8 Best Tennis Shoes for Men in 2025, Tested and Reviewed
<p class=”body-text”>You want a shoe that can do all the basics well, and there is a ton of textile and design innovation in the <a href=” target=”_blank”>tennis</a> sneaker world. We have lighter weight uppers and more responsive midsoles. We have higher lateral support and different lacing systems that keep your side-to-side movements as smooth as possible. Plus, there’s the whole style part of <a href=” target=”_blank”>tennis</a>. Looking good is part of the game, isn’t it? Here, our favorite eight tennis shoes out there now. <br></p>” data-next-head/>
Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Pros
- Bouncy Zoom Air units along the side
- Added padding in this version
Cons
- Some find them a bit too heavy
It should come as no the surprise that Nike has a whole line devoted to playing tennis. This guy, the Zoom GP Challenge 1, has Zoom Air units along the side for side-to-side stability. Inside, there’s a midfoot plastic plate for quick cutting and absolute power. The thin upper feels nonrestrictive, and we like the extended traction around the sides and toe for steady grip.
| Weight | 14.4 oz |
| Materials | TPU, midfoot plastic plate, rubber |
| Court Type | Hard Court, All Court |
Best Lightweight Tennis Shoes
On The Rodger Shoes
Pros
- Great lateral support
- Speedboard for good response
Cons
- A bit rigid
If you want your shoes the be GOAT approved, then look no further than On’s first-ever competition shoe, named after Rodger Federer. In a minimalistic fashion, this sleek shoe is also sustainable and composed of recycled materials. The high-performance foam, engineered mesh, and midfoot cage are only a few of the factors that give this shoe Federer status. These are designed for hard courts, but there is a clay version, too.
| Weight | 13.4 oz |
| Materials | Polyester, carbon fiber Speedboard, mesh |
| Court Type | Hard Court |
Best New-and-Improved Tennis Shoes
K- Swiss Hypercourt Shoes
Pros
- Breathable upper
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- A bit heavy feeling
K-Swiss is one of the top brands that comes to mind when you think tennis shoes. They’re the kind of shoes that live up to their name. Featuring a lighter build, a supportive upper, and new midsole technology, the Hypercourt Express 2 is built on the success of its predecessor. That midsole technology is a real standout. It’s flexible and durable to give you energy return and supreme comfort.
| Weight | 13.7 oz |
| Materials | Mesh, Rubber |
| Court Type | All Court |
Most Supportive Tennis Shoes
Adidas Barricade 13 Shoes
Pros
- Stable feel
- Secure lace feel
Cons
- Some buyers say sole wears out quickly
Between Sensepods (foam support that follows the shape of your foot), a cushioned midsole, and an intuitive lacing system, you can’t go wrong with the Barricades. These are supportive and super stable, with a sole that feels really durable and never flimsy. They feel like they won’t let you down by slipping, sliding, or feeling off balance—and that feeling is correct.
| Weight | 13.9 oz |
| Materials | Mesh, rubber |
| Court Type | All court |
Most Comfortable Tennis Shoes
Wilson Rush Shoes
Pros
- Improved abrasion resistance
- Great stability
Cons
- Can feel a bit stiff on the toes
Wilson’s shoes are for the player who prefers comfort over all else. Fitting wider feet, the shoe gives extreme support for pivoting, a pad to protect when dragging feet on follow-through, and maximum traction. The toe box has a wide fit too, which is great for anyone who really wants to feel their toes gripping the ground as they play. (Of course, if you have super narrow feet, this might not feel quite as great.) We like the added abrasion resistance along the side, too, for making sure they stay top notch for as long as possible.
| Weight | 14.3 oz |
| Materials | Rubber, Mesh |
| Court Type | Hard Court |
Best Clay Court Tennis Shoes
Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6 Clay Shoes
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Durable
Cons
- Some buyers felt tongue
With all the stabilizing a tennis shoe needs to do, sneaker choices often come down to a compromise between comfort and weight. It’s hard to make something cushioned that doesn’t also add some heft. But Mizuno’s Wave makes the case for no compromising at all. It’s one of the lightest, most comfortable options available. This style offers superior energy return and plush yet supportive cushioning, so you’ll always be able to stay one step ahead of your competition.
| Weight | 12.7 oz |
| Materials | Foam, rubber |
| Court Type | Clay Court |
Best Old-School Tennis Sneakers
New Balance T500 Shoes
Pros
- Great minimal sneaker
- Easy for everyday wear
Cons
- We’re probably not going to actually put these to use on the court
New Balance—a purveyor of men’s sportswear—is still going strong in its T500 sneaker drops, an old-school court sneaker. There is, of course, much better sneaker tech now and we’re probably not going to actually hit the court in these. But for a tennis feel? For crushing that tennis style? These are the best. Wear ’em every day.
| Weight | 16.5 oz |
| Materials | Nubuck, suede |
| Court Type | N/A |
What to Look For
When looking for a good tennis shoe, consider flexibility, stability, and weight as key factors. Stiff, inflexible, heavy shoes can weigh you down on the court, so you should prioritize options with excellent support and stability to help prevent ankle rolls and falls.
Also, pay attention to the weight of your tennis shoe and features that enhance performance, such as a breathable mesh upper, a heel drop, and shock-absorbing soles. Materials like mesh and synthetic will also help improve airflow, add durability, and aid mobility. And always remember: The more beneficial features a shoe has, the better it is for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to replace tennis shoes?
As a general rule of thumb, tennis shoes will last between 45 to 60 hours before wearing out. So basically, if you play tennis for one hour per week, you need to replace your shoes yearly.
Are you allowed to wear colorful tennis shoes at tennis clubs?
While this all depends on the specific club and style of play (some clubs have a very specific all-white dress code), we always suggest looking up the rules before heading out to a match. At Esquire, we’re all for colorful and stylish footwear, but the same can’t be said for some old-school courts that abide by rigid guidelines.
Can you wear running sneakers to play tennis?
If you want to prevent injury and perform at the top of your game, we suggest staying away from running shoes and other athletic footwear while playing tennis. Tennis shoes are specifically designed to enhance your performance, while other footwear won’t provide the same level of cushion or support.
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