-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Best tennis shoes to hit the court in 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Whether you’re hitting the court for the first time or are a seasoned tennis pro, no tennis ensemble is complete without a quality pair of tennis shoes. While style plays a role, looks aren’t everything when it comes to finding the best tennis shoes to support your game. With powerful movements, quick stops, drags, slides and position changes to hit every ball that comes your way, any shoe worn on the court has to have superior durability, support, comfort and flexibility.
We reviewed dozens of shoes on the market from top athletic brands to find the best tennis shoes you can buy in 2024.
Tennis shoe overview
When hitting the court, you need a shoe that can support the unique side-to-side, forward and pivot movements unique to tennis (and pickleball!). Instead of shoes meant for forward motion, like running or walking shoes, tennis shoes have grippy soles with extra support around the toes and sides to support constant side-to-side motion and quick stops. They often have a flatter sole to help provide balance on the court, along with cushioning to protect the ball of your foot as you step down repeatedly during long matches.
When it comes to weight, tennis shoes vary from heavy shoes that give you plenty of balance to lightweight shoes, which allow you to move quickly from one area of the court to another. Of course, breathable shoes that help you stay cool during long matches and a design you’ll want to show off are important, too!
How we chose the best tennis shoes
To bring you the best tennis sneakers available in 2024, we prioritized shoes that will help you move quickly, support quick foot movements in every direction and withstand the stress of sliding and quick stops as you do what you do best.
- Comfort: A solid mix of support for protection, cushion and shock absorption for all of those quick steps on the court.
- Stability: Shoes that provide support for the ankles and will protect the foot as you step side to side, slide and stop quickly during forward motions.
- Durability: As someone who has quickly worn through the fronts (chronic toe dragger, here!) and sides of several tennis shoes over the years, I looked for shoes that have sturdy outsoles and toe protection.
Top tennis shoes
- Best overall: NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
- Best for Men: ASICS Gel Resolution 9
- Best for Women: Wilson Rush PRO 4.0
- Best affordable tennis shoe: Adidas Game Court 2.0
- Best for wide feet: Babolat SFX 3 All Court
Best overall tennis shoe: NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
About NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
Available in women’s and men’s models, the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 is low to the court with a cushioned midsole that doesn’t add a lot of weight – perfect for quick movements along the baseline or rushing to the net. With unnecessary rubber removed from the design, keeping the protection where you ended it (i.e. front of the toe), these shoes stay lightweight while maintaining durability.
Reviewers love that these shoes felt broken in right out of the box – comfortable and easy to move in. While these are true-to-size for most, people with wide feet may need to size up to prevent rubbing in the wrong places.
Why we like it
- Lightweight
- Zoom Air unit in the forefoot offers more spring when stepping out
- Low-to-the-ground design
What to consider
May not fit people with wide feet
Best for men: ASICS Gel Resolution 9
- Full-length outsole and separated heel for added stability
- Added mid-sole stability
- Advanced shock absorption
About ASICS Gel Resolution 9
This court shoe has added durability and stability to support your game, no matter how many hours you spend playing each week. This shoe has plenty of features that add stability for side-to-side movements and gel cushioning for advanced shock absorption. The separated outsole and heel help give you a stable landing and recover more quickly from shots.
Why we like it
- Gel cushioning for more comfortable landings
- Feet feel stable with added support in the eyestay
- Wide toecap for extra durability
What to consider
The extra sturdiness may take longer to “break in”
Best for women: Wilson Rush PRO 4.0
- EVA foam for better body weight transfer
- Extra support under and alongside the foot
- Holds up against toe drag
About Wilson Rush PRO 4.0
The Rush Pro 4.0 is a game-changer for women who love to dominate the court. The 4D support framework is split into two parts, one under your foot for extra power as you push off and the other that runs along the sides for stability and control. The front part of the midsole is equipped with a lightweight EVA foam that helps transfer your body weight more effectively when you move for more explosive movements and power behind your swing.
Why we like it
- Sleek design and lightweight feel
- Durable design for toe drag and sliding
- Cushioning for comfort and powerful steps
What to consider
High arch support may not be comfortable for people with low arches.
Best affordable tennis shoe: Adidas Game Court 2.0
About Adidas Game Court 2.0
This shoe stands out as one of the best affordable options for players, thanks to its eco-friendly design and added performance features. The lightweight EVA midsole gives durable comfort and effective shock absorption, making quick movements on the court easier on your feet. The mesh upper design offers a comfortable, unconstrained feel while your foot stays securely in place. Reviewers also love the durability and simple style of the Adidas Game Court 2.0, and the style is available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Why we like it
- Available in men’s and women’s sizes
- Lightweight and comfortable
- EVA midsole for shock absorption
What to consider
- While the fabric is breathable, some reviews say the durability of it doesn’t stand up to heavy use
- Sizing runs small
Best for wide feet: Babolat SFX 3 All Court
- Wide forefoot area
- Breathable and flexible upper with plenty of cushioning for comfort
- Impact protection
About Babolat SFX 3 All Court
The SFX 3 is our top pick for tennis players with wide feet, blending comfort, support and durability. The flexible and breathable upper combines with a thicker insole and cushioning system for comfort and impact protection no matter how long you’re on the court. If typical tennis shoes pinch your feet, these shoes have more forefoot space for a comfortable but snug fit.
What makes it a real winner for those with wider feet is its design that offers more forefoot space, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit. The unique compression system and Active Flexion technology offer serious shock absorption for powerful and comfortable play.
Why we like it
- Good traction for all court surfaces
- Works well for wider feet that have trouble finding well-fitting shoes
What to consider
- Size down if you’re in between sizes
- Some reviews report that the stability could be better
How to choose a tennis shoe
Choosing the right tennis shoe includes consideration of personal preferences, budget constraints and specific playing needs. Here's a breakdown of some of the key factors to keep in mind:
- Durability: If you play often, invest in tennis shoes with reinforced high-wear areas like the toes and sides, especially if you slide or toe drag, as these areas can wear out quickly. Durable shoes might cost more upfront but can save you the cost of several pairs of shoes in the long run.
- Budget: The best shoes for tennis can range from $50 to well over $200. While keeping in mind that low-quality shoes may cost you more in the long run, choose a pair that fits your budget.
- Playing Surface: The type of show you need depends on the type of court you’ll be playing on. Hard courts need durable soles, while shoes for clay courts need to have good lateral support and a herringbone pattern for traction.
- Foot Type and Size: Consider your foot's width and arch type. If you have wide feet, you’ll need a shoe designed with extra room, and the support should match your arch needs.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top tennis shoes. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best shoes for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Can you wear Hokas to play tennis?
Hokas have plenty of cushioning and breathability, which is good for tennis, but are designed for forward motion, not lateral movements, lacking the stability most tennis players need. They’re also expensive and likely to wear out quickly from toe-drags or sliding on courts.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive tennis shoes?
While price isn’t necessarily equivalent to quality, high-quality shoes offer stability, shock absorption, support and durability that lower-quality shoes may not have.
How long do tennis shoes last?
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, you’ll need to replace your tennis shoes after around 45 to 60 hours on the court.
References
Furman, A. (n.d.). How Do I Know When It Is Time To Replace My Athletic Shoes? American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.aapsm.org/replace_shoes.html
