Best Tennis Shoes In 2020 – The Only Guide You Need [Videos]

When it comes to the frantic sport of tennis, there are various factors that influence our performance and ability. One of the most important considerations among such factors is your tennis shoes.

Unlike most outdoor sports, tennis requires a precise build of footwear to grant you adequate agility, responsiveness, traction, and stability.

This is because you have to jump and swerve sideways as well as forward in a typical tennis match, but most running or sports shoes are not built for such multi-directional support.

Purpose-built tennis shoes overcome this problem with their intricate design and additional features to maximize your speed and control, allowing you to rule the court without compromising any part of the tennis experience. Our expert reviewers suggest that comfort and fit should be equally as important as soling, arch support, and balance when looking at new shoes. You can find our detailed buying guide at the end of this article.

Still unsure where to start searching for the optimal tennis shoes? Don’t worry, we have reviewed and tested all the top brands of today’s sports industry, and present to you the best tennis shoes available in the sports market.

Best Tennis Shoes

Here is the list of best tennis shoes in 2020

S.no	Best Tennis Shoes	Price
1	New Balance Men’s mc806
2	Adidas Men’s Pharrell Williams hu
3	Nike Men’s Court Lite
4	Brooks Men’s Glycerin 16
5	Asics Women’s Gel-Dedicate 5
6	Wilson Men's rush pro 2.5
7	Adidas Men’s Barricade 2018
8	Asics Gel-Court Speed Men’s
9	Adidas performance Men’s Adizero Ubersonic
10	K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express
11	Asics Men’s Gel-Resolution 7
12	Caitin Men’s lightweight Breathable
13	Nike Men's Zoom Vapor X

NEW BALANCE MEN’S MC806 TENNIS SHOES

New Balance is the undeniable master when it comes to sportswear comfort, and their new MC806 shoes far outrank the competition due to this speciality. Engineered to provide ease and stability, these shoes will fit you to the smallest curve, and take your tennis skills to a whole new level.

Design and Material

Colored in a classic, white theme, the MC806 shoes are simple and durable. The upper is crafted entirely from leather and curved to a smooth, forward-biased shape. It is reinforced from below by a stiff leather layer that maintains the shoe’s skeletal integrity.

They are founded on a rubber base that makes up the soling. The insole is soft and made from ABZORB technology, which boosts cushioning. The outsole is carefully detailed and widened for a springy, shock-absorbing factor. It also includes an endurance rubber heel for durability.

A Rollbar chain is integrated into the shoe’s heel for stability and lateral support. All along with the inner fabric, there is a dry liner to keep your feet moisture-free.

The MC806 also comes in a vast variety of sizes, including width-variants up to 4E.

Performance

The MC806 has no match when it comes to stability. We put the shoes through multiple, rigorous, tennis sessions, and the shoes provided a surprisingly accurate sense of balance for each tester. Links of roll bars in the MC806 heel worked to absorb impact from jumps and simultaneously supported lateral movements.

In terms of traction, the MC806 shoes provide unparalleled support from all sides of the foot. Our testers found it easy to slide or rotate quickly around the tennis court without facing any resistance. If your playing style is more grounded than jump-based, this is an excellent element to experience.

Our testers described the MC806 shoes as moderately flexible, with a decent springiness. They performed well during fast-paced tennis games and responded easily to muscle commands. However, we found that the shoes fit rather elastically, and did not accommodate wider feet, unlike other NB shoes.

So you may wish to recheck your size margins for the MC806 and purchase a 3E+ model.

Regardless of the size, though, these shoes can endure heavy bumps and shifts. The soling is securely attached to the underfoot padding, so wear and tear on the shoes was significantly less than most tennis shoes.

So if you often play on a concrete or hard court, the New Balance MC806 shoes can be a game-changing addition to your sportswear.

ADIDAS MEN’S PHARRELL WILLIAMS HU TENNIS SHOES

These Adidas shoes are as brilliant as the pop icon they were named for. Inspired by the Pharrell Williams sneaker style, they deliver the ultimate comfort and fitness for tennis players.

Design and Material

Cloaked in a cloudy, white color scheme, the PW HU shoes are designed in an elegant yet simplistic shape. The upper is sewn from abrasion-resistant fabric, and knit into a net pattern. Ventilation in the shoe is hiked by this design choice, as the soft mesh allows sufficient air to enter.

The soling of PW HU shoes are made from rubber. On the heel, a Pharrell Williams signature has been artfully printed.

The midsole emerging from the heel is made from industrially modified EVA, which is adorned with a friction conscious pattern for grip and stability.

