If you want to play a sport that will provide an immense physical challenge and have you drenched in sweat, look no further than tennis.

Tennis players are constantly moving. The game calls for consistent bursts of speed along with stop-and-go movements that require precise footwork and balance.

At the root of a great tennis player is the right pair of tennis shoes. 

Let’s look at how to pick the right tennis shoes, from the fit down to the court style. 

Getting the Perfect Fitting Tennis Shoes

Whenever we buy a new pair of shoes, the most important factor is the fit. No matter how stylish your shoes are, if the fit isn’t right, not only will you not feel your best, but you could actually damage your feet in the long run.

This is especially true for athletes and tennis players. Tennis is a sport that involves a lot of running and quick bursts of movement. In other words—tons of wear on your feet. To play your best game, you want a pair of tennis shoes that fit like a dream.

But what constitutes the perfect fitting tennis shoe?

For starters, as is the case with most footwear, tennis shoes should fit snug, but not too tight. There’s a happy middle ground where you can fit the width of your thumb in the space between the tip of your big toe and the end of your shoe. If this is done correctly, you’ll have a shoe that fits you lengthwise. 

Tennis shoe width can be a bit tougher to get down. For most people, a normal width shoe will work. However, wide-width footwear is always available for those with wider feet. Again, a shoe that is too tight width-wise can also cause problems down the road. Never settle for shoes that don’t fit properly.

How to Pick Tennis Shoes for Different Court Types

Did you know that the court you’re playing on makes a difference in the type of tennis shoes that you’ll need?

There are three primary types of tennis courts, each with a different type of tennis shoe to suit them:

• Hard court - Hard tennis courts tend to be the most common local courts. However, they’re also the most taxing on a pair of shoes. For playing on a hard court, you’ll want to pick a pair of tennis shoes with a highly-durable outsole. Extra cushioning and shock absorption are features to look out for when it comes to protecting both your shoes and your feet in general while playing on a hard court.
• Clay court - Clay courts are much softer than hard court surfaces. Because of this, the clay from the court can actually end up getting stuck in your shoes. Tennis shoes for clay courts typically use a full herringbone pattern on the outsoles which not only provides adequate grip but also prevents the clay from gathering in the shoe. Players on a clay court can benefit from a lighter-weight tennis shoe since clay courts are easier on the shoes themselves.
• Grass court - Grass courts, while being the least common type of court, are the softest type of tennis court. Shoes used for grass courts have small nubs on the outsole used for extra grip since grass can often get wet and slippery. Grass court tennis shoes should only be used on grass courts.

On top of these three types of courts, some brands also produce all-court shoes, which are balanced shoes designed for every type of court. These are handy when you aren’t exactly sure which type of court you’ll be playing on. 

Other Considerations for Picking Tennis Shoes

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing your next pair of tennis shoes. 

Stability

Tennis involves a lot of stop-and-go movement, both from side to side and front to back. These quick movements require a great deal of stability—a lot of which comes from the shoes on your feet. Stability in tennis shoes comes from a few different places, including a sturdy ankle, the sole, and even an optional plastic insert to prevent the shoe from twisting. 

Weight

The weight of your shoes can affect your performance on the court. A lightweight shoe may provide additional speed, but you could be sacrificing stability. The opposite would be true when using a heavier material shoe. The trick is to find the right balance between the two. 

Comfort

While overall comfort isn’t the first priority for brands creating tennis shoes, there are still some factors to consider. Tennis shoes are typically made with stability at the top of the priority list. However, the right midsole and a cushioned in-sole can make for a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. 

Get Your Next Pair of Tennis Shoes From Lotto

No matter what type of court you play on or what style of shoes you prefer, Lotto has the perfect pair of tennis shoes for you. Shop our collection today!

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