Tennis shoes are designed specifically to allow for lateral movement, unlike running sneakers. While their chunkiness may make them appear cumbersome and unattractive, their bulkiness provides sufficient stability and support during gameplay.
Tennis Warehouse’s six-month durability guarantee on all their shoes has led me to consult Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu and tennis professional and coach Larry Lebatique to identify some recommended shoe picks.
ASICS Gel-Resolution 9
ASICS’ popular Gel-Resolution tennis shoe now comes with even greater stability and control for those playing from the baseline. Thanks to athlete testing, biomechanical research, and expert craftsmanship, the new shoe offers unrivaled stability with an impeccable fit.
Its primary feature is its full-length, one piece sole which ensures more stable landings and quick recoveries between shots – ideal for baseline grinders who rely on quick ground stroke connections between shots.
Dynawall and DYNAWRAP technologies also do an outstanding job at stabilizing shoes during dynamic movements, using mesh and resin in the upper to support foot during lateral movement, respectively, while employing an innovative lacing system with connecting lateral and medial eyestays that apply pressure on players’ feet for a locked-in feel when necessary.
A full herringbone outsole made from AHAR Plus rubber and PGaurd toe protector are designed to offer long-term durability on clay courts. The latter protects toe draggers while the herringbone outsole’s pattern aims to minimize foot slipperiness.
Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning provides a plush underfoot experience while softening impact to feet. Furthermore, the Torque Control Counter prevents unwanted twisting during aggressive court cuts for enhanced overall stability of this shoe.
As compared to its predecessor, this shoe is slightly lighter, yet still feels heavy on your feet. While this weight shouldn’t be an issue if you prioritize stability over other features of a tennis shoe, our play testers reported the shoes to be true to size and comfortable after long hours of wear – in particular with regards to their thick padding on the heel, which initially felt hard and stiff but softened over time.
New Balance 1006
Tennis shoes play a critical role in player performance and comfort on the court, providing needed support, traction and cushioning that allows them to move efficiently while decreasing injury risk. Finding footwear with sufficient support, traction and cushioning may provide necessary for optimal play on court while at the same time minimising potential risk.
New Balance 1006 shoes are an excellent option for traditional club players who prioritize comfort and cushioning. These shoes feature an REVlite midsole that keeps players light on their feet, along with synthetic mesh upper for durability and an NDurance one-year guarantee for added peace of mind.
Babolat Propulse Fury shoes are another top pick among tennis players, designed to give superior court presence. Featuring a breathable mesh upper and durable PU outer layer which ensure breathability and durability while the multi-layered Ergo Motion insole adapts naturally with the movement of feet during play, these are an extremely popular option among tennis players.
Babolat not only offers an array of styles and colors, but they also have sizes and widths available to ensure every player can find a match for them. Furthermore, this brand is committed to environmental responsibility with several initiatives designed to minimize their environmental footprint.
Overall, both Babolat and New Balance provide high-quality tennis shoes that are popular choices among players of all levels. When selecting between these brands, often personal preference and individual playing style are what dictate the ultimate decision. If you’re still uncertain which shoe best fits you, try on various models before hitting the court to see which feels the best; we are confident you will find a pair to take your game forward! With such great choices available we are certain you will find one!
Adidas Barricade
Experienced tennis players know that shoes are an integral component of their game. Designed specifically to fit you perfectly and provide stability while you swing and run around the court, tennis shoes protect feet from shock of impact from each hit and cushion landings after long rallies; additionally they may help prevent turned ankles or achilles tendon injuries that often arise as a result.
The Barricade line of shoes from Adidas is tailored for players who require the support and stability provided by control shoes. Equipped with a 3D TPU midfoot shank to center the foot and lace guidance system that locks it in securely, these control shoes offer plenty of support no matter how dynamic lunging or stretching on court can get. And don’t be fooled by its lightweight feel: Adidas have included tough RPU toe-cap protection against foot drag along with full-length Bounce 2.0 cushioning midsole for optimal support when hitting serves or shots are made.
Adidas recognized that previous Barricade models lacked stability, so they have taken steps to enhance this aspect in the 2023 edition. Starting with the upper being more breathable and soft right out of the box and featuring memory foam ankle collar lockdown without exerting too much pressure on the heel area; wrapped tongue design secures middle of foot along with foam heel pods creating a glove-like fit during sprints and shots.
Major upgrades in 2023’s version include adding a piece of recycled Boost to the toe-abrasion zone for increased durability and racecar-esque feel when tightening laces. Furthermore, its simplified tongue construction and lace guide makes tying shoes easier quickly so you can focus on playing faster – plus an ultra neoprene tongue and hidden laces on medial side for additional comfort.
New Balance CG1
Coco Gauff, currently the eighth ranked player on the world tour, recently unveiled her inaugural signature shoe designed specifically for tennis by New Balance: Coco CG1. Featuring mid-top design that provides ample stability while its carbon fiber Energy Arc in the midsole helps provide propulsion during lateral movements, the Coco CG1 sneaker stands out in performance sneaker terms.
Fit Weave Lite, a lightweight elastic material, molds to the foot for optimal comfort. A gore band across the top of the foot helps secure it during high-speed play to prevent movement of the shoe during high-speed action. In addition, its full-length NDurance outsole provides long-lasting traction and durability on hard courts.
At Pompeii Park tennis court where I frequently play pickleball, I put the Coco CG1 through its paces during a pickleball match. I found them extremely comfortable and true-to-size fitting; particularly enjoying how well their gore band kept my foot secure during fast lateral movements and appreciated how carbon fiber in their midsole provided extra support that held both feet and legs securely during these movements.
The CG1 is a stylish yet durable performance shoe designed to help tennis players elevate their game. Inspired by basketball silhouettes and 90’s aesthetics, its FuelCell and Energy Arc technology deliver dynamic responsiveness while the Fit Weave Lite upper and NDurance outsole ensure secure lockdown fits for maximum support and lockdown fit. I would recommend this shoe for players of all levels and disciplines of tennis–including those who specialize in pickleball!