How To Pick The Best Tennis Shoe For You
When shopping for a great tennis shoe, consider these factors:
Durability vs. Lightweight
Youll need to choose if you want a more durable shoe or a more lightweight shoe. This will depend largely on how flexible you are and how much support your feet need on the court.
Lightweight shoes tend to be slightly less durable. Those shoes with a thicker outsole will be more durable, but will have some extra weight behind them.
Flexibility & Performance vs. Support & Stability
A more flexible tennis shoe will allow for speedier movement on the court. The more your foot can flex in the shoe, the easier it will be to push off and make quick direction changes.
But youll be sacrificing stability. When your tennis shoe is more flexible and less stable, you have more change of injury.
A shoe thats less flexible will have slightly less freedom of movement, but will support the foot better in its lateral movements, and do a better job of protecting against injury.
Tennis Shoe Durability Guarantees
With most people playing tennis on hard courts, one of the most common knocks on tennis shoes is their lack of durability.
Frequently, players are frustrated when their shoes only last a few months, and it can become expensive to replace them continually.
Many retailers and shoe brands will offer durability guarantees for specific shoe models to help instill confidence in buying a new pair of tennis shoes. Typically, a guarantee will be valid for a set period, i.e., six months, and only for the shoes outsole.
If you buy a shoe with a similar guarantee, keep in mind that there are guidelines for replacement, which tend to be strict. More often than not, a player will have to wear completely through the outsole for a valid claim.
In our opinion, its a bit of a double-edged sword. Its great that you can request to have your shoes replaced if you wear through the sole that quickly. However, if youre still playing with a shoe thats anywhere near wearing through the outsole, then its less than ideal and can be dangerous because it means you have significantly less traction.
Last but not least, youll have to return your shoes to qualify for a replacement. If you dont own more than one pair, then you may be stuck not playing tennis until they send a replacement.
Benefits Of Running Shoes
High-quality running shoes offer many different benefits to the runner over other types of shoes. Having the appropriate and correct shoes for your sport is essential. Running shoes are designed to support and comfort your feet where it matters most.
While running, you are generally always going in the forward direction. Therefore, running shoes are designed with added cushioning in the heel and toe areas to help withstand the constant heel-to-toe strikes that running requires.
Although sneakers made specifically for running do have some lateral stability, only minimal because side-to-side motions are very uncommon with running. The added extra cushion in many running shoes qualifies them as neutral shoes. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Tip: The neutral shoes work great for people with high arches. Stability running shoes are great for runners whose arches could collapse. Runners who are heavier or have more flat feet could benefit from motion control running shoes.
If you were to attempt running long miles with tennis shoes, you would most likely be injured rather quickly with common pains in your feet from the lack of cushioning.
Different types of running shoes are better for different situations and conditions. We have done extensive research and found the top running shoes for several unique situations runners face.
Here is a quick list of those reviews:
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Can You Use Tennis Shoes For Running
There was a time in which the term tennis shoes was a catch-all for any athletic sneaker. Most people to this day view tennis shoes as a very versatile option that can be used for multiple sports. Tennis has a lot of similar movements to many different sports, so it makes sense.
Running shoes are built for a very specific purpose. Those who are serious about running should invest in a pair for the best results. With that said, many people in the past have asked, can you use tennis shoes for running? Read on to understand how the two types of shoes differ, and how they might affect running times.
Can you use tennis shoes for running? Tennis shoes can be used for running. Tennis shoes might not be perfect to run in, but they can perform at a decent level. The heavy weight oftennis shoes gives the runner a lot of stability, which decreases the injury risk when running.
Best Overall: Asics Gel
The exoskeletal heel counter in this shoe from Asics provides support, while additional height relieves Achilles’ heel tension. It’s also shock-absorbent and allows for movement in multiple planes as the foot goes through the gait cycle. It’s also a favorite of Dr. Chanel Perkins, DPM, who notes, “This shoe has a very neutral fit and is almost compatible with any foot type since it will not try to correct the running gait. It’s designed with layers of cushioning for maximum comfort during runs.” For reviewers, it’s the perfect level for running.
“I started wearing the Gel-Cumulus sneakers several years ago when my podiatrist recommended them for plantar fasciitis,” wrote one reviewer. “I have had no problem with since. They provide cushion, support and they are so comfortable.”
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What Features Should You Look For In A Running Shoe For Tennis
Running shoes and tennis shoes are designed for different purposes.
Tennis shoes are not recommended to be worn for a run because they provide less stability and cushioning than running shoes.
