For a tennis player, purchasing a sport-specific shoe is a high priority. Tennis shoes are designed to provide the lateral support needed to perform at a high level, while avoiding injury. Tennis shoes come in a variety of materials and with a specialized sole construction for good shock absorption. Because the sport is rough on footwear, players should definitely invest in a high quality pair of shoes before taking the court.
Upper Shoe
The majority of tennis shoes are made of canvas, leather or vinyl, and each kind has its own positive and negative attributes. Canvas shoes offer the best ventilation, so they'll keep your feet the coolest. They also offer the least amount of support for your feet, however. Leather shoes ensure that your feet stay dry from the elements and offer the most support, but they will also cost you the most. Vinyl can provide the same support as leather while keeping your feet dry, but can lead to your feet overheating because they do not breathe well. Some shoes combine leather or vinyl with mesh, which helps keep your feet cool while offering good support.
Sole
Most tennis shoes have rubber soles. Serve and volley players will want a shoe with an extra piece of rubber at the front called a toecap, which adds to the shoe's durability -- but also its weight. Players who generally participate on a hard court surface will also want more durable soles, while grass or clay players can get away with wearing a lighter shoe.
Cushioning
Your shoe must have additional cushioning inside because tennis is extremely hard on a player's feet. Many shoes use polyurethane as cushioning, as it absorbs shock and makes the shoe more stable. Unfortunately, it also makes the shoe heavier, which some players do not like. Other shoes use ethylene vinyl acetate, or EVA, which also provides a high level of cushioning and does not weigh much. This material does not stand up to heavy use, however, nor does it stabilize the foot very well.
Which Material to Choose
Those who play on hard courts should select a shoe with a durable upper area made from either leather or vinyl. These materials provide more support than canvas, especially when moving laterally. Players who generally play on a softer surface do not have to worry as much about durability, making canvas an option. Regardless, they should ensure that their shoes have a solid sole with good traction.
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