The 7 Best Tennis Shoes in 2023 (Buyer’s Guide)

Tennis shoes are an essential part of your gear and finding the right tennis shoe isn’t easy.

Luckily, we’ve created this full in-depth guide on the best men’s and women’s tennis shoes in 2023. We’ve analyzed each tennis shoe reviewing durability, support, comfort, and much more so you can find the best tennis shoe for you.

This guide also includes helpful tips on what to look for in a tennis shoe so you can pick your next pair with confidence and scare your opponent when you step on the court.

Quick Summary

7 Best Tennis Shoes for Men

1. Nike Vapor Pro 2

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 14.3oz

The Nike Vapor Pro 2 is the newest release in the Nike tennis shoe line and is a follow-up from the popular Nike Air Zoom Vapor Pro. However, this year Nike has focussed on making this shoe a lot more comfortable and maintaining that explosive feel.

For the upper, you’ll find a stretchy internal sleeve and mesh, creating a breathable two layers of support. It also has asymmetrical lacing which hugs the feet during lateral movements providing extra support.

The midsole features Air Zoom technology in the forefoot to help with shock absorption as well as a soft foam midsole for responsive cushioning and a low-to-the-ground feel.

On the outsole, you’ll find a data informed herringbone tread providing a good balance of grip and give. Nike has updated the tread this year by removing rubber from low wear areas to help reduce the weight.

When testing out the Nike Vapor Pro 2, the stand out feature for me was comfort. I found it extremely comfortable in the heel allowing me to play for long periods of time without feeling any fatigue in my foot.

Overall, I truly believe the Nike Vapor Pro 2 is the best men’s tennis shoe on the market at the moment and is perfect for any player looking for a shoe that provides comfort and stability without sacrificing speed.

2. Asics Court FF 3

Price: $$$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 15.3oz

The Asics Court FF 3 is a premium tennis shoe, so it is no surprise that they are used by Novak Djokovic and have helped him win many Grand Slams and ATP Tour titles.

The Midsole features Asics FlyteFoam technology which offers incredible cushioning whilst supporting your foot. It also features Midfoot Trusstic System technology which adds stability and stops any unwanted twisting in the foot reducing the risk of injury.

For the outsole, Asics have included their AHAR Plus rubber in a modified herringbone tread pattern providing extra traction on the tennis court. They’ve also provided extra protection in areas that tend to wear more on the inside of the foot which all tennis players will appreciate.

The upper has a tongue-less, sock-style design which hugs the foot like a glove making for outstanding comfort. They’ve also added a more open mesh design under the laces providing more breathability. It is obvious Asics had comfort in mind when making the Court FF 3s.

As someone who competes in tournaments regularly, stability and durability are very important to me when I’m looking for a new pair of shoes. I found that the Asics Court FF 3 ticked both those categories perfectly. I would recommend them to any players serious about their tennis.

3. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 13.5oz

The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 is a lightweight tennis shoe made with speed in mind.

Adidas has created a new Seamless Primeknit sock-like upper for this shoe making for an interesting yet comfortable experience. Whilst this glove-like upper is not seen very often on tennis shoes, I can assure you it is very comfortable. Adidas has also reduced the weight with this new design by removing the tongue.

A second layer of woven Primegreen material has been included on the upper to help support the foot with this new design and add even more stability when changing directions.

For the outsole, Adiwear rubber has been introduced to provide more traction for multidirectional movements.

The midsole features Lightstrike which is a cushioning that adds extra comfort whilst retaining a response feel underfoot so you can keep reacting quickly. This is the biggest improvement in the new Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4s.

4. Asics Gel Resolution 9

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 15.0oz

The Asics Gel Resolution series has been one of the most popular tennis shoes of all time and this trend continues with the release of the Asics Gel Resolution 9.

The upper features a Flexion Fit design built for support by locking your feet in place. Plus, it remains flexible allowing for quick movements and maintaining comfort throughout your foot.

The midsole has a combination of FlyteFoam and gel cushioning to provide outstanding comfort and shock absorption which is vital for those long hours on the tennis court.

