Proper athletic footwear not only helps your performance, but it also may help prevent sports-specific injuries. The options for athletic footwear, whether it is called tennis shoes, workout shoes, sneakers or athletic shoes, may seem overwhelming. However, you will need to examine your specific needs, your anatomy and the shoe itself to narrow down your choices so that you are able to select workout tennis shoes that benefit you the most.
Activity Type
Consider the primary activity in which you will wear your tennis shoes. Podiatrist Dr. Stephen Pribut recommends purchasing a sport-specific shoe if you participate in a given athletic activity for at least three hours per week. If you engage in more than one activity, each for more than three hours weekly, you need a different workout shoe for each sport. Activity-specific shoes provide distinguishing features to assist your performance and to keep your body safe. For example, tennis-specific shoes offer side-to-side stability, basketball shoes give extra ankle support and running shoes provide shock-absorbing cushioning.
Foot Type
Your ideal workout tennis shoes depend on your particular foot anatomy. Athletic trainer Amy Leslie suggests consulting with a specialist to examine your feet and your shoe-wear patterns to determine your foot structure and gait. If you have flat feet, in which your arches are lower than normal, select shoes with firm midsoles that offer high stability and motion control. Feet with high arches benefit from flexible, highly cushioned shoes with less stability. If your feet have a normal arch, your best bet is a moderately stable, curved athletic shoe.
Shoe Construction
Your shoe's construction determines how well it meets your athletic needs. The heel box should not allow the back of your foot to slide around or up and down. A stable heel box is not easily compressed or bent over. The upper portion of your athletic shoe controls the movement of your midfoot and forefoot. Select lightweight materials if you need a flexible shoe with less support, and choose a rigid upper if you require high-stability shoes. Arch support depends not only on the arch itself but also on the sole's construction. A midsole area that does not narrow significantly between the toe and heel indicates good arch support.
Shoe Composition
The heel box of an athletic shoe often comprises leather accompanied by reinforcing rubber or plastic, giving it the necessary rigidity. A workout shoe's upper portion may vary from highly flexible mesh or fabric to stiff leather. The sole of the shoe, including its arch support, consists of dense, spongy material for cushioning and supporting the bottom of your foot.
Buying Considerations
Specialty shoe stores often boast knowledgeable sales associates to help you select good workout tennis shoes. Shop toward the end of the day when your feet are at their largest, and measure both feet for the best fit. Wear the same socks and any orthotic devices that you wear during your activity. Allow enough room in the toe box to move your toes freely, and be sure the shoe bends at the ball of your foot. Move about in the shoes for at least 10 minutes. Finally, replace your athletic shoes regularly to keep your feet well supported and to help prevent injury.
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