Tennis shoes have come a long way since the celebrated days of the classic Dunlop’s Green Flash plimsoll.
While Britain’s very own Fred Perry wore these classics in the mid-30s and won Wimbledon three times whilst wearing them, footwear has become more technical over time.
How do you choose a tennis shoe?
Brand allegiance or awareness, player endorsement and dynamic technology play a key part in your purchase as well as budget, support, comfort and style. For the finer specifications, pay close attention to durability, weight and how it plays on a particular surface.
British Tour player George Loffhagen explains, “In terms of shoes giving you a competitive advantage, I think it’s more important on clay and grass because those surfaces are much harder to move on, so the different soles that the shoes have really make a difference. They need to allow you to move a lot better, in terms of change of direction, confidence in your movement and just having a strong base.”
We have reviewed offerings from the biggest brands on the market and put each tennis shoe through a finely tuned product testing process to help you balance up the best footwear for your A-game.
Each pair of tennis trainers has had a thorough run out (maximum of 24 hours) on its specific paired court type or a mix of different playing surfaces (hard court, as well as clay and grass - including artificial versions). A breaking-in period of two hours has also been incorporated into the mix - we like to play fair here.
You can be safe in the knowledge our expert tester has been chasing a fuzzy yellow ball since the age of five (playing both recreationally and competitively) plus has successfully obtained qualifications with the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) - the largest tennis coaching organisation in the world.
But it doesn’t end there, we have also enlisted a top team of active players (from beginners to advanced) to help cover every aspect of court coverage.
Adidas Barricade 13
- Preferred fit: Medium-wide/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and clay
- Weight: 460g / UK 11.5
- Pro player endorsements: Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Shoe type: Speed-durability focused
The updated Barricade 13 looks sleeker than ever. Eagle-eyed fans of the signature three stripes will spot the improved top cap drag protection which wraps around the side of the silhouette like indestructible armour and the disappearance of the large, emblazoned protective Adidas lettering on the inside wall, making way for a cleaner design.
Slipping on these pumps is a pure delight and feels as snug as a bug in a rug with an intuitive lacing system securing feet in place perfectly with zero stress on the forefoot. The break-in period is next to nothing, while the shoe offers a real plush, secure footing thanks to Geofit Sensepods discreetly placed inside the ankle for extra comfort and lockdown.
Because of the increased cushioning, the rebooted upper has a heavier drop on the scales at 460g but it’s made from a flexible, strong mesh breathable fabric. This sneaker also features at least 20 per cent recycled materials to help reduce waste. It runs true to size but moving a half or one size up is worth considering (especially if you wear thick socks).
For premium support and performance, there is everything you desire. The new Repititor midsole provides a reactive spring factor on the hop, step and jump. Some players may find the drive a little firmer than the previous Barricades and notice the trainer sits a little higher off the ground.
Stability is where the Barricade 13 truly excels - which is down to the torsion system encasing the bottom of the sole and midsole exterior siding. This creates a rock-solid bumper around your feet. It’s like having the Dark Knight’s Batmobile on your feet.
The two-piece hybrid herringbone grip is a top traction performer on all court surfaces. Yet, if you want to experience an enhanced grip that still allows for devilish sliding, try the specific clay sole. The tread works extremely well, even on damp artificial grass.
For players who prefer a lighter, trimmer and quicker off-the-ground option give the Ubersonic 4.1 or adizero Cybersonic a spin.
MATCH POINT: PERFECT ALL-ROUND PERFORMER
Buy now £130.00, Adidas
Babolat Propulse Fury 3
- Preferred fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court
- Weight: 420g
- Pro player endorsements: Benoit Paire
- Shoe type: Speed-durability focused
I’ve never worn shoes from the iconic racket brand, so I was both excited and inquisitive to give these Babolat Propulse Fury 3s a run test. As soon as we saw them out of the box, we couldn’t help but notice the lively, clean lines running from heel to toe with a solid, quality feel.
Once laced up, they provided a great foothold courtesy of Babolat’s unique power belt system. We were also pleasantly surprised by the uppers that created an excellent balance of airflow and protection. Big hitters who like to drag around the court at breakneck speed will find the raised side a great addition to safeguard against wear and tear.
Highlights include the padded tongue that was remarked about by our playtesters, although a few did request a little more stretch. The Propulse Fury 3s come up snug, so opting for a half-size up is probably a good idea.
The souped-up heal area on the midsole is engineered with Babolat’s KPRSX 2 EVA and gives each player ultimate shock absorption, together with a stacked feeling off the ground. You can’t go wrong edging your opponent in height!
