At first glance, it might seem that tennis shoes are just another marketing gimmick. But this is not so at all. Shoes designed specifically for tennis can not only guarantee the improvement of an athlete's performance, but also minimize injuries during even the most intense training session.
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Despite the seeming versatility of this shoe, each sport requires a set of certain characteristics from this shoe. Including tennis shoes should have certain features that you need to pay attention to when buying it. The most important features include:
There are neutral (correct), excessive and insufficient pronation. Overpronation is more commonly known as "flat feet", in which a person steps on the inside of the foot more than necessary. In this case, the shoes must be with arch support. With excessive pronation (supination), the opposite is true - the outer side is more involved. Therefore, there should be no arch support, and the outer side should be stronger.
Thus, shoes must take into account the physical characteristics of the athlete. After all, it should not only be convenient and comfortable, but also protect against dislocations, sprains and other injuries.
Tennis courts can be carpet, clay, hard and lawn. It is logical that each of them has different adhesive properties. Depending on the chosen surface of the court, the tread of sneakers should be selected. For carpeting, models with a smooth sole are more suitable. For the lawn - with spikes in the outer part. On unpaved and hard surfaces, it will be more comfortable to play in shoes with a herringbone tread pattern. Often, manufacturers in one model can combine different types of tread, which makes shoes more versatile and independent of external conditions.
As for the season, here, first of all, you should pay attention to the upper part.For a warm period, you should choose shoes with a textile upper, which will provide air ventilation and maintain an optimal temperature. In the cold season, shoes with a tight top are preferable, which will keep your feet warm.
There are several subparagraphs here, and the first of them is the sole. It should be as durable as possible, especially in the heel area. Should have excellent cushioning properties to protect the foot from impacts during jumps. At the same time, it must remain soft so that the athlete feels the surface. Often the middle part is made of rubber or other more flexible materials. This allows it to absorb unwanted vibrations while locking the foot in place and allowing it to twist inwards.
The next item is the top. As mentioned above, it is selected depending on the season and can be both textile and leather. However, you should also pay attention to its features in the bow of the shoe. The toe should be additionally reinforced to protect the fingers from injury, and the shoes from wear.
The heel counter is another distinctive feature of tennis shoes. It is quite high, which does not allow the foot to fall sharply on the heel and does not allow it to be injured. Often the heel has soft inserts in a circle, which makes the fixation of the foot even more reliable.
The insole should be made of modern materials that take the desired shape depending on the structure of the athlete's foot. However, ideally, the insole should be removable so that it can be replaced with an orthotic if necessary.
Below are the most popular sneaker models that are in demand even by the most famous tennis players.
The 5th place in our rating is occupied by the models of the German company Adidas.
A model for men who are seriously involved in tennis. Designed for owners of correct (neutral) pronation of the foot. The deep herringbone tread pattern allows the shoe to be used on both clay and hard courts. The sole is made of wear-resistant rubber with TPU inserts, which makes it durable, despite sufficient softness, even with intensive use. The part of the bottom above the arch of the foot has excellent flexibility, which allows you to feel the surface during the game. At the same time, it is also endowed with shock-absorbing properties, thanks to which the legs are protected from minor injuries and shock loads.
The upper is made of mesh, which maintains a comfortable microclimate and ventilation throughout the match. The side of the toe where the thumb is located is made of polyurethane, which prevents premature rubbing. Fixation on the leg is made by lacing. The high heel counter tightly holds and protects the heel from injury during sudden movements.
Cost: from 7000 rubles.
Model for women involved in professional tennis. Sneakers have a standard block. They are more designed for playing on hard surfaces - a medium depth herringbone tread will provide maximum grip on the surface.The sole has excellent shock-absorbing properties, which not only protects the feet from injuries, but also helps to reduce fatigue under increased loads. In addition, the shock absorbing insert under the arch of the foot makes the kick-off even more effective and energetic.
The upper is made of textile and reinforced with a TPU carcass, which not only protects the shoe from premature wear, but also provides additional stability. A high heel counter with extra padding keeps your heel firmly in place while jumping.
Cost: from 8990 rubles.
Children's sneakers for tennis. They are almost a complete copy of the same model for adults, but they have an improved top. Modified upper with ADIPRENE cushioning and Torsion System provides secure support for the foot during the game. In addition, the mesh upper provides optimal microclimate and comfort.
The outsole is made from rubber and features an improved herringbone tread pattern that provides reliable traction on a variety of court surfaces.
Cost: from 3500 rubles.
In fourth place on our list of the best tennis shoes is the American sports equipment company Nike.
Male model for playing on a hard surface.A foam midsole provides comfortable cushioning, while a Zoom Air unit in the heel provides low-profile cushioning and protects your heel from impact. The special tread pattern gives reliable grip on the hard surface of the court, and also protects the shoes from premature wear.
The upper of the shoe is made of round knit. Its strong fibers hold the foot securely during even the most abrupt movements. In addition, this upper provides good air movement and allows the legs to breathe.
Cost: from 8990 rubles.
Women's model for playing tennis on any type of surface. These shoes are suitable for athletes who prefer to play at high speeds. The rubber outsole is equipped with the Dynamic Fit system, thanks to which maximum control of movements is achieved, especially on hard courts. A Nike Zoom Air unit delivers cushioning and bounces back with every move.
The upper is made of textile and polyurethane. Textile provides good ventilation of the legs. An additional polyurethane frame provides a snug and secure fit on the leg, which provides additional stabilization of the leg and prevents injury to the leg and joints. The padded collar on the heel provides comfort and a secure fit.
