Best Tennis Shoes 2022

Tennis is an intense sport, and your feet take a lot of beating during a game. This is why, aside from a high-quality racquet, a pair of the best tennis shoes is essential.

With the sheer number of tennis shoes, you can find on the market now, choosing can be tough. However, you can easily narrow down your options and successfully pick the right shoes if you know what to look for.

Here are the top-rated tennis shoes of 2022, but before purchasing your pair of tennis shoes you should read buying tips below

Top tennis shoes 2022

Model	Features	Surface Type
K-Swiss Men's Defier RS Tennis Shoes	Comfortable and great support for the arch	All court	Check Price Here
Wilson Men's Rush Pro 2.5	Durable, great stability and grip	Hard court	Check Price Here
ASICS Men's Gel-Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe	A lightweight shoe and breathable	Hard court and clay	Check Price Here
Adidas Men's Barricade Club Tennis Shoe	Well fit and comfortable shoes	Hard court and clay	Check Price Here
NIKE Men's Air Zoom Cage 3 HC Tennis Shoe	Lightweight design for speed on the court	Hard court	Check Price Here
Prince Women's Warrior Lite Tennis Sneaker Shoes	Excellent durability with boosted support	Hard court	Check Price Here
Babolat Propulse Fury Women's Tennis Shoes	Provides maximal stability with exceptional durability	All court	Check Price Here
Adidas Performance Women's Barricade Club Training Shoe	Very lightweight and breathable tennis shoes	Clay court	Check Price Here
NIKE Women's Air Vapor Advantage Tennis Shoe	Stylish, comfortable and durable	Clay court	Check Price Here
ASICS Women's Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe	Trendy tennis shoe with proven technology which gives support and comfort	All court	Check Price Here

1. K-SWISS men’s DEFIER RS tennis shoes – Tried and proven all – court option

Defier RS is a classic pair that has been around for a long time and trusted by so many tennis players, both newbies and pros. You can say these shoes are a safe choice if you do not have any unusual need or requirement.

The toe box of the Defier RS utilizes a material with the catchy name TecTuff. This is high-abrasion material that balances function and comfort nicely. You may want to try this out if you plan on playing for long hours.

The toe and heel have the so-called DragGuard, and the outsole is made of non-marking rubber that can be used for all court types. Overall, the abrasion resistant and traction are better than those of many other tennis shoes.

The Cushion-Board midsole, together with Shock Spring, provide good cushioning and support throughout the foot. There is one cushion layer in the forefoot and two layers in the heel, and the midsole serves as a box spring with a mattress.

In general, we think this is one of the best high-arch tennis shoes on the market right now.

2. WILSON men’s Rush PRO 2.5- Maximum breathability and comfort

The Rush Pro 2.5 is an update to Wilson’s line of premium performance shoes. The improvement offered by this model is a softer leather upper, which makes this pair one of the most breathable tennis shoes today.

Everything at the bottom is the same as that in the old line. You may like this if you are particular about lateral support straight out of the box.

True to the company’s promise, the Rush Pro 2.5 does offer good ventilation, thanks to its 3D FS technology. If your feet tend to get exceptionally hot when playing, you may appreciate the breathable upper of these shoes.

Other features include the R-dst+ midsole, Pro Torque Chassis midfoot shank, and Duralast rubber outsole. The outsole pattern is not a full herringbone tread, but traction is still good even on dirt.

The Rush Pro 2.5 is also available in several colors, which is great because you get a lot of options to match your outfit.

3. ASICS men’s gel-solution SPEED 3 tennis shoe- Lightweight shoes for heavy action

The Gel-Solution Speed 3 is light tennis shoes. As our #2 pair, this one is an update to an existing line of tennis shoes, and the upper material is one of the most significant improvements.

It is all TPU around the foot, and the manufacturer did this to improve stability and support. The low-to-the-ground feel of its sibling models is still here, so you may like this if you are already familiar with and prefer the predecessors of the Gel-Solution Speed 3.

The fit of this version is also reportedly better than that of the first, so you may want to try this out if that was the one thing you had issues with regarding the older models 1 and 2.

The only issue you may have with the Gel-Solution Speed 3 is that it may feel too tight if you have wide feet. But for that, you can always check out the 1 and 2 models.

4. ADIDAS men’s BARRICADE CLUB tennis shoe- Great performance for a friendly price

Coming from the premium Barricade line by Adidas, the Barricade Club is surprisingly a lot more affordable than its predecessors. You may want to try this out if you want to experience that premium feel while remaining within a reasonable budget.