From the inside, the PW HU shoes are engineered for comfort. The upper and tongue are composed of a submissive fabric that shapes itself around your foot.

This design is modelled to mimic the comfort of a cotton sock and even boasts a full-closure lacing. A textured foam insole comes alongside the shoes for a final touch of satisfaction.

Performance

We found the PW HU shoes to be exceptionally comfortable for the feet. Our testers wore the shoes through daily, lengthy tennis games, and yet reported little to no strain on the feet. This comfort is mainly due to the superior ventilation system, a mesh upper and soft insole installed into the shoes.

Arch support in these shoes was limited and that contributed to better compatibility for overpronators. If you are naturally flat-footed, then these shoes will certainly boost your stability and balance, a feature all the best tennis shoes need to have.

Best Tennis Shoes For HardCourts

Also, the PW HU shoes felt considerably lighter than most tennis shoes. The diminished bulk of the shoes made them easy to adjust into and move around with.

Apart from being light-weighted, we found that these shoes enable advanced cushioning for the ankle and heels. This is due to the rubber soling that bounds the shoes into a rigid shape.

The PW HU shoes fit perfectly into an extended range of feet styles. The soft upper and soling wrapped around the feet of testers, and was leniently stretchable. Although the flexibility of the shoes was restricted, we discovered that the excellent fitness made these shoes perfect for sprinting and lateral movement.

NIKE MEN’S COURT LITE TENNIS SHOES

Nike is perhaps one of the most popular sportswear brands of our generation, and not without credit. The Court Lite tennis shoes are crafted to spark classical vibes while giving a well-rounded sneaker experience.

And most importantly, they bring magnified traction control and breathability at an affordable price.

 

Design and Material

The Court Lite shoes stand out with a synthetic leather upper for durability. Patches of the leather are parted to expose a mesh patterned textile for improved airiness. The tongue is knit into a permeable netting with various air holes, also enhancing breathability.

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Soling in the Court Lite shoes is crafted from high-quality rubber. While the outsole is made of GDR for traction control, the midsole the entirely constructed from Phylon, which is rare even among the best tennis shoes. Running along the entire sole is a multi-directional support pattern.

There is a bulky shank equipped to the shoes to improve balance. Furthermore, the toe compartment is protected with a skin of abrasion-resistant compound, whereas the leather structure of the Court Lite is reinforced by a strong adhesive that extends to the soling.

Performance

Comfort is the most noticeable aspect of the Court Lite shoes. The mesh tongue, alongside the alternatingly leather & textile upper of the shoes, comes together to make your feet feel right at ease. Our testers reported the shoes to be soft and relaxing for the feet.

Moreover, the Phylon midsole of the shoes amped up the cushioning effect, so jumping and swift hops were comfortable for players. When scaled up against the best tennis shoes of previous years, this footwear weighed significantly lighter.

The Court Lite shoes provide a lasting sense of balance. Their GDR outsole sticks up against the ground, especially on rugged surfaces, and multiplies the stability felt by players.

We found that the shoes performed well on hard courts, including concrete grounds. Conducting lateral movements is a breeze due to the shoe’s smart design. For players with a side-springing play style, the Court Lite shoes are sure to improve control.

Traction control in the Court Lite shoes is stable and multi-directional. Our testers found it glided smoothly across multiple types of courts without compromising grip.

When engaged in fast-paced tennis plays, the shoe’s padded collars prevented ankle sprain and foot inversion. If you have a history of a foot injury, then these health-conscious attributes are just what you need.

The Nike Court Lite shoes also have a vibrant design, making them appealing and attractive for your next tennis season.

BROOKS MEN’S GLYCERIN 16 TENNIS SHOES

The Glycerin 16 is a pair of the softest shoes available today. Brooks is known for their easing shoe designs, but they have surpassed their own creativity with the Glycerin series.

Their expert shoemakers have infused this pair with multiple cushioning technologies and support systems, and that’s exactly why they earn a spot among our best tennis shoe compilation.

Design and Material

The Glycerin 16 shoes are created from a completely synthetic material set, woven with great detail to permeability. Everything in the shoes is handcrafted and modelled to improve breathability. The upper is adorned with an almond mesh pattern for superior ventilation.

The color scheme of the shoes is a mix of bright grey, silver and pink that complements their fashionable outlook. The structure of the shoes is maintained by a full, eccentric lacing and a padded tongue and collar. For improved flexibility and fit, the shoes have been layered with a stretchable synthetic textile.

The soling of Glycerin 16 is composed of rubber. Two exceptional technologies, namely the DNA Loft and DNA Midsole, are integrated into the shoe bed for maximized cushioning. They possess shock-absorbent and passive massage attributes. Alongside the midsole, a high arch, for pressure-specific foot support, is carved into the shoe.

