The Best Tennis Shoes For Men, According To Players Around The Country

Asics Gel Resolution 9

What’s notable: There is extra stability in the midfoot and heel, and Dynawrap tech in the lace area offers a snug, bespoke fit.
What could be better: It takes them a little while to soften and stretch out.

Baseline players need extra stability to support quick side-to-side movements as they race to hit a forehand—and then immediately change direction to hit a backhand. Asics wisely extended their Dynawall technology into the heel area for increased lateral stability, and they redesigned the Dynawrap technology in the lace area to give feet a locked-in feeling. To prevent shoes from wearing down, they threw in Pguard technology to boost forefoot durability. And like many Asics sneakers, this one has gel technology to provide excellent shock absorption and keep feet comfortable.

What the experts say: Chuck Milot, director of tennis and pickleball at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut, says that Asics are definitely the most popular tennis shoes right now, and we also heard this from two pros at The Sea Island Club in Georgia. The Resolution 9’s also tend to be a favorite of serious tennis players like Gordon Gallagher, a student at the Smith Sterns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, North Carolina. Gallagher plays for five to six hours a day, and likes the Resolutions 9’s because “they are lightweight and fast, are and easy to slide in.”

Best Tennis Shoes For Narrow Feet

Lightweight Shoe With A Snug Fit

NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2

What’s notable: It’s lightweight and offers exceptional speed and stability.
What could be better: While less rubber in the sole increases speed it can affect durability.

If you are one of those guys who beats opponents down in long, grueling matches, this is the shoe for you. It’s low to the ground and lightweight (Nike actually removed some rubber to shave off a few ounces), which helps you chase down balls, and a Zoom air unit tucked into the forefoot offers explosive speed. From a stability standpoint, there is a full-foot frame on the outside, and the herringbone outsole is durable and dependable on hard courts. To keep the shoe feeling snug (and fast) Nike thoughtfully added a stretchy internal sleeve.

What the experts say: “I love this shoe because it has a low center of gravity and puts my feet more on court level as opposed to sitting higher,” says Zac Sargent who lives in Hingham, Massachusetts, and has been playing tennis for more than a decade. “Plus, it’s lightweight, easy to break in, and has great support and stability.” Sargent also likes the extra protection in the toe area to support drag during his serve.

Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Soothes Sore Feet

K-Swiss Bigshot Light 4

What’s notable: It’s a comfortable, cushioned shoe with sufficient stability, and it comes with a 180-day warranty.
What could be better: The shoe’s traction isn’t as good as some other models, and it may be too wide for those with a narrow foot.

The Bigshot has compression-molded EVA foam in the midsole and a sock liner, which provides extra comfort for those who suffer from foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, and it’s breathable enough to keep feet cool in warm conditions. It also has a sturdy rubber outsole and a textile collar lining.

What the experts say: Tennis pro Bob Hardman, who played college tennis at St. Cloud State in Minnesota and Ferris State in Michigan, swears by the Bigshot Light 4. “As soon as I start to feel plantar fasciitis coming on, I break in a new pair of K-Swiss BigShot Lights and it goes away,” he says. “They are tight when you first start wearing them but once you break them in—I usually walk around in them for a couple of weeks before running in them on the court—they are comfortable and durable.”

Best Tennis Shoes For Wide Feet

Roomy Upper Gives Toes Plenty Of Wiggle Room

New Balance FuelCell 996v5

What’s notable: It comes in a wide width, it’s durable without being heavy, and it has a six-month outsole warranty.
What could be better: Some say the ankle area is a little uncomfortable.

If you have wide feet, you want to wear New Balance. The brand is famous for its spacious toeboxes, and this shoe comes in wide if you need extra space. On top of offering a great fit, the FuelCell is exceptionally durable thanks to NDure technology in the upper and the full-length Ndurance outsole that protects high-wear areas on the outside of the shoe. FuelCell foam offers cushioning and keeps feet feeling bouncy.

What the experts say: “It’s super light and durable, and it’s better for players who can’t wear narrow shoes like the Nike Vapor,” says Christian Amundsen, who played tennis at Boston College and still plays competitively.

Best Tennis Shoes For Ankle Support

Superior Stability In Every Step

Yonex Men’s Power Cushion Eclipsion 4

What’s notable: Several forms of stability technology keep feet and ankles supported at all times.
What could be better: While this shoe is wider than its predecessor, it still runs a little narrow, and some may find it a little heavy.

Yonex’s shoes don’t have the same cult following as their racquets—but they should. They are stars when it comes to stability, offering a Synchro-Fit insole to provide support in the front of the heel, a Tru-Heel Stabilizer in the heel, durable skin on the forefoot to keep feet in place, and 3D Power Graphite Drive in the midfoot. They have a snug fit around the ankles to add extra support, and plenty of cushioning (called Feather Bounce Foam and Power Cushion+) in the midsole for comfort.

