If there's something we can all agree on is that tennis is pretty entertaining, even if it's just a fun hobby you play in your spare time! But, regardless of whether you see it as a fun hobby or you're a seasoned professional, there are a few things that are essential to your tennis getup, and these include the best tennis rackets as well as a pair of the best tennis shoes.
The best tennis shoes, at a glance
• Best men's tennis shoes: ASICS Gel-Game 9 Men's Tennis Shoes - View now on ASICS
• Best women's tennis shoes: Adidas CourtJam Control 3 Tennis Shoes - View now on Adidas
• Best budget tennis shoes: Decathlon Women's Tennis Shoes TS500 - View now on Decathlon
You may be tempted to just use your regular running shoes for tennis matches, but you will quickly wear these out. Normal running shoes will not be able to provide the support for your feet when you jump, try to hit those drop shots, or for those quick lateral movements.
With normal shoes, you're also more likely to injure your ankles and feet, as they won't offer the stability required. Proper tennis shoes will also have sturdy outsoles, as well as solid heel counters and even toe guards. All of which are key to protecting your feet from injury and absorbing the shock of all of your movements.
Read on for more details on our picks of the best tennis shoes. Game, set, match!
The best tennis shoes in 2024
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best men's tennis shoes
ASICSwww.asics.com
Designed for all-court players, this shoe combines lightweight flexibility with great support. ASICS have made these shoes with increased ventilation, an open mesh upper, and added stability with their synthetic leather overlays and PU film. Plus, the TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole enhances stability further, while the EVA foam and GEL cushioning absorbs shock with every step. This shoe really is a game-changer for any tennis enthusiast.
Pros
- Open mesh design to keep your feet cool
- TRUSSTIC technology in the midsole generates better stability on the court
- EVA midsole foam combined with GEL technology cushioning makes for improved shock absorption
Cons
- Better for hard courts
Best women's tennis shoes
Adidas www.adidas.co.uk
Made with clever features like a flexible Bounce midsole, Torsion system and mesh upper, these Adidas tennis shoes are there to help you stay at the top of your game, from first serve to final match point. So that when you're sliding into a backhand or charging the net for a volley, the Adidas Courtjam Control 3 Tennis Shoes are there to help you dominate the court. Oh, and leave your mark in style.
Pros
- Adituff toe and Adiwear outsole for durability
- Contains at least 20% recycled content for the more sustainably-minded tennis enthusiast
- Bounce midsole
Cons
- Only available in black and white
Best budget tennis shoes
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
Whoever said that you had to spend a fortune on tennis shoes to get a great pair was sorely mistaken. These adaptable tennis shoes are fantastic for newcomers and intermediate tennis players. With cushioning and foam inserts, this tennis shoe will support your foot while providing comfort. We also love that it has a non-marking sole feature, so if you play indoors, the shoe won't leave any abrasions or scratches on the court.
Pros
- Rubber sole that comes slightly over the toe to withstand wear
- Foam inserts inside to keep your foot comfortable
- Non-marking sole for playing indoors
Cons
- Soles aren't the thickest
Best tennis shoes for design
Adidaswww.adidas.co.uk
Available in an aesthetic grey and white combo, this tennis shoe boasts an EVA foam midsole and breathable mesh upper. Meaning it'll help to keep your feet cool and secure as you jump around the court.
Pros
- EVA midsole keeps you comfortable and connected to the court
- Adiwear outsole ensures traction on hard courts
- Padded collar for comfort
Cons
- Some reviewers found the shoes weren't cushioned enough under the balls of the feet
Best women's lightweight tennis shoe
AmazonMade by the ever-popular brand (and rightfully so) New Balance, this tennis shoe is impeccably designed and sleek. The 996v4 offers you plenty of breathability and flexibility, which allows you to seamlessly run and jump throughout the court.
Pros
- Full-length NDurance outsole provides excellent traction and durability
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to drive you forward
- Hypoknit upper is in places where your foot requires more stretch and support
Cons
- Some of the colour choices aren't for everyone
Best men's tennis shoes for stability
ASICSIf stability is what you're after, then you've got it with this tennis shoe. The Asics Men's Solution Speed FF 2 boasts FlyteFoam, which offers unparalleled amounts of comfort, while the sturdy AHAR rubber outsole ensures you maintain strong traction on the court.
Pros
- FlyteFoam technology provides supreme bounce
- Twistruss technology improves quickness, stability and cutting motions
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system to help with shock absorption
Cons
- Some reviewers found a better fit if you size up by half a shoe size
Best tennis shoes with Zoom Air
NikeDICK'S Sporting Goods
The NikeCourt tennis shoes aren't just a pair of average trainers. They're a testament to Nike's relentless pursuit of innovation and performance. These tennis shoes are lower to the court than previous iterations and are loaded with even more speed components, making them one of the best pairs of tennis shoes on the market for hard courts.
Pros
- The design is lower to the court than the previous iterations, so you can feel bursts of quick movements and explosive cuts
- Simplified entry into the shoe with a comfortable 1/2-inner sleeve that makes for easy put-on and take-off
- Forefoot Zoom Air unit for a spring in your step
Cons
- Not very breathable
Best tennis shoes that will last for game after game
Adidaswww.adidas.co.uk
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic tennis shoes support extreme lateral movements with a reinforced and lightweight upper. In the midsole, there's Lightstrike cushioning to respond to your movements, while the Adiwear outsole makes for a distinctive play. If you're looking for a secure pair of trainers with a sock-like fit, these could be the ones for you.
Pros
- Adiwear outsole and an Adituff abrasion area for durability
- Supportive, sock-like fit
- Lightstrike cushioning
Cons
- Some reviewers found them to be a little stiff
A buyer's guide to tennis shoes
What tennis shoes do the professionals wear?
The glamourous world of professional tennis footwear is extremely diverse. From the elegance of the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor series that's sometimes favoured by Roger Federer, to the steadfast reliability of the Adidas Barricade line beloved by Novak Djokovic, the professional's shoe game shows a fusion between performance and great design.
We see stars like Serena Williams rocking the NikeCourt Flare, while Rafael Nadal's lightening-fast footwork is supported by the stability and agility of the NikeCourt Air Zoom Cage. Ultimately, the tennis shoes donned by professionals are not always about the brand they're wearing, rather the shoes that fit the bill of comfort, support and performance.
Does it matter what shoes you wear for tennis?
The shoes you wear when playing tennis can make more of a difference than you may think. The right shoes will offer support to the areas you need it most, to minimise the risk of any injuries. They will also provide optimal traction, so you can glide across the court and swiftly react to the tennis ball. Finally, tennis shoes and engineered with specialised features like cushioning and stability enhancements to help your performance. While the shoes you wear for tennis might seem like a small details, it's all about setting yourself up for success.
Should you buy tennis shoes half a size bigger?
Some players swear by buying their tennis shoes (just like badminton shoes) half a size larger to allow for a bit of extra room. This is especially important if you play long matches or your feet tend to swell during intense rallies. Saying that, it's important you get the right balance of your shoes not being too tight or too loose. The best piece of advice is to think about your personal preferences, playing style and comfort level when you're weighing up what size tennis shoe to invest in.
Isabel Martins is a former Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology. She is an expert in all things tech, from essential computer components such as graphics cards, to iPads and smartphones.
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