You can’t miss the duo direction all-court Michelin tread which drives like a dream on hard surfaces as well as on clay where it does the business. The performance on dry artificial grass and the indoor carpet doesn’t disappoint either.
One playtested remarked that “these shoes just kept growing on me. From the off-set laces which hugged my feet with a perfect fit to the beastly and durable tread, there is basically nothing stopping me from going for broke on every point.”
Still not convinced, and want to turn heads even more? Then, may we point you in the direction of the Jet Mach III weighing in at a feather-light 387g. They are seriously fast and furious - just don’t forget to buckle up properly.
MATCH POINT: DREAM COURT DRIVE
Buy now £108.90, Tennis Point
Asics Gel Resolution 9
- Preferred fit: Medium-wide/true to size
- Surface sole: All court and clay
- Weight: 450g
- Pro player endorsements: Gael Monfils
- Shoe type: Durability Focused
For players who like to be more robust in action and tend to patrol the baseline, the Asics Gel Resolution 9 is a worthy yet dynamic option to explore. Crowd showman Gael Monfils is apparently a big fan.
These trainers pack a lot of clout and punch, but also employ a more than generous bed of comfort and speed - the clue is in the name. I’ll go as far as to say that if you are on the court for a long period of time, your feet will thank you afterwards.
But it doesn’t stop there, incredible stability is the key with multi-layers of engineering on the midsole. The heart of it is the Dynawall technology which is built into the exterior wall and acts as a responsive rebound element to push you back into play after chasing down a ball.
Initially, I felt the new Dynawall was higher and way more solid than the previous version. Most of our testers agreed they would take time to soften up. So, hang in there ... they will gel with your foot.
The shoe construction is complimented by the strategically placed Dynawrap lacing system and raised heel support which locks you in perfectly. If you have a slightly wider foot, the Gel Res 9 accommodates in that department.
Still want to explore more and wish the best of both worlds in terms of speed and durability? Then check out the Asics Court FF3 Novaks.
MATCH POINT: RESPONSIVE OFF THE REBOUND
Buy now £135.00, Asics
Lacoste AG-LT23 Ultra x Daniil Medvedev
- Preferred fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: All court and clay
- Weight: 460g
- Pro player endorsements: Daniil Medvedev
- Shoe type: Speed-durability focused
Lacoste - with its recognisable crocodile logo - has recently stepped back on court. The brand is marking its grand return with a big hitter trainer. As soon as you get it out of the box, it is immediately obvious that this is a top-tier shoe specifically made for the modern-era player with its purposeful contoured lines.
Endorsed by Daniil Medvedev and weighing in at a heavier 460g than its LT-21 predecessor, the shoe is somehow still aerodynamic and ready to roar. But how does it play out on the court? Will it snap at the competition or get drowned out?
At the upper, we immediately noticed the excellent mix of pique-weave breathable mesh with strategically positioned durable protection that gives a superb balance of strength and agility.
Some players may experience a restrictive feeling at the toes due to a flatness spanning across the toe box (much like a tightly tucked-in bed quilt). Personally, it didn’t bother me - and I’m very picky about these things.
Running around the court with these classy kicks is just sublime. The luxurious cushioning and reactive bounce back off the ground are off the charts. I also found a great connection and feedback on all surfaces.
The two-piece herringbone pattern outsole keeps you well under control on various court types and should cancel out any skidding or sliding.
I especially adored the lush locked-in comfort around the ankle collar and padded pods on the split tongue. That’s the quality little Easter Eggs I look for in a high-performance tennis shoe.
With its quick break-in period, this is a showcourt piece with tremendous bite and is available in a great selection of summer hues.
MATCH POINT: SLEEK AND STABLE
Buy now £150.00, Lacoste
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
- Preferred Fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and clay
- Weight: 458g
- Pro player endorsements: None
- Shoe type: Durability focused
Building on from the now discontinued Vapor Pro (we don’t know why as it’s an electrifying shoe), this new offering is a bit of a departure from the speed-focused affair that its predecessor was known for and instead rips up the courts with ultimate comfort.
There is still an extremely decent element of the zippiness, especially on the front foot courtesy of the cleverly repositioned Zoom Air box that is now found on the ball of your foot and encourages you to burst forward and close down any short balls.
It feels like the Vapor Pro 2 sides more towards everlasting rallies - especially when considering Nike’s Claybreaker technology that the brand claims “enhances traction and adds grip”. For all hard-court aficionados out there, a snappy dogtooth pattern tread optimises your game on this particular surface.
