Tennis asks more of a shoe than almost any other recreational sport. A single rally can include a sprint to the corner, a sudden stop, a lunge and a scramble back to the middle, and most of it happens sideways. Running shoes are built for straight lines and tend to roll over on hard lateral pushes. Proper tennis shoes add side support, a tougher outsole and a toe that survives being dragged on serves and slides.
How You Play Decides the Shoe
Court surface matters, but playing style matters more. Think about where you spend most of a match and what you want from the shoe there.
Baseline grinders spend long rallies moving side to side behind the baseline. They need durability above all, because the toe and forefoot take a beating, and enough cushioning to stay comfortable through long matches.
Net rushers and all-court attackers make short, explosive moves forward and diagonally. They benefit from a lighter shoe with a propulsive midsole that feels quick off the mark.
Weekend and social players want comfort first. A well-cushioned, forgiving shoe with a durable non-marking outsole covers a couple of sets a week with ease.
What to Look For on Any Court
- A non-marking outsole, which most clubs require on indoor and hard courts.
- Reinforcement around the toe and forefoot, where drag and slides wear shoes out first.
- Lateral support from a firmer midsole edge or an external shank.
- A fit that holds the heel firmly without crushing the toes.
A durable tennis shoe that ticks these boxes will outlast two pairs of running shoes worn on court.
Six Shoes, Six Playing Styles
Each pick comes with a one-line match to the player it suits, all drawn from the current court shoe line.
FuelCell 996v7
Best for: fast all-court players. FuelCell foam gives a propulsive feel, a lightweight upper is covered in NDure drag protection, and an external shank adds torsional stability during quick direction changes. It is the shoe for players who like to attack.
Fresh Foam X CT-Rally v2
Best for: baseline grinders. A Fresh Foam X midsole delivers plush cushioning, NDure upper technology adds durability where shoes usually wear through, and an NDurance rubber outsole is built to last through long rallies.
696v7
Best for: players who switch surfaces. FuelCell foam is paired with a multi-court outsole that gives reliable traction across different surfaces and does not mark the court. It is a sensible single shoe for club players who play indoors and out.
FuelCell 796v5
Best for: improving club players. A propulsive FuelCell midsole with an NDurance rubber outsole for durability and a non-marking sole. It sits between the speed of the 996v7 and the cushioning of the CT-Rally.
Fresh Foam X 1007
Best for: comfort-first social tennis. Fresh Foam X cushioning, a flexible non-marking outsole and NDurance rubber make it forgiving for doubles evenings and weekend hitting sessions.
Coco Delray
Best for: aggressive movers who want a light shoe. The signature shoe of Coco Gauff keeps the design light, uses FuelCell foam for a propulsive feel and adds an NDurance rubber outsole for durability.
Breaking In and Looking After Tennis Shoes
Give new shoes one or two shorter hitting sessions before a full match, so the upper can mould to your foot and any hot spots show up early. Wear proper tennis socks with cushioning under the forefoot and heel. After play, loosen the laces fully before taking the shoes off, which protects the heel counter, and let them dry naturally if they are damp. Keep an eye on the outsole under the ball of the foot and along the toe; once the pattern is smooth, grip drops sharply and it is time for a new pair. Players who drag their back foot on serve will wear the toe faster, so the more durable models above are worth considering for them.
Final Thoughts
Choose for the way you play rather than for the surface alone: durability for long baseline rallies, speed for attacking at the net and cushioning for relaxed weekend sets. Get the style right and men’s and women’s tennis shoes alike will feel steady from the first point to the last.
Every shoe above belongs to the tennis line from New Balance. For more short reads on sport and active living, visit 2minuteread.