With the Giorgio Armani Tennis exhibition wrapped up and Wimbledon well underway, tennis fever - and the endless supply of Pimms and Strawberries & Cream - is sweeping across London.
As such, many of us are planning on hitting the courts and attempting to recreate the iconic swings that our much loved players perform so effortlessly. Naturally then, we must look the part and that all starts with having the right pair of shoes.
Knowing which tennis shoe is right for you isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to the court. We consulted Karan Malhotra, Orthopaedic Consultant at Stanmore Foot and Ankle Specialists to find out more.
“Finding the perfect tennis trainer for you means finding the optimal balance of comfort, support, breathability, grip, fit for your foot shape, style and price. You should also look for a well-cushioned shoe with a stiff heel counter and wide base to support your ankle.
“If you have wide feet, or bunions, look for shoes with a wider toe box, and if your arches collapse when you run, or you have flat feet, shoes with an instep support (or designed for ‘over-pronating feet’) will be advisable”, explains Malhotra.
So whether you’re hoping to take your competitive tennis to the next level or have a leisurely game of doubles with some friends on a Sunday morning, we’re confident that our tennis shoe round up will serve you well (sorry, not sorry).
Shop our top recommended ones now, all tried and tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12
Foam is in the name and is the game here. These trainers have a supportive and lightweight cushioning which has made running, jumping and sprinting feel easier than ever.
The Fresh Foam midsole is ultra-cushioned and is both soft and keep your feet protected, even after hours of wear. The median post and moulded external heel counter helps control movements and spread the impact distribution upon landing - which is perfect for killer serves.
Weighing a mere 254g, you can be sure these trainers won’t hold you back and the bright coloured heel and sole makes them great for both on and off the court.
Buy now £125.00, New Balance
THE ROGER Centre Court
The running shoe specialists at On have made their first foray into the tennis sphere, teaming up with none other than 20-times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
This is the perfect all-day sneaker that provides elite-level comfort thanks to CloudTec technology. This is a feature where the sole is made to be adaptive to reduce muscle fatigue.
This tennis-inspired trainer is perfect for those easy days on the court as well as being a great smart-casual shoe whether you’re travelling or spending all day out and about.
The detailing deserves a mention with bonus points for the breathable holes on the front and side that keep your feet cool even in hot weather. There are seven different colours and they come in a wide range of sizes making them suitable for men and women.
Buy now £170.00, On Running
Women's L003 Textile Trainers
Embrace the all-white tennis attire with this chunky trainer that brings together a sporty cupsole silhouette with a contemporary aesthetic.
The unique lacing system offers a more secure and supportive fit, ideal for all those tennis lunges and sprints to hit the ball. Unlike other tennis trainers that quickly wear down due to repetitive motions, the rubber and EVA outsole on this sneaker is high quality and durable.
The iconic crocodile logo on the side of the shoe is a great addition and will leave you feeling as tennis ready as the brand’s long standing ambassador Novak Djokovic.
Buy now £69.99, Lacoste
NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka
This version of Naomi Osaka’s shoes is an absolute must for budding tennis players and professionals as it’s all about durability. The responsive cushioning and anatomically-designed toe box reinforces the trainers making them extra long lasting and perfect for hard court surfaces.
The Dynamic Fit system supports your feet during all hours of play and is great for fast volleys and quick cuts. The brightly designed turquoise and fuchsia shoe will make you stand out the minute you step out on court - all then all that’s left to do is show them your skills.
Buy now £124.95, Nike
Stan Smith Shoes
Likely known as the most iconic tennis trainer of all time, Stan Smith shoes have been inspiring generations of avid sportsmen and women since their inception and continue to do so today.
The perfect all-round shoe, it is great for sporty and casual days alike as the sleek and simple design allows them to be dressed up or down. The shoe boasts some impressive sustainability features as it’s made with high-performance recycled materials and no virgin polyester whatsoever.
With a whopping 24 colours to choose from and the ability to personalise each shoe, you can make sure your Stan Smith’s are as unique as you are when you’re serving your best play on the courts.
Buy now £80.00, Adidas
Ladies Nike Revolution 6 Lace-up Trainers
If you’re after a high quality yet affordable trainer that’s perfect for tennis as well as other sports, then look no further than the Nike Revolution lace-ups. Coming in at under £50, this shoe is great value for money whilst not compromising on comfort, fit or support.
The mesh panels across the shoe are a great feature as they help increase breathability and the moulded rubber outsole ensures adequate traction and lets you play tennis on hard and grass courts. There are plenty of colours to choose from including an all white design to more colourful and fun ones.
Buy now £44.99, Deichmann
Women’s Crew Kick 75 Feat
Over 100 years old, Keds has been designing canvas shoes since the start of the 1900s and have been worn for style and athletic performance. The brand has undergone an eco-friendly update recently and many of the shoes are now made with organically grown cotton that’s soft on skin as well as durable and breathable.
If you suffer from ankle strain then these shoes are great as the padded collar will give that extra bit of comfort letting you bring your A-game all day long. We love the vintage-inspired look that comes from the sportswear wave graphic detailing and the timeless rubber toe bumper.
Buy now £69.00, Keds
Veja Marlin V-Knit Full-Black
This ecological running shoe from Veja is both performance enhancing and aesthetically pleasing. The trainer provides lightness and dynamism - weighing only 288g - making it perfect for intense bursts of activity on the tennis court. Constructed in one piece of material, you can be sure there will be no uncomfortable stitching or excessive layering anywhere on the shoe.
We love that Veja trainers are some of the most sustainable ones on the market as they are bio-based and made from recycled polyester. The brand recommends sizing up for the Marlin trainers and they are available in 14 colours from full-black to neon orange.
Buy now £150.00, Net-A-Porter
