and support but also have enough traction to keep you from slipping and sliding during play. The outsole is the portion of the shoe that wears down most quickly, so choose shoes that feature a durable material, such as carbon rubber. For indoor play, it’s a good idea to look for tennis shoes with soles that won’t mark up the court.

  • Tread:Pay attention to the tread. If you play on a clay court, a herringbone pattern works well because it’s less likely to get caked with clay. For a grass court, choose a pair of shoes with a subtle nub pattern to provide effective traction.

• Toe Design:The design of the toes on men’s tennis shoes can be very important to your performance on the court, especially if you’re a serve-and-volley player. In general, look for a reinforced toe cap (the section of the shoe that’s directly over your toes). It helps provide appropriate toe drag on the court and protect your feet. You might also want to choose tennis shoes with a toe guard, extra rubber on the front of the shoe to provide even more drag protection for your toes.

Men’s Tennis Shoe Prices

The price of men’s tennis shoes typically varies based on the materials used and brand, but you’ll usually pay between$50 and $195.

Inexpensive

Men’s tennis shoes that feature an upper made of leather and mesh usually cost from$50 to $115.

Mid-range

Men’s tennis shoes that feature an upper made of synthetic materials usually cost from$60 to $140.

Expensive

Men’s tennis shoes that feature an upper made of genuine leather usually cost from$70 to $195.

Tips

• Don’t play tennis in running or cross-training shoes.Other types of athletic shoes won’t offer the stability and cushioning you need or hold up as well to the side-to-side motion that’s common in tennis. Some also have treads that are too deep for tennis.

• Men’s tennis shoes should fit comfortably the first time you put them on.The shoes shouldn’t require breaking in.

• Most men’s tennis shoes can be washed in a washing machine.Just check the manufacturer's instructions first to be certain.

• Remove laces and inserts before machine washing your shoes.The laces can be placed in a mesh laundry bag for delicates and washed with a load of laundry. Removable inserts typically shouldn’t be cleaned in the washing machine.

• Never dry men’s tennis shoes in a dryer with heat.Allow them to air-dry in a well-ventilated spot, or dry them in the dryer using a no-heat setting.

Wearing the wrong size tennis shoes can lead to injury, joint pain, and muscle fatigue. So take your time to make the right pick.

FAQ

Q. How often should I replace my tennis shoes?

A.The lifespan of a pair of men’s tennis shoes depends on how often you play. If you play tennis a few times a week, you’ll likely need a new pair every six months. To determine whether you need new tennis shoes, check the bottom of your current pair. If the outsole is starting to wear down, it’s probably time to buy a new pair. If you can see the midsole peeking through the outsole, you need new tennis shoes right away.

Q. What kind of tennis shoe works best if I overpronate?

A.If you overpronate, your feet have tendency to roll inward when you run. It’s usually due to having low arches, and it could result in injury if you don’t have the appropriate tennis shoes. Look for shoes that help stabilize your feet and provide lateral support to make it less likely they’ll turn inward. In most cases, the shoes only need to offer low to moderate arch support.

Q. What’s the difference between men’s tennis shoes and other athletic footwear like running shoes?

A.Because tennis involves so much side-to-side movement, men’s tennis shoes are designed to provide support for that specific motion. They’re also constructed to be light in weight while still being sturdy enough to protect your feet. Men’s running shoes, on the other hand, are designed primarily for forward motion. You run the risk of injury if you attempt to wear running shoes or another type of athletic footwear while playing tennis.