The Best Tennis Shoes for Women to Step Up Your Game on the Court
Ace your next match with these hard and clay court sneakers.
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When you think of tennis shoes, white sneakers may come to mind, but the category has vastly grown over the years and you can find more funky chunky sneakers for your next match. Similar to running sneakers and pickleball shoes, tennis shoes are designed with support and surface in mind so you can hit those volleys and serves while feeling comfortable.
We spoke with professional and college tennis players as well as coaches to find the best tennis shoes for women. Our footwear experts, who have tested everything from the best hiking shoes and cycling shoes to the best walking shoes, weighed in to help narrow down top-performing picks and recommend popular sneakers on Amazon that ring in for under $75.
Our top picks:
Whether you've been playing singles or doubles for years or are planning to pick up a tennis racket for the first time, you'll find the right sneaker for you this summer. At the end of our shopping guide, you'll find more information on things to keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of tennis sneakers, as well as expert advice on making them go the distance. And if you're looking for supportive footwear post-workout, check out our round-up of the best recovery shoes so you can be back in the swing of things in no time.
Nike is a quintessential athletic brand that is on top of its game when it comes to tennis shoes according to one professional tennis player we spoke with. The Vapor Pro has a low cut design and lightweight feel ideal for quick movements on the court. We also appreciate the full-length foot frame designed for stability as well as the herringbone outsole meant to help with grip. A cushioned midsole and reinforced mesh makes this tennis shoe, available in six neutral and bright colors, comfortable for a long match, clinic or round robin.
Graduated collegiate tennis player at Lafayette College Ruthie Wilson wore Nike tennis shoes throughout college and says they were great to hard courts. Larry Lebatique, a tennis professional at the Bass River Tennis Club and the Head Tennis Coach at Austin Prep High School, adds that Nike makes light shoes that play well, but notes that they may not last as long as other more durable shoes on this list.
Sizes: 5-12 | Color options: 6 | Midsole: Not listed | Court type: Hard | Fit: Standard
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 7 Tennis Shoes
The best part about ASICS is that its sneakers are great quality but come at half the price of other popular tennis shoe brands. We love the Gel line, as do Lebatique and a pro player who finds the brand's shoes supportive and light. A rubber sole and wrap-around outsole will help you feel comfortable as you volley, and gel cushioning will aid in shock absorption. The shoe has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon with 2,600 customer reviews. One five-star review writes, "The shoes are comfortable, stylish, are super sturdy for the courts." They add that the shoe can function off the court as well — adding to its overall value. Some customers do note that the shoe is fairly basic, which may be expected with the smaller price tag.
Sizes: 5-12 | Color options: 9 | Midsole: Gel | Court type: Not listed | Fit: Standard
adidas Barricade Tennis Shoes
If you have flatter feet, you'll want a tennis shoe (or any shoe for that matter) that offers a good amount of support so you can make it through those never-ending sets against your opponent. This pair by Adidas has bounce cushioning that is supportive and lightweight so you don't have to compromise with a heavier sneaker for more support and stability. The hard court outsole will give you the right kind of traction so you can quickly change direction and take that killer shot. A unique feature are the laces, which have what the brand calls internal webbing so as you tighten your laces the tongue molds right to your foot. We love the fun neon colors, as do consumers. And if you want even more support during the game, you can add orthotic insoles inside your shoe too.
Sizes: 5-11.5 | Color options: 6 | Midsole: Cushioned bounce | Court type: Hard | Fit: Standard
K Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
Wilson likes K Swiss for wide feet and recommends keeping an eye out for sales on the brand's shoes. The generous fit makes the shoe more comfortable for wide feet while the surgelite midsole technology is designed to be lightweight, flexible and durable while providing the right amount of cushion. The shoes have a molded ortholite sockliner and rubber outsole as well, making them a great alternative if you have wide, flatter feet. K Swiss also claims a no break-in period — although Wilson says she had some blisters but overall they were pretty quick to break in. Still, fit, price and color variety make it a solid choice.
Sizes: 5-11 | Color options: 6 | Midsole: Surgelite | Court type: Not listed | Fit: Wide
Babolat Jet Tere Clay Women
If you spend the majority of your time playing tennis on a clay court, consider purchasing a shoe designed specifically for a clay surface. Babolat teamed up with Michelin to design a clay shoe with premium rubber for optimal grip on the court. A rubber nose is meant for extra durability, and an EVA foam heel helps to absorb shock as you run or jump to take a shot. We appreciate the added Ortholite insole for extra support as well as the breathable mesh layer. While we wish there were more than one color to choose from, that will make the choice of style a lot easier.
Sizes: 5-11 | Color options: 1 | Midsole: EVA foam | Court type: Clay | Fit: Standard
Our textiles experts are big fans of New Balance shoes for all sorts of activities or just daily wear. Its tennis shoes are no different, and we appreciate that this shoe is designed for multi-court play, making it an ideal pair for a beginner player that may be alternating between different types of courts. While there are only two colors to choose from, the shoe is fitted with design choices meant to make you feel supported while you play. A full-length and herringbone outsole aid in superior grip and the synthetic material is designed to be durable. The lace closure is adjustable so you can find the perfect fit. These shoes may be rather basic in style but New Balance carries the name of comfort and we bet you'll see its logo around town and on the court as it grows in popularity.
