When buying the best slip on tennis shoes, you'll want to figure out what's most important to you, just like when you choose a tennis racquet.
There is no one perfect shoe for everyone, so we'll help you figure out what kind of shoe is best for you. If you want a shoe that is light, for example, you might have to give up some durability.
Top 10 Slip On Tennis Shoes
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Slip On Tennis Shoes Reviews
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best slip on tennis shoes - Buying guide
Traction
So you can push off, jump, and move in different directions, the sole of your shoe should have good grip. When you get a new pair, try putting them through their paces by running from side to side, stopping quickly, and jumping. The shoes should grip the ground well but shouldn't be so sticky that they slow you down.
You should also consider what court you will be playing on. "If you buy a shoe for a hard court, it needs to grip the court, and if you buy a shoe for a clay court, it needs to let you slide with control."
Comfort
Wenzelas says that comfort is the most important thing about tennis shoes. Ensure your toes can move around and the shoes don't feel too tight. If they are too tight, you could get chafing, blisters, or plantar fasciitis, which could keep you from playing the sport for a long time.
Ensure your toes can move around and the shoes don't feel too tight. If they are too tight, you could get chafing, blisters, and other foot injuries like plantar fasciitis, which would keep you from playing the sport for a long time.
Cushioning
"In tennis, cushioning is important because it soaks up the vibrations caused when your shoe hits the ground when you run," says Michalopoulos. One way to make sure your tennis shoes have the right amount of cushioning is to make sure the midsole and toe feel supportive. Michalopoulos says, "The best tennis shoe models use air, gel, or soft materials that allow the shoe to absorb almost all vibrations." This keeps your body from getting hurt if you fall or get hit.
Best Tennis shoes slip on - FAQ
What makes tennis shoes better?
Tennis shoes are different from normal "tennis shoes" in a number of ways.
They have a flat sole with less tread, which makes them move with you better.
They give your toes more protection and cushioning to make them last longer.
The outside is made so that the foot stays stable when it moves side to side.
How a Tennis Shoe Is Made
Before we look for the right kind of shoe, you should know a few shoe-related terms so you can fully understand this guide.
The bottom of the shoe. Also called the "outsole." Most often, rubber is used.
Insole is the part of the shoe that goes inside under your foot.
Upper is the part of a shoe that goes over the top of the foot. Usually made of textiles and man-made materials.
The tongue is the part of the shoe that goes over the top of your foot and is located under the upper.
You should know what laces are.
Now that we're on the same page about tennis shoes, let's talk about what you look for in a shoe.
Do you want a shoe that lasts longer or that weighs less?
Most of the time, you have to choose between how durable and how heavy you want your shoes to be.
Tennis court shoes that are durable last longer.
This is important for advanced players who play tennis often and move quickly around the court but don't want to have to buy a new pair of shoes every six months. Players who choose a more durable shoe also typically (but not always) get more support. There's more about support below.
But shoemakers have to add more materials to tennis shoes in order to make them last longer. The weight of the shoe goes up because of this.
Some materials and technologies can help a shoe stay light and last long, but only to a certain point. Tennis is hard on shoes, and all materials wear out over time. Adding a fraction of an inch to the sole is an easy way to make a shoe last longer, so that's often what designers do.
Tennis players can move faster if their shoes aren't too heavy.
You can move faster on the tennis court if your shoes are light. With a thinner sole, you'll be able to feel the court better and move faster. Tennis players who are in good shape and like to cut, jump, and run quickly will often want a lighter shoe.
In general, lighter shoes will not last as long, so you have to buy new shoes every 6 months or so, depending on how you move on the court and how often you play.
The best tennis bags usually have places to keep your shoes safe when you aren't on the court.
Flexibility & Performance vs Support & Stability
Choosing between flexibility and support is like picking between a shoe that is durable and one that is light. As you give more importance to one, you give less to the other.
Who wears shoes that are more flexible?
When a shoe is flexible, it can better fit your foot as you move around the tennis court. You will be able to cut and run around the court better with a shoe that is more flexible. This is because the material in the shoe will move with you as you move.
Advanced players who are in good shape and less likely to get hurt tend to wear shoes that are more flexible and high-performance. This kind of tennis player moves quickly on the court and needs shoes that can move with them quickly.
A good rule of thumb is that your shoe should be as flexible as you are. Most of the time, though, a shoe that is more flexible will also have less support.
Who Needs a Shoe That's More Stable?
Support gives your feet and joints stability and a soft place to land. For more support, a shoe that helps can have a higher profile around the ankle. It can also have more cushioning in the sole and upper to absorb the shock of hitting the tennis court and keep your foot stable. This reduces pain and can help keep you from getting hurt, but it makes you less mobile and flexible.
If you’ve had tennis injuries, ankle, or knee pain in the past, then support will be a priority for you. Make sure you wear the best tennis socks for your feet to get even more support and comfort.
Also, if you're new to tennis or about to start playing more and plan to play on hard courts, we recommend putting support first. Tennis on hard courts is hard on your joints more than almost any other sport, so it's best to start with a shoe that gives you support.
What's the biggest difference between men's tennis shoes and women's?
The toe box is the main difference between men's and women's tennis shoes. Men's shoes have a squared-off toe and are wider. Most of the time, they also have a thicker sole. The toe box of women's shoes is narrower and has a rounder shape. The way women's shoes are made in the toe box also helps them get a better grip on the tennis court.
How long do tennis shoes usually last?
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) says that after 45 to 60 hours of use, the midsoles of tennis shoes can wear out.
2 If you only play once a week, your pair could last for up to a year. But players who play a lot will have to get new shoes every two to three months. Wenzelas says that you should also think about the surface you are playing on. Wenzelas says that during the outdoor season, shoes last longer because clay doesn't "eat" them as much as hard courts do.
How are tennis shoes cleaned?
A few drops of a mild laundry detergent can be added to water to clean tennis shoes at home. Use a toothbrush or small dry brush dipped in the liquid to clean the inside and outside of your shoes in circular motions. Let them dry in the air before you use them again. If you're playing on a clay court with a tennis two-step, you should definitely use it to force the clay out of the court before leaving.