Maybe you’re not a tennis pro, but playing in the best tennis shoes and comfortable gear is going to be beneficial for your game.
If you’re not convinced that you need a specially designed shoe dedicated to playing tennis, read on below. But first our top tennis shoes for men and women.
After thorough research and in-depth analysis, we have compiled a list of the best models to meet anybody’s needs. Our top choices are:
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- ASICS Court FF 2 – Men’s
- Nike Air Zoom Vapor X – Women’s
- Adidas Solecourt Boost Tennis Shoe – Men’s
- Lotto Mirage 300 Speed – Women’s
- Fila Axilus 2 Energized – Men’s
- New Balance 996v4 – Women’s
Table of Contents
ASICS Court FF 2 Tennis Shoes – Best overall (men’s)
I’m a long-standing fan of ASICS sports shoes, especially their runners. And so, it seems, is Djokovic.
ASICS has teamed up with Novak Djokovic to create this model. If Djokovic is thrilled with the final product, chances are you will be, too. Seriously, this model shines pretty much in every department.
ASICS’ FlyteFoam midsole technology is a major improvement. It provides exceptional cushioning, durability, and weight reduction. I am hard to impress, but these shoes did it.
The feel, at first, is “snug” but then you get to feel that there is plenty of room, especially in the toe box and the snugness is a feeling of support for the whole foot.
Excellent on hard courts, clay or synthetic, these ASICS tennis shoes grip the court whilst allowing the free movement needed between shots.
Pros:
- Comfortable.
- Flexible.
- Snug fit thanks to mono-sock construction.
- Outstanding stability.
Cons:
- No real cons, but breathability could be better.
- And a bit pricey.
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X – Best for ladies
Don’t get me wrong here. The men’s version is a choice of several tennis stars including Roger Federer.
However, lightweight, comfortable and probably the best ventilation make this model a great choice for women. 
Also, they are very stylish and offer a vast number of color combinations.
It’s a wonderful and versatile model that came in a close second in the men’s category too.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Fantastic ventilation.
- Sleek design.
Cons:
- Not as durable as some other models.
Adidas Solecourt Boost – Most durable (men’s)
While Nike Air Zoom Vapor is all elegant and flowy, Adidas Solecourt Boost is a tough guy among tennis shoes. It’s a great all-around shoe but it stands out for its support and durability.
These shoes are strong but gentle. They provide excellent comfort.
With extra support and cushioning one would think they must be heavy. Well, they are not. Sure, there are lighter models, but these are light enough, as well.
Pros:
- Excellent durability.
- Extra-protected wear-and-tear areas.
- Supreme support and traction.
Cons:
- Ventilation could be better.
Lotto Mirage 300 – The lightest women’s model
The name speaks for itself. These shoes are designed for agility and speed. But the list of great features doesn’t end there. They provide excellent support, breathability, and flexibility.
They also comes with two insoles with different thicknesses. It’s a nice little extra that allows you to customize your fit.
Insider’s tip: order a half size up!
Pros
- They are featherlight.
- Given they are lightweight, they offer impressive support and stability.
- Superb traction.
Cons
- They run a little narrow. Not the best choice if you have wider feet.
- We believe that durability is not great.
Fila Men’s Axilus 2 Energized – Most versatile
Maybe it’s not as prominent as Nike and Adidas, but this is another top model of tennis shoes.
Tennis pros John (go the distance) Isner and Diego Schwartzman wear these shoes! What’s so exciting about it? Well, the former towers over most of the players at 6 feet 10 inches, and the latter stands 5 feet 7 inches tall.
So, this is a well-rounded model that excels in all departments. It’s lightweight, but supportive and comfortable.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Molded forefoot cage for additional protection.
- Breathable upper.
- Anti-slide lining inside the shoe.
Cons
- They run a little bit small.
- Can feel a bit snug.
New Balance FuelCell 996 V4 – The lightest women’s model
If you look for the lightest, comfortable, and breathable pair of tennis shoes, this is a great model for you.
They are ridiculously light and you will feel as if you’re flying on the court.