From the inside, the Glycerin 16 is padded across the entire length of the shoe. Also, the underfoot area is stitched to quick-dry fabric to prevent sweat accumulation. A Cush Pod and Omni grooves are also combined to the footbed for maximum cushioning.

Performance

The Glycerin 16 received a massive comfort score by our testers. We put the shoes through running, walking, and other tennis-specific exercises to determine the extent of their cushioning effect. The results showed that the shoe’s DNA loft technologies are unmatched in their relaxing transitioning abilities.

Starting from the heel, the soling of Glycerin 16 spreads a wave of support during each step you take. This feature is derived from the purpose-built layers of DNA Loft outsole, insole and footbed that make up the shoe’s base.

This proved particularly effective for reducing muscle exhaustion during long tennis games. Our testers described the soling as “blissfully stress relieving” and “perfect for extended tennis games”.

Apart from cushioning, the shoes’ outsole texture enabled players to maintain a strong grip on the ground. Not only did this enhance stability among testers, but it also improved swerve tactics employed during common tennis strategies.

As for the sizing, these Brooks shoes provide conveniently accurate size margins that fit testers easily. The padded inner space of the shoes made snuggled fitness much easier than most tennis shoes of today.

Another great aspect of the shoes was lightweight. It made tennis moves quite easier to perform for less bulky players.

And finally, the crown jewel of the Glycerin 16 shoes was the breathability they provided. Owing to the intricate mesh pattern in the upper, and soft tongue beneath the lacing, the shoes felt spectacularly roomy and ventilated to players.

ASICS WOMEN’S GEL-DEDICATE 5 TENNIS SHOES

The ASICS Gel Dedicate 5 shoes are manufactured to cater to new and casual tennis players, which makes them unique among the best tennis shoes for women. Their beautiful design is borne upon a fantastic arrangement of features that aims to project both stability and cushioning into your tennis games.

Design and Material

With an upper produced from a comfortable blend of leather and synthetic textile, these Asics shoes promise to impress. They come in a wide range of bright colors, encompassing silver, orange, and blue fabrics.

The upper is poked with a periodic mesh pattern that is only visible at strategic points where the leather skin recedes, creating a stylish look and enhancing breathability.

Soling of the Gel Dedicate 5 shoe is composed of pure rubber. There are two major technologies that occupy the soling. First, the midsole is equipped with the trademark gel-cushioning attribute. It is made from EVA and curved to provide optimal arch support. The forefoot area of the midsole maintains the gel enforced element of the shoes for maximum comfort.

Secondly, a Trusstic System technology is integrated into the sturdy outsole. It supports the shoe’s skeletal features while dropping the weight component, making Gel Dedicate 5 a light yet strong pair of footwear.

Performance

These Asics shoes lived well up to their brand name and shone through all of our tests involving comfort, balance, traction, and durability.

Comfort in the Gel Dedicate 5 flows from every corner. The gel-based midsole and forefoot area absorbed much of the testers’ weight during jumps. We found the soling to be soft and shock absorbent despite its rubber composition. This made swift tennis movements less damaging for the ankles and thus relaxed the muscles.

The mesh upper also added to the comfort by allowing refreshing air circulation to be set up in the shoes. Some testers reported the shoe to be narrowly designed from the heel and midfoot, but the improved breathability definitely helped to overcome that. Also, since the toe compartment turned out to be wide and roomy, this problem was eclipsed entirely.

In regards to balance, the Gel Dedicate 5 shoes delivered satisfying results. The lightweight soling diminished the need for excessive balancing techniques, and also enhanced agility on the court.

Moreover, the shoes provided excellent traction control upon all types of courts, but seemed only to wear slightly after intense plays. So if you are still a new or weekend player of tennis, you won’t have to worry about durability issues.

WILSON MENS RUSH PRO 2.5

The Rush Pro 2.5 brings a new layer of comfort to the popular Wilson Rush series. It assigns a perfect combination of speed, acceleration, support and cushioning to the seasoned tennis player, making it one of the best tennis shoes you can buy.

Design and Material

The Rush Pro 2.5 hosts a breathable mesh upper with heightened permeability for air. The upper is crafted from a lightweight fabric that is equipped with the 3D.FS technology for maximum stability and responsiveness.

From inside, the shoe is lined with a soft, absorbing textile reinforced with Endofit technology. It is designed to mimic a sock structure for better fitness.

When it comes to the soling, the Rush Pro 2.5 shoes are a powerhouse of advanced technologies. An R-dst+ midsole is installed into the shoes alongside an anti-inversion shank. The outsole is produced from a highly abrasion-resistant Duralast rubber which heightens durability and grip.

