How to choose the best shoe type for you?
Different courts = Different tennis shoes
Tennis is a very different sport depending on the surface you choose to play on – watch any of the majors and the differences in style of play are obvious. On Wimbledon’s lawns, the ball stays low and fast, but over at the clay courts of Roland Garros, the game is a little slower and the ball can bounce up higher. Your style of play therefore needs to adapt to the court surface too, and your shoe is the first thing to think about – it is, after all, the point from which any shot originates.
WHAT IS AN ALL COURT TENNIS SHOE?
All court tennis shoes are designed for use on a variety of different court surfaces, such as hard, clay and grass courts. These shoes typically have a durable outsole with a multi-surface tread pattern that provides traction and stability. All court tennis shoes are a good choice for players who play on a variety of different court surfaces and need a shoe that can adapt to different conditions.
WHAT ARE OMNI COURT SHOES?
Omni Court court shoes are made to play on artificial grass. The outsole features "nubs" for a better grip. Unlike all court/hard court shoes, these cannot be used on any other surfaces, except on grass courts.
WHAT ARE CLAY COURT SHOES?
Clay shoes are specifically designed for running and sliding across the clay granules and dust and will also give you the support and stability you need. As the ball bounces more slowly on a clay court than on other surfaces, the rallies tend to be longer, so you're going to want shoes that allow you to move with confidence. All the leading players on the ATP and WTA Tours wear clay court shoes when they are on the surface.
While the sole pattern gives you the grip and stability you need, it also encourages the clay to come loose. When you're sliding for a ball, clay can move through the herringbone pattern, which helps you to control your movement.