Barricade Club is noticeably bulkier and heavier than other tennis shoes because of the boosted ankle support. If you are prone to ankle injuries and the like and can maneuver comfortably even with relatively heavy shoes, this might be an ideal option for you.

This model is also available in numerous colors, so hopefully, you will not have a hard time establishing your preferred look on the court. Some of the colors available are white/blue, white/orange, and a lot more combinations.

In terms of durability, Barricade Club is nothing to sneer at. This is great because it would be a major turn-off if shoes this bulky turned out to be flimsy. The outsole offers improved traction in comparison with the other Barricade models.

5. NIKE men’s AIR ZOOM CAGE 3 HC tennis shoe- Expensive for a reason!

NIKE’s Zoom Cage 3 HC is also an improvement of an older model. This time, the difference lies in the weight; this model is a lot lighter, so you may want to give it a go if you are willing to invest in a high-quality, lightweight pair of tennis shoes for improved speed.

Despite the lightweight, the Zoom Cage 3 HC has a durable outsole that can take a considerable beating. If you play a lot of tennis and are used to wearing out your tennis shoes all too often, then we encourage you to try this.

Support and stability are also emphasized. The Zoom Cage 3 HC can handle quick and intense sliding, especially on hard courts.

One noticeable change versus the other tennis shoes from NIKE is that there is additional padding around the collar here, which gives you a snug fit. However, this works more for players with narrow and average-width feet and not entirely for those with wide feet.

6. PRINCE women’s WARRIOR LITE tennis shoe– Good budget choice

Prince has long been known for the comfort of their shoes, and we believe you will appreciate that in this model. The padding in the Women’s Warrior Lite tennis shoes is thick but comfortable, closely resembling those in much more expensive shoes.

The Warrior Lite offers plenty of support for low arches. It does well in that department but of course, that automatically leaves out players with high arches from taking advantage of this good budget pair.

These tennis shoes are a bit heavier than most other tennis shoes on the market today, but that is because of the reinforced support. If you are on a budget and needing a neat pair that offers stability and support, you may want to try this one.

However, as with all affordable goods, you do need to expect to make compromises with the Warrior Lite. One noticeable lapse is ventilation; these shoes do not breathe well, but this remains one of the top women’s tennis shoes on the market.

7. BABOLAT PROPULSE FURY women’s tennis shoe- Good support and stability

Babolat’s Propulse Fury offers improved way comfort and fits compared with its older shoes. This is due to the enhanced underfoot cushioning.

These Propulse Fury tennis shoes are also remarkably stable. You can go low to the ground and get a nice, stable, and sturdy base.

The cage over the feet is made of TPU, which is strong enough to keep your feet locked in even during aggressive and swift lateral cuts. It offers great protection during fast movement and change of direction.

One thing you may notice, especially if you have tried any of the earlier Propulses, is that Propulse Fury provides a lot less traction. You may find yourself slipping more than usual, so you may want to reserve this for use on hard courts.

Ventilation can still be enhanced. Great tennis shoes should be able to help the feet cool down regardless of the season, time of day, or intensity of play, and we think Propulse Fury can still improve in that department.

All in all, we still think that the Propulse Fury is a good option. Sure, it will not appeal to everyone, but it should be appropriate for many.

8. ADIDAS performance women’s BARRICADE club training shoe- Great balance and support

These women’s tennis shoes from Adidas are non-marking shoes. Combine that with their excellent traction, and you get a nice pair of all-court shoes that are pretty much at par with the majority of all-court tennis shoes at this price point.

One of the highlights of these Women’s Barricade Club training shoes is that they have lightweight, breathable uppers. They are made of high-quality mesh, so if you are particular about ventilation, you may want to give this a try.

The upper also provides a lot of comfort, especially if you have average or narrow feet. The ADIPRENE cushioning wraps your feet snug, so these may be able to keep you comfortable even during long hours of practice.

Support and stability seem to be well taken care of. The Women’s Barricade Club training shoes use integrated forefoot straps, which are great for locking your feet in even during sudden changes in movement.

The outsole is ADIWEAR 6, which is popular among recreational athletes for its durability. If your playing style tends to be hard on your outsoles, you might want to try this out.

