If you enjoy the game of tennis, you might wonder if you need tennis shoes to play tennis? You may see a number of players on the court that are wearing running shoes, and if you have played in the type of shoe, it is acceptable footwear.
However, for the majority of tennis players, it is important to wear an actual tennis shoe on the court.
While researching this question, it was found there are several reasons why tennis should be played wearing tennis shoes.
Benefits of Wearing Tennis Shoes When Playing Tennis
If you are wondering why you need tennis shoes to play tennis, it is because these particular types of the shoe have been designed to meet the moves you will make while playing.
Tennis shoes provide you with the support, traction, and cushioning you will want on a tennis court.
The game of tennis doesn’t just involve a lot of running; it requires you to start and stop suddenly.
This game also has you making sudden lateral movements. You need tennis shoes to play tennis as they have been designed for your feet to make these movements safer.
Traction is also an important factor when considering the shoe you need for a game of tennis.
Running shoes will not provide the same amount of traction and could have you slipping on the court during some of your moves.
A running shoe is not designed for the short starts, sudden stops, or the quick and lunging steps you’ll make while playing tennis.
Why Tennis Shoes Should be Worn to Play Tennis
A tennis shoe will meet the needs you require while playing tennis. This game is fast-paced and demands you start and stop quickly.
You will be forced to make lateral moves, as well as lunges, short spurts, and running. You want a shoe that is going to support your feet well while playing.
You know why a tennis shoe is needed to play tennis, but what makes these shoes so unique? While researching these shoe styles, it was found they are designed to meet the demands of the game.
What Makes a Tennis Shoe Ideal for the Game
You now know that you should have tennis shoes if you’re going to play tennis.
There are a lot of reasons behind this belief, and they are because of the different parts of these shoes:
- The lining of the shoe – The fabric used in a tennis shoe is meant to improve your comfort as it is very soft
- Eyelets – The eyelets in a tennis shoe are at the top of the upper and will hold your laces in place. The standard lace used in tennis shoes will allow you to adjust the tightness of the tie to meet your needs
- Ventilation holes – Ventilation holes are put into almost all styles of tennis shoes to increase breathability
- The cap of toe – The toes in tennis shoes are reinforced for improved performance and durability. There is a toe guard in this area to help your form during play and protects your toes from abrasion
- Upper – Generally the uppers are constructed from leather, mesh, or a synthetic to give you the freedom to move
- Heel panel – The heel panel is the fabric covering the heel part of the shoe. There is also a sturdy plastic insert in this area to help support your heels during play
- Collar – A padded collar is added to improve the fit and comfort of the shoe
- Non-marking outsole – The non-marking outsole is the bottom of the shoe that will provide your traction. It is also designed to keep the tennis court streak-free
- Arch – The arch in the tennis shoe will be different in tennis shoe styles, and you will want to choose one that supports your foot properly
- Flex grooves – The flex grooves in the tennis shoe help with your flexibility and allow you to bend your forefoot during the movements needed while playing
- Toe traction – Certain styles of tennis shoes have additional traction added to the toe of the shoes. This traction will help you grip the surface better when pivoting
Knowing the different parts that make up the ideal shoe for playing tennis will help you to choose the right pair for your needs.
You will want the right sole depending on the type of court where you usually play. Depending on if the surface of the court is clay, grass, or hard-surfaced will determine the type of sole you will want.
Your foot type also plays an important factor when choosing your tennis shoes.
- Overpronation – Some people have overpronation where the foot and ankle roll forward
- Neutral – A neutral formation of the feet is a more natural foot movement
- Supination – With a supination form to your feet, your foot and ankle roll outward
Depending on which foot type you have, it will determine which support feature is more important in your shoe.
You may need more lateral support if your feet are overpronation. If you have a neutral formation of your feet, you will do well with a cushioned shoe to promote the natural foot motion.
People with supination formation to their feet will want a tennis shoe with lots of overall cushioning.
Related Questions Regarding Tennis Shoes
Some people wonder if they already own a pair of cross-trainers if they can wear them while playing tennis?
This question comes up as both types of shoes are made for multi-directional movements and give wearers overall support. The cross trainer shoe will work well for you during lateral movements, but their outer soles are much thinner and less padded than a tennis shoe.
You are going to appreciate owning a good pair of tennis shoes over the long term.
While the cross-trainers will work better than a running shoe, they still do not provide all the benefits you can gain from quality line tennis shoes.
Cross trainers are not designed to absorb the impact you’ll experience on hard tennis court surfaces.
Summing Up Why You Need Tennis Shoes to Play Tennis
It’s now been explained why you need tennis shoes when you play tennis. You are ready to head out and find the perfect fit shoe for your game.
Choose a pair that is neither too loose or too snug, and wear a pair of socks when you play. With the right shoe, you’ll have improved performance and safety in your next game of tennis.