Obviously, New Balance focused on the aforementioned qualities to provide an ultimate experience on the court. Opinions differ when it comes to support, stability and durability. So, this is a model with decent features overall, and a couple of outstanding ones.
I liked these a lot. There was a great comforting connection between the sole and the court surface.
Pros
- Almost weightless.
- Very comfy.
- Excellent flexibility and breathability.
Cons
- Not so durable we believe.
How to Choose The Best Tennis Shoes
It’s not rocket science. Comfort, support, grip, weight and durability. Still, you need to have some knowledge to make a wise choice.
Why You Can’t Use Your Regular Sneakers or Running Shoes
Some people think you can play tennis in any kind of running shoes or sneakers. Sure, you can. But if you really want to make the best of your tennis sessions, you should consider investing in a pair of tennis shoes.
Tennis shoes are specifically designed to match the demands of the sport. Unlike running, tennis involves lots of forward, backward, and lateral movements. It also requires quick starts, stops. Not to mention sliding on clay courts.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned, everyday player, only a tennis shoe will provide adequate support, traction, and cushioning that you need on a tennis court.
So, you’ll get improved stability, comfort, and ease of movement. As a result, you’ll improve your performance. But,, more importantly, you’ll reduce the risk of injury.
Things to Consider When Buying Tennis Shoes
It all starts with comfort. Okay, this applies even to dress shoes. However, tennis shoes are typically stiffer than, let’s say, running shoes. It comes with support and stability requirements.
However, some models place a greater focus on comfort than others. Comfort also has something to do with the shape of your feet. Top models usually have different width varieties to provide more comfort.
Great tennis shoes provide maximum stability and traction. That’s what you need when your opponent moves you around the court.
Also, flexible shoes will allow you to be more agile.
Then, there’s durability. Tennis shoes have to put up with a lot of pressure. Even the perfect combo of comfort and support won’t matter if they fall apart too soon.
Finally, you want your shoes to be lightweight and breathable. These qualities usually go hand in hand, but not necessarily.
There’s always a trade-off, though. The lighter the shoes, the harder it gets to provide comfort and stability. Some models are good in all departments, while others place more emphasis on certain features.
Check out our article for a more cushioned shoe for jumping rope. And if you are into Zumba, another bouncy activity, we have the shoes for it covered.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Tennis Shoes
Q: Is there a difference between men’s and women’s tennis shoes?
A: Yes, there is. Women’s and men’s feet are anatomically different. The main difference is the width of the foot. There’s a lot of science involved here, but you don’t have to worry about it.
Top manufacturers almost always create both men’s and women’s versions. Apart from small adjustments, they share pretty much the same qualities.
Q: What’s the difference between the different sports shoes?
A: Manufacturers are tweaking shoe designs catering for the needs of specific activities. We’ve covered the difference between these sport shoe types.
Q: Can you use the same pair of tennis shoes on different surfaces?
A: Tennis shoes are designed for specific surfaces: hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts.
However, hard court shoes are versatile enough to use them on different surfaces. Still, if you play mostly on clay courts, shoes designed for this surface will perform better.
Q: Do I need high-end tennis shoes even if I’m a beginner?
A: Not necessarily. There are some decent, budget options out there. However, top models offer many great features, and even as a beginner, your feet will feel the difference. They also last longer.
The best way to get great tennis shoes without breaking the bank is to look for the previous year’s models.
Q: Do tennis shoes require a break-in period?
A: Typically, today’s tennis shoes don’t require a break-in period. If you have sensitive feet, you can wear them in everyday life for a couple of days. Just in case.
Final Thoughts
Your tennis skills, not shoes, will win you matches. Still, you need a pair of good tennis shoes to give you an extra push and keep your feet healthy.
While all shoes on the list are impressive and good enough for anyone, our top pick for the men is ASICS Court FF2.
These tennis shoes have pushed the limits and raised the bar. They are fast and agile like running shoes. But they also provide impressive stability, support, and comfort.
And for the woman’s tennis shoes we chose the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X, an overall superior shoe for comfort as well as support and especially ventilation.
Hopefully, this guide will help you set your priorities and find your perfect match.
Let us know. Enjoy your tennis sessions.
