There are only a few sports that rival tennis in terms of agility and speed. Therefore, you must have the right footwear from the start. A good shoe should handle jumping, running, side to side court coverage, and more.
This brings us to the question, what is the difference between tennis shoes and sneakers? Broadly speaking, tennis shoes can be worn in a tennis court but all sneakers are not tennis shoes. Sneakers are shoes with a rubber sole and canvas top while tennis shoes are designed to be used during a tennis match.
Sneakers are available in different designs and tend to be more casual. They can be worn for different occasions like school, parties, and work. Another notable difference is support. Tennis shoes offer remarkable lateral support, so the player can perform movements at different angles.
If fashion is a factor when selecting your athletic shoes, you can easily get confused by the above differences.
But what matters most is performance and injury prevention. In this post, we’re going to discuss the features of both tennis shoes and sneakers. So, buckle up and be ready to be impressed.
Features Of Tennis Shoes And Sneakers
Tennis shoes are designed to help a player perform swift movements in a tennis court, and most importantly they offer extra support to the foot.
When you combine them with tennis socks, you give your body additional support on the ankle joints.
The shoes are made of special material to absorb the shock. This, in turn, allows the player to perform quick movements.
But make no mistake; these shoes come in different designs so you can always find stylish and trendy shoes.
Many people like to wear their regular sneaker shoes to play tennis but this is a bad idea. Tennis shoes have soft, thick cushioning to help lessen the impact when on the court.
Unlike sneaker shoes, tennis shoes are light and have durable soles to prevent sliding and stumbling.
The type of feet you have will impact how the shoe feels you. Most people fall under supinated or pronated categories.
That being said, you should choose a tennis shoe that fits your foot type. Take a look at your regular shoe and identify the area that wears most.
If the inner sole wears the most, then you have a pronated foot. Perhaps, you should go for a tennis shoe with a lot of cushioning.
And if the shoes wear outside the heel, then you have a supinated foot. This means that you should look for a shoe with a durable sole.
The playing surface will also determine the tennis shoe you choose. Hardcourt tennis shoes tend to be more demanding depending on the durability of the sole.
It should have good cushioning, especially at the forefoot. That’s not all. The shoe should allow for multi-directional movements without sacrificing on comfort.
On the other hand, clay court tennis should allow for stability and traction as you make your shots. The upper part should be knit properly to ensure the clay doesn’t enter the shoes.
Those designed to be used on grass courts should have durable outsoles and soft underfoot. And because the grass is slippery, the shoe should provide good traction.
Of course, the upper part should be flexible to allow for fast movements on the court.
Some tennis shoes also tend to be heavier but will give much-needed support. Some players go for lightweight shoes that allow for physical exertion over a long period.
Keep in mind that some tennis shoes have a good lacing system to help you tackle all the demands of the tennis game.
Sneakers are not designed for any sport. Since the 1950s, they continue to grow in popularity and make fashion statements.
They are comfortable and can be used for daily wear. Some are made of canvas and lack the non-scuffing material that is common in tennis shoes.
Also, sneakers tend to be more flexible. The cost of sneakers will depend on the innovative technology used to create them.
Some inexpensive sneakers come with less intricate stitching and rubber soles. Also, those that come with comfort additions and special technology tend to be expensive.
At the high-end, sneakers can be advertised as limited models.
Depending on the sneaker style, some sneakers can be used for basketball, tennis, skateboarding, soccer, speed walking, and so much more.
With this in mind, you should not commit yourself to a specific brand when shopping. Don’t be surprised to find out the best shoe that fits well is that which you’ve never tried.
Looking at the availability, tennis shoes can be found in almost any sports shoe store.
But if you want a tennis-specific shoe, you can only buy in online stores or tennis shoes shop.
They also come with a friendly return policy just in case the shoe you buy isn’t a good fit.
Should Sneakers Have A Snug Fit?
When you buy tennis shoes with a snug fit, it should slip when walking and the heels shouldn’t be too tight.
The front of each shoe should be roomy enough, such that each toe lengthens in each direction. Be sure to leave a thumb’s width at the end of the toe box.
The space you leave should also accommodate any spreading that might occur when exercising.
Should You Wear Socks With Sneakers?
Whether you choose to wear socks or go sockless, it all depends on your taste. For instance, if you live in an area with cold weather, socks can help you keep warm.
But if you live in a hot climate, the socks absorb sweat and ensure your feet are non-slip. There are hygiene reasons too – if you wear your sneakers without socks, the shoes can get smelly.
Whether you buy ankle socks or high-cut crew socks, you should ensure they are comfortable. It’s worth mentioning that socks can help you bring out your fashion statement.
Final Thoughts
If you think the right shoes are about fashion, then you’re wrong. While both tennis shoes and sneakers come from one design, they are quite different.
Tennis shoes are made with specific requirements in mind like the type of support, weight, flexibility, and other features necessary for a tennis game.
On the other hand, sneakers can be worn with any outfit you have on your wardrobe.
Although you can use sneakers to play tennis, you won’t get the much-needed support, comfort, and traction.