| While the term "tennis shoes" is commonly used in | | | | comfortable and provide good traction. Durability is less |
| reference to athletic shoes of any type, you should not | | | | of a concern. It is also vital that the tennis shoe have a |
| wear running shoes, walking shoes, or cross-trainers | | | | smooth, flat sole. The knobs and bumps found on the |
| when playing tennis. These types of shoes do not | | | | soles of running shoes and cross-trainers can damage |
| provide the correct support and can increase the risk | | | | clay court surfaces. In fact, most clay court facilities do |
| of foot and ankle injuries. In addition, such shoes can | | | | not allow players to wear such shoes, instead requiring |
| also damage the tennis court surface. | | | | appropriate tennis shoes. |
| There are several criteria tennis players should | | | | Feet and body characteristics are an important |
| consider when selecting tennis shoes. First, the court | | | | consideration when selecting tennis shoes. People who |
| surface you primarily play on will dictate the type of | | | | are prone to blisters must wear tennis shoes that fit |
| tennis shoe you need. Second, the characteristics of | | | | properly and are well cushioned. Advances in tennis |
| your feet and body will determine what type of tennis | | | | shoe technology have created cushioning systems |
| shoe is most comfortable and effective. Finally, as with | | | | that are lighter, more comfortable, and better at |
| any type of shoe, different people value certain shoe | | | | removing moisture. Body type is also an important |
| attributes and qualities more than others. | | | | consideration in tennis shoe selection. For example, |
| Tennis players that play on hard court surfaces should | | | | larger and heavier players may prefer heavier shoes |
| choose tennis shoes that are durable and resistant to | | | | that provide extra support. |
| wear. Repeated play on hard (i.e. concrete) courts will | | | | Finally, as with all types of shoes, personal preference |
| wear the tread off the soles of tennis shoes. Loss of | | | | and taste often determines what type of tennis shoe |
| tread leads to loss of traction and increased slipping. In | | | | a person purchases. Many players desire a tennis |
| addition, the part of the tennis shoe that covers the big | | | | shoe with a certain look or color scheme. On a more |
| toes should have extra protection on the outside. | | | | functional level, some players may select lightweight |
| Tennis players often drag their toe while executing | | | | tennis shoes in an effort to enhance foot speed and |
| shots, especially the serve. It is crucial for right-handed | | | | agility. |
| players that the inside toe area of their right tennis | | | | After you determine the type of tennis shoe is right for |
| shoe have extra protection to prevent premature | | | | you, it is important to select a shoe that fits properly. |
| wear. This area of the tennis shoe is particularly | | | | Because tennis involves a lot of sprinting, cutting, |
| vulnerable because most right-handed players drag | | | | stopping, and starting, you should select a tennis shoe |
| their right foot when serving, and often when | | | | that fits snugly across the width of the foot. You |
| executing forehand groundstrokes. | | | | should, however, make sure that your tennis shoes |
| Tennis players that play primarily on soft court | | | | have at least a half-inch of space between the toes |
| surfaces (i.e. clay) should select tennis shoes that are | | | | and the end of the tennis shoe. |