TENNIS SHOES TO WEAR Tennis is a very different sport whether you’re playing on grass, clay or hard courts. Watch any of the majors and it’s clear to see. On lawns, the ball stays low and fast. But over at the clay courts, the game is a little slower and the ball can bounce up higher. Your style of play needs to adapt to the court surface, and your shoe is the first thing to think about – it is, after all, always in contact with the ground.
GRASS COURT TENNIS SHOES Serve-and-volley players have always done well on grass courts thanks to the speed of the ball off the surface. It rewards those with a big serve and who can get to the net fast. Your shoe needs to match you step for step. It needs: ● Good grip because grass courts can be slippery, either because of dew or because it’s worn down over time ● A flatter outsole so that they don’t damage the court – in fact, players on certain tournament lawns have to wear completely flat tennis shoes ● Flexible upper so that when you run forward towards the ball, your feet are not constricted There’s less need for durable outsoles on grass courts since the surface is softer underfoot and doesn’t damage your shoes as much as hard courts.
CLAY COURT TENNIS SHOES Since clay courts are a little slower, baseline play is the number 1 style – players with lots of power can stand back and unleash huge shots. As such, there’s a need for stability and lateral support – that’s because you’re moving side to side before setting your feet for the shot. You’ll also need: ● Great grip since the dusty clay courts don’t offer you much traction ● A well-designed outsole that releases clay from its grooves and doesn’t leave marks on the court ● Durable sides so your shoe doesn’t get damaged as you slide for a ball