Top 10 Best Tennis Shoes For Women

Table of Contents

Like many industries in this infinite world of business, the list of products and categories is seemingly endless. It can sometimes become a tireless task to look for a distinct item. This is no different from shoes. Especially tennis shoes for women.

However, this is where I come in to help eliminate all of your fatiguing and analytical searching woes so you can find exactly what you need from this review. How does that sound?

In this review, I will detail the 10 very best tennis shoes for women by breaking down each shoe for their specific details along with their pros and cons. Hence, you’re able to make a calculated decision on the perfect shoe that is best suited to you and only YOU! Let’s get started, shall we?

Nike Women's Air Zoom Vapor X Tennis Shoes - Best Overall

There are a minority of brands out there who simply dominate on all aspects regardless of the sport. Nike is one of those brands. The heavyweight giants have been a prominent name in the sports industry for decades due to their high-profile endorsements and well-invested technology into their products. Hence, it’s no surprise that they have a well-made tennis shoe with the Air Zoom Vapor X!

The Air Zoom Vapor X is a very stylish shoe that comes accustomed with a dynamic fit system for tennis players that range from beginner to elite standard. As a result of its versatility with a broad range of ability levels, it’s no question as to why women find them so popular. Besides this, the shoe helps provide stellar control on hard courts due to its bast sole and built-up rubber on the toe end, enhancing durability and protection from drag.

Additionally, the Zoom Air unit sectioned on the heel offers a low-profile, robust cushioning that aids from swing to swing along with a padded collar that helps bring that degree of comfort to a newfound magnitude of satisfaction whilst playing. If this shoe were a boat, it would be a luxury yacht fit for a Russian oil tycoon!

As far as I’m concerned, this is a shoe with modern attributes that complement its modern looks. However, when both go hand in hand, you can guarantee that it comes with a price. With that said, I don’t think it’s a ludicrous cost given what the shoe offers and would be a great shoe for anyone of all levels to consider.

Pros

  • Dynamic and stylish
  • Additional comfort
  • Comes in many colorways
  • Increased durability and protection

Cons

  • Can be expensive

ASICS Women's GEL-Fit Sana 3 Cross-Training Shoe - Best For High Performance

ASICS Women's Gel-fit Sana 3 Cross-Trainer Shoe,...
  • MONO-SOCK Fit System: An elastic internal sleeve...
  • Seamless Construction: The use of seamless...
  • Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System: Attenuates shock...

When it comes to high-performing sports or exercises, you can pretty much guarantee that ASICS will be amongst the vast options for footwear. This is due to their world-renowned durability and robustness across all platforms, and this cross-training shoe certainly upholds their ever-growing reputation even further. 

Although this shoe isn’t specifically designed for tennis, there is a valid reason why I’ve included it in today’s review, and this is because it is a phenomenal all-around performance shoe. The GEL-Fit Sana vaunts a degree of great features that help construct a truly great item. Said features include being very lightweight for increased movement speed and an external heel cage made of mesh to aid in added flexibility around the ankle area for those intense dynamic actions.

But how comfy is it, I hear you ask? Well, the shoe also sports a stretchable mono-sock fitting system and rearfoot gel cushion, so those long hours of highly intense exercise can preserve those precious feet of yours so you can play longer and harder.

ASICS should be proud of this shoe, and I truly mean that. Not only does it have unbelievable versatility and can handle an array of intense sports, but it is manufactured with elements that are made to last and provide extreme levels of comfort for anybody lucky enough to wear it.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Fairly priced
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not specific to tennis

New Balance Women's WC786 Cushion Tennis Shoe - Most Well-Made Shoe

New Balance Women's 786 V2 Tennis Shoe, Guava/White, 5 D US
  • C-cap midsole
  • Absorb heel
  • Long-wear drag tip
  • Ndurance
  • Non-marking outsole

If you ever speak to anybody who has had the pleasure of wearing a New Balance shoe, I can guarantee the first thing they will tell you is how comfy the shoes are. This isn’t a one-off across a specific range either. New Balance pride themselves on high-quality manufacturing built to last and designed to be comfortable at all times. Nonetheless, it’s no different here with the WC786!

