If you are reading this, then you might be thinking about getting a pair of shoes for your tennis game that cater specifically to managing plantar fasciitis. This is one of the most common problems that affect tennis players greatly, especially if you happen to play it regularly – and this is not your fault, as it is a result of biomechanical factors.
These factors are sometimes out of your control, such as playing on an uneven surface and the repetitive nature of movements of the sport, while others are caused by inefficiencies in your own routine, such as not stretching before training or a game, and wearing shoes that do not support your arches correctly.
In order to overcome those reasons, it is important to select shoes that protect and manage plantar fasciitis. This will reduce your pain, as well as provide you with enough comfort to allow you to walk away from the court after a game.
Factors to consider when choosing a shoe
There are some factors you need to consider when selecting tennis shoes for this reason. They include:
- Arch support – this is the most important factor, otherwise the shoes end up becoming useless for you and you will experience more pain in this area. There are different kinds of arch support, and you need to avoid low arches if you have severe forms of the condition.
- Impact absorption – when you are playing tennis, the arch within your foot needs to absorb the shock or impact your feet are constantly subject to. However, having this condition flattens the arch, leaving your foot in pain when you are doing some intense activity – which is why the shoes you select need to have plenty of impact absorption.
- Flexible toes, firm midsole, strong heels – since the main objective of these shoes is reducing the pain in your feet and develop stronger natural arches, having strong heels and flexible toes allow the shoes to bend correctly at the front while giving plenty of support to the rear and middle of your foot. This will help you to maintain the correct arch angle, which will reduce the pain.
- Pricing – this is not the most important factor in the long term, as the shoes are specifically designed to tackle the condition, but it is still good to consider if you are on a budget but looking for a good shoe.
- The type of your foot – feet are not the same, whether you know it or not, so one pair that fits someone well will not necessarily work well for you. You must know the type of foot you have: normal feet have roughly equal measurements of the biggest toe and the heel and ball of the foot. A high-arch foot has a small visible area of the ball of the foot and the heel, while supinated feet have a C-shaped footprint (means that your body weight is concentrated on the outer sides).
- Stability and size – these shoes will not follow the same sizing system as regular shoes, as they are slightly wider and smaller compared to the usual shoes you wear. You therefore need to try them on in person and make sure they fit you well before buying them.
- Durability – they must treat your feet well since their main job is shock absorption. Because of that, it is always best to focus on well-known brands are known for creating high-quality products for their customers.
What are the best tennis shoes for this condition?
Summary table
Shoe brand | Editor's rating | Cushioning | Expected Fit | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.2 | ADIWEAR | 76% | ||
4.3 | Gel cushioning | 83% | ||
4.5 | Contoured foam, smooth fabric lining | 81% | ||
4.4 | Synthetic and wishbone shank | 81% | ||
4.1 | Elastic stretch web | 83% |
As you spend time on the tennis court, this shoe will give you plenty of comfort and stability for men. The upper is made from synthetic leather, the sole is entirely rubber, and there is a heel stabilizer. It will protect the joints from harsh impact as you play the game, and is comfortable enough to not require break-in periods while it is still new.
Pros
- Plenty of stability through the heel stabilizer and shock absorption
- Have great levels of support
- Very good grip
Cons
- Can rub on the ankles due to stiffness
- The shoe is slightly heavier than other shoes
View price on Amazon
This comes with a synthetic leather upper sole, and plenty of cushioning that gives your foot sufficient comfort levels without necessarily sacrificing your comfort. The gel cushioning between the front and back, on the other hand, will absorb more impact to allow for greater time with the game.
In addition, the soles are lightweight to allow for maximum agility, and the two layers of memory foam give maximum support to reduce your pain.
Pros
- Very good stability design that improves your forward, lateral and backward movements
- Heel is flexible due to the light midsole
- Very good arch support and ventilation
Cons
- Pricey
- Quality of some parts is not good
View price on Amazon
If you happen to have plantar fasciitis and a high arch, then this is the shoe for you – while also being flexible enough to work as a running shoe. In fact, it works on loosening the muscles while reducing the pain, by offering ample support to reduce pain in the joints and feet to reduce PF.
Pros
- It is great for people who have over-pronation in their feet with better cushioning
- Very comfortable
- Keeps feet in a neutral position
Cons
- Expensive
View price on Amazon
This is ideal for female players that have PF injuries yet still want to continue playing, as it helps to reduce the strain. Due to the mesh panel and synthetic leather upper, it will last for a long time and still be breathable enough to be comfortable.
Pros
- It gives plenty of protection against toe injuries
- Has excellent shock absorption and ankle support
- It dries quickly even during hot summer days
Cons
- The soles tend to be cut uncomfortably and randomly
- It is not wholly true to size
View price on Amazon
Adidas Running Women’s supernova sequence 9 shoe
This is famous for its support and stability, which works well for women who happen to have low arches or flat feet. Its arch support to prevent the feet from pronating and turning.
Pros
- Conforms very well to the feet
- It owns the heel and sole areas
- Its cushioning allows you to stay comfortable
Cons
- Not as long lasting
- Slightly heavy
View price on Amazon
Final thoughts
It is important to find the right shoe for you when you are buying shoes for PF, and this list will hopefully help you to make a good choice.
Leornard
Hi, my name is Leornard! My love for sports started way back when I was in middle school. I participated in track field and tennis. Some of my greatest and proudest accomplishments during that time were playing against other schools in the state. When I college, I took up tennis as a fun sport or exercise due to my limited time but I still had passion in the sports. Now, I keep up with tennis as a hobby and for my health but my passion for the sports still run deep. I am interested in the highs and lows of tennis and that is why TennisWearguide exists.
