The 10 Best Tennis Shoes That Actually Last, +1 Special Mention At The End

Tennis can be an expensive game and your number one expense might surprise you. It’s not our raquets or strings that cost the most money over time, it is our shoes. Most tennis shoes barely last a year at best, so we have listed the best tennis shoes for your money that actually last.

Top Rated Tennis Shoes 2018

1. Asics Gel-Solution Speed

Most Durable Tennis Shoe

Editor Rating

2. Prince - T22

Best Stability Tennis Shoe

Editor Rating

3. Adidas Barricade Club

Best Affordable Tennis Shoe

Editor Rating

1. Asics Men's Gel-Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe

Comfort
95%
Durability
100%
Stability
95%

The Gel – Solution Speed is a popular lightweight shoe with incredible design.

The full TPU wrap around the foot offers exceptional support and stability. This will ensure that your feet won’t slide about inside the shoe during side – to – side movement.

This a shoe that is extremely low to the ground and will give the feeling of being fast and in control.

Lightweight shoes are known to compromise on durability, but the soles on the Gel – Solution Speed’s were built to last. You will get more durability on these shoes than some of the heavier shoes that aren’t on this list.

If you have narrower feet, the Gel – Solution Speed 3 is the shoe of choice for you. But if you have wider feet, we suggest consider looking at the Gel – Solution Speed 2.

Who are these tennis shoes for?

This is a great shoe for someone with narrow feet, looking for speed, stability, durability and overall performance.

These attributes make the Gel Solution Speed 3, one of the best hard court tennis shoes 2017.

2. Prince - T22 Tennis Shoe

Comfort
95%
Durability
95%
Stability
100%

The Prince – T22 is a bestseller in the world of tennis shoes for a reason.

This shoe offers a great package of comfort, traction, support, durability and stability.

This shoe offers a pillow – like ride due to Prince’s Shock Eraser Technology, offering excellent comfort on your landings.

The T – 22’s come in a Mid – Cup version as well. As far as support and stability is concerned, you get more of each due to the mid – cup added to the shoe.

Both the Mid – Cup and the “Low” version of the shoe fit and weigh practically the same. So, choosing one is a matter of preference. Do you like more mobility at your ankles? Then you could consider going in for the “Low” version. If you like more support, consider the Mid – Cup version.

The traction of this shoe is something to write home about. It allows you to start, stop and change direction in an instant. Offering excellent confidence and speed to your movement. We can’t say enough about the sole on this shoe. It really allows for aggressive, fast movement on the court.

Another amazing aspect of this shoe is the out sole comes with a 6 – month durability guarantee. This shows you how much Prince believes in their shoe. You can really go all out with these shoes right out of the gate.

You will get a replacement on your first pair if you burn through the first within 6 months.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

An excellent option if you are a frequent player looking for an extremely comfortable and durable ride.

3. Adidas Barricade Club Tennis Shoe

Comfort
95%
Durability
95%
Stability
95%

The Barricades are tennis shoe classics and were built to last! And the latest iteration to the Adidas line – up, the Adidas Barricade Club more than delivers.

The Barricade Clubs are the budget – friendly version of the Barricade line. But you can pick any Adidas Barricade and just can’t go wrong.

Adidas offers a 6 – month sole warranty on some of their other Barricade models, at a higher price.

Adidas uses the exact same sole on the Barricade Club as they do on the higher priced models. Only the Club comes without the warranty.

One thing to consider with the Barricade line is that they do take a couple of hours to break – in peropely.

But once these shoes mold to your foot, you’re in for one comfortable ride. The Barricades score points over the Asics Gel – Resolution 7 in terms of overall comfort.

With the confidence of a sole built to last for a minimum of 6 – months, you know you are getting a bang for your buck with this shoe!

Who is this tennis shoe for?

The Adidas Barricades in any iteration make for excellent training shoes. These durable classics are built like tanks.

These Barricade Club’s are for those of you looking for a budget friendly long lasting tennis shoe.

4. The Asics Gel Resolution 6 & 7 Tennis Shoe

Comfort
95%
Durability
100%
Stability
90%

The biggest selling point of the Asics Gel – Resolution 7 is the 6-month out sole warranty.

That means you can really go hard with these shoes on the court without a worry about running them in early!