Looking at the WC786 from the offset, I must say the shoes themselves are very active-looking shoes designed for performance, however, in this case, for tennis. The first thing I notice is the thick midsole that reads ABZORB on the heel. Now, this is a fundamental component of the tennis shoe as this technology is designed to absorb high movement impact and provide extra cushion to your spring whilst being able to run back and forth on the court.

Not only that, but the sole has a high-quality rubber that helps garner traction on the court to avoid slipping under rigorous stop-start movements too! The rest of the shoe consists of being 100% leather and fabric in areas such as the upper and the stability of lateral foot overlays to adhere to their renowned prestige.

This may be biased of me, but I speak from experience when I say a New Balance shoe is a long-lasting yet comfy addition to anybody’s footwear arsenal. Although their aesthetics may not seem as dynamic and outstanding as others, on the other hand, their quality assurance is of an elite level that any tennis player can benefit from.

Pros

  • High-quality upper
  • Comfortable
  • Great for absorbing impact
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Not very dynamic looking

ASICS Women's GEL-Contend 4 Tennis Shoe - Most Comfy Shoe!

ASICS Gel-Contend 4 White/Blue Bell 8 B (M)
  • Start a healthy habit with the help of the ASICS...
  • Predecessor: GEL-Contend 3.
  • Support Type: Neutral to underpronation.
  • Cushioning: Lightweight, flexible response.
  • Surface: Road.

Another entry from the kings of comfy ASICS, and I have a feeling it won’t be their last either! Now, when we look for shoes, we always want to invest in something that makes us feel good for a particular reason whilst wearing them, and in this case, it’s pure comfiness. 

ASICS have pulled it out of the bag once again with the GEL-Dedicate 4 Tennis Shoe by highlighting their focus on premium comfort that all women can enjoy! Mr.Onitsuka himself, who brought ASICS to the forefront of sports footwear, prides the company’s values on bringing harmony to the body and soul, and the GEL-Dedicate 4 is no exception to this statement. It boasts a synthetic sole and is also 100% leather.

Moreover, the Trusstic System reduces the sole’s weight while still upholding the structural brilliance of its well-built anatomy. A two-for-one if you will. Not only this, but the forefoot GEL Cushioning System (COURT) significantly reduces shock during any type of impact phase, which makes it perfect for a tennis environment. The solid rubber outsole also provides enhanced durability and traction, which should be standard for any aid offered by any type of tennis shoe.

It seems to me that the GEL-Dedicate 4 is by far one of the comfiest shoes to wear regarding tennis play. The shoe itself is designed to benefit factors that contribute to tennis, reducing shock from impact, enhanced durability and traction, and overall being a well-built product. It’s a big thumbs up from this end!

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Durable
  • Great for added traction
  • Reduces shock on impact

Cons

  • Could offer more colorways

Adidas SoleCourt Parley Women's Tennis Shoes - Most Eco-Friendly Shoe!

There are many factors to consider when looking for the perfect tennis shoe. Some brands think comfort is a predominant factor. In contrast, others prioritize stability and longevity from a shoe, and then other brands like to go the extra mile and fight against the war on climate change in the form of a tennis shoe. Well played Adidas, well played indeed.

This revolutionary shoe is made for those who are conscious of climate change’s ever-growing concern and is the perfect response to such a devastating problem. Now, the main highlight of the shoe is, of course, the Parley upper, which is a technology Adidas have implemented only recently in the last few years which enables them to make specific products from recycled plastic to provide a sustainable and greener alternative to the traditional way that shoes are made from. Aside from this revolutionary concept, the shoe still boasts undeniable beneficial aspects.

These aspects include having a lightweight upper for faster movement, extended airflow to increase breathability during intense sessions, a snug upper that allows all users to experience a feeling that molds specifically to their foot shape to enhance stability and secure the foot, and also a thick toe cover technology called Adituff that is a robust material that helps protect the forefoot from heavy contact. A real eco-friendly warrior, if you ask me!

