The 14 Tennis Shoes That’ll Serve an Ace in More Ways Than One (2024)

Step aside, paddle- and pickleball. We love you, but it's time to talk about the OG racket sport: tennis. Maybe you've been playing since you were a kid, or perhaps you just picked it up over the summer. Whichever path you have chosen, you should know that half the battle of tennis is the skill. The other half? The shoes.

When you step on a court, your shoes say more than you think. It's not just about the style (although tennis fashion isn't something that should be overlooked); your game is largely influenced by the footwear you play in. With all the quick side-to-side motions, you want a shoe that's going to give you the support to flit around the court and a solid foundation to serve. So yeah, there's a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the best tennis shoes, and luckily, we're here to show you our expert- and editor-approved top picks.

My mom and I are among the masses who favor the Asics Gel-Resolution shoes, and for good reason, too. They provide great stability and cushioning, so they are best for players who like to control the game with ground strokes. If you primarily play singles, these are the pair for you. Also, the gel technology gives you extra absorption to create a softer landing.

It should come as no the surprise that Nike has a whole line devoted to playing tennis. This guy, the Zoom Vapor Cage, is numero uno of the bunch, with a Zoom Air unit for a springy step. Plus, it's named after tennis legend Rafael Nadal, so you know it's gonna be good.

If you want your shoes the be GOAT approved, then look no further than On's first-ever competition shoe—named after none other than Rodger Federer. In a minimalistic fashion, this sleek shoe is also sustainable and composed of recycled materials. The high-performance foam, engineered mesh, and midfoot cage are only a few of the factors that give this shoe Federer status.

As a Babolat stan, I can attest that its shoes are just as worth trying as its rackets. Through working with Michelin (yes, the Michelin), Babolat has created a special rubber sole for each court surface. A compression system beneath the heel lends itself to superior shock absorption with an advanced cushioning system to boot.

Designed for aggressive baseline players who demand as much from their footwear as they do from their opponents, this new men's performance tennis shoe offers exceptional durability. Packed with Head T-KORE 360° technologies that improve strength and stability, this option is for the guy who wants to keep on winning.

New Balance—a purveyor of men's sportswear—created the ultimate game-ready style that combines comfort, durability, and performance. The Fuel Cell Tennis Shoes are crafted with a round toe, a lace closure, and a padded collar that provides a firm fit around the ankle, so you'll never miss a volley because of your shoes again.

Another iconic tennis shoe from an iconic brand. Wilson's shoes are for the player who prefers comfort over all else. Fitting wider feet, the shoe gives extreme support for pivoting, a pad to protect when dragging feet on follow-through, and maximum traction. You can also scoop a duffel to hold all your tennis gear while you're on Wilson's site.

This shoe is one of the best in the game. Coming in five different colors, Adidas is elevating your play with a pair that is made in part with recycled materials. Between Sensepods, a cushioned midsole, and an intuitive lacing system, you can't go wrong with the Barricades. These are my tennis pro friend's favorite as well, if you need more convincing.

Players no longer need to compromise between comfort and weight thanks to the Wave Tennis Shoe—one of the lightest, most comfortable options available. This style offers superior energy return and plush yet supportive cushioning, so you'll always be able to stay one step ahead of your competition.

Shoes that live up to their name. K-Swiss is one of the top brands that comes to mind when you think tennis shoes. Featuring a lighter build, a supportive upper, and new midsole technology, the Hypercourt Express 2 is built on the success of its predecessor. Oh yeah, and about that midsole technology: It's flexible and durable to give you energy return and supreme comfort.

For Fila fanatics (or anyone with a wider foot), these tennis shoes are a solid option. A comfortable and breathable sockliner nestles the foot, with cushioning in the heel and forefront to give a plush feel. The durable rubber sole provides bona fide traction as you hit a lateral shuffle.

If you excel in long, grueling matches that wear down your opponents over time, this is the perfect shoe for you. Made with a high-density outsole that provides unsurpassed durability, this style from Asics is lightweight and breathable and provides maximum comfort. The best part? There's no break-in period, so you can hit the court as soon as possible (okay, in a couple days; delivery can only go so fast).

Prince makes tennis shoes that live up to its tennis racket's level. The upper provides breathability and support, while the sturdy heel keeps your foot in place during rallies. The multidirectional tread is great if you plan to play on more than just hard court—say clay and, perhaps if you find yourself at Wimbledon, grass.

If you want best-in-class cushioning, look no further than Diadora's Toreno Tennis Shoes. The Nucleo technology in the metatarsal area of this style provides great shock absorption while also minimizing asymmetric behavior on the feet. So in other words, you shouldn't hit the court without these bad boys laced up and ready to go.