Unlike the Adidas Barricades which are the tanks of the tennis world, the Asics Gel – Resolution 7 barely takes anytime to break – in.

The Resolution 7 has firmer upper when compared to the 6. This provides for added support. Adding the ankle collar to the equation will give you the feeling of being more locked – in.

The toe – guard on the shoe runs wide for added protection and durability.

The Asics Gel Resolution 7 is one of the lighter shoes on this list. Asics makes light and comfortable shoes. They do this by using their running shoe technology for tennis.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

The Gel-Resolution 7 is for those of you looking for a professional level tennis shoe that offers support, durability and stability in a comfortable package.

5. Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 2.0

Comfort
100%
Durability
90%
Stability
90%

This speed oriented tennis shoe gets an update that comes with a full prime knit upper that offering soft comfort and a soft, sock – like fit.

The forefoot is wrapped by TPU cage to offer lateral support and stability, while the mid sole and out sole provide an ultra fast, low to the ground feel.

The prime knit upper increases the overall comfort of the shoe, making the Ubersonic 2.0 a shoe that you can wear both on and off the court.

The midsole gives plush support while still offering that low to the ground feel.

These shoes come in at a medium to wide fit, so a great option for those of you with wide feet looking for an ultra lightweight shoe.

The durability on these shoes are great and so is the traction. This is a great shoe for you is you like feeling connected to the court.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

The combination of the lightweight upper and TPU cage puts this shoe up there with the Asics Gel – Solution Speed 3 as the top lightweight speed oriented shoes on the market today.

The wider toe box also makes it great for those of your with wide feet.

6. Asics Gel Solution Slam 3

Comfort
95%
Durability
95%
Stability
90%

The Asics Gel Solution Slam – 3 comes with a breathable mesh, with synthetic uppers. Your feet will stay nice and cool on the inside, while the synthetic material will keep you protected at all times.

The mid sole is made of Asics proprietary SPEVA which offers excellent shock absorption and energy return on toe – off.

The trusstic system helps with stability while reducing the weight on the shoe, keeping it relatively light weight.

The AHAR rubber out-sole on this shoe is used on the Asics Gel – Resolutions, which come with a six month sole warranty. So you know this is an extremely durable shoe.

The forefoot is padded with an extra Gel – cushioning system for added comfort around the ball of your foot.

Who are these tennis shoes for?

These are the shoes you want if you are suffering from ball of the foot pain or Metatarsalgia and need a shoe that has extra cushioning and great durability.

7. K-Swiss Men's Hypercourt Express

Comfort
95%
Durability
85%
Stability
95%

The K Swiss Hypercourt was designed to provide plush cushioning with running inspired, lightweight feel.

This is a shoe built for those with wide feet. The KSwiss Hypercourt express comes with a wide forefoot and toe box that ensures your feet don’t feel cramped inside.

The cushioning around the ankle collar offers additional comfort.

While the shoe is a little bit heavier on paper, it does feel lightweight and fast on the court.

Who are these tennis shoes for?

The durability on this shoe is about average. But if you are looking for something that feels lightweight, is super plush and has room for your orthotics and more, we recommend the K Swiss Hypercourt Express.

8. Head Nitro Pro

Comfort
95%
Durability
80%
Stability
80%

The Head Nitro Pro is designed to provide lightweight, fast feeling performance for the serious tennis competitor.

Head’s signature Trinium technology provides plenty of cushioning and shock absorption for those hard landings.

The sole on this premium performance shoe is backed by a 6 month warranty.

This is a lightweight supportive shoes that is extremely durable. This shoe looks like and performs exactly like the Nike Vapour 9 but outperforms both Vapors in terms of durability.

These shoes break in exceptionally fast with exceptional padding around the ankle collar and the tongue.

The traction on these shoes is great as well for aggressive runners. Starting and stopping as well as side to side movement will be effortless.

Who are these tennis shoes for?

A great all round lightweight and exceptionally durable shoe for the serious tennis player.

9. New Balance Men's MC786 Cushion Tennis Shoe

Comfort
90%
Durability
80%
Stability
80%

The New Balance Men’s MC786 is a shoe built around comfort. It is one of the most comfortable shoes on this list.

