Tennis Shoe Technology
For serve-and-volleyers, who tend to slide their back foot along the court as they serve,
Wilson tennis shoes have a durable toe cap that is a must. Baseliners require a model that has both lasting cushioning and a durable sole.
Where is the shoe flex?
To find out if a
tennis shoe flexes in the ball of the foot or in the shank, hold it firmly around the back of the heel with one hand, and push on the front of the toe portion with your other and. Now look to see where it flexes. It should bend across the ball of the foot. If it ends in half, put it down and keep looking.
When to try on shoes?
At the store, always try on shoes in the afternoon or just after you've played; your feet will have swelled, thus giving you a better idea of what size you really need on the court. Also, wear the same
socks that you play in. It also might be a good idea to look for a shoe you'd feel comfortable wearing off court like
Prince tennis shoes.
How do I support my feet?
While footwork patterns in basketball and tennis are similar, most tennis players still wear low-cut tennis shoes. Perhaps it's time to reconsider. Shoes with a
higher cut offer tremendous support, especially if your feet are pronated or you have a history of ankle problems.
Getting those shoes ready!
Wear new tennis shoes around and outside the house for a few days before you play in them. This will scuff the outer soles and help to break in the uppers.
What about inserts?
Why
orthotic inserts in tennis shoes? If you have balance problems, or soreness in your joints or limbs, it may be a good idea to have a podiatrist perform a thorough check on your feet. Your podiatrist may suggest "orthotics", which can greatly aid in supporting your feet. They can be perfectly fitted for your tennis shoes; you'll feel the difference in a matter of a week or two. If you are looking for a wide shoe look at
New Balance Tennis shoes. They tend to be offered in wider sizes.
Dampening the blow!
If you play on hard courts, you absolutely need tennis shoes specifically designed for play on this surface.
Nike tennis shoes for example, provide cushioning for the heel and arch, while supporting the whole foot. You can even find them in
Kids tennis shoe sizes. Also to prevent wearing out make sure you use a reliable shoe brand like
Prince, Nike, New Balance, or Wilson tennis shoes.
Should I use a mid-cut?
If you choose not to play in mid-cut tennis shoes, at least try models that put your feet lower to the ground. Why? Because the higher your foot, the higher its center of gravity and the more easily it can roll over when you move laterally. Feet that are lower to the ground will hug curves like a Porsche, not a pachyderm.
How many socks should I wear?
Do your feet get sore after playing tennis? Here's a simple but practical suggestion. If you don't have cushioned socks, wear two pairs of socks. They will absorb the sweat, and absorb the pounding on your feet, particularly if you play tennis on a hard court surface. Also try buying a tennis shoe with lots of cushion like
Adidas tennis shoes.
What shoe is best for a toe dragger?
A lot of players drag their toes when they hit their strokes, and especially during a serve. With a lot of hard court play, you can wear through the toe of your shoe in the course of a single match. A toe cap is an extra piece of rubber added to some shoes to increase the durability of the shoe. You can find this durable cap on New Balance tennis shoes.
Reprinted with permmision of Tips 4 life. For more great tips visit tips4life.com
