Can You Play Tennis In Running Shoes?-The Differences & A Guide To Buying Tennis Shoes

Some people don’t have the time to buy actual tennis shoes for the sport, especially if they are not sure whether they will like the sport or not. Since you may have a pair of running shoes in the closet, you may be wondering whether you can use them to play tennis. Yes, running shoes can be used to play tennis. Running shoes will probably feel the same way as if you were wearing tennis shoes. One major difference between tennis shoes and running shoes is lateral support. Tennis shoe manufacturers design their shoes for side-to-side movement, but running shoes do not have this design.

Why Buy Tennis Shoes For The Sport

Why Buy Tennis Shoes For The Sport

Although you can use running shoes to play tennis, tennis shoes are much more comfortable since they are designed to help users when they have to make a quick side-to-side run. A running shoe is designed to provide runners with a lightweight feel, and this sacrifices a lot of cushioning required for fast movement when playing tennis. Advance and intermediate players need tennis shoes to save themselves from injury and prevent ankle sprain as they provide a lot of support.

Are Tennis Shoes More Durable Than Running Shoes?

Tennis shoes can last you longer than running shoes before they show any sign of wear or tear. However, the durability will depend on several factors, such as the brand, how long you wear the shoes, and how well you take care of them. On a tennis court, you will be involved in the extra movement; therefore, whatever position you are in, tennis shoes will prevent any discomfort, while a running shoe requires you to be extra careful not to hurt your toes.

Since companies make all types of shoes to offer players various options, some people may want to play in a light shoe while others prefer a heavy one. How light or heavy your shoe should be is more of a preference, although lighter shoes can be less durable than heavy ones due to their lighter materials and overall build quality. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you may opt for a heavy shoe as it’s more reliable, but lighter shoes may work well for you if you are younger.

Additionally, when playing tennis, you will run for shots, stumble and jump all around the court; the last thing you desire is to slip and break something. A tennis shoe is designed for every surface that tennis is usually played on; therefore, finding a perfect shoe is relatively easy. Tennis shoes have a much better grip, especially for beginners, since most areas have hard courts, and tennis shoes will grip the court rather well. A running shoe may not have an okay grip since they are not designed for the tennis run and stop scenario. Therefore, the soles may start breaking down pretty fast, and the shoe will lose grip in no time.

Difference Between Running Shoes And Tennis Shoes

Difference Between Running Shoes And Tennis Shoes

1. Comfortable Cushion And Support

Running shoes are designed to support, stabilize and cushion your feet. When running, you tend to move in a single direction, forward. Therefore the shoes help your body to cope with running rigors. A running shoe also has a cushioned toe and heel area for reducing the impact from when the heel and toes strike the ground. Although running shoes have some lateral stability built in them, it is very little compared to tennis shoes since side-to-side motions are not very common in running, like tennis.

Cushioned shoes are suitable for high arches, while stability running shoes are for people with arches that may collapse. A heavy person and a person with flat feet should go for motion control running shoes.

2. Stability And Lateral Support

Tennis shoe manufacturers design their shoes specifically for use on the tennis court. Although running shoes are more focused on cushioning, tennis shoes emphasize lateral support and stability, which are crucial for tennis players. Although cushioning is also essential for tennis players, it is much less significant than lateral support and stability. When your foot is lower to the court, you will feel more stable laterally.

3. Weight Matters

If you have excess weight on your feet, you will be much slower. When running, every ounce of weight matters. Although tennis shoes also strive to be lightweight, they do not do so at the expense of support or durability.

A light cushioned, and flexible running shoe will weigh less and offer more comfort than a durable, supportive and stiff tennis shoe. Most people wear running shoes casually since they are comfortable to the feet, but it is hard to see someone walking in tennis shoes.

Factors To Consider Before Buying Tennis Shoes

Factors To Consider Before Buying Tennis Shoes

Selecting the ideal tennis shoes will help you perform well and reduce the risk of injuries impact on the body. Below are some of the areas to consider when buying tennis shoes.

1. Sole

Baseline players should buy shoes with good lateral support. The sole should also be sturdy. Serve and volley players, on the other hand, should choose toecap shoes.

2. Court surface

Before purchasing tennis shoes, you must consider the court surface that you frequently play in. Using the appropriate shoes will make your shoes last longer while providing better traction and avoiding court surface damage. You may opt for multi-court shoes as they provide the best choice since you can use them on all surfaces.

3. Foot Type

If your feet are pronated, you should go for stabilizing shoes and flexible shoes for people with supinated feet. Neutral feet people can wear any tennis shoes.

4. Material

The shoe material matters a lot. Tennis shoes should have PU cushions since the material is durable, stable, and heavy.

Conclusion

Running shoes can also be used to play tennis, although you should consider buying the designated shoes for the sport if you want comfort and stability. Wearing Running shoes for tennis has several drawbacks, for instance, lighter weight and different designs. Also, when buying a tennis shoe, you should consider the material, durability, foot type, sole, and court surface. That way, you will have the ideal shoe for the sport.

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