So how did this sneaker stack up?
What you have with this shoe is Saturday night sofa-like comfort - with no break-in required. The cushioning under the heel area is absolutely phenomenal. But it is worth taking into consideration that you might find it disconnects you from the ground.
I felt secure whilst sliding and experienced a fast low ride off the surface. The interesting lace system is placed centrally (rather than angular like its predecessor) and incorporates an under-loop flap eyelet, which could be more for design than functionality. The system does essentially hold you down.
Nike has managed to break the mould again by producing a trainer that stands out from the crowd and performs at the highest level point after point. The Air Zoom Vapor 11 is also worth looking at if you prefer a faster-moving alternative.
MATCH POINT: TOTAL BOUNCE AND ZIP
Buy now £119.99, Nike
On ROGER Pro 2
- Preferred fit: Medium-wide/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and clay
- Weight: 450g / UK 11.5
- Pro player endorsements: Roger Federer, Ben Shelton
- Shoe type: Speed-durability Focused
Roger Federer might have hung up his racket a few years back but he is still technically ‘On’ the tennis court with his ground-breaking 2nd gen high-performance signature footwear. USA young gun Ben Shelton is also signed up to wear them.
Aptly named THE ROGER Pro 2, the interior is packed with science, which is reflected in the hefty price tag. Aesthetically, it’s hard not to admire the vibrant hues decorating the toe box together paired with the brand’s signature understated lines and redesigned logo. You will spot this on the side of the shoe as well as on the tongue but it appears more subtly than the previous iteration.
From first wear, the Pro 2 boasts strong foot support and a dynamic design. The new lateral TPU clips assist with extra security whilst scrambling for a wide ball. Around the mid-foot area, strapping wraps neatly around the sneaker for ultimate lockdown.
From the heel, the raised counter collar gives you a boost in playing performance. Holding you in a perfect place with no slippage. There seems to be a slight rise in cushioning on the midsole. This offsets the balance of the firmness from the cutting-edge carbon fibre Speedboard that provides excellent ground contact and acceleration with supreme energy return. The reinforced toe cap should keep most hardballers from putting a dent in these kicks and improve their game too.
Our playtesters waxed lyrical on just how comfortable and breathable they found the On ROGER Pro 2. Airflow is encouraged through the snappy coloured abrasion-resistant upper and enhanced by the reworked wafer-thin tongue for optimum ventilation. The latter is also fitted with minimal but sufficient comfy padding.
The hard court grip has been reconfigured from a cross-hatch to a more aggressive herringbone pattern that extends along the side of the silhouette. This ensures extra protection from court dragging. We found this vastly improved movement from the baseline to the net and back again.
Clay court aficionados will be delighted to hear a version is available and performs perfectly. If you want to go wild on the red dirt all day long, snap up the pink iteration.
The fit is wide and roomy - so it’s just how Federer likes it. However, we would recommend trying at least a half size up.
The ROGER Pro 2 not only looks more attractive but in our opinion has effortlessly evolved into a worthy grand slam-winning choice, following in the footsteps of one of the most graceful and greatest players of all time.
MATCH POINT: CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Buy now £188.90, Tennis Point
New Balance FuelCell 996v5
- Preferred fit: Medium-wide/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and all court
- Weight: 400g
- Shoe type: Speed focused
New Balance has done an excellent job making these FuelCell 996v5s nimble on the run with ample stability. The lightweight upper mesh stretches, supports and is exceptionally breathable - all of which is wrapped up in a simplistic classic design (there is also a funky blue option for the more adventurous).
Diving straight into the two-pattern grip, which is predominately a wavy herringbone and part curved tread under the heel area, it hits clutch mode on the hard court without a foot fault in sight. On other court surfaces, it also manages to stay on track.
Whilst trying to retrieve some horrible wide balls, I felt well balanced across the court - perhaps a little slip here and there on artificial surfaces, but not enough to mark it down.
For comfort, NB has created a plush, low-ground ride that is well-connected and ready to roll from first serve with no break-in required. Foam technology in the midsole encourages you to hunt down drop shots with zest and this has been boosted since previous shoes to better return energy.
I’d like to add, the lateral support has improved as well from the previous 4.5 model. In fact, the shoe as a whole has jumped into a whole new league - despite a small increase in weight.
If you wish to experience extra dynamic explosion, we suggest trying an orthotic insole. You might just see an improved performance.
