We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Outdoor Fitness We Found and Tested the Best Tennis Shoes for Women for Every Type of Player No matter what court surface you're playing on, these shoes will up your game By Shannon Ullman Updated on May 15, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Print In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know What to Look For How We Selected Our Experts FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / Kristen Geil How important is the right pair of tennis shoes when it comes to enhancing your game on the court? Essential, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, since unlike your standard lace-ups, the best tennis shoes are made with built-in lateral support for side-to-side shuffles and grippy traction for safe movement across the court. Features like a firm heel counter and midsole cushioning also matter—especially if you have foot pain or play on hard courts. Exchanging your worn-out sneakers for a pair of tennis shoes can prevent injuries, increase comfort, and keep you present on the court. To find the best tennis shoes for women, we first consulted two podiatrists to learn more about what specific features to look for in court-specific shoes. With their expert insights, we researched dozens of top-selling options from trusted footwear brands. Finally, to narrow down our list, we hit the courts to test four different pairs, evaluating them for fit, comfort, grip, support, flexibility, durability, and overall value. We also had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and how to find a high-quality pair of tennis shoes. What to Know Before Shopping for Tennis Shoes Before you start shopping, there are a few key factors to keep in mind: Court Surface: Grass and clay courts tend to be softer and more slippery, so if you play on these surfaces, prioritize shoes with a more pronounced tread pattern and grippier outsoles. For playing on hard courts, it’s important to choose shoes with ample midsole cushioning and durable outsoles to absorb shock and withstand abrasion. Play Style: Baseline players should look for shoes that provide stability and support for quick, safe lateral movements as they navigate the backcourt. On the other hand, all-court players may benefit from lightweight and flexible shoes that offer agility and responsiveness, allowing them to move quickly and easily change direction. Foot Type: Just like your everyday sneakers, your tennis shoes should cater to your feet's unique needs. Consider consulting with a podiatrist or doing a self-assessment to determine if you have high arches, flat feet, or any foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Our Top Picks Best Overall: NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 at Dicks Sporting Goods $130 Jump to Review Most Comfortable: ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2 at Amazon $150 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoe at Amazon $102 Jump to Review Best Budget: Adidas Women's Gamecourt 2 W Sneaker at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best for Stability: K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 at Amazon $115 Jump to Review Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Babolat Women’s Tennis SFX 3 All Court at Amazon $141 Jump to Review Best for Support: Diadora Blushield Torneo 2 at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best for Women Over 50: New Balance 1006 V1 Tennis Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best All-Court: Asics Women’s Solution Speed FF 3 at Amazon $135 Jump to Review Best Overall NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 PHOTO: Nike $130 at Dicks Sporting Goods $130 $100 at Pgatoursuperstore.com View on Tennis-warehouse.com Pros Durable Breathable materials Lightweight Cons Asymmetrical lacing is tricky Less traction Key Specs Sizes: 5–12 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who They’re For Best for all-court players during marathon matches on hard courts. Why We Love Them The best tennis shoes don’t distract you from your game, and Nike’s Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 Shoes fit the bill. They feature a full-length foot frame and herringbone outsole that work together to keep us stable and surefooted during quick cuts. Meanwhile, the well-cushioned midsole provides ample arch support and springy responsiveness to keep our feet comfy and movements snappy. During aggressive gameplay, we appreciated that the mesh upper is lightweight and flexible to prevent overheating and promote natural foot movements. We were able to play for hours on end with happy feet and without any blisters or discomfort. Plus, these shoes are incredibly durable and will hold up for dozens of break points to come. Also available in men's sizes at Nike and Dick's Sporting Goods. Potential Flaws The asymmetrical lacing looks nice, but it’s a little hard to get the hang of at first.While great for hard courts, these may not offer the right grip for grass or clay courts. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Kristen Geil PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Kristen Geil Most Comfortable ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 PHOTO: Asics View on Amazon View on Asics.com Pros Molds to your feet Reliable lateral support Great for baseline players Cons Too narrow for wide feet Feels slightly heavy Key Specs Sizes: 5–12 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: 12 ounces | Materials: Upper not listed, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who They’re For Best for baseline players who need maximum lateral stability and support during competitive play. Why We Love Them Twisted ankles are the bane of any tennis player's existence, which is why we love Asics’ Women's GEL-Resolution 8 Shoes. Thanks to the form-fitting, flexible upper and added lateral stability in the midfoot, we feel confident moving quickly across the baseline. A motion-control feature in the heel counter keeps our feet locked in during sudden pivots and stops. While they immediately felt snug, we soon began to appreciate the tailored shape. Over time, this shoe molds to your foot for a customized fit that lets you move freely when your opponent makes a quick set. And as an added bonus, these are available in plenty of playful colors to help you stand out on any tennis court. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Asics. Potential Flaws Although these are not the most breathable and lightweight shoes on our list, we never experienced overheating or excessive sweating.If you have especially wide feet, these may run too narrow for you. Best for Wide Feet New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav V2 PHOTO: Amazon $150 at Amazon $150 at Zappos Pros Ample cushioning Good heel support Available in wide sizes Cons Slightly heavy Key Specs Sizes: 5–14 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: 13 ounces | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who They’re For Best for competitive players with wide feet who prefer plush cushioning underfoot. Why We Love Them Wearing shoes that are too narrow can cause blisters and foot pain, especially if you have wide feet. We love New Balance’s Fresh Foam X Lav 2 Shoes for wide-footed wearers because they have ample room in the toe box and are available in wide sizes. Plus, the flexible knit upper provides a locked-in, molded fit. During testing, we noticed that these shoes offer more cushioning than other options for a plush feel underfoot. This helps soften landings and absorb shock during aggressive gameplay. Despite the softness, these sneakers still stabilize our feet—thanks to the herringbone tread pattern and solid heel counter. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Tennis Plaza. Potential Flaws These are some of the heavier shoes that we tested, but we didn’t feel that they weighed us down or slowed our movements during gameplay. Best Lightweight Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Tennis Shoe PHOTO: Amazon $102 at Amazon View on Pgatoursuperstore.com $56 at Adidas.com Pros Easy to clean Designed for speed Reliable lateral support Cons High ankle collar Key Specs Sizes: 5–11.5 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Who They’re For Best if you value speed and agility for quick movements across the court. Why We Love Them Weighing in at just over 11 ounces, Adidas’ Adizero Ubersonic 4 Shoes are one of the lightest shoes we tested. They’re designed for speed and agility, making them ideal for players who rely on quick movements to outmaneuver their opponents. Not only did the feather-like feel impress us, but we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of support despite the lightweight design. During testing, the snug, flexible mesh upper offered a locked-in feel that allowed us to perform smooth and safe sidesteps, slides, and sprints. It also felt breathable and prevented overheating, excessive sweating, and blisters. For quick movements across the court, we love this pair from Adidas. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Adidas. Potential Flaws The high ankle collar may cause rubbing or irritation for some players. Bonus Favorites We didn’t test the following tennis shoes, but they have similar materials, constructions, and prices, to the ones we tested. Some of them also come recommended by our experts. Best Budget Adidas Women's Gamecourt 2 W Sneaker PHOTO: Adidas $70 $63 at Amazon $70 at Zappos $70 at Dicks Sporting Goods Pros Made with recycled materials Grippy herringbone outsole Great stability Cons May be too wide for narrow feet Key Specs Sizes: 5–11.5 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best for eco-conscious players who play on hard courts. Why We Love Them If you play a few times weekly on hard courts, you should replace your tennis shoes every two to three months. Luckily, Adidas’ Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes lessen the negative impact on your wallet and the environment since they’re budget-friendly and made from 50% recycled materials. And while we love their eco-friendly mission, these shoes offer more than just sustainability. Designed for stability and comfort on hard courts, these kicks feature a supportive foam midsole and grippy herringbone outsole for easy, quick pivots. The open mesh upper is breathable and lightweight, while supportive overlays lock your foot in place. These are a solid steal for saving money without compromising on quality. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Adidas, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Potential Flaws These may run too wide if you have especially narrow feet. Best for Stability K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 PHOTO: Amazon $115 at Amazon View on Tennisexpress.com View on Kswiss.com Pros Grippy herringbone outsole Reliable lateral support Cooling sock liner Cons Not ideal for high arches Narrow toe box Key Specs Sizes: 5–11 | Court Type: All | Weight: 12.5 ounces | Materials: Synthetic upper, foam midsole cushioning, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best for all-court players who want a stable yet flexible shoe that looks like a regular sneaker. Why We Love Them The pastel color palette options of K-Swiss’ Hypercourt Express 2 Shoes are just a bonus to what's actually a well-designed tennis shoe. These sneakers are built with a lightweight midsole for support, a midfoot shank for stability, and a protective toe box for toe draggers. Plus, the herringbone outsole offers grippy traction. What sets these shoes apart even further is the cooling sock liner, which keeps your feet feeling fresh, even during hot and sweaty matches. And the synthetic upper provides a locked-in feel for even more stability. All in all, these shoes offer exceptional performance and a fashionable flair to ace your game in style. