Clay tennis shoes: How to choose the right shoes

Clay is a soft, slippery surface. Shoes designed for clay offer :

• Controlled glide : Soles specially designed for clay allow controlled glides, essential for maintaining your speed and balance when moving sideways.
• Greater stability: Good grip is essential for staying stable when changing direction quickly on this slippery surface.

Choosing specific shoes for clay courts helps prevent injuries:
 

• Suitable sole pattern: The soles of clay tennis shoes are often designed to wick away dirt and provide good grip, reducing the risk of uncontrolled slips.
• Reinforced support: Shoes should offer good lateral support to help the foot cope with sudden movements, minimising the risk of sprains.

The specific features of clay-court equipment, such as shoes, are also studied as part of the tennis courses organised by the Mouratoglou Academy, where players perfect their preparation for each type of surface.

The outsole is a key element in the choice of your shoes:
 

• Specific patterns: The soles designed for clay have a herringbone pattern that provides better traction while allowing players to slide safely.
• Dirt evacuation: These patterns also facilitate the evacuation of dirt, preventing it from accumulating under the shoe and reducing grip.

Comfort is crucial for long matches on clay:
 

• Cushioning: A shoe with a good cushioning system helps to absorb shock and reduce pressure on the joints, particularly when jumping or landing after powerful shots.
• Long-lasting comfort: Clay matches can be slower and longer, so it’s essential to choose shoes that remain comfortable throughout the game.
   

Moving around on clay requires solid lateral support:
 

• Lateral support: A good pair of clay shoes should offer effective lateral support to prevent twisting and maintain stability when moving quickly.
• Heel support: Good heel support helps maintain correct posture while cushioning impact when sliding or changing direction.

Choosing the right size and fit for your footwear is essential to ensure both comfort and performance:
 

• Perfect fit : Choose a size that is neither too tight nor too loose. Your feet need to be well supported to avoid chafing and blisters.
• Try them on at the end of the day: It’s a good idea to try shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, to make sure they’re comfortable even after hours of play.

Tennis shoes for clay courts must be designed to withstand the particular conditions of this type of court:

• Durable materials: Choose shoes made from durable materials that can withstand the constant friction of clay courts.
• Forefoot reinforcements : Check that the shoes have forefoot reinforcements to withstand the wear and tear caused by frequent movements on the surface.

It is important to know when to replace your clay tennis shoes in order to maintain good performance and minimise the risk of injury:
 

• Sole wear: If the herringbone pattern on the sole starts to fade, it means that the shoe’s ability to grip has diminished. This is a sign that it’s time to change your shoes.
• Loss of comfort: If you start to feel discomfort or reduced comfort during your matches, the cushioning in your shoes has probably lost its effectiveness.

The lifespan of your shoes depends largely on how often you wear them:
 

• Occasional players: If you play once or twice a week, your shoes can last between 6 and 12 months.
• Regular players : If you play several times a week, we recommend replacing your shoes every 4 to 6 months to ensure optimum performance.

To prolong the life of your shoes, regular maintenance is essential:
 

• Cleaning after each use: Use a soft brush to remove any dirt that has accumulated on the soles and outer parts. This prevents premature wear of the material.
• Air-drying: Let your shoes air-dry after each match to prevent moisture build-up, which could damage the materials.

The storage of your shoes also plays an important role in their durability:
 

• Avoid damp areas: Keep your shoes in a dry place to avoid mould or deterioration of the materials.
• Use shoe trees: You can use shoe trees to maintain the shape of your shoes and prevent them from deforming over time.