It’s no surprise Adidas have come up with such a great product that ticks boxes no other brands have ticked as of yet. They will be one of the first brands to do so and invest in a greater cause while providing brilliant sporting value to their customers. A great step forward for the shoe industry!

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Molds to specific foot shapes
  • Robust
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not enough color variation

Adidas Performance Women's Barricade Court W Tennis Shoe - Most Breathable Shoe!

adidas Performance Women's Barricade Court W Tennis Shoe,...
  • Max performance Tennis shoe featuring breathable...
  • Extended torsion system technology supports your...
  • Ultra-responsive adiprene+ foam cushioning
  • Shock-absorbing adiprene technology reduces impact...

Once again, we have another entry from powerhouses Adidas, except instead of focusing on the eco-friendly side of things, they have put their primary attention on the shoe’s breathability, which we all know is vitally important when playing high-intensity tennis!

The Adidas Performance Women’s Barricade is a fantastic shoe in every sense of the word. Straight from initial looks, you can tell it was manufactured with love and care simply due to the well-built quality on both the upper and midsole. Most notably, you will also see small holes that are dotted around the upper of the shoe.

These are known as breathable perforations, which maximize airflow intake and output when playing under heavy workload, which, as we all know, is vital when performing in a game like tennis and for people that have, erm, odorous feet. Another feature of the shoe is the extended torsion system technology that helps support your feet’ foundations while also providing freedom to your toes and heels. Not only this, but the adiprene+ technology offers impeccable foam cushioning and also helps to absorb shock in aid of alleviating impact on worn joints.

I think I speak for everybody when I say Adidas have a hold on things, especially when it comes to tennis shoes and the technology they modernize within the product themselves. The Barricade is a brilliant addition to anybody’s tennis bag and is sure to be a fan favorite with all women!

Pros

  • Well-built
  • Very breathable
  • Comfortable foam technology
  • Helps absorb shock on impact

Cons

  • Shoes size a little bigger than expected

Prince T22 Lite Women's Tennis Shoes - Most Durable Shoe!

Prince T22 Wom's Wh/Silver 8.0
  • PRC 1000 outsole provides unmatched durability
  • Wishbone shank for increased mid foot stability

Ever heard of Prince shoes before? Probably not; however, you’ll wish you knew about them sooner after reading this review. Now, when we look for shoes, we always want a pair that will last a long time to avoid paying out more often than not. This is where the Prince T22 comes in to save the day.

The shoe itself, upon first glance, looks like they’re made to withstand hurricanes. I mean, just look at the sturdiness and structure of this thing! It’s no surprise that durability is a prime factor for the T22. Along with this, the ultra-light mesh upper is used to provide enhanced breathability through its air mesh quarter, vamp, and tongue panels to ensure optimal ventilation around the whole shoe.

It also comes equipped with fully integrated TPU welded forefoot straps to assist with lateral stability. Furthermore, the EVA midsole plays an important part in providing lightweight cushioning and its ortholite sock liner to increase long-lasting comfort. It doesn’t end there either. Another great feature is the ShockEraser insert that absorbs heavy impact in the heel area, which is a very impactful area.

My verdict? I know it isn’t amongst the bigger name brands, and the style isn’t necessarily as attractive as other choices, but I like this shoe simply because of its robust features and its longevity potential.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Increased longevity 
  • Absorbs high impact
  • Lightweight cushioning

Cons

  • Not very attractive

Adidas Women's Court Jam Bounce Tennis Shoes - Best Looking Shoe!

adidas Women's Courtjam Bounce W Sneaker, Signal Coral/Purple...
  • Tennis ftw adidas
  • The adidas brand has a long history and...
  • Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation as...

You might be looking at this thinking, “Am I having deja vu?” to which I would reply, “No, my friend, just another entry from Adidas as all.” However, this time we’re focussing on looks. I know looks aren’t everything, but the fact of the matter is, it’s the first thing we see, so a great-looking shoe is a must for attracting customers.

