Rule the Court With These Expert-Recommended Tennis Shoes for Women (2024)

This tennis shoe is designed to add extra stability—an important feature for tennis players making quick movements on the court. “[This is a] very reactive shoe with great foot support and stability due to having a flat footbed,” says Connor Chin, P.T.R., professional tennis registry certified and an assistant volunteer coach for Stony Brook University women’s tennis team, who recommends this shoe for all feet types. “It has a slight cushion that allows for sliding even on hard courts.”

Parthasarathy is a fan of ASICS shoes and recommended the earlier model of this sneaker, the Gel Resolution 8 Tennis Shoe. “It has plenty of cushioning, is low profile, and light to assist in quick pivoting,” Parthasarathy says. “It also has a low-to-the-ground feel which tennis players prefer.”The shoe’s GEL technology improves comfort for feet and ankles with softer impacts with each step. Plus, it’s also available in five colors and sizes 5 to 12 with the option of a wide size, making this an all-around great option for the court.

Parthasarathy recommends this lightweight, cushioned tennis shoe for its durability. “It has a durable sole with bigger and thicker tread in areas that wear the most, this in turn results in less strain on the foot,” she says. “The foot bed is also contoured and that allows the foot to be well supported.”

The foot support and shock-absorbing EVA foam help protect ankles and heels from any injury.

Playing tennis for hours under the hot sun can lead to some sweaty feet, but these breathable shoes will keep your feet cool and comfy. And, you don’t have to stress about your laces untying mid-game, as these shoes feature adaptive laces to secure your feet inside.

The shoe’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shank design stiffens the outsole of shoes to improve stability, and Chin says they even conform to your feet. “They are a heavier shoe because of this, but they are extremely durable, especially on the toe box,” he says. “This prevents damage in the toe box which happens in a lot of tennis shoes due to dragging during play.”

Parthasarathy recommends this lightweight shoe for its stability and support. “It provides a lot of lateral support which is good for the side-to-side movements of tennis,” she says. “It also is well cushioned.”

Skip the break-in period with these sneakers’ Durawrap Flex (K-Swiss’ unique lightweight technology to prevent toe dragging) shoes that have an extra-comfy and flexible fit. You’ll never miss a step with the lace closures and grooved bottoms that provide stable traction on the court. These are lightweight and high-performing options for most tennis players, but Parthasarathy does advise those with bunions or hammertoes to opt for a different tennis shoe, as these K-Swiss sneakers have a narrow toe box.

This tennis shoe is available in regular, narrow, and wide widths so that you can find your perfect fit. The unique herringbone tread pattern on these shoes’ bottoms improves traction on the court, allowing you to make quick and sudden movements without slipping.

“[This shoe] also provides great stability, cushioning and lightweight at the same time,” Chin says. “I would especially recommend this for my older players.”

Look at the outsole: Different courts call for different shoes, and picking ones that go well together will improve your performance and feel more comfortable. “Look for an outsole specific for the court you play on such as clay, hard court, or grass,” Parthasarathy advises. “This will maximize traction and prevent injury.”

Check the insole: Parthasarathy says the increased lateral foot support in tennis shoes helps prevent ankle sprains, so be sure to check the arch and sides of the sneakers. Heavier material and side-to-side support give a tennis shoe good lateral stability.

Consider the material: Mesh exteriors will make for a more breathable shoe, which is ideal when playing tennis outdoors in the heat. If you play through the colder months or at an indoor tennis court, a thicker, leather shoe may be a better option.

Depending on where you live, you may call any pair of sneakers or athletic footwear “tennis shoes.” The words are often interchangeable, but there are shoes that are built specifically for tennis players with designs suitable for the court and the specific movements used while playing tennis.

“In order to provide more stability compared to running shoes, they tend to be much flatter and have a lower heel-to-toe drop,” Chin says. “They are also stiffer because they need to provide lateral support compared to running shoes which are designed to just move forward.” This is why a pair of running shoes for long distances may feel light as a feather, while a pair of leather tennis shoes can feel heavy at first.

“Tennis shoes offer a lot of support to your ankles to prevent injury during the sudden side-to-side movement needed in tennis,” Parthasarathy says. “They also usually offer more cushion and midsole support to prevent strain and injury.”

While you may want to throw on your daily sneakers and head out to the court, Parthasarathy says it may not be the best idea. “Playing tennis in a regular sneaker could put you at greater risk of injury while playing tennis, such as spraining your ankle,” she says. “You also want to conserve shoes for just tennis so they do not abnormally wear doing other activities leading to more strain in other areas.”

Taking the safe route and wearing the correct footwear for the activity you are doing will help prevent injuries—Parthasarathy even says she’s seen a rise in foot injuries after pickleball’s rise in popularity.

We consulted Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., board-certified podiatrist at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic; and Connor Chin, P.T.R., professional tennis registry certified and an assistant volunteer coach for Stony Brook University women’s tennis team, to learn about the qualities of a good tennis shoe and discover top-quality recommendations. We also conducted our own research and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best tennis shoes for women.