Having the right footwear can make all the difference in your tennis game, your fitness and your health/longevity. Tennis shoes are designed to offer the necessary support, stability and traction required for quick lateral movements, sudden stops, explosive sprints and most importantly, for the specific surface you play on.
That said, with so many options available on the market as a result of so much research on tennis shoes advancement, how do you choose the right tennis shoe for you?
On this blog we’ll simplify things for you by highlighting the key/essential factors to consider when selecting the right tennis shoe.
What is your playing style?
Are you an aggressive, high-energy player, constantly moving side to side while sliding often? Or are you a versatile player that’s light on their feet? Identifying your playing style will help you choose the shoe best suited to your needs. It will also help the people selling you shoes to narrow down your shoe choices thus making the process simper for you.
Good cushioning and support
As a result of tennis being a high impact sport, there is significant stress that impacts the player’s feet and joints. You should look for tennis shoes that have ample cushioning to absorb shocks and reduce risk of injury. Good arch support is also something to look out for.
Durability for a long lasting performance
Tennis shoes are an expensive item. It is important that you invest in shoes that can last for a long time so that you get value for money. Look for shoes with durable outsoles made of materials like rubber or durable synthetics. The upper materials should also be sturdy enough to handle the demands of intense gameplay.
Tennis shoes are designed to offer the necessary support, stability and traction required for quick lateral movements, sudden stops and explosive sprints.
Traction, Style design and flexibility
Tennis demands quick starts, stops and lateral movements thus proper traction is essential. The outsole pattern needs to be grippy to provide multidirectional traction. Deep grooves are a popular choice for optimal grip.
-
Female tennis player at the tennis court
Foot size, fit and comfort
Always wear shoes that fit the size of your feet. The shoes should be snug and comfortable. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle but not too much extra space to cause sliding or instability.
How do I choose my tennis shoe size?
- Try your new shoes with the socks that you’ll use during play.
- Toes should not touch the front of the shoe. There should be about a centimetre of space left.
- The heel should be well supported to prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe.
- Go for wider shoes if you have wide feet.
- Give allowance for swelling when buying a tennis shoe.