But despite all these features, the shoe is light-weight and bouncy for optimal results.

Performance

The Rush Pro 2.5 was an instant fit for most of our testers. It provided great cushioning around the skin and heel, and the mesh upper allowed sufficient ventilation within the shoe. We found the Endofit technology to be especially comforting due to its natural adaptation to the foot shape.

Moreover, if you have slightly wider feet, then the spacious toe box and flexible upper are sure to accommodate you. Our wide-footed testers reported a soothing feeling upon wearing the shoes, so you won’t have to worry about your feet being too tight anymore.

For stability and balance, the Rush Pro 2.5 has no match. Its intricately designed outsole made lateral movements easy and non-stressful. Our testers reported that their sideways jumps and leaps landed with great precision, and the tendency to topple over was reduced. If you are a newer player, or still in training, then this feature can be a huge advantage for you.

While the shoe did slip occasionally, its herringbone outsole provided adequate traction upon hard courts. The Duralast rubber of the soling turned out to be as resilient as Wilson claimed.

We found the heel to be good as new even after extensive testing upon various court types. Agreeably, the outsole may rub out quicker for more intense players but the 6-month guarantee will ensure that your shoes remain perfect for an entire tennis season!

ADIDAS MEN’S BARRICADE 2018 TENNIS SHOES

Adidas has done it again with their new Barricade 2018 shoes. This appealing new footwear is purpose built to double your traction, balance, stability, and overall ability during tennis. They are especially targeted towards professional players and deliver a stunning performance worthy of the best athletes.

Design and Material

The Barricade 2018 shoes come in an array of unique colors, from aqua to coral, with a beautifully austere design. They are completely handcrafted with an intricately netted upper and modern soling technologies that radiate superiority.

The material of the upper is a stretchable and light fabric. There are patches of soft textiles implanted across the upper to increase fitness and flexibility.

The shoe is constructed in a Bootee model with an Adiprene+ lining across the inside. An abrasion-resistant Adituff is latched around the toe compartment to ensure ankle health.

Furthermore, the foundation of the shoe is a trademark Barricade chassis that makes this product so amazing. It extends from the heel to midfoot, hiking stability and support for sideways movements.
The outsole, constructed from Adiwear 6, is securely attached to the midsole for ultimate durability.

Performance

The Barricade 2018 shoe certainly proved to be a sturdy beast of footwear. Our reviewers described it as “frighteningly advanced for a tennis shoe”. It heightened all the natural instincts of athletes including precision, balance, and acceleration.

For our experienced testers, the shoes unleashed a new dimension of traction control as the outsole gripped the court surface with multiplied force, yet released it upon the slightest nudge. It was easy to slide and serve using the shoe’s edgy heel.

On top of that, the shoes updated the players’ sense of balance during swift tennis movements. Our testers found it a breeze to land upon their feet without disrupting the posture. Spinning around also became much safer as the protruding heel extensions protected the vertical stance of the body, and prevented misalignment with the ground.

The shoe’s narrow design and compact arrangement of upper components made it a perfect fit for players. However, several players reported that it was too narrow for their conventional shoes, and therefore required a slightly longer adjustment period. Some even complained of numbness upon first wearing it.

Nonetheless, the Barricade 2018 emerged to perform exceptionally for all of our testers once the appropriate break-in time was reached.

ASICS GEL-COURT SPEED MEN’S TENNIS SHOES

These Court Speed shoes are another amazing Asics product utilizing gel-cushioning technology. They combine strong, supportive design with a shock-absorbing soling to provide the ultimate tennis experience.

Design and Material

The Gel Court Speed shoes are built from a durable, full-length fabric that encloses the upper. They are available in a variety of colors ranging from orange to lemon green and are adorned with a sweeping stripes pattern.

Inside the shoes, P-guard security technology is equipped around the toe compartment.

The sole is made entirely from rubber and is incorporated with Asics’s acclaimed gel technology. It provides transitioning stability and passive massage of the foot muscles through the cushioned forefoot and midsole. There are also carefully sewn fabric pads alongside the rear foot that add to the shock-absorption.

The overall soling components of the Gel Court Speed are infused with a Trusstic system. This makes the shoe incredibly light-weight while erecting a massive support base for the shoe’s structural integrity.

Performance

On the court, the Gel Court Speed shoes shone due to their brilliantly designed modules.

Players were able to perform excessively long and high jumps without fear of surface retribution all thanks to the gel-technology in the shoes. The sole absorbed most of the impact of said manoeuvres and encouraged a more active playing style among testers.

