Finding the perfect tennis shoe can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The best tennis shoes for women are comfortable sneakers that can keep up with the swift start and stop movements that accompany the sport. And that’s why not just any footwear will do.
Former D1 tennis player and Miami-based tennis coach Sara Andrade says tennis shoes can help support your foot during quick side-to-side moves, provide stability, and help prevent serious injuries.
Best Tennis Shoes For Women
-
Best Overall Tennis Shoe
Asics Gel-Resolution 9
Best Tennis Shoe For Narrow Feet
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
Best Lightweight Tennis Shoe
Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
“Your tennis shoe is your base, and you don’t want your foot or ankle rolling or moving around in it because that can lead to a serious injury” she explains. Like any good workout sneaker, good tennis shoes can also improve your game by stabilizing your foot and keeping you light on your feet, ready to lunge after the ball. Need some tips on what to look for when shopping? Experts have outlined some key points below.
What to consider
Size
When opting for the best tennis shoe, it really comes down to size. Gavin Glider, head tennis coach at Apex Rack and Fitness in Maine, highlights that finding the perfect fit is crucial to comfort and protection. Shoes that are too big can lead to slipping and falls. Ones that are too small can lead to serious ankle or knee injuries. “When you’re thinking about sizing, it’s important not to get it too small,” Glider says. “If the shoe is too small, your toes are going to jam.” He recommends tennis shoes be worn a tad larger than your average sneaker to allow comfortable room for movement, similar to a running shoe. Your tennis sneaks should fit tightly, but not too snug.
Width
Most tennis shoes come in a standard width size, but if you have wider feet you want to select a shoe that accommodates your needs. Andrade shares that it is important to have the correct width to help support your ankle and prevent any injuries. For instance, she has much more narrow feet, so she gravitates towards shoes that keep her foot feeling locked in. “There is no perfect shoe for everyone, so finding the right option for tennis really comes down to the fit for the foot,” Andrade says.
Surface
Not all tennis shoes are made for every court. When purchasing a pair, it is crucial to understand what court it performs best on. For instance, if you’re playing on clay, Glider recommends clay court shoes that have a wider tread, making it easier to slide. In contrast, if you’re playing on a hard court, Glider suggests a shoe that doesn’t grip. He points out that most tennis kicks are called “all court shoes,” meaning they work on all types of surfaces. Understanding what type of court you are playing on will help aid in your shopping decisions.
How we chose
Women’s Health editors, including fashion and lifestyle writer Amanda Rosenthal and associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner tested and researched the top-rated tennis shoes on the market. We also consulted tennis professionals and coaches, Gavin Glider, Sara Andrade, and Leonardo Alfaro who provided shoe recommendations and tips on what to look for in the best tennis shoes for women. We then tested the shoes, evaluating them on comfort, width, durability, and style, narrowing the list down to the below eight tennis shoes for women.
Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or trying to perfect your backhand, these shoes will get you going. So grab your racket and fave tennis skirt and get ready to ace your game.
Asics Gel-Resolution 9
Pros
- Adds stability to your moves
- Stylish 90’s look
- Great for playing at the baseline of the court
- Has a nice, snug feel for those with narrower feet
Cons
- Not the best for people with wider feet
After testing and considering dozens of tennis shoes, the Asics Gel-Resolution 9 emerged as our “Best Overall” pick for its comfort, durability, stability features, and high praise by tennis coaches and players alike. A favorite for those who prefer to play at the baseline (the line that runs parallel to the net at the back of the court), the shoe features Dynawall technology that aids in stability and support during lateral movements.
A current favorite of Andrade, she points out that Asics’ advanced gel cushioning provides improved shock absorption, which helps prevent injuries. “A lot of professionals wear this shoe because it is known to be very supportive and is said to help with injuries from impact,” Andrade says. Plus, the thick rubber outsole improves durability, while keeping your foot locked in place.
The chunkier style also sports a 90’s feel, making the shoe cool and practical. No wonder Asics is a favorite among pros like Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur.
One of our testers loves it because it doesn’t cause rubbing on the ankle or the front of the feet. So, she tells us she barely notices the shoe during practice. According to her, the fit is “just right” (aka it’s on the narrower side, which she likes as she tends to crunch her toes when walking in shoes that are a bit wider).
That being said, other testers with a broader foot wish that this shoe came in a wider version to avoid that constricting feeling.
Read more:Best Tennis Skirts
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard |
| Surface | Hard court |
Pros
- Thicker heel increases stability
- Molds to your feet as you move
- Wears well
Cons
- Isn’t as cushioned as other shoes on this list
The Hypercourt Express 2 is KSwiss’ bestselling shoe, and justifiably so. Recommended by Andrade, this shoe is her personal favorite as she finds it meets all her needs on the court. It’s extremely lightweight, enhancing agility and maneuverability during intense rallies. Plus, the kick is made with an ortholite lining, which allows air to circulate around the insole, keeping the feet dry and cool during long matches and practices.