MATCH POINT: COOL PERFORMER
Buy now £84.00, New Balance
Wilson Rush Pro 4.5
- Preferred fit: Medium-wide/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and clay
- Weight: 430g /UK Size 11.5
- Pro player endorsements: Marta Kostyuk
- Shoe type: Speed-durability focused
Wilson has produced the goods with a rock solid refresh yet supremely comfortable pair of kicks here - which you could happily wear all day long.
The split chassis incorporates enhanced support and assists in propelling players forward with purpose. The reconstructed midsole section with R-DSLT+ and lightweight Energy Cell technology ensures a smooth yet dynamic ride.
Taking a close look at the uppers, the upgraded layered flexible mesh allows more airflow. The protected drag pad on the inside has been streamlined to make the silhouette sleeker and more durable. So, now you can look even better whilst bombing around the lines without a care in the world.
A heel strap is added to the Rush Pro 4.5, which makes so sliding in and out of them easier than ever. There is nothing more annoying than battling with your shoes before or after a match, right?
Where this trainer really takes off is on the all-court sole that shines especially on a dry hard and artificial grass court surface. This is enhanced by the compound tread that makes running in and out of shots a pure joy, whilst providing stability and speed. If the action heats up on court, the tread excels step after step even if the pump is 10g heavier than the previous iteration.
When taken for a spin on dry artificial clay, some players may overshoot on the underfoot if using the all-court version - but not enough to skid or slip completely out of control. They generally work around the lines just fine. Naturally, opting for the paired deep-cut clay sole will cancel this out.
The brand has done a stellar job improving its popular line of Rush Pro tennis sneakers. This is not only in terms of how it plays out in high-tempo matches, but also in the looks department.
MATCH POINT: DYNAMIC MOVES
Buy now £120.00, Wilson
Adidas Adizero Cybersonic
- Preferred fit: Narrow-medium/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and all court
- Weight: 390g
- Shoe type: Speed focused
Looking for something extra special to zip around your local park courts or tennis club? Fans of Adidas will be craving “the future of fast” as they say with the new Cybersonic.
The Adizero Cybersonic incorporates Lightstrike midsole technology, which provides second-to-none cushioning and is totally explosive off the rebound. The low-to-ground ride enables players to move quickly around the court with impressive speed and acceleration.
We gave these a rigorous run out and found the more aggressive moves we made, they responded and reacted quicker and better. Our playtesters admired the minimalistic yet futuristic design that doesn’t detract from the high-performance values and results.
Wrapped around the heel and rooted into the sole is the true heartbeat - an ‘energy rod’, which elevates the response of the shoe and supports the stability of the midfoot and heel.
The rod might look like a bumper guard but doesn’t act as one. It has real technical purpose and doesn’t stiffen up the sneaker at all.
One very minor niggle I dare to mention is a slight issue with multi-directional soles. Don’t get me wrong it does the job on all surfaces, but would benefit better if it was replaced with the all-court tread of the Barricade. That would make it the best tennis shoe in the Adidas line and one of the best on the market.
MATCH POINT: ACE ACCELERATION
Buy now £80.00, Adidas
Lotto Raptor Hyperpulse 100 spd
- Preferred fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court
- Weight: 491g
- Pro Player endorsements: Roberto Carballes Baena
- Shoe type: Durability focused
I was super excited testing out Lotto’s Raptor Hyperpulse 100 SPD, before I even got them on court as the comfort factor completely knocked it out of the ballpark.
Everything from the integrated padded tongue, to the secure laces and ventilated layered upper with its aerodynamic protective diamonds throws this sneaker in the right direction and that’s even before we dive any deeper.
The meat and bones for me is all about the multi-layer midsole with a stack of stability and support properties fused with Lotto’s innovative Hyperpulse technology that propels this high-performance tennis shoe to a different level - in terms of shock absorption and energy propulsion.
Anyone suffering from foot pain (arch, balls of feet or heel) could benefit from trying these out. We noted and applauded the super comfy removable Ortholite insole.
The sweet gameplay continues with Lotto’s outsole that boasts unrivalled traction and durability, courtesy of a collaboration with Vibram - a label that specialises in minimalist running footwear. Technically, these shoes are designed for Hard Court and they are delightfully quiet - less squeaky results here (there’s a clay court version available too).
Lotto’s tech bundle ensures they won’t let you down and keep you pumped up on every twist and turn. These Raptors command that killer instinct you need when it comes down to the final breaker.