What the experts say: While tennis players often want lightweight shoes, when you need stability—especially in the ankle—a heartier shoe is a better choice. “This shoe’s weight is a nice medium range—not too heavy and not too light—and offer great stability and comfort on the court,” says Ignacio Berasain, a tennis coach and pro at Chelsea Piers Connecticut and head pro at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut.

Best Tennis Shoes For Clay

Grip And Flexibility For Softer Surfaces

Asics Solution Speed FF3 Clay

What’s notable: They are very lightweight and provide excellent traction on clay courts.
What could be better: They aren’t as cushy and supportive as some other models.

Tennis on clay is a slower, longer, trickier game. Balls skip and die, so you need a shoe to help you sprint to the net to return drop shots, and that’s responsive enough for the footwork required to deal with funky bounces. The Solution Speed FF3 lives up to its name by helping you accelerate on slow clay courts. Speedtruss technology boosts speed and agility and Flytefoam tech offers enough cushioning to keep feet comfortable during long matches. They also have an Ahar Plus rubber sole specially designed for durability on clay.

What the experts say: Jimmy Broder played tennis at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and still plays high-level tennis in Connecticut and on Nantucket—primarily on clay courts. He has tried dozens of shoes over the years and his shoe of choice is Asics. “They are reliable, lightweight, comfortable and durable,” he says.

Best Tennis Shoes For Flat Feet

Extra Support For Fallen Arches

K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2

What’s notable: The shoe comes in a wide width, has a flexible molded rubber overlay for extra stability, and is very durable.
What could be better: Even those with wider feet sometimes find these too wide.

This is K-Swiss’ best-selling tennis shoe, and with good reason. It’s the kind of shoe that offers something for everyone: It has a Durawrap rubber outershell which keeps feet stable as you chase down balls, plenty of compression-molded EVA foam in the midsole, and a molded Ortholite sock liner for comfort and extra support for flat feet. The roomy fit is perfect for those with wide feet or who suffer from foot problems like bunions.

What the experts say: I have flat feet and wear the women’s version of these. The molded sock liner offers comfort and support in the arch area, and the shoes are roomy enough to add your own custom orthotic. My husband wears these too, as does Leland Hart, one of the top tennis players at my club. He needs to wear ankle braces and likes how the Hypercourt Express 2 has enough room to accommodate the braces. Plus, “the shoes are super light and have great cushioning,” he says.

Best Affordable Tennis Shoes

High Quality For A Low Cost

Prince T22 Tennis Shoes

Sizes: 7.5 to 13 Width: Standard | Colors: 2| Material: Faux leather with mesh panels| Ideal surface: Appropriate for all surfaces | Special feature: They comes with two different sets of laces so you can customize your look.

What’s notable: They are reasonably priced, breathable and offer ample shock absorption.
What could be better: They only come in two colors, and they may not be quite as comfortable as some other models.

Keeping feet cushioned and stable during hours of play takes technology—and that technology often comes at a high price tag. But the Prince T22 offers a lot of value for a relatively low cost. You get EVA cushioning in the midsole, a ShockEraser heel insert, and a SoftSpring insert to disperse shock in the forefoot. The shank made from thermoplastic polyurethane provides stability, and new mesh panels keep feet cool in the heat.

What the experts say: Broder has worn these and always found them to be a dependable shoe for a reasonable price. “I don’t think there is a huge difference between expensive shoes and shoes like these that are under $100,” he says.

Other Top Picks To Consider

Tennis shoes are highly individual—a sneaker that works for some players may not be supportive or comfortable enough for others. If the sneakers above don’t match your playing style or foot type, try these other new models.

Exceptional Comfort Technology

On The Roger Clubhouse Pro Tennis Shoes

These all-surface On shoes have HiddenCloudTec for bounciness, Helion superfoam in the midsole for comfort and a “Speedboard” built into the heel, which adds support and helps propel you forward. What’s more, the upper is a breathable mesh made from recycled polyester. Keep in mind that they run narrow and aren’t as low to the ground (which is associated with speed) as some other shoes on this list.

Durable Shoes For Powerful Players

K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 Tennis Shoes

These are sturdy, high-performing sneakers built for aggressive players. They offer ample support and stability so you feel secure when cutting across the court, and plenty of padding to keep feet comfortable during intense matches. While powerful players tend to blow through shoes quickly, the Ultrashots’ Dragguard 7.0 rubber sole offers impressive durability. (The company is so confident about the longevity of these sneakers that they offer a six-month outsole guarantee.)

