The Best Tennis Shoes For Men
You don't have to be a professional sportsman to know that not all sneakers are created equal. If you've ever tried to run in cleats or play an indoor court sport with hiking shoes, you'll understand why having the right footwear makes all the difference in performance. And while you could theoretically play tennis in any kind of running shoe, the more serious you get, the more you'll want side support and flexibility for fast lateral movements. But choosing the right shoe for you can be tricky, so we've come up with our top selection of men's tennis shoes.
Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Shoes
The perfect combination
When you’re looking for the perfect athletic shoe, there are two things to keep in mind: comfort and control. While your foot should be cradled and supported, the shoe still needs to give you ample range of movement. That’s why we love the Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Shoe. It strikes the perfect balance between shock-absorbing comfort and durable wear. The breathable mesh lining helps your feet cool down on the courts, while the EVA midsole increases the rebound in your steps, helping you play for longer. You can even remove the padded footbed that comes with the shoes to insert your own orthotics for a better fit. And best of all, you can serve it up while sticking to your personal fashion aesthetic with the 20 different color combinations available.
Pros:
- Available in extra-wide and half sizes
- Lace-up for a more secure fit
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Occasionally shoes are sent in the wrong color combination
Bronax Men’s Graffiti Personality Sneakers
Get your game on
Just because there are a lot of tennis shoe options out there doesn’t mean you have to go all out on your first pair. If you’re just starting on the courts, consider this affordable-yet-fashionable option by Bronax. Featuring an easy slip-on design with shoelaces for extra security, these shock-absorbing sneakers have padding throughout the tongue and collar for extra comfort. Running true to size, these tennis shoes look great on and off the courts at half the price of other shoes. Wear them at the gym, at practice, or even just around town thanks to their various graffiti designs and flashy color combos.
Pros:
- Can accommodate wider feet with their half-size up recommendation
- 32 fashionable color options to choose from
- Lightweight and breathable
- Water-resistant design
Cons:
- Less arch support than more hardcore tennis shoes
Autper Men’s Air Tennis Shoes
Like walking on air
Comfort means different things for different types of shoes. If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of hiking shoes, you’re going to want ankle support and durable, water-resistant soles. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the perfect pair of tennis shoes, then you’re going to want breathability, cushioning on the heel, and a non-slip sole. Here’s where Autper Men’s Air Tennis Shoes come in. These versatile shoes are perfect for running and walking as well as tennis and other court sports. That’s because they pair a flexible, knit fabric atop with an anti-skid, double sole design below to help you move safely and comfortably with every step, without damaging the joints in your knees.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Anti-collision toe cap
- Stronger laces for more security
Cons:
- Sizes run half a size small
New Balance Men’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
A better grip
Choosing the right tennis shoes is more than just finding what fits and feels good. You also need to consider the surface that you tend to play on, as this will determine the type of outsole you’ll need. Most of the time, you’ll probably be serving up game on a hard court, which also means your soles will suffer the most. That’s why we recommend a super durable and grippy shoe like the 696 V4 by New Balance for play on tougher surfaces. With an outsole material and grip design designed specifically for hard court play, these shoes will keep you steady for longer no matter how active you get. And because not every pro has the same foot shape, these sturdy shoes come in extra-wide sizes as well to accommodate every player.
Pros:
- Lightweight midsole cushioning
- Perforated forefoot for sweat-proof play
- Come in bright, seasonal colors
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Could use more cushioning
Adidas Men’s Gamecourt Tennis Shoe
Move how you want
Unlike other sports, tennis can be a bit unpredictable. With a limited court space, every serve has the potential to surprise, and you have to be ready to react accordingly. And though normal running shoes can help you on long distances, they won’t hold up to the split-second lateral movements and stops you’ll be making during a match. With a sturdy well-built design, these classic-looking tennis shoes by Adidas will bend and flex where you need them to. These sneakers provide great ankle support and enough cushion to help you spring right back to a safe position when you’re engaging in stop-and-go play. So while we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to return your opponent’s ace, these shoes will surely help you along.
Pros:
- Classic white look
- Reinforced mesh upper
- Good grip on the court
Cons:
- Shoes feel tight at first and need to be broken in
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what kind of tennis shoes to buy?
Length and width are the two most important metrics to keep in mind when finding the right pair of tennis shoes. And thankfully, there’s a simple way to measure this. Simply stand with your foot (in the socks you’ll be wearing during play) on a piece of paper, and trace around the outer edge of your foot. Then, measure vertically down the length of your tracing for your foot length, and horizontally across the widest part of the tracing for your foot width. Look at a chart online to see if you have regular, narrow, or wide feet so you can order the perfect fit for you.
What’s the difference between tennis shoes and running sneakers?
Though you can walk and run in tennis shoes, we don’t advise bringing your normal sneakers to your match. That’s because tennis shoes are flatter, sturdier shoes that are specially designed to be worn on the court. This means that they’ll have extra lateral cushioning, non-scuffing and non-skid soles, and shock-absorbing material. Without these, you won’t get the range of movement you need and may actually end up hurting yourself depending on how vigorously you play.
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