Often, you can’t see a shoe’s heel counter because manufacturers weave them into the shoe’s upper. Heel CounterĪt the back of a shoe, you’ll find the heel counter – a stiffer material 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. However, the purpose of that section remains the same. Many shoes opt for a bootie or sock design without a distinct tongue. The piece of material that sits below the laces for added comfort is called the tongue. Much 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 and attaches to the sole to form the shoe. Some are visible at the bottom of the shoe, while others hide in the midsole. ShankĪ rigid piece of material added toward the middle of a shoe’s midsole to provide stability and prevent twisting is called the shank. Insoles come in varying thicknesses, and some do a better job of 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 will keep a player close to the ground for a more responsive ride, while thicker midsoles will 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 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, we’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 its unique attributes, so I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love. With all that said, I thought I’d 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 8 and find the Court FF2 to look a bit bulky. First, I prefer the overall feel of the Gel Resolution 8, which I find rides a bit lower to the ground. If you’re wondering why I don’t use the Asics Court FF 2 since they top my list and outperform the Gel Resolutions in a few areas, it’s two-fold.
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However, the Vapor Pro is 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 lightweight, low to the ground feel and overall performance of the Nike Air Zoom 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.Īlthough I’m not old by any stretch, at 38 going on 39, I’ve been wearing the Gel Resolution shoes primarily because of comfort. Not only is it a question TennisCompanion members and readers frequently ask me, but I think 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 8, which I have ranked as the fourth-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. Here’s a quick snapshot of our top picks for men and women to get us started – keep scrolling to learn more about each shoe. In this guide, we’ve pulled together reviews of the ten best tennis shoes for men and women, along with tips to keep in mind when buying a new pair or replacing your existing kicks. However, there is a wide variety of considerations when searching for the perfect shoe, including comfort, durability, and cost, to name a few, making tracking down the ideal footwear challenging. Tennis shoes are a vital part of a player’s equipment, and it pays to invest wisely to protect your feet and avoid injury.