Cost: from 5399 rubles.
Comfortable and durable Nike kids tennis shoe. A soft foam midsole with a Zoom Air unit provides plenty of cushioning to absorb the impact of your jumps. Grooves on the outsole give it flexibility in multiple directions. Shoes are more suitable for playing on a hard surface, but can be used on all types.
The upper is made of synthetic mesh material, which provides air ventilation and maintains an optimal microclimate. The additional frame system Dynamic Fit securely fixes the foot in the correct position, which helps to avoid microtraumas during intensive movement. Reinforced toe box protects toes from damage and extends shoe life.
Cost: from 4990 rubles.
In the middle of our ranking is the Japanese corporation Asics, which occupies one of the leading positions in the world in the production of sports equipment and goods.
GEL-RESOLUTION 7 is a men's model for tennis, which uses the technologies of modern footwear production. Improved outsole wears less with AHAR material® PLUS in places most exposed to surface contact. The midsole is made of SPEVAFOAM™, which increases the springiness during jumps and at the same time the stability of the foot during lateral sharp movements.
The upper is made of faux leather with perforations.Reinforced toe box perfectly protects the toes from injury, and also extends the life of the shoe. Particular attention should be paid to the back of the sneakers. It is made of two-layer foam, which takes the desired shape depending on the characteristics of the athlete's heel. Thus, the most comfortable fit is achieved in each individual case.
Cost: from 6740 rubles.
Comfortable and at the same time stylish tennis shoes for women. An EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole with GEL™ technology in the toe area gives the model excellent performance characteristics: springiness, cushioning and energy absorption when jumping. A wider bottom at the toe and heel gives extra grip on the ground during sharp lateral movements. The herringbone tread has different depths in different areas, allowing them to be used on both hard and clay surfaces.
The upper is made of artificial leather with perforations for ventilation. Rigid heel counter holds the foot tightly during the game.
Cost: from 3840 rubles.
Children's model for tennis.Features include gel cushioning systems in the heel and midfoot. Each of them provides additional comfort, reduces impact loads and improves the player's endurance. Durable and flexible AHAR outsole® with a deep herringbone tread designed for playing on clay courts. It provides reliable grip and stability.
The upper is made of artificial materials with perforations in the forefoot. The Flexion system is a seal in the front of the shoe that provides additional protection to the toes from injury.
Cost: from 6490 rubles.
The second place in our list is held by the American company Wilson.
An updated men's model from the American company Wilson. Its distinguishing feature is an elastic band collar that passes through the tongue and fastens at the ankle. It provides maximum ankle support and 100% secure fit. The shoe is great for aggressive players who give their all. This design allows them to maintain balance even in the most difficult situations, as well as avoid injury. The outsole is made of high quality rubber that provides reliable traction on any surface. The DF2 technology (9 mm heel/toe drop) used in the production of the sole provides optimal court feel while maintaining a compromise between comfort and dynamics.Protected toe protects toes from injury.
Cost: from 6990 rubles.
Women's model for maximum performance on the court. The 4D Support Chassis system protects the sole from twisting and allows you to maintain complete control over your movements, even with powerful impacts. The sole is made of Duralast material, which, in addition to durability, provides reliable traction on all types of surfaces. A 9mm drop between the toe and heel of the outsole creates a slope for greater agility and responsiveness.
The upper is made of breathable synthetic mesh. In the area of the fingers, additional protection made of polyurethane. A soft heel counter tightly fixes the foot, protecting it from injury during jumps.
Cost: from 3750 rubles.
A model for teenagers taking their first steps in tennis. The soft and flexible sole gives you complete control over your movements, allows you to feel the court and develop the necessary speed. As in adult models, it is characterized by a difference between the toe and heel. It promotes energy transfer and speed.
The upper has a synthetic textile insert for ventilation. Unique seamless lacing allows you to secure your foot in one motion. The snug-fitting tongue adds stability and more support for the foot. Reinforced toe protects toes from impact and injury.
Cost: from 3500 rubles.
The leader of our rating is the French manufacturer BABOLAT. This is no accident, because this company is considered the oldest, specializing in the production of equipment and related products for tennis.
A model for men who prefer a fast and maneuver-filled game. The Michelin outsole made of DIN 20 rubber has excellent wear resistance and abrasion resistance. The outsole protector is made so that even during lateral movements the foot is securely fixed. The EVA padding has high shock absorbing properties. In addition, it creates ideal heel protection against impact loads.
The upper part of the shoe is made of extra strong Kevlar and polyamide fibers. In addition, the upper is reinforced with 4 straps for a strong and secure fit of the foot.
Cost: from 5990 rubles.
Women's tennis shoes.They are designed for women who prefer intense play and who want to respond to every opponent's blow. As in the men's model, the outsole was developed with the participation of Michelin. Special rubber from Michelin has excellent wear resistance. In combination with this, it gives reliable grip on the ground surface. Highly cushioning EVA heel pad for perfect heel protection.
The upper features Powerbilt technology and features a wide, flexible plate on the outside that securely supports the midfoot. The high tongue and padded heel provide not only fixation of the leg from all sides, but also protect it from injury.
Cost: from 5990 rubles.
In addition to men's and women's models, BABOLAT produces sneakers for children involved in tennis. The most popular model is JET ALL COURT WIM JUNIOR. She has all the above advantages of adult models.
We hope the rating will help you make the right choice and buy sneakers in which playing tennis will bring only pleasure and new achievements.