For the outsole, Asics included their AHAR+ rubber, which is seen in the Asics Court FF 3, designed to offer plenty of traction and durability. In fact, Asics is so confident with their durability that they have included a six month outsole durability guarantee with the Gel Resolution 9.

I found that this shoe was extremely durable and offered a good amount of stability and support. However, the only downside I had was that the ventilation wasn’t the best. As someone who lives in Western Australia, it can get very hot out on the tennis court which means that ventilation is very important.

5. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 15.6oz

The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is one of the most durable tennis shoes on the market and is the perfect choice for players who want shoes that last them longer.

For the upper, Nike has included a unique lacing system that wraps around your foot offering more support and comfort. They have also made it hidden which is perfect for players that tend to slide as this reduces the possibility of breaking your laces.

The midsole features Nike’s Zoom Air technology, which is found in many of their shoes, providing a responsive and springy feel helping with movement on the tennis court.

A durable rubber compound that is blended with Kurim has been added to the outsole further helping with extra durability. They’ve also made sure to add protection in high-wear areas and areas that tend to get worn down from sliding.

The Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is my shoe of choice due to how durable they are. Durability has always been an issue for me with hard court tennis shoes as I tend to slide a lot causing the laces to break. However, the hidden lacing system seems to combat this, helping them last longer. But, I must admit, they are definitely not the most comfortable shoe.

It does not surprise me that these are Rafael Nadal’s go-to tennis shoes.

6. New Balance Fresh Foam Lav v2

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 14.3oz

The New Balance Fresh Foam Lav v2 is one of the most popular tennis shoes manufactured by New Balance and is endorsed by American tennis star Tommy Paul.

The midsole features new and updated Fresh Foam X technology which is made with extra cushioning and stability to give the player the most comfortable experience possible.

The outsole is built with NDurance rubber in a modified herringbone tread pattern for traction and durability.

For the upper, New Balance has featured their FitWeave technology to lock your foot down and provide more stability. They’ve also added a knit sock liner with a traditional tongue design to give a glove-like feel.

7. K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 13.1oz

Whilst K-Swiss isn’t the most popular tennis brand, they have been making high-quality tennis shoes for many years and endorse British tennis player Cameron Norrie who uses the K-Swiss Ultrashot 3. However, my favorite shoe by K-Swiss is the Hypercourt Supreme.

The upper has been made with DuraWrap Flex technology for exceptional support whilst maintaining a flexible feel so you can move freely on the court.

The midsole features Surge 7.0 tech to give you explosive energy on each step and a midfoot shank for added stability.

For the outsole, K-Swiss added Aosta 7.0 rubber for added durability and traction to keep you feeling good on any court surface.

When I was testing out these shoes, it felt like I could move so much faster due to how lightweight they were. The K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme is definitely one of the best lightweight tennis shoes on the market. It’s just a shame they didn’t improve the durability and ventilation.

7 Best Tennis Shoes for Women

1. Nike Zoom Vapor 11

Price: $$$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Low | Weight: 15.5oz

The Nike Zoom Vapor has been Nike’s most famous tennis shoe line on both the men’s and women’s tour.

Nike has included their Zoom Air unit in the Vapor 11 which provides comfort like no other shoe and keeps the player feeling light and explosive. They’ve also added a molded sidewall within the midsole for stability and lateral support.

The upper features a breathable yet durable mesh material keeping the feet comfortable and providing support. Nike has also added an asymmetrical lacing system, found in many of their new shoe designs, that hugs your foot for even more support.

Nike has gone for a minimalistic approach with the outsole to help shed some weight off the shoe. However, they have made sure to add thicker tread in high-wear areas of the shoe for durability.

2. Adidas Avacourt

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 11.1oz

Endorsed by young star Elena Rybakina, the Adidas Avacourt was created specifically for female tennis players.

The upper includes layers of transparent support as well as a mid-foot system that avoids pressure points to keep you feeling comfortable yet stable on the court.

The outsole features translucent rubber giving you the perfect blend of traction and durability on any surface.

The midsole is where the Adidas Avacourt shines. Adidas have added their Bounce Pro cushioning technology which offers a responsive feel whilst maintaining comfort and support. This tech has been constructed through years of researching female tennis players’ feet.

