The section of a shoe that surrounds a player’s toes is the toe box. Materials and durability will vary, and some shoes don’t have them. The toe cap sits above the toe guard and extends to the sides at the front of a tennis shoe, which provides a layer of added protection and stability for the shoe’s front. Some lightweight tennis shoes provide limited toe guards. The toe guard is the portion of a shoe’s outsole that extends up the front of your toes to provide protection and added durability for this high-impact zone. Usually, you can’t see a shoe’s heel counter because manufacturers weave them into the shoe’s upper. You’ll find the heel counter at the back of a shoe – a stiffer material that reinforces the heel and adds stability. The collar sits at the back of the shoe and is a layer of cushion that wraps around your ankle to help keep your foot in place and protect your heel from the heel counter while adding comfort. Weak or sub-par eyelets can break, making it impossible to tie the shoe properly. The laces of a shoe go through the eyelets allowing players to lace and tighten their shoe for support and stability. However, the purpose of that section remains the same. Many shoes opt for a bootie or sock design without a distinct tongue. The material that sits below the laces for added comfort is called the tongue. Most of a shoe’s ventilation comes from the upper’s material and construction. UpperĪ tennis shoe’s upper is the material covering or wrapping a player’s foot which attaches to the sole to form the shoe. It’s worth noting that not all shoes have shanks. Some are visible at the bottom of the shoe, while others hide in the midsole. The shank is a rigid piece of material added toward the center of a shoe’s midsole to provide stability and prevent twisting. Insoles come in varying thicknesses some do better at wicking away sweat than others. The insole is the top layer of a shoe’s sole that resides above the midsole to provide a cushion and protect your foot from the stitching that attaches a shoe’s upper to the sole. Thinner midsoles keep players close to the ground for a more responsive ride, while thicker midsoles reduce shock. It sits between the outsole and the insole. The midsole is the thickest part of a shoe’s sole and a primary source of comfort. Some players prefer their shoes to have a rock-solid grip, while others prefer a bit of give when stopping or sliding. The outermost layer of rubber at the bottom of a tennis shoe provides lasting durability and traction. Throughout this guide, I’ll refer to the different parts of a shoe, so let’s quickly review the core elements before diving too deep. Each shoe in this guide has unique attributes, so I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love. With all that said, I wanted to touch on this before diving too deep as a reminder to keep your priorities top of mind. Second, I like the style of the Gel Resolution and find the Court FF to look a bit bulky. First, I prefer the overall feel of the Gel Resolution, which rides a bit lower to the ground. If you’re wondering why I don’t use the Asics Court FF since they top my list and outperform the Gel Resolutions in a few areas, it’s two-fold. However, the Vapor Pros are harder on my body, and I feel the effects of using them more than I used to, so I’ve prioritized comfort.
To be honest, I prefer the low-to-the-ground feel and overall performance of a shoe like the Nike Vapor Pro, and if I were back in college competing, they’d be my top pick despite the lower durability. Beyond that, they’re incredibly well-rounded, so it’s an ideal match for me. Let me explain.Īt 39 going on 40, I’ve been wearing the Gel Resolution shoes primarily because of comfort, which I place a premium on these days. Not only is it a question TennisCompanion members and readers frequently ask me, but it’s helpful to help underscore that the best shoes are unique to each individual, despite how I or any other website ranks tennis shoes.Īs of now, my go-to pair of tennis shoes is the Asics Gel Resolution, which I have ranked as the third-best shoe overall. Menīefore we dive too deep and cover my picks for the best tennis shoes, I thought I’d share what shoes I’m currently using. To help, I’ve narrowed down, playtested, and reviewed my picks for the best tennis shoes to provide insight into their performance that you can use to inform your research and decision.Īlong with valuable tips and practical advice, this guide will cover everything you need to confidently select a pair of shoes that’ll help enhance your movement so you can play your best. Unfortunately, testing shoes isn’t easy or practical, so tracking down a pair you’ll love can be challenging. Tennis shoes are a vital part of your equipment that protect your feet, prevent injury, and help ensure you perform your best, so it pays to do your research and invest wisely.
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