There are many brands of shoes on the market today as the game of tennis has grown in popularity over the years. It is not just the main players anymore who create shoes such as Nike, Adidas and Wilson. Tennis shoes now need to not only play well but look good.
Today new brands have evolved, just look at Uniqlo and the new shoe collaboration Roger Federer has with On-Running.com
The look of tennis shoes today is as important as the feel. They have become more than just a pair of trainers and provide a real fashion statement for players.
Just like buying a new racquet, it is so important to make sure your footwear is right. Tennis player’s bodies go through a lot of twists and turns during a game of tennis and a supportive pair of shoes is essential.
Some people will wear normal trainers, and whilst this is ok for recreational tennis, the shoe will wear through quicker. I wore a pair of running shoes to play in one summer and where the trainer drags over the toe during service I put a hole straight through the top of the trainer.
The team at Tennis Pursuits has put each of these shoes through their paces so you have the best information before you purchase your next pair of shoes.
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The best tennis shoes for men – Our Review
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X
The first shoe we wanted to review is the new Nike Air Zoom Vapor X. The Vapor range is a well-known shoe for both men and women and when playing Roger Federer wore every iteration of the shoe before leaving for OC Running. People who know this shoe are loyal to it. Let’s find out why;
Appearance & Design;
Is always important to people and this shoe delivers. Strangely, I think I play better if I like the kit I am wearing. This shoe has a sleek design that can be bought in a variety of colors.
For those who want to look good on the court, this shoe is definitely for you. Nike have done a great job of evolving this well-known design whilst also keeping the look fresh.
Fit; The Air Zoom Vapour X most definitely has the same feel as other Vapors. The shoe provided excellent support, it is lightweight and well-balanced. The shoe did take some time to wear in and felt a little stiff to start with. The shoe suits those with narrower feet though, those with wider feet may find these a little too snug. The shoe has a diagonal lace design and we could not get the shoe as tight as we would have liked around the bottom of the trainer. Maybe this wears in with time.
How do they play?;
Durability has been something I have noticed many players question over the years with this series of shoes. I wanted to see if this was still the case with this new design. After a few sessions of playing with them, I can say the durability is much better than with previous designs.
The shoes look and feel great and their lightweight nature of them means moving and sliding around the court is not an issue. The support is good and a noticeable difference is your foot feels even more locked-in versus previous models, this in a large part is due to the “claw like” grip on the medial side of the shoe.
The Vapor X has a higher ankle collar than the Vapor 9.5 and slightly more room in the toe area as well. Two things I would raise here for a prospective buyer. The shoes are narrower and if you play to a good level, you will want to make sure that your feet and knees are fully supported. I can see why these shoes suited Roger Federer or Nick Kyrgios as they easily float around the court. Taller / heavier players and those who worry about their knees may want to consider other shoes.
Summary;
There is no doubt the Vapor X is the best-designed shoe in the series so far. They are much more durable, they look great and the design is crisp and on-trend. I have enjoyed playing in them. Just make sure they suit your game and build before committing to them as they won’t be for everyone.
Adidas barricade
For many years, tennis players have favored Adidas tennis shoes. The company has a long history with the game and has sponsored some of the greatest players. It even has the famous ‘Stan Smith’ shoe.
Aesthetics & Design;
Throughout the years, the Adidas Barricade tennis shoes have seen a number of variations, with each one bringing new looks and styles. The unique three stripes on the side of the shoe, which are characteristic of Adidas footwear, are one of the Barricade line’s most identifiable elements.
The stripes are a striking visual feature and are typically a color that contrasts with the rest of the shoe. The Barricade uses a variety of top materials and textures, including a mesh, overlays, and artificial leather. This gives the sneaker a dynamic aesthetic appeal while also allowing for breathability and durability.
The shoes have thick, padded midsoles that give the user plenty of support and shock absorption. A herringbone pattern for grip on the court is one of the tennis-specific characteristics included in the outsole’s design These shoes are made with both design and functionality in mind, with a focus on giving tennis players of all skill levels support, toughness, and style.
How do they play?;
The stability, support, and agility of the Adidas Barricade tennis shoes are nicely balanced for optimal performance on the court. Because of its famous durability, tennis players can move fast and dynamically without sacrificing comfort or protection.