Stability Sneakers Designed For Darting Around The Court

Adidas Barricade 13 Tennis Shoes

This is a heavier, durable stability shoe that is built for cutting and pivoting. This latest update to the popular sneaker maintains the qualities players love about it (the Torsion System that provides excellent control, the sturdy, grippy outsole) but Adidas beefed up the cushioning and breathability to make it more comfortable. Note the asymmetric laces, which look stylish while also adding extra stability as you change direction.

Lightweight and Lightening Fast

Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6 AC Sneakers

Mizuno tennis sneakers are know for being fast and responsive. Their latest midsole technology, called Enerzy Nxt, provides explosive speed and keeps you feeling light on your feet during match play. They also offer excellent shock absorption and ankle support, thanks to the Mizuno Wave plate built into the shoe, and a the fit is snug to give you a secure, locked-in feeling.

Expertly Made, Well-Rounded Tennis Shoe

Wilson Rush Pro Ace Tennis Shoes

This is a basic, all around shoe with a nice roomy toe-box and a grippy outsole, which helps you keep your footing on the court. The Wilson Ruch Pro Ace also earn high marks for durability (especially in the toe area which makes it a good choice for toe-draggers) and comfort (there is no break-in period, and they feel plush and pleasantly snug right out of the box).

Stable But Not Too Heavy

Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 Sneakers

Worn by American player Francis Tiafoe, the GP Challenge 1 is a mid-weight shoe that’s plush and designed for comfort. It also offers exceptional lateral stability for baseline players, along with shock absorption and breathability. Nike is the best brand for those with narrow feet, but the company warns that these run a little small so order a half size larger than your normal shoe size.

We always consult with top experts in each field—in this case, tennis pros and competitive players—to determine the best shoes for each type of athlete.

Our team of testers is always trying out shoes—from old favorites to ones with the newest, most cutting-edge technology—to determine which ones are the most comfortable and durable.
We conduct exhaustive research on shoes to find which ones meet our high standards for comfort, performance, durability and affordability. This includes speaking with product developers at companies, sifting through studies and reading up on the latest sneaker news.
The Forbes Vetted team analyzes customer reviews for all of the shoes we recommend to ensure that consumers are not only happy with their purchase, but are also satisfied with the customer service and delivery experience. (A shoe can be great, but if you don’t get it in time for your big match, or the wrong one is sent, it’s not going to do you any good.)

How We Chose The Best Tennis Shoes For Men

We asked more than a dozen tennis pros and players from all around the country for the shoes that help them ace their matches. We made sure to talk to guys of all ages and skill levels to ensure there is something for everyone on this list. These shoes reflect their top picks.

This story was written by Forbes Vetted contributing writer Lesley Rotchford, who plays on three different tennis teams and is captain of her country club team. She has vast knowledge of tennis shoes and apparel from years of playing competitive tennis—and has written about tennis and pickleball for various national publications. She weighed in on these picks as well, and has worn some of the shoes on the list that come in a women’s model.
Finally, we cross referenced our testers’ choices with product reviews to ensure our picks are highly rated by consumers.

What To Consider About Tennis Shoes

The best type of material for tennis shoes depends on your climate. “In the winter time I like leather because it offers better support. But an all-leather shoe is too hot for the summer,” says Chuck Milot, director of tennis and pickleball at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. If you play in hot weather, choose a more breathable shoe, made out of a material like mesh.

Running shoes are built to propel you forward, but tennis involves a lot of quick side-to-side movement—so ample lateral stability is needed to prevent you from tripping or rolling your ankle. “Lateral support is important especially for a single players, who do a lot of running side to side,” says Milot.

With tennis matches sometimes lasting three plus hours, the average player is spending a lot of time on the court (more time than they are playing most other sports). This is why proper cushioning is so important. Look for shoes that have EVA or polyurethane midsole cushioning to keep feet comfortable during your game, but that are still light enough to allow for quick movements and direction changes. If you’re an older player with a history of injuries, you are better off airing on the side of cushioning. On the flip side, younger, dynamic players will often forgo the extra padding for a faster shoe that offers quicker recovery between shots.

Hard court services are as tough on your shoes as they are on your body. Because the unforgiving surface chews up shoes fast, it’s important to find tennis shoes with a durable sole that can withstand hours of running around on the court, and that have a solid, built-up toe area to stand up to toe drag. “Toe drag happens when a player is serving,” explains Milot. “As a right-handed player, I push off more with my right foot and drag my right toe, so the first part of my shoes to wear down is the right toe area.”

