Are you in the market for new tennis shoes? Well, here are some of the things to consider when buying new tennis shoes.
1. Lateral Support
When playing tennis, you will make sudden changes in all directions. That’s why you need tennis shoes with adequate lateral support. Make sure the shoes hold your foot steady. Your feet should not feel insecure when you are moving around. Such shoes allow you to move better and also prevent injuries when playing tennis.
Make sure the tennis shoes have special lacing systems that boost lateral support. You should also choose those with sturdy uppers and broad outsoles. If you have a large build, these features will work perfectly for you. Do you have weak ankles but hate using ankle braces? You should consider hi-tops for the best results.
2. Cushioning
EVA and polyurethane are the main materials used for cushioning tennis shoes. Polyurethane is heavier but it’s very durable. On the other hand, EVA is a lightweight material but it is less stable. Polyurethane is obviously the better choice.
There is a significant difference in the capacity of shock absorption of both female and male tennis shoes. Always choose tennis shoes with good cushioning. Of course, they don’t need to be extra soft because they will not provide enough support.
3. Court
Look for tennis shoes with an outsole that works perfectly on the type of surface you are playing on. That’s because different surfaces such as grass, hard courts and clay courts play different. As a result, there will be a huge change in your game and footwork.
If you want to maintain the best footing when playing, you need to choose a good tennis shoe designed specifically for the type of court you are using. Many like these platform tennis shoes because of the soft, cushioning properties their sole offers. Here’s what you need to know about each of these surfaces.
Hard Court Outsoles
Most people play tennis on hard courts. If you want the ultimate durability for your outsole, this type of court can be quite demanding. You need to find the right outsole that can meet the demands of the hard court.
Some of the best tennis shoes for hard courts have a herringbone pattern that guarantees the best grip on the court. They should also have proper cushioning and a good midsole that transfers energy into every step as well absorbing shock from the hard court.
Tennis shoes for a hard court also have a tough upper part that provides support and ample durability. The toe area of the shoe is built up and protected, especially for toe draggers, because the hard court will damage your shoes considerably.
Clay Court Outsoles
For a clay court, the best tennis shoes should have a herringbone or a zig zag pattern. It prevents the clay from getting into the outsole. That way, you can enjoy a better grip of the court when changing directions, stopping or sprinting. If some clay is caught in there, you can tap the sole with your racket and dislodge it.
With the herringbone design on your shoe, it’s easy to slide from one side to the other. When playing with these shoes, you can glide perfectly into a shot and recover. You can also enjoy the traction when moving forward and backward.
Also, the upper part is tightly knit to guarantee overall stability. You can count on improved comfort, confidence and overall performance while on the court with the right shoes for a clay court.
Grass Court Outsoles
Grass courts are softer on your joints and entire body. There aren’t many tennis shoes available for grass courts. However, you should know that the surface tends to play fast so you need the right outsole when playing there. The best tennis shoes have pimples or nubs and often resemble cleats.
The outsole provides a great grip for players on a surface known to be quite slippery. The outsole is bumpy and doesn’t do any damage to the court. These shoes are actually very comfortable allowing you to move very fast on the surface. You can’t use these shoes on any other surface.
4. Comfortable
When buying tennis shoes, make sure they are comfortable. For instance, they need to have adequate tongue padding to make sure the laces don’t dig into your skin. If you have flat feet, you should opt for something softer.
If you have arched feet, choose a firm shoe or even suitable insoles like the ones offered here. To avoid getting blisters, you should break in the new shoes a few days before playing in the court. You should be able to identify the trouble spots and choose other shoes if need be.
5. The Type Of Sole
Of course, when choosing the type of sole, you need to consider the type of court you will be using.
For the hard court, stick to shoes with a herringbone pattern.
For a grass court, make sure the shoes have small rubber studs to avoid slipping.
For an indoor carpet, make sure the soles are completely smooth to prevent your feet from grabbing thus causing a lot of stress on the knees or ankles.
For a clay court, you should choose clay court shoes that allow you to slide effectively.
If you have excessive toe drag, especially when serving the ball, make sure the shoes have heavy exterior protection around the toe area. The area under the ball of the foot where you tend to exert most pressure should be well-padded.
6. The Shoe Size
When looking for the right size of shoe, you need to consider the height, width and length. If you buy tennis shoes that are too big, you will get blisters. On the other hand, if you buy shoes that are too small, your feet will be crushed and you might suffer permanent damage.
Once you find the right size, you should know that your feet will grow with time. Also, as you age, your feet will collapse and spread out. That’s why you need to measure your feet every time you are getting new tennis shoes.
Conclusion
Non-tennis shoes might look appealing but don’t be tempted to use them for the game. They don’t have the right grip and support so you will hurt yourself. Check various retailers to find the cheapest option for you.