I found that these shoes felt very comfortable to wear and fit my narrow feet perfectly. Weighing at only 11.1oz, they felt extremely lightweight, allowing me to float around the tennis court. But after a few sessions, I did already start to see wear on the side of the shoe, which may be an issue if you’re an aggressive mover like me. Aside from that, the Adidas Avacourt is a great shoe that I’d definitely recommend.

3. K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 10.8oz

The K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme is also a very popular choice of tennis shoe amongst female tennis players.

DuraWrap Flex technology was used to create the upper, which provides outstanding support while still feeling flexible to allow for unrestricted movement on the court. K-Swiss also added protection in the toe for extra durability which all tennis players will appreciate.

Surge 7.0 technology and a midfoot shank in the midsole combine to give you powerful energy with each step and prevent any unwanted twisting in the feet.

K-Swiss put Aosta 7.0 rubber on the outsole in a herringbone tread pattern to increase durability and traction and keep you feeling comfortable.

4. Asics Gel Resolution 9

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Low | Weight: 12.7oz

The Asics Gel Resolution 9 is a very popular tennis shoe that I’d recommend everyone to try.

The upper has a Flexion Fit design that locks your feet into position for stability. Moreover, it is very flexible, enabling fast movements and preserving comfort throughout your foot.

The midsole combines FlyteFoam and Gel cushioning to give a comfortable and responsive feel. Asics have also added Dynawall technology to help give you more stability and prevent unwanted twisting.

The Asics Gel Resolution 9 uses Asics’ AHAR+ rubber on the outsole, which is made to be durable and offers a lot of traction.

5. Prince T22

Price: $$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Low | Weight: 13.8oz

The T22 is Prince’s most popular tennis that offers a great all-around performance.

The upper features a breathable, synthetic material that is comfortable and flexible allowing for free movement. They’ve also added mesh panels allowing for even more breathability.

For the midsole, Prince combined EVA and ShockEraser technology that helps absorbs any shocks to enhance comfort throughout your foot.

Prince are known for having durable shoes due to their PRC 1000 compound which is formed in a herringbone tread giving traction and durability on any tennis court.

I found that the Prince T22 was very comfortable to wear, due to the large amounts of cushioning in the heel. The only downside I had was the design. Personally, I think these shoes are quite unappealing to look at, but it’s all down to personal preference.

6. New Balance 996 v5

Price: $$$ | Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Low | Weight: 10.8oz

At only 10.8 ounces, this makes the New Balance 996 v5 the lightest tennis shoe made by the brand.

A lightweight synthetic material combined with mesh has been used for the upper offering comfortable support and breathability. They’ve also added their NDure tech to high-wear areas on the upper for extra durability.

For the midsole, you’ll find FuelCell foam for an exceptional blend of cushioning and responsiveness under the foot.

NDurance rubber has been used for the outsole in a modified tread pattern offering good traction and durability.

New Balance is very confident in its NDurance tech which is why they’ve added a 6-month outsole durability guarantee when you purchase this shoe.

If you’re someone with wide feet, you’d find the New Balance 996 v5 very comfortable to wear. 

7. Adidas Barricade

Price: $$$| Size: True | Width: Medium | Arch: Medium | Weight: 12.5oz

The Adidas Barricade was first released back in 2000, being endorsed by the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, and remains a very popular tennis shoe to this day.

The Barricade is known for its durability because of its Adiwear rubber compound. On the outsole, this has been used in a split herringbone tread that helps players with sliding as well as durability.

The upper features an asymmetrical lacing system that secures the foot in place and provides a snug fit. Many other durability features have also been added to the new model of the Adidas Barricade to help protect the shoe.

Adidas have included their Bounce tech in the midsole for a more responsive and comfortable experience underfoot and a 3D TPU shank that helps with stability when performing side-to-side movements.

Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe

Upper

The upper refers to the top of the shoe that covers the entire foot. The material and shape of the upper can vary across different tennis shoes providing different levels of ventilation and durability.

Midsole

The midsole is the thick, cushioned area between your foot and the outsole. This area plays an important role in comfort and stability.

