Whether you’ve picked up a racket for the exercise or the friendly competition, your tennis playing skills will be significantly affected by the equipment you use. In fact, one of the most important pieces of gear is what you wear on your feet. Use this guide to learn how to shop for shoes that are conducive to tennis instruction. 

3 Tips for Choosing Shoes for Tennis Instruction

1. Consider the Court

First, it’s important to know that there are different soles for different court surfaces. For clay courts, you’ll need a shoe with a herringbone sole, which looks like a zigzag. This provides extra traction without getting clogged and has a tough exterior for blocking out clay. 

Hard court shoes have a more durable sole due to the abrasive nature of the pavement, and a bit more interior cushioning. If you’re playing on a grass court, you’ll need a tennis shoe with rubber cleats for extra grip.

2. Factor in Frequency

Next, it’s important to think about how much time you’ll be investing in tennis instruction or practice. If you’re just testing out the sport as a hobby, you can get by with lightweight tennis shoes. These are affordable, breathable, and they make it easy to jump around the court.

If you’re a passionate player who’ll be on the court several times a week, you might want to invest in a “durability” tennis shoe, which is a bit more weighted and has a more durable sole. In some cases, these shoe manufacturers offer six-month guarantees on the soles, so you can have them replaced if they wear away quickly. 

3. Customize to Your Needs

Finally, you want to invest in a tennis shoe that fits and supports the unique shape of your foot. In this case, it’s best to get fitted in person. 

If your ankles tend to roll in or out, you can ask for a shoe with a lateral support bar. This will keep your foot from leaning one way or the other as you follow the ball, so you’re less likely to experience an ankle injury. 

If you’re eager to begin tennis instruction, reach out to LifeSport Athletic Club - Libertyville of Illinois. They cater to wellness-minded individuals who are hoping to find a dynamic workout routine and avoid those dreaded stalls or plateaus. In addition to tennis instruction, they also offer Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga classes. To learn more about their multi-faceted approach to fitness, visit them online. You can also call (847) 362-5553 to speak with a friendly representative.