Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIME’s direction and produced in accordance with TIME’s editorial guidelines and overseen by TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
While the term “tennis shoe” has become a catch-all for any athletic shoe, the sport requires footwear made specially for performance on the court. Long lunges, quick pivots, and back-and-forth movements all add to the footwork needed to play the game well, and without the proper support, injuries can occur. The best way to test any shoe is to seek out a professional to measure your foot, but here’s a start to looking into buying tennis shoes for men.
These durable options are great for the recreational tennis player looking for a cost-effective shoe that doesn’t compromise performance.
Customers and industry pros alike call the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor models a go-to for overall performance, support, and comfort. The Cage 4 version offers a low-to-the-ground design and the springy cushioning with specialty lacing that hugs to your foot while you move.
Hard courts and fast footwork are hard on the body, and older players need even more comfort and stability to protect them from injuries. New Balance brings extra cushioning with this model, but with a breathable mesh upper, it still feels light and springy. Also available for players with wide feet.
Asics teamed up with Hugo Boss for the player who’s looking for a solid performance shoe, but with an added level of flair.
Offering both wide and extra-wide sizes, New Balance blends durable materials with lightweight synthetics and mesh for a combination of support and breathability. The herringbone pattern outsole is designed for multicourt play and prevents marking.
One of the more popular tennis shoes on the market for over a decade, the T22 blends practical stability with comfort. Mesh panels are great for breathability, and some customers note a weightier feel than other styles.
Blending comfort and support with breathable mesh, with a generous toe box, they’re also a solid choice for wide feet.
This lightweight, airy shoe is made for play on all courts. High-density rubber in a herringbone tread makes for high durability and performance, while a heat-welded, seamless construction method bonds layers of Thermoplastic polyurethane onto tech mesh to add support and keep your feet cool.
The Court FF 3’s a popular pick for stability. A signature outsole grip support system means pushing off with more force and getting into position faster. The only downside is the hefty price tag.
When it comes to selecting the best shoe for you, consider a combination of support, fit, and durability. For support, pay close attention to reinforced soles. “This helps keep you from rolling on lateral moves, such as stops and starts,” says Mary Jean Lopez, retail manager at the Atlantic Club Tennis Center in Manasquan, New Jersey.
Also, keep in mind the surface you most often play on. Different shoes are better for clay versus hard court and vice versa, she adds.
As for fit, shoes that are too wide in the box or too large overall can cause blistering in the heels or jammed toes. If a shoe is too small, though, you might face bloody or bruised feet. Whenever possible, try on the shoes in person and be sure to simulate the on-court motions to avoid unwanted sliding.
For durability, keep in mind that the shoes are made for tennis and shouldn't be used for walking around the house or yard or running errands. “Use them only for tennis, let them air out, and have two pairs to rotate,” says Lopez. “They’ll last longer.”
Tennis industry experts tend to point to some of the same time-honored brands, including Asics and K-Swiss.
While you can use running shoes for a casual pick-up game once in a while, if you hit the court regularly, you should use sneakers designed for tennis. This is because tennis shoes have flatter soles with more grip, features that help improve safety when it comes to a sport where you are starting and stopping suddenly on a hard court surface.
Mainly, it’s all in the soles. Running sneakers are designed with soles that prioritize cushioning and help stabilize your foot when encountering terrain that may be uneven. Tennis sneakers have flatter soles with materials/design features that add “grip” on hard court surfaces, which adds stability when starting and stopping. Running sneakers also tend to be heavier than tennis sneakers.
If you’re walking to/from the car to your favorite tennis court, or had to run an errand before you could change out of your tennis sneakers, yes. But overall, non-uniform surfaces tend to wear down the soles of your tennis sneakers faster so you should not wear them when you’re not playing tennis.
Some tennis shoe brands run slightly small or even large, so it depends on your foot and the particular shoe you’re interested in. You want to be sure you have enough room in the toe box to prevent injury or pain, but you don’t want too much room where you could find yourself sliding or developing blisters. It’s always ideal to seek out a trusted professional and have your foot measured for the right fit.
How often you need to change tennis shoes depends on wear. If you play tennis daily, you may need to change them in as few as 6 months. If you play once a week, changing them annually is probably OK. Pro tip: Conserve your shoes by purchasing two pairs and alternating use to prolong their durability. If you start noticing that you’re sliding a little more, or start to feel strain in your shins or ankles, that also could be a sign that it’s time for a new pair.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.
