The Best Tennis Shoes in 2023

In addition to good strokes, to be a good tennis player you also need agility and foot coordination. Being able to move well on the court and cover more ground than your opponent is often crucial for success.

You don’t have to look further than Nadal or Djokovic, two of the best tennis players in history. Their ability to move swiftly from one side of the court to another depends on many things but one of the most important conditions is proper footwear.

In this article, we will talk about the best tennis shoes – we’ll explain why tennis shoes are important, how to choose the right tennis shoes for your needs and review some of the best shoes available on the market.

asics mens gel-challenger 12 tennis shoes
  • Come in Various Sizes
  • GEL Technology for Stability
  • Good for All Surfaces
  • Good Choice for Baseline Players

One of the best men’s tennis shoes, these ASICS shoes are very comfortable and lightweight. They come in many different sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your foot and your fashion sense.

The outsoles on these shoes are durable but also provide solid traction, so these shoes can fare well on both hard courts and clay. The shoes come with underlying support thanks to the GEL technology, so they will keep you stable when you make quick lateral movements. This is also the reason why these shoes are the best tennis shoes for flat feet.

Unlike most ASICS shoes, these have a special midsole material that is lighter than the usual EVA and SpEVA midsoles. On the downsides, the heels on these shoes can feel a bit slippery on hard courts. Also, the upper may stretch too much over time.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Lightweight
  • Multi-Court
  • Very Comfortable
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Heels a Bit Slippery
  • Upper May Stretch with Time

NIKE Men’s Court Lite Tennis Shoes

The Best Multi-Court Tennis Shoes

nike mens court lite tennis shoes
  • Come in Many Sizes
  • Made from Textile and Synthetic Materials
  • Have Mesh Tongue for Ventilation
  • Have GDR Outsoles for Multi-Court Traction
  • Added Material for Toe Protection

These are one of the best Nike tennis shoes on the market, designed to last a long time and make you feel comfortable while you play. They are available in 5 different sizes but they only come in two colors. They are very attractive and stylish, with a classic look that we really enjoy. However, this may not be the best choice for you if you are looking for tennis shoes that are more modern in style.

These Nike tennis shoes come with GDR outsoles that provide good traction even on hard surfaces. In addition to this, they also have Phylon midsoles that soften the pressure on your feet when you are in motion.

You will also notice that these shoes have an added layer of material where your toes go to ensure abrasion resistance. One thing that we didn’t like is the durability of these shoes. While they are made from textile and synthetic materials, they seemed to give to wear and tear after a couple of months.

Pros:
  • Available in Multiple Sizes
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Provide Good Traction
  • Abrasion Resistant
Cons:
  • Only Come in Two Colors
  • Not Very Durable

Adidas Men’s Gamecourt

The Best Budget Tennis Shoes

adidas mens gamecourt
  • Come in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Best Budget Shoes
  • Good for All Surfaces
  • Breathable Mesh Upper
  • Adjustable Fit

If you are looking for affordable but quality tennis shoes for men, then Adidas Gamecourt should be among your top choices. These shoes are available in so many different sizes that it would be hard not to find the shoe that fits you perfectly. They also come in a multitude of colors to match your personal style.

They are made of synthetic materials and textile, including the soft insoles to make them quite comfortable. The soles on these shoes are made from rubber and provide a non-slip base and balance on any type of surface.

The upper is made from breathable mesh and the shoes also feature a sewn tongue that allows you to adjust the fit. However, these are not the best tennis shoes for wide feet since the opening can be too narrow, partially due to the tongue that stretches and comes up around your ankle.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Provide Good Traction
Cons:
  • Not for Wide Feet

New Balance Men’s mc806 Tennis Shoe

The Best Tennis Shoes for Wide Feet

new balance mens mc806 tennis shoe
  • Comes in Many Sizes and Widths
  • Provides Toe Protection
  • ABZORB Cushioning Technology
  • C-Cap midsoles
  • Good Choice for Baseline Players

These tennis shoes are available in many sizes, probably the most sizes of all shoes on our list. In fact, these come in narrow and wide versions, so these can be a good choice for those with wide feet. However, they only come in one color.

