Choosing the right pair of tennis shoes is essential for the comfort and performance of players of all levels. The right shoe will improve your performance, make you more comfortable and help you avoid injury. This comprehensive guide will show you how to choose the right tennis shoe, based on a number of criteria including court type, playing style and shoe size. Whether you play on clay, hard court or grass, it’s important to take a number of factors into account to make the right choice for you. At the Mouratoglou Academy, we pay particular attention to our players’ equipment to optimise their progress. What’s more, if you want to combine intensive training with improvement, our Tennis Clinics are designed to meet the needs of every player, with advice on choosing the best equipment for your style and level.
First of all, tennis shoes are different from conventional shoes or running shoes. They are designed to offer support, stability and good cushioning to support the movements specific to tennis: rapid lateral movements, sudden stops and explosive starts. The wrong pair of shoes can cause joint pain, limit your performance and even lead to injury.
Choosing the right shoe size is crucial for optimum comfort. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right size:
Finally, it’s a good idea to try out tennis shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen after a day’s activity.
The type of court you play on has a direct impact on your choice of tennis shoe. Each surface has specific characteristics and requires a suitable sole to maximise performance and stability. Here’s an overview of the different types of shoe for different surfaces:
For clay courts, choose tennis shoes with a herringbone outsole. This type of sole provides better grip on the clay, while facilitating controlled slips, which are very common on this surface. Clay shoes generally offer excellent lateral support and good dirt evacuation.
Examples of brands offering clay court shoes:
Hard court surfaces (such as concrete or acrylic) require tennis shoes with high durability and good cushioning to protect the joints. The sole must be reinforced to withstand intense friction, as this surface is very abrasive. A hard court shoe must offer both comfort and stability to prevent injury.
Recommended brands:
When playing on grass, it’s important to choose shoes with soles designed to provide good grip without damaging the court. Lawn tennis shoes generally have small studs that provide a good grip on the slippery surface.
If you play on carpet or padel courts, choose lightweight tennis shoes with good grip to prevent slipping. Some brands, such as Babolat and Adidas, offer models specially designed for these surfaces.
As well as the surface, the player’s playing style influences the choice of shoe. A powerful player will have different needs to a more technical player. Here are a few things to consider:
The lifespan of a pair of shoes varies according to a number of criteria, such as the frequency of matches, the type of surface and the intensity of your game. Here are some signs that it’s time to change your shoes:
On average, a pair of tennis shoes should be replaced every 6 to 12 months for regular players, or as soon as you notice a reduction in comfort and stability.
There are many brands offering high-quality tennis shoes, each with its own strengths. Here are some of the best brands on the market:
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