Without going into the nitty-gritty details to start with, I just want to let you admire the beauty in this design first and foremost. I mean, it’s got a perfect dynamic shape which is accompanied by a crystalized white colorway that is sure to wow any potential customer. Along with this, the Court Jam includes a breathable mesh upper to allow sufficient airflow to provide cooler and comfier wearing.

The forefoot is also covered by AdiTUFF, an abrasion-resistant material used to prevent excessive wear and tear. Resilient, I like it. Besides this, the shoe also has a Flexible Bounce Midsole that helps support long-term comfort with every step taken. This works in a complex way by regenerating the energy used for every step you take and is then transferred by the reactive material into rebound, which will provide you with an added spring and extra boost! Technology aye! 

It seems to me that Adidas are continuously adding different elements of technology into various types of models rather than reusing the same one over and over again. This tells me they care about continuous development for their customers. Overall it is a great shoe!

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Resistant to wear and tear
  • Superb aesthetics 
  • Energy regeneration

Cons

  • May feel slightly bulky on the bottom

K-Swiss Bigshot Light 3 Women's Tennis Shoe - Best Shoe for Stability!

K-Swiss Women's Bigshot Light 3 Tennis Shoes (White/Silver) (8...
  • K-swiss goal is to inspire and outfit the next...
  • Synthetic leather/textile upper
  • Textile collar lining
  • Draggaurd rubber & aosta rubber outsole
  • Cmeva midsole ;cmeva sock liner ;lace closure...

Sometimes it’s better late than never to come to the party, which is certainly the case here. Welcome, K-Swiss! K-Swiss have made a late dash into the review with a shoe that offers undeniable stability, which is an imperative tennis component. 

The K-Swiss Bigshot Light 3 Women’s Tennis Shoe is crafted from a combination of leather and fabric to give it an authentic yet active feel. It was engineered to increase on-court performance without paying an extortionate amount at the same time and is the perfect choice for any player who wants to develop their overall game and footwork.

Additionally, the shoe contains a textile collar lining, drag guard rubber & Aosta rubber outsole along with a CMEVA midsole and sock liner, which all in all, go hand in hand to provide extreme comfort and unquestionable levels of stability. Just from looking at the shoe foundations, you don’t need a rocket scientist to tell you that it will provide more support and stability than a full-body medical cast.

In my opinion, this shoe does exactly what it’s set out to do, which is to improve footwork and performance through means of heightened levels of stability. If you’re somebody who struggles with your game’s balance and stability, then the build of this shoe will certainly benefit you in that regard!

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Very good stability
  • Great for footwork
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer as much technology as other brands

Wilson Women’s Rush Pro 3.0 Tennis Shoes - Best-Fitting Shoe!

Wilson womens Kaos 3.0 Women Tennis Shoe, White/White/Niagara, 11...
  • Skinguard administers upper protection for...
  • Endofit provides enhanced comfort, stability and...
  • Df2 provides cushioned court feel, yielding...
  • Pro Torque chassis light uses arch technology...
  • Duralast consists of a high-density, consummately...

Last and least, we have another new entry but from tennis giants Wilson. We rarely see them produce mass amounts of footwear compared to equipment. However, when they do, I can assure you they do not mess around! Especially when it comes to providing a world-class fitting shoe.

It’s fair to say Wilson knows what they’re doing when it comes to tennis as they’ve been industry giants in the tennis game for decades! But what do they know when it comes to footwear? Well, the 4D support chassis is made to decrease supination and torsion to help manage pivot movements while being able to load up on powerful strokes, thus creating much more efficient stability.

Moreover, the shoe also has a technology called Endofit, which supplies great comfort and an intuitive fit specified to the individual through a full inner sock construction. What’s more interesting is the length they have gone to by supporting women’s feet as it has a women’s specific support that includes asymmetrical and elongated medial side TPU heel counter to aid in enhanced stability and arch support for women! Who runs the world? Girls!

