10 Best Tennis Shoes For Men in 2024: Today’s Deals
Choosing the right tennis shoes is crucial for any male tennis player, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The right pair of tennis shoes can enhance your performance, provide optimal comfort, and reduce the risk of injuries on the court. However, with the wide variety of options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which tennis shoes are the best fit for you.
That’s why we have created this comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we will explore the key features to consider when choosing tennis shoes, their influence on performance, durability, support, traction, and comfort. Read on to discover the perfect pair that will take your game to the next level.
Buying Guide:
Performance
When it comes to tennis shoes, performance is paramount. Look for shoes that offer excellent stability and support, as these features are essential during quick lateral movements and sudden stops on the court. A well-cushioned midsole will absorb shock and provide responsiveness, ensuring a comfortable and efficient stride. Additionally, lightweight materials and a snug fit contribute to agility and speed. Opt for shoes with a durable outsole that offers excellent traction on different court surfaces, allowing you to move swiftly and confidently.
Durability
Tennis is a demanding sport that requires durable shoes capable of withstanding intense wear and tear. Look for shoes made with high-quality materials, reinforced toe caps, and sturdy outsoles. Double-stitched or seamless construction enhances durability and prevents premature wear. A durable shoe will provide long-lasting performance and save you the hassle of frequent replacements.
Support
Proper support is crucial to prevent injuries and maintain stability during intense matches. Look for tennis shoes with a supportive upper that secures your foot and prevents excessive movement. A well-padded collar and tongue provide additional ankle support. Consider shoes with a reinforced midfoot shank or stability features to enhance side-to-side movements. Arch support is also important for players with high or low arches. Choosing shoes that offer the right support will help you stay comfortable and protect your feet from common tennis-related injuries.
Traction
Tennis shoes with excellent traction are essential for quick stops, starts, and changes in direction on the court. Look for shoes with a durable outsole made from materials like rubber, which offers superior grip. Tread patterns with multidirectional and herringbone designs provide optimal traction on different court surfaces, such as hard courts, clay courts, or grass courts. Proper traction not only enhances your performance but also reduces the risk of slipping and sliding, enabling you to react swiftly to your opponent’s shots.
Comfort
Comfort is vital for prolonged periods on the court. Look for shoes with cushioning in the midsole and heel to absorb impact and reduce strain on your feet and joints. Breathable materials like mesh or perforations allow air circulation, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense matches. A well-padded insole and a roomy toe box prevent discomfort and blisters. Additionally, consider shoes with a customizable lacing system to achieve a secure and personalized fit. Prioritizing comfort ensures you can focus on your game without distractions.
Best Tennis Shoes For Men
New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2
There’s a lot more to tennis shoes than meets the eye. Comfort, support, and longevity are the three things you should look for. You should look for tennis shoes with good side support, toe guards to keep your feet safe, flat, thick outsoles for stability and long-lasting use, and a good footbed to cushion your steps. Men’s tennis shoes from some of our favorite sneaker brands have all of these traits. There are so many great brands out there today that you can pick from a tennis-only brand like Babolat or an all-around performance brand like Nike or Adidas.
For hours, our contributor and a couple of MH editors practiced and played matches on clay and hard courts to test the shoes personally and find the best ones for guys. Our other interviews were with Gary Armstrong, Leader of Tennis at Life Time Galleria, and Eric Winn, Leader of Tennis at Life Time Charlotte. We asked them what they’ve learned about the best tennis shoes for guys over the years of playing and teaching the sport.
Based on what they told us, we found the eight best tennis shoes for guys on the market right now. We’ve looked into what makes these pairs the best from New Balance to K-Swiss to On. Check out our top picks below to make your game run a lot better.
Babolat SFX3 Tennis Shoes
Pros
- Comfortably cushioned
- Under $100
- Breathable
Cons
- Runs wide (a pro, for some)
Babolat makes more than just great tennis rackets. Their tennis shoes are also out of this world. The SFX3 is comfortable and easy to breathe in because it has a soft top and mesh that lets air flow through it. With an OrthoLite cushion that molds to your foot, Babolat goes all out when it comes to comfort. When you fall, a good cushioning system reduces the shock, which is very important for comfort and keeping your knees feeling good after a game. To get the most responsiveness, the form and make-up of the elements in the bottom are divided into nine key pressure points.
