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What Makes a Good Tennis Shoe for Beginners

  • Writer: Tennis Express
    Tennis Express
  • Feb 20
  • 3 min read





Are you still rocking the running shoes you got at a big box shoe store when you hit the tennis court? It’s time to ditch those and get a tennis-specific option, like Nike, Adidas, or New Balance tennis sneakers. The right shoes are essential, even for a beginner. But you need to know what features to look for. If you’re searching for simple ways to get serious about tennis, your shoes are an excellent place to start.


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Ditch the Running Shoes


First step: ditch the running shoes. If you got generic “sports shoes” thinking they would help you on the court, you chose the wrong type of shoe. A tennis shoe focuses on lateral movement and stability and is constructed differently because of this. They need to be more durable for abrupt start-and-stop motions as you move around the court. It’s much different than the constant rhythm of running. Nike court shoes are a lot different than Nike running shoes, and comparing them side-by-side will show those differences clearly.


Nike Court Shoes
Nike Court Shoes

Which Kind of Court Do You Play On?


Now that you know the type of shoe you need, it’s time to start narrowing down your options based on other features. The first factor to consider is what type of court you typically play on. Beginner tennis shoes are often made for all-around play, but you might want to get shoes with an outsole specifically designed for the surface you play on most. Hard, clay, and grass courts all cater to a slightly different style of play, so your footwork will change a bit, too. So, surface-specific shoes are designed to account for those differences.


Hard or All Court Outsoles


Hard courts are the most common surface and also the most demanding on your outsole. That makes a highly durable outsole, often made with a modified herringbone pattern that will give you the right amount of grip on the court, a versatile choice. If you are aggressive on the court, expect your shoes to wear out fairly quickly. Hard court shoes are sometimes referred to as all-court shoes, so you can browse that category as well.


Clay Court Outsoles


The tread pattern for clay courts is usually a full zig-zag or herringbone. It helps keep clay out of your outsole, giving you a better grip. You might need to knock loose some clay between points. Sliding side to side to meet the ball is more predictable with a herringbone pattern while also helping you move forward and back. You can also use these shoes on hard courts, but they work best on clay courts.


Grass Court Outsoles


For grass courts, the outsoles have nubs, not unlike lugs on a trail running shoe, to offer greater grip on the grass. It’s a surface that is often slippery, so grip is paramount. Unlike other tennis shoes, grass court shoes can’t be used on other surfaces. With grass courts becoming rarer, these tennis shoes are getting harder to find in the US.


Weight vs. Durability vs. Stability


As a beginner, you have one last choice to make. Do you want support and stability, holding your feet in place? This means more ankle support, but also heavier shoes. Designs like these are also usually more durable. In contrast, lightweight shoes help you move around the court faster, but aren’t quite as durable, especially on hard courts. As a beginner, the best approach is to try different styles and see which works best for you.


Nike Court Shoes
Nike Court Shoes

About Tennis Express


The mission at Tennis Express is to inspire and nurture your inner champion by offering quality tennis gear and outstanding customer service. Discover an excellent selection of racquets, premium strings, shoes, Nike mens apparel, bags, and much more from top brands online at Tennis Express. In addition to a broad range of tennis gear, you’ll receive the expertise you need for all aspects of your tennis game through a positive customer experience. Based in Houston, Texas, Tennis Express brings you the best information and equipment at competitive prices. Visit the superstore if you’re in the Houston area or shop their online store for top-quality brands such as Nike, Adidas, Asics, Wilson, Babolat, Dunlop, and Head. As an industry leader, Tennis Express carries the finest gear for players of all levels.


Find tennis shoes for beginners and advanced players alike at https://tennisexpress.com/


Original Source: https://bit.ly/3X7qKBU

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Tennis Express, 10771 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

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