When looking for a running shoe to play tennis on, there are several factors you should consider.
For one, the court you will be playing on affects the type of shoes you need. There are three types of courts- hard, clay, and grass.
Each surface requires a different outsole for traction. In addition, running shoes are designed to be lighter and have more cushioning than tennis shoes.
Soles And Durability Of Tennis Shoes Vs Running Shoes
When it comes to the sole and durability of shoes, they can differ dramatically. The soles can be one of the most important qualities of a shoe. With running, you need the soles to be comfortable but also have good tread and traction for the different terrain you may be running.
Runners typically will put off replacing their running shoes as long as they still have good spring and cushioning. Many runners are even unbothered by dirt or even holes in their running shoes as long as they still provide that essential comfort a runner needs.
The American Heart Association suggests that runners consider replacing their running shoes when the tread has been worn down. They state that is generally between 350-500 miles of running.
the life expectancy of running shoes should be measured in miles rather than months or years: generally, 300 miles at minimum, 500 miles at most.
Greg Weich, the shoe fit expert, and store manager at In Motion Running in Boulder, Colorado
As you can see 300-500 miles is a good rule of thumb because many of the most respected leaders in the running industry seem to agree in that regard. Tennis shoes are generally replaced after the player has worn through the outsole or has ground down the sole so much that it is now smooth and no longer offers any beneficial traction.
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Best For Long Distances: Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Running Shoe
A top pick for long-distance runners, per Dr. Cunha, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Running Shoe is specially designed to create a rolling forward momentum so it can deliver a springy energy return and prevent fatigue. Its XT-900 outsole has excellent traction and durability while its supportive FormFit foam midsole cushions. Plus, it’s made from breathable and flexible materials for added comfort.
“Super light and comfy, like walking on a cloud but with support,” one reviewer said.
High Mileage On Your Shoes
In addition to tracking the number of miles you have on your shoes, where you run is also an important consideration. If you run on rough roads or trails, you’ll need to replace your shoes sooner than if you do primarily treadmill running.
If you have trouble tracking when you bought your shoes and how many miles they have on them, write the date on the inside of your shoe when you buy them. By knowing the exact date you bought them and about how many miles you run per week, you should be able to roughly estimate how many miles you’ve run in them.
If you take good care of your running shoes , you may be able to get away with replacing your shoes at the higher end of the recommended mileage range.
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Difference Between Tennis Shoes And Running Shoes
Categorized under Objects | Difference Between Tennis Shoes and Running Shoes
Tennis Shoes vs Running Shoes
There is a wide difference between tennis shoes and running shoes. However, some people simply refer to these shoes as sneakers and dont bother to use the right type of footwear for a particular sport. If you wear the wrong type of shoe, then there is a good chance that you might get injured during a game.
First of all, tennis shoes are slightly heavy but slimmer in order to enhance agility. On the other hand, running shoes are lighter than tennis shoes. Running shoes are designed for forward movement only so they have higher side padding to protect the ankles. This side support is lacking in tennis shoes because a tennis player needs to move from side to side. A high-cut shoe will hamper side to side movement.
Running shoes are built to provide greater sole support in order to absorb the pressure and impact of running. That is why shoes made for runners have thick padding at the soles. Without thick shoe padding, runners will tire easily as their bodies absorb more shock coming from their feet.
In contrast, tennis shoes have very thin and slim soles with very little padding. The shoes are also extremely pliable and flexible. Again, these design specs are intended to give the tennis player more agility. With flexible and slim shoes, tennis players will be able to easily execute lateral movements.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using Running Shoes For Tennis
There are a few key drawbacks to using running shoes for tennis.
First, running shoes are not designed for tennis and do not provide the stability or support needed to play the game effectively.
Second, running shoes are narrower than tennis shoes and supported in the front and rear parts, which can make them susceptible to injury from lateral motion.
Third, using running shoes increases your risk of health problems and damage to both the court and your shoes.
While running shoes are not the ideal footwear for playing tennis on a soft court surface, they can be used without any major drawbacks on hardcourt surfaces.
However, using running shoes on clay courts is not recommended because they are too soft and will damage the court surface.
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How Much Support Do You Need
How does your foot hit the ground when you run? Pronation is the natural way your foot rolls inward when it strikes the ground and then propels forward. There are three different types of pronation, and you may want shoes with features that support your pronation level. Brands use different footwear technologies and features that reduce excess movement. The technologies are meant to guide the foot through a smoother transition.