New Balance uses its Abzorb cushioning technology in the heel to reduce the impact of the court on your body.

The Endurance Herringbone out sole is what gives this shoe long lasting durability.

Another feature that adds to the durability of the shoe is a triple stitched toe. This reduces wear and tear when you serve or if you tend to drag your trail foot during strokes.

The upper is made from breathable materials. Leather blended with mesh is ideal for giving you that added support while sliding, or overextending to reach the ball.

This shoe is also offered in several widths. So, whether you’re looking for a narrow, medium or a wide shoe, sizes are available to fit your foot.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

The New Balance MC786 is a great combination of comfort, fit, durability.

This is one of the most comfortable shoes on this list and comes in at a great price.

10. Asics Men's Gel Game 5

Comfort
80%
Durability
80%
Stability
80%

The Asics Gel Game 5 is a great performance package.

Like the Barricade Club mentioned above, this shoe owes a lot of it’s performance heritage to it’s predecessor – The Asics Gel Resolution line.

What stands out about the Gel Game–5 is it’s value. You are getting a lot of shoe here for the price.

The upper on this shoe comes in a combination of a gel and synthetic upper. The P – Guard, on the medial side of the foot helps with wear and tear during sliding.

Unlike the Barricade series, this shoe requires no real break – in period. This is a shoe that comes in comfortable, right out of the box. It also comes in a variety of funky color choices.

The mid foot trusstic system give you that added stability required during side – to – side movement on the court.

Keep in mind, this shoe is the least durable on this list although it makes for a great budget friendly option.

The stability on this shoe is incredible with the mid foot trusstic system. This gives you a lot of confidence during lateral movement on the court.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

This is great shoe if you are a recreational player, looking for something lightweight, stable and comfortable, at a good price point.

How to choose the best tennis shoes for your feet.

The Type of tennis shoes you wear depends on a couple of factors, the main 2 being:

  1. Fitment: The type of feet you have. Not everyone’s foot size is the same and tennis shoes are made to fit different sizes of feet. Some shoes have wide toe boxes for wide feet, some are made for narrow feet and others for high arches. Tennis shoes are also made for a myriad of foot problems, like tennis shoes for flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
  2. Type of Court Surface: Different surfaces require different shoes. Clay courts, hard courts and grass court shoes all have different requirements and different treads.

Features and functions of a good tennis shoe.

A good tennis shoe will give you excellent lateral support. This is because the main way players move on the court is side to side.

Choosing the right type of tennis shoes will lower the risk of ankle injuries as opposed to using a running shoe which is made for forward movement.

There are different types of shoes made for different types of courts in tennis. The first type of court being the grass court and the grass court shoes. The main feature and requirement of a grass court shoe is traction. Grass courts can be extremely slippery, especially when slightly damp. Grass court shoes will stop you from slipping around.

How to identify grass court tennis shoes?

Grass court shoes have pimpled shoes which is what will give the maximum amount of traction when you play.

The sole on a grass court shoe does not need too much cushioning due to the court itself being able to absorb shock. Playing on a grass court is much more forgiving on the knees than playing on hard courts.

Grass court shoe soles are flat. This is because the courts are very fragile and flat soles reduce damage to the court during play.

How to identify clay court shoes?

Clay court shoes are different in nature to grass court shoes. Good clay court shoes offer a lot of stability. There is a lot more side to side movement on a clay court and these shoes reduce the chance of you rolling an ankle.

Clay court shoes can be easily identified by the tread on the sole. Typically you will see a herringbone tread pattern (horizontally aligned v – shaped tread). This type of sole will offer you maximum traction when moving and sliding across the court.

These shoes will also serve you well on astro – turf and artificial clay courts.

How to identify Omni/All/Hard court shoes?

These shoes are great for all court surfaces. These shoes have features of a ll other shoes mixed in to them. They offer excellent lateral stability, just like the clay court shoes. They also have a lot of cushioning for the harder court surfaces.

The soles on these shoes have the same pattern of the clay court shoes. Except, the sole of these shoes are extremely tough and durable. The added benefit of which is, it will last you a long time.

These shoes also have a slightly raised ankle support. This is crucial for playing on harder surfaces with more grip.

