Choosing the Right Tennis Shoes
March 12th, 2015 by Do It Tennis
The world of tennis shoes can be intimidating because there are so many on the market. In order to avoid the pain in uncomfortable tennis shoes, not to mention spending a lot on them, you will certainly want to consider these buying tips.
1) Size
Perhaps the most important aspect of any pair of tennis shoes is the size. In addition to knowing your personal tennis shoe size, when buying a pair of tennis shoes, you’ll also want to research general tips on the sizing of the specific brand you want. Some brands will fit differently compared to others. If you’re buying online, pay attention to see if it says "buy in a half size up". Typically, you’ll want to follow that suggestion. Also, don’t get your heart set on a certain tennis shoe until you know they make a width you need. Some tennis shoes come in a variety of widths, while others do not. If you do need a wide tennis shoe there is typically only one color available. It would be good to keep that in mind if you are in need of a certain color because they may not make it.2) Cushion
Another consideration when selecting tennis shoes is how much cushion you want. The more cushion the tennis shoe has, the more protection your joints will have against the hard court. On the flip side, the more cushion, the heavier the tennis shoes will be. You’ll also need to decide where you want the cushion. Extra cushion in the heel can be desirable for some, but others can be irritated by the extra rubbing it sometimes causes.3) Breathability
You definitely want your feet to breathe when playing tennis. If your feet are running warm or sweating it can be uncomfortable and even cause blisters. Some tennis shoes have really light weight uppers, while others have more durable uppers to protect from wear and tear. Some consist of a faux leather material, while others are a mix of a rubber and a fabric materials.4) Outsole
The outsole of a tennis shoe is equally as important. The outsole will take the most wear. That is why it is important to look for a 6 month outsole guarantee. With this you will be able to replace your shoe due to outsole wear as long as it is within six months of your purchase. Most Outsoles are made of a highly abrasive resistant rubber and in a herringbone material to make for better traction on the court. You will also need a non marking outsole so you don’t leave marks on the tennis court.5) When in doubt try it on
You never truly know how a pair of tennis shoes will fit until you try them on. It is always wise to try before you buy. If you are ordering them online, be sure to find a place that has easy, hassle free returns in case they don’t feel as good as they look. Once you do try the tennis shoes on, take note of how they feel. As opposed to many casual shoes, you should NOT need to break in your tennis shoes too much, and some features really can’t get broken in.
6) A few considerations for existing tennis shoes
There are some accessories you can add to make tennis shoes more comfortable. Not every shoe is made for every foot, but you can help it feel as though it was.
You can add an insole to help with the support that sometimes can be missing from tennis shoes.
Socks can also affect the feel of a shoe. Some socks can give you extra cushion and make for a more comfortable fit in your tennis shoes.
Once you taken all these into consideration, you'll be more equipped to choose the right pair of tennis shoes that will help keep you on the court, and playing your best tennis.