The midsole of the Barricade uses the Adiprene and Adiprene+ cushioning system, which is one of its primary features. This reduces the force and impact of each foot, which can be crucial for players who constantly make quick stops and direction changes on the court. The Barricade’s herringbone-pattern outsole is intended to offer good grip on a variety of court surfaces.
They are not the lightest tennis shoes on the market, players moving about the court might feel more safe and confident as a result of this. Tennis players of all skill levels, from amateurs to pros, can benefit from the Adidas Barricade’s flexibility.
Durability;
One of the primary characteristics of the Adidas Barricade tennis shoes is durability. The shoe is a popular option for tennis players who require a shoe that can endure several seasons since it is made to resist the wear and tear of intensive tennis matches.
The Barricade’s structure is one of the key factors contributing to its durability. Synthetic leather and mesh are frequently used to create the upper layer, which offers both strength and breathability. Also, the shoe has overlays in high-wear regions like the toe and heel to assist shield it from scuffs and scrapes. Tennis shoes are constructed to endure the rigors of hard play, and the Adidas Barricade is a very strong tennis shoe. Tennis players who require a shoe that will survive over several seasons of play frequently choose it because of its combination of tough materials, cushioning technology, and solid construction.
Who is using Adidas Barricade?;
So many top professional tennis players have used Adidas Barricade sneakers over the years. These are some well-known athletes who have donned the Barricade: The current top-ranked male tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, has long been an Adidas athlete and often sports the Barricade when competing. Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, has worn the Barricade for most of his career. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greek tennis player who is presently rated in the top ten in the world, is also sponsored by Adidas and used the Barricade while competing. Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one from Germany, is sponsored by Adidas and usually sports the Barricade when competing.
Asics Gel Resolution 9;
Appearance & Design; The Gel resolution has been the leading tennis shoe designed by Asics over the years. The Gel Resolution 9 is the latest shoe to be released by them and I was excited as I am a huge fan of the Asic Gel Resolution 8, its predecessor.
I like the design, it is similar to the previous version. If anything this shoe is more solid and has the look of more of a running shoe. There are two main updates we noticed, the first is the reshaping of the Dynawall and extending it into the heel of the shoe. The shoe now has more stiff support down the side of the shoe, allowing for more braking time.
The second update is more solid plastic around the heel. There is just more shoe that provides a larger contact area with the ground, allowing for increased stability and composure.
Fit;
This shoe is comfortable and I had no issues with any pain when wearing these shoes.
How do they play?;
This really is a great tennis shoe. Asics are well known for their extensive factory testing and this one has really gone through its paces. My feet are comfortable, stable and I really notice that they grip the court and allow me to dig in and move off to my next shot quickly. I have ‘heavy feet’ and really lean into the ball when I hit it and these shoes absorb this well.
Who are those shoes for?;
The Gel-Resolution shoe is focused on the baseline player, someone who spends most of their time moving side to side along the baseline (let’s face it there aren’t many serve and volleyers these days!). I found this shoe gave me the confidence to move laterally with ease and also allowed me support when pushing off to get back to the middle of the court. This shoe is a no brainer for players who prefer hard courts and enjoy the shoe to absorb pressure.
The Gel Resolution 9 has been seen on several professional tennis players, including Mattoe Berritini and Iga Swiantek. These athletes appreciate the shoe’s comfort, toughness, and capability to offer superior traction on the court.
Asics has done a nice job of evolving the shoe from the Gel Resolution 8 model whilst retaining the strong features of this shoe.
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4
Appearance & Design;
The low-profile style of the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 tennis shoe emphasizes speed and agility on the court. It sports a sleek and contemporary design.
A lightweight, breathable mesh material used to make the top is strengthened with synthetic overlays in high-wear areas to increase durability. For further defense against toe drag, the shoe also has a stronger toe cap. The sides of the shoe are decorated with Adidas stripes, while the tongue and heel both prominently sport the company’s insignia.
The Adizero Ubersonic 4 comes in a variety of striking hues, including black, white, neon green, and electric blue which are fun. Tennis players who value both performance and style frequently choose this shoe because of its overall athletic and fashionable appeal.