Apart from cushioning, the gel-technology also catered to the health needs of players. The softly moulding sole would shift and support the feet through each phase of the movement, which relaxed the foot muscles and prevented the ankle joints from becoming too grinded.

This element significantly lengthened the consecutive physical activity time for most players.

The Gel Court Speed shoes also supported the feet during lateral movements. Their bouncy soling made sideways plays considerably easier.

Since they are so light-weight and springy, the shoes were amazingly responsive to each kind of foot movement. When players attempted to accelerate forwards or spin swiftly, this responsiveness doubled their normal speed while offering stability.

Athletes were also able to avoid foot inversion and maintain their balance thanks to the shoe’s rigid structure. The heavily protected toe area ensured that no injury could come to the forefoot. This made it possible for newer players to run all the way across the court without fear of foot sprains.

The shoes also exhibited superior durability upon harder courts. Due to the firm structural support and rubber sole, the shoe survived hours of constant play without any wear. Moreover, if you are concerned about increasing your traction control, then the shoe’s outsole pattern and arch is certain to support your needs.

ADIDAS PERFORMANCE MEN’S ADIZERO UBERSONIC TENNIS SHOES

An immaculate blend of comfort and appeal, the Adizero Ubersonic shoes vow to resolve your shoe fitness problems and provide maximum support. They are designed to serve a to-the-curve fitness that places them among the best tennis shoes of today.

Design and Material

The Adizero Ubersonic shoes are handcrafted with a strong yet soft synthetic textile with a fashionable stripes pattern imprinted on the upper. They are available in delightful variants of black, silver, and rainbow colors.

The upper’s fabric is layered with Dyneema yarn and intertwined with flexible textile threads. Both of these features stand to provide support and strength to the shoe. Inside the shoe is attached a rounded mesh sock that cloaks the feet. It is based upon a polyurethane midsole with a thick, shock-absorbent rear.

While the sole of Adizero Ubersonic is entirely synthetic, it is a sports engineering marvel to behold due to its light-weight nature and unsurpassed quality.

The shoe is shaped to provide optimal acceleration during sprinting. Its design was derived after years of foot research and is founded upon a health-conscious, comfort-centric geometrical model.

Performance

We found the Adizero Ubersonic shoes to be a ride of pure, soothing, performance. We assembled a diverse group of testers with drastically different foot types to test out the shoe’s claimed fitness promise. And the results were surprising!

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The Adizero Ubersonic shoes fit each tester almost like a custom-tailored sock. Their inner cotton pouch would wound itself around the feet while the upper’s yarn-woven structure hugged the skin. The tongue was supportive and soft whereas the upper was stretchy and flexible.

Both of these features combined to make Adizero Ubersonic a pair of the most comfortable tennis shoes we have ever tested.

For players with wider feet, the shoes expanded to accommodate the entire foot length. Also, the synthetic insole prevented the feet from sliding over the edges. But don’t be mistaken by the softness of the shoes, for they are just as strong as they are soothing.

The textile threads that make up the upper are industrially modified to be exceptionally durable, even under extreme circumstances.

The shoes provided above-average traction upon hard courts, mainly due to the resilient Adiwear 6 outsole. You also don’t have to worry about the rub and wear of the soling. This is because the Adiwear 6 is an extensively tested footwear technology proven to endure intensive use.

The Adizero Ubersonic shoes debuted an innovative take to shoe design. Their geometrically modified structure enabled our testers to sprint with surprising ease and stability.

Not only that, but they also respond quickly to slight foot nudges and subtle athletic instincts of players due to their polyurethane midsole.

However, some of our testers found the heel padding to be a little too firm for their taste. It interrupted lateral movements and extinguished sideways support.

But we discovered that these problems could be resolved if you give the Adizero Ubersonic shoes an extended adjustment period, which will make you accustomed to the padding and therefore stabilize your lateral movements.

K-SWISS WOMEN’S HYPERCOURT EXPRESS TENNIS SHOE

The Hypercourt Express shoes are hyper-comfortable footwear designed to optimize performance. They are suited towards tennis players with quick, action-packed playing styles without compromising fitness or breathability.

Design and Material

The Hypercourt Express shoe possesses a vibrant, neon-themed body. Its upper is made from synthetic textile with a layer of molded polyurethane rubber adorned on top of it.

The textile is sewn upon a netted model for permeability which expands the range of ventilation the shoes provide. To make the upper durable and aesthetically-pleasing, its threads have been welded together using the Seamfree technology.

Inside the shoe, there is a high-quality Ortholite patch that runs all along the toe area and foot. It acts like a sock for the feet and contributes to the comfort of the shoe. There is a generous amount of padding lining the collars and ankle ring of the shoe, which provides cushioning and support.