MATCH POINT: EFFORTLESS APPROACH
Buy now £170.00, Lotto
K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2 HB
- Preferred fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: All court and clay
- Weight: 412g
- Pro player endorsements: Cameron Norrie
- Shoe type: Speed-durability focused
Top Brit player Cameron Norrie, who is making waves on the ATP circuit, is currently signed up with K-Swiss, wearing the Ultrashot 3 model.
We opted for the acclaimed and freshly released Hypercourt Supreme 2, a popular choice for club/competitive players - be it juniors or adults.
Straight out of the box, these are ready for the first point. They are solid, fast and aggressive with a herringbone wraparound tread that performs particularly well on wet clay.
Air filtration is decent with the mesh-constructed toe box and feather-light extended padded tongue providing some breathability, but we felt heat accumulating underfoot.
Our test panel applauded the out-of-this-world comfort whilst slamming down crushing jump shots. The extra stabilising lace straps gave added security.
Ground connection and responsiveness are extremely explosive on account of the dual-density midsole which features K-Swiss’ Surgelite tech. The brand has also added a shock spring foam in the forefoot area for quicker reactions.
Zooming in on the ankle zone, our panel didn’t experience any major indication of heel movement, which is down to the sturdy double lock construction with textile lining.
K-Swiss has produced a sweet all-round performer from heel to toe which balances between quickness and longevity. The wave-like contour-lined Durawrap X upper makes the whole shoe strong and flexible and deflects any unwanted debris like a shield.
MATCH POINT: SUPREME BALANCE
Buy now £150.00, K-Swiss
Asics Solution Speed FF3
- Preferred fit: Medium/True to Size
- Surface sole: All court and clay
- Weight: 371g /UK 11
- Pro player endorsements: Alex de Minaur
- Shoe type: Speed focused
Asics is lauded for its tennis footwear by those in the know. This is the brand’s quick-as-lightning top-performance tennis shoe, which has been reimagined for players who rapidly rush around the court like Speedy Gonzalez.
Let’s begin with the upper which has been overhauled by a highly impressive strong, flexible airy mesh material giving the player a constant stream of cooling ventilation. As these kicks have a focus on speed off the ground, certain components are kept to a minimum, namely the strategically placed toe box and lace eyelet protection as well as the padding. Rubber has also been taken off the sole to keep the weight as low as possible.
As for fit, the Solution Speed FF3s wrap around your foot securely. I have a wide foot base and although I experienced rubbing on my right toe, I was surprised that I didn’t feel squeezed in. These types of shoes tend to be narrow.
Performance-wise, they are unbelievably zippy off the front foot and encourage players to propel themselves forward - that’s no bad thing for serve and volley fanatics or double specialists. =The re-engineered Speed Truss chassis that runs almost the entire base elevates the flexibility and responsiveness.
Our playtesters reported that despite the beefed-up FlyteFoam midsole cushioning (specifically under the heel), a firmness developed as it thinned out towards the forefoot - especially when on court for an extended period.
The grip is not going to disappoint. The multi-surface court version has been split into three sections (like the signature Novak FF3 edition) and includes a funky tree branch pattern with three air channels cut in. This assists players with changing direction on a dime.
The Solution Speed FF3 is at the top level for a speed-focused tennis shoe. If you want to be light and nimble, these are the trainers for you.
MATCH POINT: LIGHTNING FAST
Buy now £135.00, Asics
Nike Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa
- Preferred fit: Medium/true to size
- Surface sole: Hard court and all court
- Weight: 495g
- Pro player endorsements: Rafa Nadal
- Shoe type: Durability focused
Notching up 20+ Grand Slams like Nadal is not easy. So, let’s start from the ground up with NikeCourt’s Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa. If you are a player seeking a bit more weight, aggression and durability in your game, you won’t go far wrong with this footwear.
Although these are Nadal branded, they are not the shoes he plays in. Word is our man Rafa apparently plays in a custom-built hybrid of the previous Cage version mixed with the Court Ballistic 4.3.
That said, this latest incarnation is extremely supportive with an ultra-stable feel, they have a wrap-around lacing system and sole, which is especially effective for those difficult-to-reach sliding shots.
Biomechanically, the raised rocker heel gives you a nice push-off in play. We also appreciated the progressive herringbone tread which assists with grip and directional change in movement.
Available in a variety of striking colourways and packaged up with the star’s signature Bull logo on the tongue and ‘Rafa’ wording on the back heels - it has the true stamp of success.
As these are more in the solid heavyweight category, players might require a bit more patience on the break-in, but once that is done and dusted, you will be ready to tear up all corners of court dimensions with gusto.
MATCH POINT: DURABLE AND AGGRESSIVE
Buy now £144.95, Nike
