Running shoes are great for playing tennis.
They are not my first choice, but they are in the top 4 types of shoes that work well for playing tennis. Both tennis shoes and running shoes are lightweight and form-fitting, though a running shoe will have slightly worse traction than a tennis shoe and will have less cushioning in the toes.
Using running shoes for playing tennis.
I have been playing tennis for years and I am not likely to decline an invitation to play some tennis because of what shoes I am wearing. I have played tennis in all different kinds of shoes, I even played tennis in flip-flops. Playing tennis in flip-flops did affect my score considerably, but it was still a great game. I could serve just fine, and as long as my opponent would return the ball near to me I did alright. Running after the ball was not an option though. My point is don’t let anything get in the way of having a good tennis session, there are people playing tennis in wheelchairs.
What types of shoes would be better for tennis than running shoes?
To put things into perspective, here are the best shoes to play tennis in, in order:
- Tennis shoes
- Skate shoes
- Basketball shoes
- Running shoes
- Hiking shoes/boots
Skate shoes are the next best thing to tennis shoes and in many ways are just as good for playing tennis as tennis shoes. Skate shoes have similar traction but are just a little padding and cushioning, to guard against the impacts associated with skateboarding. Skate shoes are also made to be more rugged than tennis shoes as they take more abuse. As a result, they are also heavier than tennis shoes
Basketball shoes are a great alternative and almost just as good as tennis shoes. They are made for a court, just like tennis, and offer a lot of ankle support that tennis shoes don’t offer. That is because when playing basketball you often step on other people’s feet, causing ankle injuries.
Running shoes are quite a departure from tennis shoes in terms of their traction, and they also have more cushioning in the sole, especially the heel. The traction that running shoes have is made for “all-terrain” not just pavement like you find on the tennis court.
What Is The Difference Between Tennis Shoes And Running Shoes?
What are the characteristic of a tennis shoe?
- Flat soles for maximum traction on flat surfaces.
- Medium cushioning that is evenly distributed across the entire sole.
- Tight and form-fitting.
- Lightweight.
- No ankle support.
What are the characteristics of running shoes?
- Contoured soles for good traction across a wide variety of surfaces. Road running shoes will closely match the traction of a true tennis shoe.
- Large amount of cushioning in the heel, with medium to no cushioning in the toes.
- Tight and form-fitting.
- Lightweight.
- No ankle support.
The difference between running shoes and tennis shoes is minor and doesn’t warrant much concern. The main thing will be a reduction in traction and slightly less cushioning in the toes.
What is the risk of playing tennis in running shoes?
The number one risk of playing tennis in running shoes is that you will have considerably less traction. This will make you less agile, but more importantly, will increase the possibility of slipping and falling. Just take this into consideration and bring your aggressiveness down a little bit.
The other problem that you will experience is extra wear on your feet.
- The cushioning on the sole of a running shoe is typically less in the toes, which will put slightly more stress on your toes.
- If your feet are conditioned to playing tennis in tennis shoes, the adjustment will take a toll on your feet.
What is the benefit of playing tennis in running shoes?
- You get to play some tennis. Tennis is awesome and you should play every chance you get.
- Cross training. Learning to keep your tennis game consistent during adverse conditions will make you a better player. There are numerous condition changes from one game of tennis to another. Building resilience to change will strengthen your game.
Is playing tennis in running shoes worth the risk?
Yes. I play tennis in flip-flops with no regrets so obviously I think the risk of playing tennis in running shoes is worth it. The risk is quite minimal so as long as you’re not at high risk of injury or healing from a current injury, you shouldn’t let your footwear keep you from playing tennis.
Will wearing running shoes affect your performance on the tennis court?
Yes, your performance will suffer slightly by wearing shoes that are not optimal for the game. You will have decreased traction which will slow down your ability to quickly change directions, which is a large part of the game. You will also feel slightly of your element if you are used to playing tennis in tennis shoes.
What are the best types of running shoes for playing tennis?
Road running shoes – These shoes are designed for running on pavement, so they are the most similar to tennis shoes.
Cross-training running shoes – Designed for all different types of surfaces. They also have extra cushioning that is good for the aggressiveness of playing tennis.
Trail running shoes – Trail runners have knobby style traction which will not be great for traction on a tennis court though their extra cushioning will be great for playing tennis.