Buying guide for best women’s tennis shoes
Being a master at tennis takes the right gear, from a quality tennis racket to bouncy tennis balls to comfortable clothing. To make the most of your game, don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of tennis shoes when you take the court.
Tennis shoes are constructed with the specific needs of tennis players in mind. The right combination of support, flexibility, and comfort will help you handle the fast movements and sudden stops and starts that are part of any successful match, whether you play for fun or competition.
Finding the perfect pair of tennis shoes requires taking your foot structure, playing style, and court surface into consideration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, BestReviews is here to help. Our goal is simple: to help you make the best shopping decisions.
Features of women’s tennis shoes
Many people use the terms “tennis shoes,” “athletic shoes,” and “sneakers” interchangeably, but there are important features that distinguish shoes made for playing tennis from other styles. Tennis requires fast motions, sprints, and agile starts and stops, and tennis shoes are specifically designed to provide many benefits on the court.
Flexible support
A well-made pair of tennis shoes provides both support and flexibility. Tennis shoes are designed for the movements players make while serving, swinging, and running around the court. If tennis shoes are too stiff, they can cause foot pain and blisters. On the other hand, a pair that lacks structure can slow you down and wear out quicker. Finding the right combination will provide comfort and optimal performance while you play.
Durable materials
Tennis shoe uppers are constructed of leather, canvas, or synthetic materials. While leather and canvas are built to last and preferred by seasoned players, they can be heavier, stiffer, and warmer on the foot. Synthetic materials are usually lighter in weight and more breathable and flexible. They also require a shorter break-in period than other materials.
Tennis shoe outsoles are made of rubber or synthetic materials, and they are constructed to stand up to sliding, stopping, starting, running, and jumping on the court.
Flat outsoles
Tennis shoes typically have flat outsoles for added traction on the court. This feature is especially important when playing on wet surfaces. Additionally, flat outsoles are less likely to damage court surfaces.
Expert Tip
Don’t get discouraged if your new pair of tennis shoes requires a bit of breaking in. This is common and usually doesn’t take very long.
STAFF
BestReviews
Strategic outsole patterns
The soles of tennis shoes have tread patterns that grip the ground. They are also made to release dirt and debris to prevent buildup during a game.
Cushioned insoles
Playing tennis involves a lot of footwork, so proper cushioning is a must for absorbing shock and preventing foot pain. Insoles are typically padded with gel, foam, or air in the footbed. Some shoes have extra cushioning in specific areas, such as the heel or toe, for players who require a bit more comfort.
Sturdy toe caps
Many of the quick movements required to play tennis involve the toe of the foot. That’s why many tennis shoes are designed with a portion of the outsole extending over the tip of the toe. This structure provides additional support and protection against toe injuries and blisters.
Designs for women
Tennis shoes that are made for women are crafted with women’s foot shape, size, build, and playing style in mind. Women’s tennis shoes come in a host of attractive colors and contemporary styles.
Tennis shoes may be made of leather, canvas, or synthetic materials. When reviewing shoes, we note the advantages and disadvantages of the materials used.
We value tennis shoes that provide ample support while still being flexible. A shoe that’s too stiff could cause blisters.
A good tennis shoe has flat outsoles for extra traction, which is especially useful when the court is wet. We evaluate the outsoles of each tennis shoe on our list.
We look at the insole of a shoe to assess how well it absorbs shock. Insoles that are padded with gel, foam, or air can help protect feet from pain.
A tennis shoe may be neutral, overpronated, or underpronated. We think about which type is best for each foot pronation (how the foot rolls and touches the ground).
Some tennis shoes are designed with a portion of the outsole extending over the tip of the toe. We take note of shoes with this feature, as it provides additional support and can help prevent toe injuries.
We assess each tennis shoe’s overall design and fit to determine which type of court it would work best on: hard surface, grass, or clay.
When shortlisting tennis shoes, we consider which type of shoe is best for each playing style. For example, baseline players should look for lateral support. All-court players should look for rugged outsoles. Serve-and-volley players benefit from a sturdy toe cap.
When looking for the best women’s tennis shoes, we research the fit of each shoe. Some tend to have a narrow fit, whereas others have a wider fit.