I don’t know about you, but I think Wilson should seriously consider making more shoes because they have the tech and quality to match their heavyweight rivals! It’s a truly fantastic shoe and should be considered amongst the best shoes on the market.

Pros

  • Fit specifically for women
  • Very modern technology
  • Enhanced stability 
  • Helps control pivot movement

Cons

  • On the pricier end
Other Useful Tennis Articles

Our Buying Guide

Like everything in life, there will always be an array of options to think about when purchasing specific items that you may need or want. I mean, just think about the components of a TV! You have to consider the size, the style, the brand, the pixel quality, and all you’re doing is watching it!

Well, it’s no different with tennis shoes either. There are many components or features to consider before buying a pair that is going to benefit you the most, so let’s explore, in my opinion, the most important ones to look out for!

Comfort

Comfort is debatably THE most important factor when looking for not only tennis shoes but any type of shoe. It’s imperative to pick a shoe that can provide a soft but snug fit. But why? Because nobody wants to wear a shoe that’s as comfortable as walking on gravel barefoot, it’s just how it is!

Especially for sports like tennis, where there’s a large reliance on multidirectional footwork that can go on for around 3 hours in duration, so it makes sense to choose a pair that is notorious for providing ease on your feet. This, in turn, will help manage your game better without having to worry about your feet feeling crippled and neglected in a shoe that feels like it is made from rusty nails and tree bark. It makes me wince just thinking about a shoe of such evil.

Shock Absorption

Another essential feature to consider is the shoe’s capability of absorbing shock upon impact. This, to me, is vital to consider because the feeling of shock running through a person’s joints due to something that causes significant impact can affect a person’s game and, over time, certainly affect their physiology in a debilitating way.

I would always check the technology used in the sole and midsole on a shoe to ensure it can help combat this issue. More often than not, the technology will include a midsole that appears slightly thicker than most shoes so it can counteract when it is faced with impact!

Breathability

Breathability is a massive feature usually equipped with all recently released shoes, so it should be. I say this because imagine playing in the middle of summer; you’re two hours into your singles match against somebody who is equally as good. It’s proving to be a challenge, yet the sweat from your feet is progressing at an alarming rate due to the closed material used around your current shoe.

Now, this will be a distraction as the duration of the match continues, which now means your focus is off and may drastically affect your performance. It’s kind of like a domino effect. So, ensure the material on your tennis shoes have sufficient airflow to allow your feet to breathe under the most rigorous of circumstances, thus meaning your performance can stay consistent at all times! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a tennis shoe?

You should choose a tennis shoe based on capabilities that suits you more than anything. If you struggle with wide feet, buy wider shoes. If you get joint pain, consider buying shoes that absorb shock, etc.

What’s the difference between running shoes and tennis shoes?

Great question. Although both seem to focus on comfort, tennis shoes tend to focus more on lateral support and stability than running shoes would.

How long do tennis shoes last?

This completely depends on the shoe’s quality, the amount of intense exercise you perform in the shoe, and how you take care of the shoe.

How to Make the Right Selection

Sadly, we’ve come to the end of the line for today’s review. I hope you enjoyed it and now have an idea of what features to look out for when choosing your designated pair of tennis shoes. Just remember, each shoe will have its pros and cons, but it’s important to ensure the pros are best suited to your game and how you play whilst also limiting the number of cons that the shoes may have.

If it were me, I would choose a very comfy pair, quite narrow, has great structure and support, and come in an outrageous fluorescent green colorway because if I’m playing bad, then at least I can distract my opponent as a last resort. Besides this, I do want to ask you a simple question:

What do you think is the most important feature for a tennis shoe and why?

Brenton Barker
Brenton Barker
Brenton holds a Degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Delaware and was the former Head Advisor for the Japanese Government's Sports Science Institute. He has held Managerial and Head Coaching roles with Australia's National Governing Body, Tennis Australia, and served on the Dunlop International Sports Advisory Board for eight years. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients in the areas of Self-Accountability, Health, and Goal Orientation.