The soling of the shoe is made from a K-Swiss speciality rubber. The midsole is crafted from EVA, whereas Draggaurd and Aosta rubbers have been integrated to forge the outsole. There is a herringbone pattern engraved into the outsole for heightened traction and stability.

Performance

The Hypercourt Express shoes proved to be very comfortable and resilient during testing. The shoe’s artfully crafted upper allowed plenty of air circulation to be established while playing tennis, and our testers confirmed that the shoe was breathable.

The yarn component of the upper made it soft and cushioned.

From the inside, the shoe’s EVA sock liner added to the soothing quality of the shoe. Our testers were impressed with the way the shoe’s padding made it relaxing to make twisting foot movements and perform strenuous exercises.

This feature combined with the midsole’s cushioning ability and the light-weight nature of the shoe to enable fast-paced tennis action.

Some of our reviewers with wide feet described the Hypercourt Express shoes to be blissfully yielding. The shoe’s wide toe compartment was a breath of fresh air for many because today’s manufacturers often overlook the importance of a wide toe box.

The specialized rubber soling of Hypercourt Express turned out to be heavily shock-absorbent. Players were able to take longer strides and sprint swiftly without pressurizing the forefoot.

Also, the shoe’s outsole significantly enhanced traction control and balance sense. Even after hours of testing, the sole remained undamaged and made sliding easier. The shoes performed wonderfully on both hard and clay courts.

ASICS MEN’S GEL-RESOLUTION 7

This is another splendid product from Asics’ popular Gel Resolution series. These shoes are engineered to provide maximum stability and support upon the court, while maintaining a perfect fit for your feet. With their advanced, innovative technologies and gender-specific design, the Gel Resolution 7 shoes are your key to ruling the court!

Design and Material

The Gel Resolution 7 shoe has an entirely synthetic upper printed with a gradient of sophisticated colors. The upper is integrated with the Flexion Fit technology, which remains rigid and strong while molding its shape to enclose your feet. To allow better fitness, multiple patches of memory foam are sewn onto the shoe collars.

In an innovative twist, the inside of the shoes has been latched to a removable Ortholite sock liner for maximum comfort. On the front, the toe compartment is secured with a P-Guard protector technology to prevent toe injury.

The Gel Resolution 7 shoes possess a rubber soling. The midsole is created from a Solyte material for reduced weight, while the Trusstic System reinforces the shoe’s structural integrity. The outsole is produced from an abrasion-resistant AHAR PLUS compound and arranged to ensure responsiveness and stability.

Like the Asics Gel Court model, the Gel Resolution 7 shoes have a gel-cushioning system installed into the soling. It is constructed in a layered design to provide shock absorption and eased transitioning for the foot while running.

Performance

The Gel Resolution 7 shoes significantly improved tennis ability for players. Its gel-cushioning technologies were able to downgrade the impact of intense tennis movements, and allowed testers to engage in unrestrictedly swift plays.

Most testers immediately fit into the Gel Resolution 7, but a few reported the shoes to be a little incompatible with their foot type.

However, due to the memory foam and Flexion Fit technology in the upper, the shoes quickly reshaped themselves to the players’ feet, providing a better fit than any other tennis shoes could.

The Gel Resolution 7 shoes are also a powerhouse of stability and support. Their intelligently designed heel provided all-around jump support and made it easy to spin around or pivot.

Due to the AHAR Plus technology, the outsole was increasingly bouncy with each step. We found the shoes to be amazingly springy and responsive, so much so that you could change direction at a moment’s notice without endangering your balance.

Moreover, if you are still training to pace up your game, the shoe’s protected toe compartment is a good protective measure to have. Not only does it support your foot and maintain its posture, it also helps in the transitioning system that massages your foot muscles and hence keeps up your muscle health. Although, some testers complained that the toe box was too narrow for their feet.

CAITIN MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT BREATHABLE TENNIS SHOES

The Caitin Men’s tennis shoes are an excellent, inexpensive option for players who wish to reduce the stress and impact of tennis upon their feet. They are designed to be increasingly breathable and lightweight so that your feet remain in optimal health, and can even be worn by flat-footed people.

Design and Material

The Caitin shoes are built with a slim, mesh-patterned upper from high-quality fabric. The fabric is stitched with a layer of quick-dry material that also serves to cool down feet. Printed onto the upper is a sticker-like diamond pattern that extends into a color gradient and gives the shoes a highly fashionable look.

The Caitin shoe is structured after a low-top model with a 6mm decline from heel to toe. A classic full-closure lacing adorns the upper fabric and provides added structural support.