“Not only is it super comfortable for my narrow foot and high arch, but it also has a nice cushioned heel that helps me move easier on the court,” Andrade says. It sports a molded outsole that provides a stable base for the feet, decreasing the chance of any knee or ankle-related injuries. “And, it’s super cute, coming in fun colors, like the one I have that are white with a pop of orange and blue,” she says.
Our tester found that this shoe wears well—the soles don’t scuff down, even with her weekly tennis schedule. And, the insoles are washable, so if you had a sweaty sesh, you can throw them right in the wash. However, she does note that this shoe isn’t as cushioned as some others on this list, so if you prefer a flatter option, this one is for you.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard |
| Surface | Any surface |
Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
Pros
- Lightweight feel boosts your speed
- Very grippy
- Mesh fabric keeps your feet cool and dry
Cons
- Thinner outsole makes it less durable than other shoes on the list
This low-to-the-ground sneaker is for those with a need for speed. Featuring a thinner herringbone outsole, these kicks will have you zooming around the court, while providing your foot enough grip and flexibility to make swift movements without sliding around.
Alfaro highlights that the cushioned sole adds protection without adding weight or bulkiness to the shoe. In fact, our absolute favorite aspect of this shoe is that it’s incredibly lightweight without impacting stability and performance. Its weightlessness helps us fly around the court—it literally feels like there’s nothing on your feet. If you want something that feels like air, this one is literally made for you.
It’s made with a stretchy internal sleeve, so this kick fits like a glove and helps stabilize your foot as you move. What’s more, it boasts a mesh fabric that keeps your feet cool and ready for your next match. It’s important to note, though, that this shoe tends to burn out quicker due to their thinner sole, Galvin warns.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard |
| Surface | Hard court |
Pros
- Suitable for all racket sports
- Provides great energy return
- Super flexible
Cons
- Not great for more seasoned players
Crafted with practicality in mind, this kick blurs the lines between performance and style. It’s no surprise that this baby is trending in the tennis world. Made to be worn on and off the court with its plush and cushioned midsole, the shoe features a sleek and timeless look that can take you from practice to lunch with the girls.
But don’t let its cute looks fool you. The Roger Clubhouse Pro has boomed in popularity for beginners because it has reinforcements on the upper to help keep your foot in place. And, it uses a nylon blend ‘Speedboard’ in the heel and midfoot. This standout feature gives your feet some flexibility on all courts, while enhancing energy return.
However, Glider says this shoe is newer in the tennis world, so there is room for improvement in durability and performance. That being said, it may be a better option for beginners or casual players.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard |
| Surface | Hard court, Clay court, Multi-court |
Pros
- Features cutting-edge technology
- Keeps you stable during quick lunges or cuts
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Not supportive enough for beginners
This shoe comes with high accolades. One of Glider’s top must haves, the Barricade tennis shoe is best for seasoned players who make a lot of quick movements. It’s structured with a torsion system, which provides a bridge between the forefoot and rearfoot to support the midfoot. So, you can rest assured that your feet will be comfortable and locked in when making quick lunges or cuts.
It also has what’s called Geofit Sensepods, a foam construction at the heel or ankle of the foot that ensures comfort and support that lasts through to match point. “This technology is what allows Adidas to create outstanding tennis shoes,” says Glider.
The asymmetric lacing also adds additional security, keeping your feet stable as you move. Another prominent feature that makes it great for experienced players is the Repetitor midsole, which aids your feet in quick transitions. That said, we found that this shoe isn’t the most protective against ankle injuries, so we recommend a different pair for newbies who may need more supportive kicks that guide their movement.
| Sizes | 5-11.5 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard |
| Surface | Hard court |
Pros
- Very cushioned and soft
- Outsole is more durable in places with high wear
- Helps with those prone to aches and foot pains
Cons
- Not the most supportive in the ankle area
Made specifically for tennis athletes, this kick will have you ready to face any opponent. It’s made with the brand’s plushest foam, Fresh Foam X, providing some of the best comfort we’ve ever felt in a tennis shoe. Andrade recommends this one to players who value comfort and are prone to foot pains and aches post games. Its supportive sponge-like feel leaves players’ feet feeling secure and ready to spring into action.
Plus, the shoe was designed keeping wear in mind, so the outsole is more durable in the areas that get the most love. This is thanks to the NDurance rubber outsole technology, which helps you get more wear out of the shoes.
It’s important to mention that because this kick is so pillowy, some people may find that it doesn’t offer enough ankle support. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s extra supportive, you may want to opt for another option on this list, like the Asics pair, that offers more support.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Width | Standard, Wide |
| Surface | Hard court |