If you choose this shoe, you will notice that it perfectly combines comfort and support, while offering good traction and balance thanks to the rubber soles. The shoes are made from leather and synthetic materials that ensure durability.

You will also notice the protection for your toes with the reinforced toe box and a side panel. These shoes also utilize ABZORB cushioning technology and C-Cap midsoles to provide great support and comfort when you chase those tennis balls.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Good Support
  • Good for Wide Feet
Cons:
  • Only Available in One Color
  • Expensive
  • Not for Soft Surfaces

Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5

Tennis Shoes with Best Ventilation

wilson mens rush pro 2 5
  • Come in Many Sizes and Colors
  • R-DST+ Technology for Comfort
  • Provide Good Traction
  • Offer Great Ventilation
  • Great for Serving

These tennis shoes are available in multiple sizes and colors, with affordable prices depending on the size. They are made from breathable fabric that provides the best ventilation of all tennis shoes on our list.

They come with Endofit inner lining that ensures that your foot stays in place at all times and prevent the foot from slipping during serves. The R-DST+ technology provides great cushioning, while the rubber outsoles with a herringbone tread pattern ensure good traction.

These shoes are also pretty lightweight, so you won’t feel any drag to your feet when you serve. They include a padded tongue that ensures the snug fit, along with the collar. However, these shoes are a bit narrower than what you might expect, so they might not be the best choice for people with wide feet.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes
  • Affordable
  • Extremely Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Not for Wide Feet

Adidas Men’s Barricade Tennis Shoes

The Best Tennis Shoes for Arch Support

adidas mens barricade
  • Come in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Provide Good Traction
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Adiprene Cushioning
  • Torison System for Midfoot Support

This is probably the best shoe for arch support, which also means that it is one of the best shoes for flat feet. The reason for this lies in the excellent Adiprene cushioning and support. The shoes are available in multiple sizes and colors as well.

These shoes come with rubber soles, so they are able to create good traction on all surfaces. They also include the Torison system that provides great support for the midfoot. And they come with removable and replaceable insoles.

The uppers on these shoes are lightweight, durable and breathable. The shoe also has reinforced toe area to protect your toes. However, these shoes have a piece of plastic that wraps around the arch and some people find this uncomfortable. They are also not suitable for wide feet.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Good Arch Support
  • Good Traction
Cons:
  • Not for Wide Feet
  • Plastic around the Arch

ASICS Men’s Gel-Game 7 Tennis Shoes

The Best Tennis Shoe for Baseline Players

asics mens gel-game 7 tennis shoes
  • Come in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Provide Great Traction
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Forefoot GEL Cushioning System
  • Removable OrthoLite Sockliner

These shoes are one of the best for baseline players since they provide great traction when you make lateral movements thanks to the wider heel cage and soles with outriggers for stability. The shoes come in multiple sizes and colors but you should keep in mind that some users found the sizing chart inaccurate and had to order a larger size.

The upper is made from breathable mesh. The synthetic overlays provide additional comfort and stability. But the main feature of these shoes is the GEL technology that provides great cushioning and helps you absorb shocks when you play.

These shoes are one of the lightest on the market and easily keep your feet dry, cool and comfortable. However, they are not the best choice for those with wide feet and it may take some time to break them in since they provide a really snug fit.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Great Traction
  • Good Support
Cons:
  • Not for Wide Feet
  • Sizes May Run Small

New Balance Men’s MC1006v1 Tennis Shoe

Most Comfortable Tennis Shoes

new balance mens mc1006v1 tennis shoe
  • Come In Many Sizes
  • Good for Wide Feet
  • Durable Outer Soles
  • Plush Cushioning and Foam Midsoles
  • Provide Good Traction

While many of the shoes we covered in our list have great cushioning and feel very comfortable, these New Balance shoes felt the most comfortable of them all. In addition to this, they also feature a lightweight foam midsole to provide additional comfort. However, this midsole combined with extra-plush cushioning can make some players feel a little high off the ground.

These shoes are available in many sizes and they also come in different widths, so they can be a good choice for those with wider feet. However, they are only available in black and white, so there isn’t much to choose when it comes to color and style.

The traction these shoes provide is also good and achieved thanks to the stickier outsole. The soles are made from rubber, while the shoes themselves mostly synthetic, with some parts made from mesh. They are a bit expensive and some players complained that the sizing chart is not really accurate.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes
  • Extremely Comfortable
  • Solid Traction
  • Good Support
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Only Available in Two Colors
  • Some Players May Find them Too High
  • A Bit Expensive
  • Possible Sizing Chart Issues

ASICS Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe

The Best Tennis Shoes for Women

asics womens gel-resolution 7 tennis shoe
  • Come In Many Sizes and Colors
  • Durable Outer Soles
  • Gender-Specific Cushioning
  • Provide Good Traction
  • Good for Aggressive Player

While there are many great tennis shoes for women out there, some of which we are also going to review, these are definitely among the best. You can get these shoes in multiple sizes and colors, with most color combinations appealing to the feminine fashion sense.

The shoes are 100% synthetic, so they are not as breathable as some other tennis shoes that also use mesh to ensure proper ventilation. However, they provide gender-specific Gel cushioning, with a lower-density top layer in the midsoles to ensure comfort.

These shoes are good for aggressive players since they offer a lot of traction while simultaneously providing stability and support. They are also pretty durable, especially the outsoles. Keep in mind that these shoes offer a bit narrower fit, so they may not be a good choice for women with wide feet. You may also need to wear them a few times before you break them in properly.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Great Traction
  • Good Support
Cons:
  • A Narrow Fit
  • Not Very Breathable

Adidas Performance Women’s Barricade Court W Tennis Shoe

The Best Budget Tennis Shoes for Women

adidas performance womens barricade court w tennis shoe
  • 100% Synthetic/Textile
  • Durable Rubber Sole
  • Breathable Perforations
  • Provide Good Traction
  • Offer Great Support and Stability

Like the previous entry on our list, these women’s tennis shoes are also made entirely of synthetic materials. However, they also provide good ventilation since they include breathable perforations to ensure proper airflow.

These shoes come in two different sizes and only one color, at least on Amazon. That is a bit disappointing but the price tag can make this issue seem insignificant since these are probably the most affordable women’s shoes.

Keep in mind that these shoes may run a bit long, so you might want to step down a half size when you buy them. They are a bit heavier than most women’s shoes but they feel pretty light on the court. The main advantage they provide is stability but these shoes also offer good traction and cushioning.

Pros:
  • Very Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Good Traction
  • Great Support
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Only Available in Two Sizes and a Single Color
  • Run a Bit Large
  • A Bit Heavy

ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 5 Tennis Shoe

Women’s Tennis Shoes with Best Cushioning

asics womens gel-dedicate 5 tennis shoe
  • Come In Many Sizes and Colors
  • Durable Outer Soles
  • Comfortable Cushioning
  • Provide Good Traction

These women’s shoes come in multiple sizes and colors, so you should be able to find the perfect fit in both style and sizing. However, they do run a bit small, so you might want to consider getting these shoes in a bit bigger size than what you normally wear.

The shoes are made to absorb shock during quick lateral movements, which they achieve with proprietary Gel cushioning. This, along with a snuggly fit, makes these shoes one of the most comfortable tennis shoes for women.

The soles on these shoes are synthetic while the outsoles are made from solid rubber to provide good traction and durability. These shoes are also pretty affordable when it comes to tennis shoes.

Pros:
  • Available in Many Sizes and Colors
  • Very Affordable
  • Extremely Comfortable
  • Solid Traction
  • Good Support
Cons:
  • Run a Bit Small
  • Not Very Breathable

How to Choose Tennis Shoes

Choosing the right tennis equipment is not easy, whether you are choosing the perfect tennis racket for yourself or the best tennis shoes.