The key feature that stands out from the other shoes is the cushioning. All court shoes have that extra bit of cushioning, that will help you with impact absorption on some of the hard courts you play on.

Anatomy of a tennis shoe.

The upper of a tennis shoe

The upper of the tennis shoe describes the material that wraps around your foot.

Most tennis shoes are made of a synthetic material these days, there can also be a lot of TPU and other materials. These materials are meant to offer a lot of support and breathability as well.

The lateral part of the shoe is the outer portion of the shoe. The upper of the lateral side of the shoe hosts some of the support features of the shoe. This helps during sliding and prevents the ball of the foot from sliding out of the shoe.

Like any other shoe, the upper consists of the heel, the mid foot, the forefoot and the toe.

The heel of a tennis shoe

The heel of a good tennis shoe should have a heel counter which adds stability to the back of the shoe and helps lock the heel in. It also helps resist bending of the upper materials of the shoe as your foot lands back on the ground. Heel counters on tennis shoes also perform lateral stability control, reducing ankle roll and consequent injury.

The portion under the heel of the shoe consists of cushioning. Every company ha their own form of cushioning material from EVA to Gel.

Most tennis shoes have ample cushioning under the heel portion of the foot. This helps in shock absorption as the heel strikes the court.

The collar of a tennis shoe

Above the heel counter is the ankle collar. Your ankle is a high torque area that experiences a lot of movement. The ankle collar of the shoe should have a lot of cushioning so help protect your ankles from chaffing during lateral movement.

The shank of a tennis shoe

Other features and technology hidden within a tennis shoe are within the arch of the shoe. The mid foot shank is sometimes visible separating the out sole into two units.

This shank is a piece of hardened plastic that makes a shoe torsionally stable at the center. This protects your arch, especially if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis. This means a good tennis shoe with ample support will not flex at the arch but much further down at the toes instead.

The out sole of a tennis shoe

Another part of the out-sole that is really important, is the portion below the big toe. Most tennis shoes experience excessive wear and tear on this portion of the out sole. Many manufacturers are beefing up that portion of the out sole with more durable materials.

The Tongue of a tennis shoe

The tongue of the tennis shoe comes in two parts. The first part is a separate tongue, while the other part is stitched to the collar. A good tennis shoe will come with a nice amount of padding at the tongue as well. Although, more the padding surrounding the ankle area, the heavier the shoe becomes.

The vamp of a tennis shoe

A vamp of a tennis shoe is that part between the forefoot and the toe. The vamp of a good shoe will be made of perforated, flexible and breathable material.

The flexibility of this material aids in comfort and ensure that the shoe is able to bend and flex easily at the ball of the foot.

The toe guard on a tennis shoe

At the tip of the shoe, you will see a toe protector or guard. This piece not only protects the tip of the toe, but also protects forefoot.

This is toe protector extension is essential on a tennis shoe. This extended toe protector helps protect the trailing foot on a slide during the forehand or backhand stroke.

Not So Durable Special Mention - Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour

Comfort
80%
Durability
80%
Stability
80%

One of the most popular shoes on the market is now lighter and faster than ever.

The new seamless design on the upper has reduced the weight of this shoe by half an ounce. This gives The Zoom Vapor a lighter, faster feel.

Nike wanted to build a breathable, lighter, more comfortable tennis shoe that was going to give users a competitive edge on the court.

The problem with lightweight shoes is that support and stability can be an issue.

Nike addressed this problem by making the foot sit lower in the shoe and also by adding a TPU strip on the lateral side of the shoe.

The lacing on the shoe mimics a pulley system. This makes the shoe mold and move with the foot as it slides laterally through each stroke.

The tongue and collar have plush cushioning providing comfort around the ankles and reducing chaffing.

Durability was the only feature lacking on this shoe and we can see why. It is claimed that Roger Federer himself had a hand in the design of this shoe. And he wanted something lightweight and sharp.

Who is this tennis shoe for?

So, if you are looking for that game day shoe, then the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour might just be the go to shoe for you.

Conclusion

Finding a tennis shoe can be an easy game. Players can get easily confused with the myriad of options out on the market today.

Our guide to how to find the right tennis shoe for your feet and playing style won’t let you down when searching for the best tennis shoes that will last a while.

Leave a Comment