We appreciate tennis shoes that come with removable sock liners, which makes maintaining and cleaning the shoe much easier.
What to consider when buying women’s tennis shoes
Every tennis player has different needs when it comes to shoes. Here are some points to consider.
Foot structure
The shape of your foot helps determine the best type of tennis shoe for optimal comfort and long wear. Pronation refers to how your foot rolls and strikes the ground as you walk. The structure of your arches plays a role in the three main pronations to consider.
Neutral: A neutral pronation has a slight inward movement of the ankle, and the feet have an average arch. Neutral is considered ideal when it comes to the striking positions of the foot. Tennis players with neutral pronation can wear nearly any type of tennis shoe.
Overpronated: Individuals who have overpronated strides require added support and stability in a shoe, as the feet have a pronounced inward movement, and the arches are fairly flat.
Underpronated: Also called supination, this foot structure causes outward rolling of the feet and higher arches. Flexibility in a tennis shoe is a must for the best performance.
Playing style
To make the most of your tennis shoes, consider your playing style.
Baseline: If you often play along the backline of the court, you have a baseline style. Tennis shoes with lateral support and a flexible build help baseline players move freely around the court.
All-court: Just like the name suggests, these tennis players are likely to play front, back, and everywhere in between. Tennis shoes with rugged outsoles are a must.
Serve and volley: Tennis players with this style spend a lot of time bolting toward the net. Sturdy toe caps and superior arch support are must-haves for sudden, abrupt stops.
Counterpuncher: Since counterpunchers typically focus on defensive play, their movements vary greatly and can be unpredictable. For this skillful style, an all-around durable shoe with a stable outsole is best.
Court surface
The type of court you typically play on plays a role in the type of tennis shoe you should select.
Hard: Hard courts require extra durable tennis shoes. Often made of concrete, this type of court causes the most wear and tear on shoes. In addition to a rugged outsole and uppers, superior shock absorption and toe caps are important.
Grass: Keep traction in mind on grass courts. Moisture from dew and rain can equal slips and falls if your shoes lack traction. Flexibility is also important. Grass courts cause the least wear on your outsoles.
Clay: A combination of features can optimize your game on clay courts. In addition to traction, you’ll need outsoles with groove patterns that quickly release debris. Lateral support will protect your feet if you slide around on the court.
For your safety
If you have high arches, wearing a pair of tennis shoes without enough arch support can lead to pain once you start running around the court.
STAFF
BestReviews
How much do women’s tennis shoes cost?
Inexpensive tennis shoes in the $20 to $30 range may have long-term durability issues. But there are many options for around $40 to $60 that are both attractive and made to stand up to repeated play. These mid-range tennis shoes are typically made of canvas or synthetic materials. Shoes at this price point are good options for novice to mid-level players.
Tennis shoes can also be found upward of $100. These premium tennis shoes sport superior build quality and durability. Shoes made of leather or a leather/synthetic combination fall in this price range. If you are serious about the sport, play frequently, or just want to invest in a pair of tennis shoes that will offer outstanding performance and hold up to repeated matches, a pricier pair is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to break in new tennis shoes?
A. Wear them around your home several times before you play tennis in them. This will make the shoes more flexible and less likely to cause foot issues when you wear them during a game.
Q. What should I consider when picking tennis shoes for different weather conditions?
A. Choosing a pair of tennis shoes that are darker in color and made of a warmer material like leather will keep your feet warm when you play in chilly temperatures. When playing in warm weather, mesh, canvas, or synthetic materials will keep your feet as cool as possible. Shoes that wick moisture will keep your feet dry during a sweaty match.
Q. How can I ensure a good fit in the toe area?
A. If your toes touch the end of your tennis shoes, you will likely end up with toe pain due to the action on the court. Typically about 3/8 to a 1/2 inch of space from the front of the shoe to your big toe is ideal for maximum comfort.
Q. I prefer extra cushioning in the footbed. What do you recommend?
A. Tennis shoes with gel or foam padding provide adequate comfort and support for most players. However, if you need a bit more cushioning, you can add a pair of insoles to your tennis shoes.