Armstrong also says that newbies should wear these shoes. “In my experience, beginners need to look for something that may not require a huge investment, but also provides all the benefits needed to play tennis comfortably and safely,” he points out. “Generally, the shoes that are in a new player’s price range and then feel the best, are the best shoes for them.”
| Surface type | All court |
|---|---|
| Fit | Wide |
| Weight | 13.9 ounces |
| Drop | 10mm |
Babolat Propulse Fury 3 All Court Men
Pros
- Durable
- Snug and secure midfoot
- 6-month sole warranty
Cons
- Over $100
The newest model from Babolat is full of support, stability, and longevity, so it’s good for fast movers who do quick pivots and gravity steps left and right. Also, Babolat added a Powerbelt that wraps around the middle of the foot and provides excellent side support and a custom fit.
Armstrong also really likes these and has three pairs of the Propulse Fury 3. “They fit my earlier-mentioned criteria of durability, comfort, and are easy on my Achilles,” he points out. “The shoe also comes with a six-month sole warranty.”
| Surface type | All court |
|---|---|
| Fit | Standard |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Drop | 10 mm |
Pros
- Wide, stable base
- Great lateral and arch support
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- May feel a little stiff for some
If you need a little extra support in your tennis shoes, New Balance is the best brand. The two tennis teachers we talked to both agreed that the Fresh Foam x Lav V2 is comfortable, supportive, and most importantly stable. It’s all put together in a careful way, from the exact underfoot cushioning to the high sturdiness to the toe drag tip or external heel counter.
“They’re well-made, so they last a long time and are very comfortable,” says Winn. Armstrong adds, “Looking around and asking a few of our senior players, [the New Balances] seem to be a fan favorite.” Armstrong says that when it comes to shoes for adults, comfort and support are the most important things. This shoe does a great job of both.
FAQs
How often should I replace my tennis shoes?
You should plan to replace your tennis shoes every 300-500 hours of wear or every 6-12 months. The outsoles and midsoles break down over time reducing shock absorption and support. Pay attention to signs like increased heel slippage.
Can I use running shoes for playing tennis?
While you can use running shoes, tennis-specific shoes are generally better. Running shoes are designed for forward motion while tennis involves side-to-side movements and rapid starts/stops which place more lateral stress on feet and ankles. Tennis shoes have additional support and extra rubber for durability on court surfaces.
Are specific tennis shoes required for different court surfaces?
Yes, tennis shoe sole properties should match the court surface. Clay/grass require excellent traction while hard/synthetic courts need durable, low-friction soles. Shoes marked for hard/clay or all-surface offer flexible options. Most tennis pros pick shoes tailored for their most-played surface.
What is the importance of shoe width in tennis?
Tennis requires side-to-side movement which places stress on the outer edges of feet. Getting the proper shoe width prevents painful hot spots and blisters. Most shoe brands run narrow, so measure feet in afternoon and get next widest size if trying brands like Nike. Wider forefoot width is preferable for tennis.
How do I find the right size of tennis shoes?
The best way is to try shoes on and check toe box length and width comfort. Try tennis shoes on the same side of the day you’ll be playing. Feet often swell during matches so it’s ok if shoes feel a bit snug initially. Choose shoes that don’t slip in the heel but don’t pinch toes – the goldilocks fit. Going up 1/2 size is better than shoes that are too tight.
Conclusion
Finding the best tennis shoes for men is a crucial investment that can significantly impact your performance and overall enjoyment on the court. By considering key features such as performance, durability, support, traction, and comfort, you can make an informed decision that suits your playing style and needs. Remember to prioritize shoes that align with your foot type and the specific court surface you play on. Whether you’re a recreational player or a competitive athlete, the right pair of tennis shoes will provide the necessary support, stability, and comfort to elevate your game and help you reach your full potential.
For over 30 years, Nicolas Fonte has explored the great outdoors and tested all manner of gear. Through tireless adventures hiking the most remote trails and climbing the biggest walls, he has become the expert on rugged, reliable equipment. Now in his late 50s, Nicolas’ gear reviews are the most trusted resource for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