The soling of the Caitin shoe is made from an MD foam. It has been artfully crafted to enhance flexibility, cushioning and comfort, and additionally to prevent excessive slipping.

There is also an elastic foam component integrated into the sole that makes it especially bouncy and responsive. Rounded semi-spheres protrude from the outsole in a streamlined pattern for doubled traction.

All of the shoe’s modules were purposefully arranged to be lightweight and durable. With a strong adhesive chemical joining the soling together, the shoes deliver uncompromised durability. Moreover, a flexible toe box and anti-moisture textile lining the Caitin Men’s shoes promise the utmost comfort.

Performance

The Caitin Men’s shoes are an absolute joyride when it comes to comfort and cushioning. Our testers reported them to be soft and non-rigid from the inside and it took no time to adjust into the shoes at all.

The mesh upper of the shoes was unconventionally efficient when it came to improving air currents in the shoe.

Our testers put the shoes through consecutive 3-hour training sessions and tennis practices. Sweat discharging from the players’ feet evaporated quickly, even when wearing non-absorbent socks.

Testers reported that the shoes felt flexible, and bent easily upon the slightest force. This feature improved fit for most players while providing relief from stiff foot posture during tennis workouts.

Furthermore, The Caitin shoes aced the responsiveness test. Their MD sole was outstandingly elastic and replied quickly to jumps and foot prods. When trying to switch stance or sprint across the court, the Caitin shoes gave the ultimate lateral support.

In terms of stability, the shoe’s MD sole did an excellent job by resisting movements that would make the players slip.

The outsole’s round spike pattern further enhanced this quality by providing unyielding grip upon the ground.

Players reported that tennis swerves and spins were safer to perform due to the shoe’s anti-skid sole elements. Moreover, the shoe’s low-top design and a flattened arch made it easier for flat-footed people to play tennis.

Another great feature of the shoes was their relatively low weight, such that many testers claimed that the Caitin was the lightest tennis shoes they had ever worn.

We also brought in a few players with a background of foot injuries and ankle pain to test the shoe’s health benefits. Almost all of the players recommended the Caitin shoes, claiming that they “made foot pain vanish completely”.

NIKE MEN’S ZOOM VAPOR X

The Nike Zoom Vapor X is a powerful sports gear known for being Roger Federer’s signature shoes. They take elements of all the best tennis shoes and combine them with an ultra-comfortable design to boost your performance.

Design and Material

Inspired by a neon color palette, the Zoom Vapor X shoes don an austere yet vibrant look. They host a mesh patterned upper intertwined with synthetic textile patches for added durability and ventilation.

The soling is made from rubber and has an innovative new technology, the Zoom Air unit, tunnelled into the heel. It functions as a responsive, shock-absorbent element. The material of the sole is industrially modified to be ultra-light and durable at the same time. Meanwhile, the outsole has a geometric pattern engraved into it to provide heightened traction control on the court.

The inside of the Zoom Vapor X shoe has a state of the art TPU foot frame integrated into it. Alongside the Dynamic fit technology of the upper, this technology is guaranteed to provide you with the ultimate fit.

Moreover, the collar surrounding the shoe opening is padded artfully to maximize support and cushioning.

Performance

The Zoom Vapor X shoes ruled our test categories in multiple dimensions. Our testers found it easy to break into the shoes, with most reporting no adjustment period at all.

Zoom Vapor X’s attention to optimizing fitness certainly shone through during testing. The inner and structure of the shoe adapted quickly to players’ foot types, while the upper was flexible enough to hug the foot top like a sock.

Not only that, the mesh fabric lining the inner shoe made it airy and spacious. Moisture accumulation was retarded and the shoes dried quickly.

In terms of stability, the shoe’s outsole was surprisingly supportive. Its side streamed model held the heel and midfoot in a careful position at all times, being especially efficient in providing lateral support.

Since the heel is infused with a Zoom Air Unit, our testers found it unchallenging to sprint and swerve across the court. It also enabled inexperienced players with stabilizing their acceleration, making their forward advances gradual rather than being sudden spurts.

However, some testers with wide feet complained that the shoe was too narrow compared to their previous Nike shoes.

The shoes also contributed significantly to foot health during tennis, as their protected toe compartment and thickly padded collars made extreme stretch movements possible. We discovered that a rubber layer reinforced the toe base in the forefoot, which made the Zoom Vapor X shoes optimal for ankle health.

Zoom Vapor X also happened to be amazingly suited for traction. The reason this was such a substantial achievement is that the shoes possess a complete rubber soling with ultra-light devices, and medium arch support, both of which normally inspire drag and inhibit grip. But the shoe’s outsole design overcame both structural setbacks to enhance traction.