So, here are the most important features to consider when you buy tennis shoes:

Your Foot Type

In order to find tennis shoes that will fit you properly, you need to know what type of foot you have. When it comes to the natural motion of your foot during walking or running, there are three basic foot types – overpronation, neutral and underpronation (supination).

You can learn what type of foot you have with a simple test. Just wet your foot and step on a dark piece of construction paper to leave an imprint that will tell you the type of foot you have.

  • Overpronation – If your foot leaves a complete imprint, that’s overpronation and means that you tend to roll your feet inward with every stride. It is a common problem for people with flat feet, so you should look for stabilizing tennis shoes that provide plenty of support and cushioning, along with robust outsoles to prevent twisted ankles.
  • Neutral – If you notice a moderate space in the arch area of your imprint, your feet are neutral and you can basically wear any type of tennis shoes.
  • Supination – If there is a large open area in your imprint, that’s supination and means that you tent to roll your feet outward with every stride. It is a common problem for people that have feet with high arches, so a more flexible type of tennis shoes will suit you better and alleviate shock issues that may appear during quick lateral movements. The shoes should also have an extra level of support.

Your Playing Style

Another factor to consider when you choose tennis shoes is your playing style – whether you like to play from the baseline or whether you mostly serve and volley.

Baseline Player

Baseline players usually stick to the back line of the court and send their shots from there, rarely going to the net. This playing style requires shoes that have highly durable soles to support the constant lateral motion.

Serve-and-Volley Player

This playing style is easily recognized by frequent charges to the net. While this style is not so popular among professionals today, it is still used, especially on grass and other fast surfaces.

For this style of play, tennis shoes with a durable toecap, or a reinforced toe as it is often called, is the best because you will usually slide your feet back during the serve. The shoes should also include a medial inside the arch.

Court Surface Type

The type of court surface that you usually play on should also be considered when you buy tennis shoes.

A hard surface, such as concrete, requires shoes that are durable. The outsole of the shoes has to be resilient, while the upper sole should be more supportive. The outsole and upper materials for hard courts usually include vinyl or leather.

On the other hand, shoes for soft court surfaces or clay should provide more traction on the sole.

There are also shoes that are suitable for all surfaces but they come with many limitations. However, this can be a good choice for recreational players.

Finding the Right Fit

Your tennis shoes need to fit on your feet comfortably – there should be about half of inch of space between the tip of the shoes and the edge of your toes. The heel needs to fit well to prevent slipping, as well as the middle of your foot.

The shoes should be tight enough to ensure stability but not too tight to cause discomfort. However, this is up to you and your personal preference. Some people like to have more breathing room, while others prefer a tighter fit.

If the shoes are a bit bigger, you can adjust them with laces or by wearing thicker socks. Replacing the insoles can also help in some cases. However, if the shoes appear smaller, don’t try to force them onto your foot since that can easily lead to injuries.

Keep in mind that sizes may differ between brands, so try to read the measurements for each shoe individually if you are purchasing your tennis shoes online.

You should also pay attention to the weight of the shoes. Some people prefer lightweight, speed tennis shoes but they lack stability. With added stability comes the additional weight.

In the end, if you suffer from some health condition or a certain injury, you should look for shoes that can help you move without pain. For example, tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis, one of the more common sports injuries, come with cushioned heels and good arch support.

Conclusion

It is not easy to choose the perfect tennis shoe, even if you are a professional. The sheer magnitude of choices can paradoxically make it even harder to find the right tennis shoe but if you know what you are looking for, the entire process is much easier.

We hope that our guidelines were helpful and that our reviews made your search for the best tennis shoes at least a little smoother.

About The Author

Vladimir Kovacevic

Vladimir is a former journalism student and an active freelance writer. He has a lifelong passion for sports, especially soccer, basketball and tennis. His basketball playing days ended after high school but he still likes to play hoops with his friends. Vladimir also likes to ride his bike at some of the most popular green areas in Belgrade, Serbia.

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