9.  NIKE Women’s AIR VAPOR ADVANTAGE Tennis Shoe- Lightweight but sturdy

This women’s version of the legendary Air Vapor Advantage line from NIKE is a good option for players wanting to have something from an established brand. These are not the best, but the quality is there, and they should be good enough for the average player.

One of the first things you may notice about these tennis shoes is that they are very lightweight. If you are very particular about being able to make extremely swift movements unhindered, then these may be a good choice along with the other lightweight models on this list.

Another benefit of this pair is the fit. They hug your feet comfortably, especially if you have narrow or average feet. If you have wide feet, you can go one size up your usual choice.

One major disadvantage is a comfort. We think the Women’s Air Vapor Advantage can use a little more cushioning so that you can be comfortable even during long hours of intense practice.

Although foot comfort, the biggest miss of this pair, happens to be a major concern regarding tennis shoes, we still think that these shoes offer value for money. They still offer more good than bad.

10. ASICS Women’s GEL-RESOLUTION 7 Tennis Shoe- For the swift and aggressive

The main advantages brought forth by the Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 are stability and comfort, even during fast movements and sudden stops. This pair is ideal for players who tend to give rather aggressive and intense rallies.

What sets the Gel-Resolution 7 apart from its predecessors is the addition of the so-called Flexion Fit. This improves flexibility without risking twisting and enhances comfort and stability with the help of the updated PU upper.

Like its older cousins, this model still does have that gel cushioning (hence the name), which minimizes discomfort and pain even during intense games.

Our only gripe is that it tends to get easily hot, so Asics may want to take a look at improving breathability this time.

In summary, we think it is safe to say that the Women’s Gel-Resolution 7 is reliable and one of the most comfortable women’s tennis shoes available today. We suggest that you try this out if you want trustworthy stability tennis shoes to the court.

Buying Tips – What to Look When Selecting Tennis Shoes

Here are some things that can help you decide in choosing good tennis shoes. First, we go over the anatomy of these shoes, and then we review the specific things you should be looking at while shopping around. We hope this helps!

The Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe

1.Support

The capability of a shoe to support your foot while in action can typically be seen on the outside of the shoe itself. In fact, it is often the most prominent feature you will see.

This is the main part that keeps the shoe together so that, in turn, your foot is completely locked in even during quick sprints and swift stops and changes in direction. In many new models today, the support mechanism can be very noticeable.

This is the part that keeps the laces and the top of the foot intact by securely fastening them to the sole. Sometimes, it is a single piece of plastic material that covers the foot all the way down to the arch; the laces also go through it.

In some premium shoes, this external support is reinforced with fabric strips that are hidden within. By contrast, cheaper tennis shoes often use low-grade materials for support and thus are not too reliable, especially during aggressive rallies.

2.Lacing

Premium and budget tennis shoes can sometimes be easily distinguished by looking at their lacing systems. In expensive models, the laces are inserted through loops, which can be made of fabric, TPU, mesh, or any other material that the manufacturer deems fit.

The good thing about this lacing system is that the laces are curved gradually instead of abruptly and sharply bent (such as in regular lacing systems, which use holes on the shoe).

Another advantage that these loops offer is strengthened support and stability. The loops are sewn by a few centimeters into the shoe, so in effect, the laces get a wider point of contact with the shoe.

By contrast, tennis shoes that have holes in the shoes instead of sewn loops rely merely on the holes. Think of these two lacing systems as holding hands by one finger versus all five fingers.

You also need to consider the number of holes or loops, especially if your feet are not of average size or shape. Depending on your fit, you can tie some areas with a so-called lace block or loosen the shoe up a bit by skipping loops or holes.

3. Sole

The sole is the most important part of a tennis shoe. No premium material on a shoe can save it from a poorly designed or weak sole.

One of the most beaten-up parts of all types of tennis shoes is the toe. Therefore, manufacturers are always looking into improving the strength and longevity of the toe.

What determines the court surface your tennis shoes are compatible with are the front and rear sections of the sole. They are designed with special patterns by different sports equipment makers to improve traction.

The sole is also where you can find the center arch, whose strength determines if a tennis shoe can prevent twisting or not. Meanwhile, the heel is typically fitted with stiff plastic cradles for stability.

All of these components are usually easily seen if you look at the bottom of a premium tennis shoe. By contrast, cheaper models typically use a single piece of material for the entire sole.