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, K-Swiss, and Tennis Point. Potential Flaws These shoes have a low arch, so players with high arches may want to add in custom orthotics. The toe box is narrow, which can be uncomfortable if you have wide feet. Best for Plantar Fasciitis Babolat Women’s Tennis SFX 3 All Court PHOTO: Babolat $141 at Amazon View on Babolat.com View on Courtsidetennis.com Pros Wide toe box Ample cushioning Grippy traction Cons May run slightly large Key Specs Sizes: 5.5–11 | Court Type: All | Weight: 11.9 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best for players who have plantar fasciitis and need extra cushioning and support. Why We Love Them The best shoes for plantar fasciitis will help you stop playing through pain. Babolat’s SXF3 All-Court Tennis Shoes feature a unique midsole segmented into nine strategically placed pressure points to relieve and prevent symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A compression system is also located under the heel for better shock absorption and maximum responsiveness. But these shoes go beyond exceptional support. They also have a flexible, breathable upper for comfort and breathability. And the rubber outsole is both grippy and durable. A wide toe box gives room for your toes to splay, adding even more stability for plantar fasciitis players. Also available in men's sizes at Babolat and The Picklr Shop. Potential Flaws Since the toe box is so roomy, you may want to size down, especially if you have narrow feet. Best for Support Diadora Blushield Torneo 2 PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon View on Diadora.com View on Tennis-warehouse.com Pros Helps with uneven foot placement Solid ankle support Customizable Cons Narrow toe box Key Specs Sizes: 6–11.5 | Court Type: All | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole cushioning, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best ankle support shoe for all-court players. Why We Love Them Are you tired of rolling your ankle on the court? Diadora's Blushield Torneo 2 Shoes feature a strategically designed midsole that supports your foot's natural alignment and centers it for optimal balance. There's also a built-in medial stabilizer to keep your arches supported and your ankle in place, so you can say goodbye to ankle sprains and strains that stop your game. The flexible mesh upper offers breathability and support, while the foam midsole cushioning provides excellent shock absorption for long hours on the court. And if you're picky about how your shoes fit, then you'll appreciate the choice between two cushioning styles (regular or high) and three reactivity levels (regular, high, or extreme) to accommodate your playing style. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Diadora, and Tennis Point. Potential Flaws The toe box may be too narrow for players with wide feet. Best for Women Over 50 New Balance 1006 V1 Tennis Shoe PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Aperfectdealer.com View on Tennisexpress.com Pros Great stability Breathable materials Ample cushioning Cons Not ideal for baseline play Key Specs Sizes: 5–12 | Court Type: All | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole cushioning, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best for keeping aches and foot fatigue at bay—especially during all-court play. Why We Love Them If aches, pains, and foot fatigue hold you back on the court, we highly recommend New Balance's 1006 V1 Tennis Shoes. They are lightweight and feature responsive foam cushioning, meaning you’ll stay light on your feet as you smash, spin, and stroke. Still, there’s enough lateral support and stability for foot and ankle protection during speedy sprints. Similar to many of our favorite New Balance shoes, these feature a breathable mesh upper to prevent sweaty, stinky feet. Meanwhile, a grippy rubber outsole delivers exceptional traction to keep you secure and surefooted on the courts. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Hibbett, and A Perfect Dealer. Potential Flaws These are some of the lightest shoes on our list, so they may not be ideal for baseline play. We think these are a solid choice for all-court players. Best All-Court Asics Women’s Solution Speed FF 3 PHOTO: Amazon $135 at Amazon View on Asics.com View on Allabouttennis.com Pros Designed for speed Breathable Eco-friendly Cons Narrow toe box Key Specs Sizes: 5–12 | Court Type: Hard | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Who They’re For Best for all-court players who prioritize speed for outmaneuvering opponents. Why We Love Them All-court players need lightweight shoes for chasing balls to deliver speedy returns on the court. We love Asics' Solution Speed FF 3 Shoes because they offer just that, as well as lateral stability for ankle protection during quick pivots and directional changes. We also love that these feature a mesh upper for maximum airflow, preventing sweaty feet. Beyond speed, support, and breathability, these shoes are also environmentally friendly. The dyeing process used for the sock liner reduces water usage by 33% and carbon emissions by 45% compared to conventional methods. So, while you're rallying the ball, you can also take pride in knowing that you're contributing to a greener world. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Tennis Express. Potential Flaws The narrow toe box may not be comfortable for players with wider feet. What to Look for When Shopping for Tennis Shoes for Women Traction: Since tennis involves quick lateral movements and direction changes, traction is crucial to prevent injury. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, recommends choosing shoes with a full herringbone outsole since this pattern offers optimal traction for bidirectional movements. Comfort: Choose shoes with a breathable, flexible upper to prevent excessive heat and allow for natural foot movements. Mesh is one of the most popular upper materials for breathability, though options like synthetic polyester can also provide ventilation. Cushioning: Tennis is a high-impact sport, so cushioning is key to absorbing shock and preventing injuries. The level of midsole cushioning will vary depending on your foot type and personal preference, so it may take some trial and error. But all players will benefit from a shoe with a firm heel to stabilize their feet and prevent rolling. Fit: A properly fitting shoe should have at least a thumb's width of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. It should feel snug but not so tight that it will cause blisters, with enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay. If you have particularly wide or narrow feet, opt for brands that offer different width options. How We Selected and Tested the Tennis Shoes for Women To find the best tennis shoes for women, we first spoke with experts and researched dozens of options with their insights in mind. We also had two of our editors—who are also tennis players—test four different pairs on the courts. When testing, we evaluate each shoe based on the following key criteria: Fit: When we first try each shoe on, we make sure the fit is just right—about a thumb’s width of space between the end of our longest toe and the front of the shoe. As we start gameplay, we pay attention to whether our foot slides around in the shoe or if it feels too snug. We also consider if the shoe runs true to size and if it would be best for a particular foot shape (wide, narrow, with bunions).Comfort: Uncomfortable tennis shoes can affect your focus and performance, so we ensure each pair of shoes we recommend is comfortable. That means assessing the level of cushioning, arch support, shock absorption, and responsiveness of the midsole. We also make sure the upper feels breathable and flexible to prevent overheating and blisters during prolonged play.Grip: The outsole of your tennis shoe should have a grippy texture and raised tread pattern for traction on the courts. During gameplay, we pay attention to the shoe's grip, especially during quick lateral movements and sudden stops. We also consider how they perform during quick directional changes and pivots. If shoes lack traction on any type of court, we don’t recommend them.Support: Since tennis requires quick lateral movements, we only include shoes that keep our feet and ankles stable on the courts. We take notice of each shoe's ankle support during lateral movements and sudden changes in direction. We also consider how well the shoes absorb shock during aggressive play. Our final list only includes shoes that offer enough support to prevent our ankles from rolling.Flexibility: Tennis shoes should allow for natural foot movement without compromising support. Before taking each pair to the court, we try bending the shoe with our hands—looking for a balance between flexibility and structure. Then, during gameplay, we consider how the sole and upper material flex during different movements.Durability: When investing in any type of footwear, especially for sports, you want to ensure it will hold up over time. Throughout the testing period, we continuously examine our tennis shoes for any visible signs of wear and tear, like ripped stitching, loss of support, and more. After repeated playtime on various court surfaces, we checked to see how well the shoes held up. Overall Value: Tennis shoes can be expensive, but oftentimes an investment worth making for a high-quality pair. That’s why we don’t look at the price of each shoe until the end of the testing period and only then consider if it's reflective of the shoe’s performance. We only include tennis shoes that we would willingly pay full price for ourselves and that we would confidently recommend to a friend. Our Experts We consulted with two podiatrists to learn more about what separates tennis shoes from regular fitness sneakers. Bruce Pinker, DPM, podiatrist and owner of Progressive Foot Care in New York Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, board-certified podiatric surgeon at Foot and Ankle Specialists in North Carolina Frequently Asked Questions What is the main difference between men's and women's tennis shoes? Men’s shoes usually have a thicker sole and a wider, square-shaped toe box, while women’s shoes are usually narrower and more rounded at the toe. How often should I replace my tennis shoes? According to the United States Tennis Association (USTA), if you play once a week, you should replace your tennis shoes at least once a year. If you play more frequently and on hard courts, you should replace your shoes every two to three months. What's the difference between tennis shoes and regular sneakers? According to Daughtry, regular sneakers are designed for casual wear and don’t have the proper support, traction, and durability for playing tennis. Can I wear my tennis shoes for other activities? Yes, you can wear tennis shoes for other activities. However, Daughtry advises avoiding tennis shoes when playing other sports that require specific footwear (like soccer, football, and more). Do I need to break in my tennis shoes before playing? Tennis shoes should not require a break-in period and should feel comfortable from the moment you put them on, Daughtry says. Why Trust Verywell Fit Shannon Ullman is a health, wellness, and fitness writer for Verywell Fit who focuses on writing product-focused content. She’s been playing tennis for quite some time and loves her Asics. By Shannon Ullman Shannon understands how quality products can make health, wellness, fitness, and outdoor recreation so much better. She's dedicated to providing honest and reliable product recommendations to anyone who reads her work. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit