Tennis is a fast-moving game that requires powerful racquet swings and quick changes of direction. To meet these requirements, tennis players use a racquet and shoes as the most important pieces of equipment for overall performance. When it comes time to buy a new pair of tennis shoes, you consider their design, materials used and support.
Function
Tennis shoes are designed as a protective piece of equipment that may also improve your performance through stability and traction. The overall function of tennis shoes is to provide comfort, support and force. Choosing the right tennis shoes with the proper fit can prevent soreness and injury by supporting the foot through every movement on the court.
Design
Tennis shoes commonly resemble general cross-training shoes which are designed for being used for wide variety of activities and sports. Cross-training shoes are also designed to maximize support and comfort through forward and lateral movements. This design also allows you to use the shoes for other activities, such as jogging, walking or aerobics.
Support
Tennis shoes use a combination of materials to promote comfort and support. The shoes are reinforced on the lateral sides of the shoe for ankle support for side-to-side movements. To maximize comfort and cushioning, the tennis shoes use an EVA or polyurethane foam in the midsoles. These materials improve shock absorption during every step.
Traction
Traction on the tennis court is essential to improve performance, but tennis commonly takes place on different surfaces, such as grass and clay. As a result, the materials and tread design on the sole changes to improve traction on the different surfaces. For example, the traditional herringbone tread pattern is ideal for hard courts but treads with small rubber studs work best on grass courts.
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