Durability;
The Adizero Ubersonic 4’s outsole is comprised of a strong rubber material that offers outstanding traction and grip on various court surfaces. Adiwear technology, a high-abrasion resistant substance used in strategic spots on the outsole of the shoe to promote durability, is another element of the sneaker. It is an all-around solidly constructed tennis shoe that is intended to endure for many seasons of play. Like other tennis shoes, the Adizero Ubersonic 4’s durability will ultimately reflect on elements including how often the shoe is worn, how hard the game is played, and the court surfaces played.
How do they play?
On the tennis court, the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 is made to play very well. The shoe is constructed with a variety of elements that are meant to improve the player’s stability, speed, and quickness. High-performance tennis shoes like the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 are designed to provide players outstanding speed, agility, and support on the court. Professional and recreational players alike often choose this shoe because of its successful fusion of functionality and fashion.
Who is this shoe for?;
This sneaker, in our opinion, is among the greatest ones now available. It’s a fantastic all-purpose shoe that offers superb support, stability, and cushioning during workouts on the tennis court. The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 is a tennis shoe that is designed for high-performance play and is suitable for use by professional and recreational tennis players. This shoe is used by many professional tennis players, including Garbine Muguruza, Kristina Mladenovic, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
However, it is also a popular choice for amateur players who are looking for a high-quality tennis shoe that can help them improve their game. It is a great tennis shoe for sliding on the court,.It features a durable Adiwear outsole that provides excellent traction and stability on all court surfaces, including clay and hard courts.
Additionally, the shoe’s cushioning system helps absorb shock and reduce the impact on your feet when you slide, which can help prevent injuries and keep you comfortable during long matches. Overall, the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 is a great choice for tennis players who need a high-performance shoe that allows for quick movements and sliding on the court.
The Asics Court ff 3
The Asics Court ff3 is the latest model of this line. The previous version is The Court FF 2. The Court FF 2 features a similar design and many of the same technologies as the FF3, but with some slight differences in materials and construction.
Appearance & Design
Tennis players of all skill levels will appreciate the ASICS Court FF3’s sleek and contemporary design. Some of the main design components that affect how it looks overall include the following:
Colors: The FF3 is offered in a number of colors, including striking and eye-catching combinations like white/blue, white/red, and black/silver.
The ASICS logo is prominently placed on both sides of the sneaker, which increases its aesthetic appeal and overall branding.
Mesh Upper: The FF3’s mesh upper, which is breathable and offers support and plenty of stability as well as a lightweight, streamlined look, is a key feature of the shoe.
What is the weight of this shoe? The weight of the ASICS Court FF3 tennis shoe can vary depending on the size and width of the shoe. However, on average, the men’s version of the FF3 weighs approximately 11.4 ounces (323 grams) This weight is based on a US size 9 for men’s sneakers, so the weight may be slightly different for other sizes.
The Court FF3 is generally considered to be a lightweight tennis shoe, which can help improve speed and agility on the court. Who is using ASICS Court FF3Tennis players of all skill levels, from beginners to pros, choose the ASICS Court FF3.
Some well-known professional tennis players have been reported to use the Asics brand of footwear, including Novak Djokovic from Serbia who has used the Court line of shoes while competing, and he has served as an ASICS ambassador for many years. His current shoe is this very model.
Tennis players choose the ASICS Court FF3 tennis shoe because of its many benefits. If you are playing professional or good level of amateur tennis and looking for a lightweight shoe the Asics Court FF3 is good option for you. It might also enhance your speed and agility on the court.
Who is this shoe for?
Tennis shoes like the ASICS Court FF3 would be one of our top picks. They are very comfortable shoes. Also they are made to be adaptable and play well on both hard and clay court surfaces. The outsole of the shoe has a distinct look that is intended to provide exceptional traction and grip on both clay and hard court surfaces. It is a good tennis shoe, and can be worn by tennis players of all levels on a range of court surfaces thanks to its lightweight and responsive cushioning, which may also assist improve performance on both clay and hard courts. If your game is based on a lot of running and movement on the court then this is the shoe for you.
Final Thoughts
There are many shoes on the market and here we have reviewed 5 excellent shoes that you will not go far wrong with if you purchase them. Do let us know how you get on and keep us posted on any other recommendations.