The Shoe Im Using Now
Before we dive too deep and cover my picks for the best tennis shoes, I thought Id share what shoes Im currently using.
Not only is it a question TennisCompanion members and readers frequently ask me, but I think its helpful to help underscore that the best shoes are unique to each individual, despite how I or any other website ranks tennis shoes.
As of now, my go-to pair of tennis shoes is the Asics Gel Resolution 8, which I have ranked as the fourth-best shoe overall. Let me explain.
Although Im not old by any stretch, at 38 going on 39, Ive been wearing the Gel Resolution shoes primarily because of comfort. Beyond that, theyre incredibly well-rounded, so its an ideal match for me.
To be honest, I prefer the lightweight, low to the ground feel and overall performance of the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro, and if I were back in college competing, theyd be my top pick despite the lower durability.
However, the Vapor Pro is harder on my body, and I feel the effects of using them more than I used to, so Ive prioritized comfort.
If youre wondering why I dont use the Asics Court FF 2 since they top my list and outperform the Gel Resolutions in a few areas, its two-fold. First, I prefer the overall feel of the Gel Resolution 8, which I find rides a bit lower to the ground. Second, I like the style of the Gel Resolution 8 and find the Court FF2 to look a bit bulky.
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Difference Between Tennis Shoes & Running Shoes
Tennis shoes are mainly used on tennis courts to play tennis. Their main focus is to provide lateral support because tennis player has to move from side to side very quickly. However, in running shoes, the main focus is on cushioning because the runner needs more support from heel to toe while running.
The following are some of the differences between tennis and running shoes
Design
In tennis game, players like to use their feet, and the shoe is designed for them.
Lateral movement on a court can be tricky, so tennis shoes give you more space with an extra toe slot that helps get around shots while still protecting you from rocks or dirt beneath them.
The perfect running shoe has a more cushioned heel and arch.
You can feel the difference as soon as you start walking or running in it, with each step providing support that absorbs impact from uneven surfaces such as cobblestone streets.
Padding
Running shoes are typically designed with thicker padding so they can absorb impact on the ground.
Tennis shoes, however, have less cushioning and grip for traction to help you play better in them while walking or running around a court.
Sneakers provide more protection against rough surfaces such as rocks than athletic footwear made from natural materials like leather.
Soles
Running shoes have a very thin sole which decreases the risk of injury when running.
Heel
The heel of a tennis shoe is higher than that of running shoes, making it more elevated in comparison.
Surface
Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Tennis Shoe
Nikes Vapor Cage line of tennis shoes is built prioritizing support, stability, and durability. These shoes are used and designed for Rafael Nadal.
The laces combine with the upper of the shoe to wrap around the midfoot to create maximum stability and responsiveness. The outsole also wraps around the outsides and toe for extra durability. The Air Zoom technology under the foot makes these shoes very comfortable.
These are excellent hard-court tennis shoes because of their durability and stability. You can slide and move around the court with ease and comfort. These shoes are best for intermediate to advanced level tennis players looking for high-performance shoes.
Pros
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Which Running Shoes Tend To Run Wide
When looking for a wide running shoe, the first thing to consider is your feet. If you tend to have a wide toe box but a narrow foot, you may not need a shoe that is wide throughout. Instead, a shoe that has a wide or roomy toe box might provide enough space.
However, if your foot is wide from the toes to the heel, you will need to look for a shoe thats offered in wider widths. This may include 2E and 4E widths as well as wide, extra-wide, and D.
Shoes like New Balance, Asics, and Brooks offer numerical widths.
Each manufacturer has its own description for wide shoes. Thats why its best to go to a running shoe store for a proper fitting.
The Best Running Shoes Of 2022
These are the 30+ top models were loving right now for the road, trail, and race day.
Editors Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on August 16, 2022 and updated our recommendations from wear-testing done this summer. Shoes that are on sale are likely to be replaced with new models soon, so we have updated shopping links to retailers that still have these models in stock. We’ll add the new models that have passed our testing process as soon as they are released this fall.
You know what you want from your running shoes: light weight, cushioning, support, and a comfortable fit. Of course, the most important part of any running shoe is your experience over the hundreds of miles youll take it on. To help you find your next great pair, and to get a sense of how updates to your favorite road or trail shoe may change how it fits or performs, we review hundreds of mens and womens running shoes each year. Scroll down for reviews of our 33 top picks, a look at how we test and select these models, and helpful buying tips and insight from our gear experts.
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