Ventilation
Good air flow keeps feet healthy. Sweat evaporation is improved, keeping feet feeling comfortable and minimizing rubbing. For maximum on-court comfort, toenails should be cut short and shoes should be as breathable as possible. It can be useful to change socks during longer matches. It’s also a good idea to replace insoles regularly, as these can become slippery when worn down by friction and sweat. Some players even change insoles mid-match.
Shock resistance
Tennis is a sport that involves movements in all directions plus quick stops and starts. By diffusing and absorbing shockwaves, good cushioning provides comfort on court while also reducing the risk of injury like tendonitis.
Stability
Shoes ensuring good foot stability — with side supports, for example — reduce the risk of ankle injuries like twists and sprains. Correctly fitting shoes should leave a thumb’s width between the big toe and the end of the shoe. Wearing a size that’s too big leaves more room for the foot to slide forwards and backwards inside the shoe.
Durability
A good pair of tennis shoes is an investment. Look for high-resistance materials cable of clocking up hours of court time.
Agility & speed
By returning the energy present at impact when a foot hits the ground, shoes can help boost propulsion when players spring off the ground. It’s important to pick shoes that suit your style of play as well as the court surface.