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Midsole: Not listed | Court type: All | Fit: Standard, wide
Wilson Rush Pro 4.0 Women's Tennis Shoe
A perfect five-star rating across over 30 online reviews speaks for itself when it comes to this pair of Wilson tennis shoes. We love the sleek silhouette that is still able to incorporate stability, which is top of mind when it comes to purchasing a new tennis shoe. Ortholite EVA foam in the midsole combined with a split 4D chassis that runs from heel to toe gives you the ultimate amount of cushion. A high-density rubber overlay is meant to boost durability of the shoe when dragging the foot on the court. All of these features come with a slightly higher price tag, but customers rave about the support and stability the shoes give, with one five-star review writing: "They are super comfortable and what I love most is that my ankles feel really secure in them. I do lots of footwork drills off court and it’s important that the shoes feel stable and secure around my ankles."
Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 5 | Midsole: EVA foam | Court type: All | Fit: Standard
When it comes to durability, Lebatique recommends the T22 by Prince. The shoe also has the Amazon's Choice badge plus a 4.5-star rating across more than 400 online reviews. A rubber sole and wishbone shank, which sits between the shoe's insole and outsole, are designed with durability and stability in mind. The brand claims the shoes have great shock absorption thanks to a shock eraser midsole that provides plush cushioning, and customers also note using them for pickleball, which makes them a versatile pick for other summertime sports. One five-star review writes, "As a tennis player and tennis instructor for over 40 years, these are the best tennis shoe for lateral stability. Yes, a tad bulky; but when I play I feel the extra weight and wide sole gives superior support especially when running or sliding for wide balls."
Sizes: 6-11 | Color options: 2 | Midsole: Shock eraser | Court type: Clay or hard | Fit: Standard
These high-end shoes have all of the design features of a great tennis shoe with the added bonus of a neat aesthetic that will draw eyes on the court (after your great moves, of course). Breathable mesh, removable shockproof EVA foam in the midsole and a rubber outsole are designed to maximize comfort and stability — although the brand does note that lots of sliding and rubbing can lead to the shoes not lasting as long. Still, we appreciate that you can wear these shoes on both hard and clay courts. The three available colors (pink, white and blue) have cool zig zags that almost match the pattern of criss-crossing laces for an aesthetic shoe meant for all players regardless of level.
Sizes: 6-11.5 | Color options: 2 | Midsole: EVA foam | Court type: Hard or clay | Fit: Standard
What to look for when shopping for tennis shoes for women
When shopping for footwear meant for a particular activity such as tennis, it's important to consider the following things to help ensure you feel comfortable and stable while playing:
✔️ Surface is perhaps the first thing to factor in before your purchase as some shoes are only meant for clay, hard or grass courts, while others are multifunctional. According to one professional tennis player we interviewed, you won't slide as well on a clay court if you are wearing shoes designed for a hard court. Therefore, the amount of traction your sneakers will need depends on the court you are playing on. If you are just starting out, consider purchasing a dual shoe that works on hard and clay courts. If you tend to play often, consider purchasing a shoe for each court type.
Otherwise, GH Textiles Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu recommends referencing ASICS' guide to better understand the difference between grass, hard and clay court tennis shoes. A briefing:
- Clay court tennis shoes have a strong grip and an outsole that won't leave behind marks on the court as well as durable sides to prolong wear.
- Meanwhile, hard court shoes have a tough outsole and good cushioning to support you on a harder surface than clay.
- Although grass courts are rare, you'll want a shoe with good grip so you don't slip and a flat outsole so you don't damage the court.
✔️ Fit is key with all shoe purchases. Wu points out that you don't want your shoes to feel too snug or for you toes to feel cramped as your feet can swell throughout the day. "I would aim for a fingers-width of space from the end of the shoe to the toe or however much feels comfortable without any slippage," she advises. There are also shoes designed for wide feet if you want more room around your ankles.
✔️ Cushion is crucial as you could be logging a lot of intense playing time, depending on your level, and you want to avoid painful blisters. You'll want to look at the midsole material, says Wu, as the midsole is what your foot will be directly seated on. A lot of the shoes in our roundup use Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) but Polyurethane (PU) is also popular. EVA is super soft and cushiony while PU tends to last longer without losing its shape — although it provides less cushion.
✔️ Support is also critical as tennis involves lots of side-to-side movements. Wu says a more stable shoe may feel heavier but is safer for new or beginner players. However, if you are a more seasoned player, consider a lightweight pair that allows for quicker movements — just note that you won't have as much support.
How long do tennis shoes last?
There isn't a specific answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors including the frequency and intensity which you play. For example, a pro player can go through one pair of shoes in two to three weeks if they play everyday for two to three hours. However, if a player only plays two to three times a week, their shoes will probably last three to four months.
How long your shoe lasts also depends on the type of court you tend to play on. "If it is hard courts, a sneaker will break down faster," explains Lebatique. However, we learned in our research that clay court shoes can often last a year or more because the softer surface doesn't wear out the bottoms of the shoes as fast.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine if your shoe is on its way out:
✔️ Has the outsole of the shoe lost any traction?
✔️ Do the shoes still feel comfortable to wear while you play?
✔️ Do you notice any signs of wear and tear?
If you want to improve the longevity of your shoe, Lebatique recommends players only wear the sneaker while on the court for matches and practice. "Take them off when you are done playing. Also, don’t wear them on your way to playing," he adds. A pro player advises you air out your shoes after you play so the shoe doesn't become soft.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she ensures product roundups reflect accurate and current information. She has written on a variety of lifestyle topics from bathing suits for women to wedding guest dresses. Elizabeth first picked up a racket when she was eight-years-old and has returned to the court over the years. To learn more about design features in women's tennis shoes, she spoke with professional and collegiate level tennis players as well as tennis coaches and Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst at GH Grace Wu.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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