In tennis, shoes matter as much as the racket. Soles by surface, lateral support and choosing the right size.
Tennis is full of sudden stops, changes of direction and sideways slides. That’s why tennis shoes are designed differently from running shoes. The right shoes protect both your performance and the health of your ankles and knees.
Why aren’t running shoes suitable?
Running shoes are built for forward movement; they’re soft with a high heel. When you constantly move sideways in tennis, this design can’t hold your foot steady enough and increases the risk of a sprain. Tennis shoes are lower, more supportive at the sides and have soles built to withstand lateral movement.
Soles by surface
| Surface | Sole | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clay court | Herringbone (zigzag) pattern | Grips on a slippery surface and easily releases clay that builds up in the sole |
| Hard court | Durable, abrasion-resistant sole | Hard surfaces wear soles down quickly |
| Grass / artificial grass | Sole with small nubs | Reduces slipping |
| All court | Mixed pattern | A middle ground for players on different surfaces |
Antalya has both clay and hard courts. You can check the surface of the court you’ll play on in the court guide; if you’re not sure, an “all court” model is a good start.
Features to look for
- Lateral support: The sides of the shoe should hold your foot steady when you move sideways.
- Toe protection: Players who drag their feet wear out the toe quickly; a reinforced toe helps.
- Cushioning: Enough cushioning matters on hard courts to protect your knees.
- Breathability: In Antalya’s hot weather, a ventilated upper keeps you comfortable.
Choosing your size
- Try shoes on at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Try them with your tennis socks.
- Leave about a finger’s width in front of your longest toe.
- Your heel shouldn’t slip inside the shoe.
When to replace them
Replace your shoes when the sole pattern is worn away or the sides no longer give support. Playing on worn soles increases the risk of slipping and injury.
For the other basic equipment, see the tennis equipment guide.