One thing you cannot see in the sole is the shoe’s shock absorption mechanism. For example, Wilson uses small foam balls called DST. A good tennis shoe should feel “springy” during jumps.

Lastly, the sole should be thick enough so that you cannot feel a thing when accidentally stepping on, say, a rock during a match.

Your No-Nonsense Buying Guide for Tennis Shoes

There are five main things to keep in mind when shopping for your tennis shoes.

Ventilation

Have you noticed how much you sweat while playing? Imagine that, except that you are completely wrapped in thick fabric. That is how hot it can get for your poor, battered feet.

Not only can it get very uncomfortable, it can also cause other problems, such as odors. This is why it is extremely important that you have breathable shoes that let as much fresh air in as possible while eliminating moisture and the accompanying stink.

Mesh is the best in this area. This is fabric with a lot of holes in it. The only issue with it is that it is weak when used on its own, so it needs to be reinforced by other materials, and that makes tennis shoes with a lot of mesh expensive.

Especially in the case of premium tennis shoes, manufacturers often do not stop at the mere use of mesh. It is frequently combined with perforated leather that is usually found in the toe box.

Style

Many newbie players easily make the mistake of playing in their worn out running shoes. You can’t blame them; at first, it can be easy to underestimate the amount of physical activity involved in tennis if you do not have experience with it.

However, tennis requires shoes that are specifically made for the sport. In comparison with other athletic shoes, tennis shoes are relatively on the flatter end.

Tennis shoes also have patterns on the sole, which sometimes end up making or breaking your game. You will also notice that the heels of tennis shoes are much sturdier than those in non-tennis shoes.

As for using running shoes in place of tennis shoes, the reason it does not work is that the two are designed for completely different movement patterns. Tennis is full of lateral movements and quick sprints and stops, whereas running and most other athletic shoes are designed for forward motion.

Court Surface

Your choice of tennis shoes is heavily influenced by what court you typically play on. There are commonly four court types for which tennis shoes are optimized: hard court or concrete, soft or clay court, and multi-court or all-court.

Hard court tennis shoes are a lot more durable than those for dirt courts. These shoes have strong outsoles, remarkably supportive upper material, and a lot more resilience.

Meanwhile, soft court tennis shoes focus on non-damaging traction. You need to be able to sprint and stop in any direction on any dirt or clay court without the slightest slippage lest your game gets ruined.

Finally, all-court tennis shoes are designed to have equal parts superior durability and strength and maximum traction. These shoes allow you to play on any court type, provided you get high-quality shoes. Many options available in stores today are all-court shoes.

Playing Style

There are two types of tennis players: baseline and serve-and-volley players, and the category you belong to affects what kind of tennis shoes you should be getting.

Baseline players mainly stay along the back line, so there is a lot of lateral movement going on. Therefore, you need tennis shoes with a lot of lateral reinforcement and a very durable sole that will not be worn easily by too much sideways movement.

Serve-and-volley players often charge toward the net and do a lot of sliding back of their feet when serving. If you are this type of player, then you should invest in tennis shoes that have premium materials and well-built toecaps. You also want to have medial inside the arch.

Foot Type and Fit

You may know this already if you have been looking into athletic shoes, but it should be reiterated nonetheless. The first thing you need to consider when looking for tennis shoes (or any athletic shoe for that matter) is your foot type (The fit follows.).

There are three types of feet: neutral, underpronated, and overpronated. These can make such a huge difference in comfort and performance, especially if you like to practice for long hours.

Tennis shoes for overpronation place a lot of emphasis on stability. These are the shoes you need if your feet leave full or nearly full wet imprints on dry surface, the telltale sign of overpronation.

Underpronated or supinated feet leave an imprint that is a lot thinner around the middle. If your feet are supinated, you have the tendency to roll your feet outward, so you need flexible tennis shoes with good shock absorption.

Finally, neutral feet can wear just about any kind of tennis shoes. You should not have any special requirement in terms of foot type when trying shoes on.

Conclusion

The market for tennis shoes is as competitive as the sport itself nowadays. There are just so many great tennis shoes for tennis players nowadays, with each offering unique advantages and appealing to different kinds of players.

This is why it was a little difficult to put this list of top-rated tennis shoes together. It can be hard for one pair to address all the things that make the best ones.

Ultimately, we decided it is all about which ones help the most players. The best tennis shoes should be able to adjust to more than one-foot type, player type, and court surface.

Hence, we came up with these 10 top tennis shoes in 2022.