Anyone who plays tennis is going to be doing a fair amount of running, lunging and sliding on the court, but a person’s particular style of play can factor into their choice of shoes. Players who like to hang back at the baseline need different things out of their shoes than net or doubles players. “A singles player may want a more high tech form-fitted shoe because of all the movement required,” says Milot. Those who rush the net may benefit from more support in the front of the foot.

Dashing across the court to return an angled shot, or sprinting forward to get a drop shot, can cause your feet move around in your shoes which compromises speed and stability. You want a snug—but not tight—fit that keeps your feet firmly locked into your shoes. If you have wide feet or bunions, choose a shoe that comes in a wide width to prevent irritation.

If you are a high-level player who is out there smacking balls daily on hard courts, you may want to consider a shoe that offers an outsole warranty. These warranties aren’t that common, but a few brands do offer them on some of their heavier shoes. (Lightweight shoes aren’t built to last as long.) Shoes that have this warranty include the K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 and the New Balance 996v5.

The Best Tennis Shoes Comparison Guide

Here’s how the shoes in this guide stack up against each other, so you can find the pair that best meets your foot type, playing surface and playing style.

Pros (and people who play like pros) prefer fast, lightweight shoes that allow them to sprint along the baseline and make quick cuts across the court. The Asics Gel Resolution 9, NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2, K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 Tennis Shoes and Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6 AC Sneakers all offer the light-on-your-feet feeling that top players love.

Those who play occasionally or just for fun need basic, well-priced sneakers that offer a blend of cushioning and support—nothing fancy or overly technical. Try the Prince T22 Tennis Shoes or Wilson Rush Pro Ace Tennis Shoes.

Tennis is tough on the body, often leading to blown-out knees and sprained ankles, plus chronic foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions. If you are an older player, or a player who suffers from injuries, look for heavily cushioned shoes to absorb shock, a wide toe-box for comfort, and supportive features. The New Balance FuelCell 996v5, K-Swiss Bigshot Light 4, K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 and Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 4 are all wise choices for those with problem feet.

While you can certainly get away with wearing hard court shoes on clay, tennis sneakers specifically designed for playing on clay can help you navigate the slower surface. We recommend the Asics Solution Speed FF3 Clay, but if you have a favorite hard court shoe, check to see if the company also makes a clay version. For example, the Adidas Barricade comes in a clay model. Another option is an all-court shoe like the On The Roger Clubhouse Pro Tennis Shoes, which can be worn on any surface and for other racquet sports like paddle and pickleball, too.

Can You Wear Non-White Tennis Shoes At Tennis Clubs?

It depends. Some private clubs have strict all-white dress codes, which extends to shoes. Whether you are allowed a green swoosh or blue shoelaces depends on the club; some allow for a certain percentage of non-white details, while others don’t. If you are playing at an old-school, conservative club, read the dress code rules on the website, or call to ask about their policy before showing up to play.

Can You Wear Running Shoes Or Fashion Tennis Sneakers To Play Tennis?

To prevent injury it’s very important to choose a shoe that is specifically made for playing tennis. Running shoes are built to propel you forward, and don’t have enough lateral stability to prevent you from tripping or rolling your ankle while crisscrossing the court. While fashion “tennis” shoes are inspired by vintage low-profile tennis sneakers, they don’t have the level of cushioning or support that’s needed for today’s faster, more athletic game.

Does Level of Play—Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced—Matter When It Comes To Choosing Shoes?

Yes and no. While you can certainly wear the same shoes as the pros, it’s probably not necessary if you are new to the sport of just play recreationally. For example, “at the country club level, the most important thing to look for is comfort,” says Milot.

Can You Wear The Same Shoes To Play On Hard Courts And Clay?

You can, but it may affect the condition of your shoes—and the condition of the court. As a rule of thumb, “a clay court shoe has a softer tread that gives you grip but doesn’t dig up the court, while a hard court shoe has a thicker, tougher sole built to last longer,” says Milot. To tell the difference between a clay shoe and a hard court shoe, flip over the shoe and look at the tread. A clay tread generally features a full, flat herringbone sole, which is grippy on soft clay courts but keeps clay from getting wedged into the tread. Hard court shoes usually have a partial herringbone pattern mixed in with other groove shapes to improve traction and maneuverability. The downside to wearing clay shoes on a hard court is that the hard surface will wear down your shoes quickly; the downside to wearing hard court shoes on a clay court is that the heavier treads may chew up the clay.

How Often Should You Replace Your Tennis Shoes?

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the midsoles of tennis sneakers last for approximately 45 to 60 hours of tennis—and outersoles will go even quicker (depending on how much you play, it can be a matter of weeks). Since it’s hard to keep track of how many hours you play, just periodically check the bottom of your shoes for wear. If you see that the tread is wearing down in a certain area, or you start slipping on the court, it’s time for new shoes.