Overall, the shoes performed with convenient aptitude on both clay and hard courts, and even managed to maintain their durability during our extensive testing.

Buyer’s Guide

Having gone through our list of the best tennis shoes, you must be wondering what certain words meant therein, like “traction”, “overpronator”, etc. This is the distinct lingo of tennis that you need to be aware of as a tennis player. And as we all know, purchasing a new product, especially a health-sensitive one like shoes, requires appropriate deliberation and research.

So, our team of tennis experts has crafted this complete, up-to-date Buyer’s Guide to help you make the ideal tennis shoe purchase.

The first step to buying a tennis shoe is to determine what kind of foot and playing style you have. While this may seem unnecessary to some, there are several shapes and types of foot and if you don’t find yours, your shoes will never give you the ideal performance.

How to determine your individual foot/playing style?

According to modern podiatry, you can have either of 3 types of feet: supinator, neutral, and overpronator. What this means is basically how “flat-footed” you are, or how much of your underfoot skin touches the ground upon standing. To determine your type, simply wet your foot completely with water, and place it on a sheet of white paper. The foot will leave an imprint on the paper, and you can compare it with the following graphic to find out your foot type.

Apart from pronation, you must also identify your particular playing style. If you play around the back of the court, and tend to sprint often with an array of lateral moves, then you are a Baseline player.

However, if you maintain an equidistant position across the court, and slide your foot while serving, then you are a Serve-and-Volley player.

Now that you know your foot shape and playing style, you can begin seeking a personalized tennis shoe.

What qualities to look for in a Tennis shoe?

Tennis is a game of fast-paced action and complex foot movements, which is why a good tennis shoe must not only enable, but also enhance your athleticism. The most important features of a tennis shoe are:

Fitness and Comfort

It is essential to wear a shoe that fits perfectly around your foot, while also being reasonably comfortable. The most comfortable shoes possess a mesh upper and soft insoles. Also, shoes with wide toe boxes are likely to be more spacious and thus comfortable for your feet.

Fitness of a tennis shoe depends heavily on the shape of your foot, and the flexibility of the shoe. When looking at potential footwear, make sure to check the listed arch support and width of each shoe, and match it with your pronation type. If you are an overpronator, then look for flat arch shoes, whereas if you are a supinator, you must prioritize a strong, high-arch shoe. Furthermore, if your playing style is Serve-and-Volley, then a high-arched shoe is likely to suit you.

Stability and Lateral Support

Your tennis shoes must be adequately stable for you to perform to the best of your ability and prevent injuries. Keep track of features like outsole design, heel pattern, and lateral support when looking at shoes. If you are a Baseline-styled player, you should prefer shoes that have a considerable, reinforced lateral support system.

Another feature that enhances stability is the cushioning of tennis shoes, which reduces impact of landing and jumps. Gel-based soling provides the best form of cushioning, but it is only available in the most expensive, exclusive brands like Asics. We suggest aiming for shoes that claim a shock-absorbent sole and strong upper support. Collar padding is an additional feature that can enhance your stability.

Traction Control

Traction is related to the way you drag or slide your shoes across the tennis court, and the amount of friction your sole generates. A good tennis shoe must provide excellent traction control to make moving across the court easy and non-restricting. This is particularly significant if you are a Serve-and-Volley player, in which case your repeated court sliding requires optimum traction.

Therefore, when purchasing, look at shoes with a herringbone or spikes patterned outsole to have the best traction control.

Durability

And of course, a good tennis shoe must also be built to endure long-term usage. Rub and tear of soling is the most common problem athletes face during tennis games due to the hectic nature of the sport.

A durable shoe normally has a leather upper, a multiple compound rubber soling, and protected inner lining. Duralast, EVA, and GDR are some popular technologies installed in good tennis shoes. If you are a Serve-and-Volley player, then you should look for shoes with guarded toe compartments and strong forefoot outsoles.

Conclusion

To summarize it all, compiled below are all the steps you need to complete before buying new tennis shoes.

Identify your foot shape and playing style
Prioritize the elements of tennis shoes you most desire to experience (e.g. comfort, traction, stability…)
Seek out shoes with the right soling for your individual personality
Be health conscious before making your purchase (include all of your past sports injuries or medical conditions among your considerations, or consult a podiatrist if you are unsure.)
Make sure your chosen shoe has a suitable guarantee
Now that you are all wised up about the intricacies of shoe design, we wish you the best of luck as you advance through the intimidating dimension of sports shopping. Don’t forget to consult our buyer’s guide in case you face any uncertainty amidst your purchases.