Outsole

The outsole is the hard material at the bottom of the shoe. This needs to be the most durable area as it will constantly be in contact with the court.

Tongue

The tongue is the area that sits below the laces and rests on the top of your foot. This area can come in many different designs and also plays an important role in providing comfort.

Laces

For those of you who don’t know what the laces are (which I hope isn’t many), this is the string of the shoe that you tie to secure your foot in place.

What to Look for in a Tennis Shoe

Finding the right tennis shoe for you isn’t easy as there are many different factors to consider. Below I’ve covered the basics to help you get started:

Durability

Tennis is most commonly played on hard courts so having durable shoes is vital as they will quickly wear down.

Different styles of play will lead to wear in different areas of the shoe, however, the outsole will always wear down the most as this is the area that will constantly be in contact with the court.

The toe is also an area where players tend to find a lot of wear and tear as this will frequently come into contact with the court from sliding and lunging. Another area I find wears down a lot is the side of the shoe due to sliding which is why I always buy shoes that have extra protection in this area.

I’d recommend inspecting your current tennis shoes and seeing where they wear down the most so you know which areas need extra protection.

Support

Tennis shoes are known for being very supportive as the sport puts a lot of stress on your ankles due to quick movements and constant changes in direction.

However, different tennis shoes will offer different levels of support. If you’re someone that is prone to ankle injuries then I’d recommend choosing shoes that offer a high level of support such as the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4.

Comfort

As tennis shoes need to be supportive this means that they tend to be stiffer than other types of shoes. Although, some tennis shoes will prioritize comfort more than others.

Finding shoes that you feel comfortable in is vital as you will be spending many hours playing in them. If you tend to get sore feet from your tennis shoes, I’d recommend replacing the insole with one that provides some extra comfort.

Traction

Having shoes that provide a good grip is essential for playing tennis.

The outsole of a tennis shoe can come in different materials, patterns and textures to give different amounts of grip on the court surface.

For example, the outsole of a clay court shoe will feature a full herringbone tread pattern as this stops the clay from getting stuck to the outsole allowing for a better grip of the court and making it easier to change direction. On the other hand, grass court shoes will feature tiny “pimples” on the outsole as this gives a better grip on the grass.

Hard court shoes can come in a range of different patterns but most of the time you’ll find they all feel the same as hard courts don’t require a certain pattern on the outsole for good grip.

Weight

Weight is a very important factor when it comes to buying tennis shoes.

Lightweight shoes will make you faster but are much less durable, whereas heavier shoes will slow you down but tend to have more durability and stability.

Once again, it is all down to preference on what is important to you. If you want a lightweight shoe I’d recommend Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 but if durability is important to you I’d recommend the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4.

Arch Support

The level of arch support will vary across different tennis shoes however most will feature a medium to low arch support which will be suitable for most people.

If you’re someone that requires a unique arch support then I’d recommend looking into replacing the insole of your tennis shoes.

What Tennis Shoes am I Currently Using?

Over the years, I have had many issues with durability which is why I am currently using the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4.

I have tried many different tennis shoes over the years but always found that I wore them down on the side resulting in holes and broken laces. This meant that I was constantly having to buy new shoes which can get expensive, especially when you’re playing tournaments every weekend.

That is why the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 was a game-changer for me.

The extra protection on the side meant that they lasted much longer and the hidden lacing system prevented me from breaking any laces.

But now you are probably wondering why I didn’t rank these No.1 on my list.

I did find these were a lot less comfortable than previous tennis shoes I had worn such as the Nike Zoom Vapor 11. I also found that the Vapor Cage 4 felt a lot heavier, but it wasn’t enough to feel like my movement was restricted.

Whilst I believe that there are better tennis shoes on the market, if you’re someone like me who likes to slide and wear down their shoes quickly then I couldn’t recommend the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 enough.

Conclusion

Whether you’ve just started learning how to play tennis or you’re stepping out to make your Grand Slam debut, finding the right pair of tennis shoes is vital in protecting your body and helping you play your best tennis.

But hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what to look for in tennis shoes and have found a pair that best suits you.

So what’s next?

It’s time to grab your tennis racket and get out there!

Image Source: Talk Tennis