Tennis shoes are a crucial part of a person’s gear, and it helps to invest wisely to secure your feet and avoid injuries so choose the Best Nike Tennis Shoe so improve your game in the court. Quality check of tennis shoes is very essential for all the tennis players, as our entire body pressure depends on our soles and the stress of our everyday chores, also rely on the shoes we buy. Tennis shoes are not only designed for tennis players but they are also made for the players, who specifically don’t have to run on tough surfaces but play regular games, like to hike and do soft run due to some inspirations or hobbies.
However, a lot of factors should be considered when searching for the best Nike tennis shoe which includes performance, longevity, support, comfort, and cost. This full guide to new Nike tennis shoes will suggest the best shoes for men and women on the market and how you can pick the correct shoe for yourself.
Difference Between Tennis Shoes & Regular Shoes
Tennis shoes are made for tennis courts specifically. While the regular shoes focus on cushioning primarily and tennis shoe emphasis on lateral protection and stability. Lateral protection and balance are important for tennis players since many of the fast motions performed at the tennis court are side-to-side cuts instead of heel-to-toe turns. Although cushioning is also essential for the tennis players, but it’s much less crucial than lateral stability and a low to the ground feel. So the lower a player’s foot is in the tennis court the more balanced it will feel lateral. As per this need cushioning is done less in tennis shoes and is more in regular shoes.
Things to Consider Before Picking Tennis Shoes
You can understand how frustrating it is when you have ever been stuck to the pair of shoes that looked good from outside, but that did not fulfill your demands after hitting the Court. In this segment, we will explain some main features that will help you to select the best Nike Tennis sneakers.
Level of Comfort
By default, Nike tennis shoes are more rigid than many other shoes because a broad variety of movement needs to be assisted, including lateral movements that are necessary when they reach the courtyard. Despite this fact still, some tennis shoes offer more comfort than others. You will typically be looking for shoes offering a generous midsole. Moreover, the insole of the Nike court tennis shoes also offers additional support and you can also replace it to get extra comfort.
Arch Support
Different Nike shoes are fitted with various arch support levels that can help relieve pain. Tennis shoes are most frequently supported by moderate to low-end arches to cater to a large number of players. However, if a tennis player needs more arch support, the players can even replace the insole of their Nike tennis shoes so they can get maximum arch support and comfort.
Ventilation
Some shoes compromise ventilation and breathability in order to enhance comfort and longevity but ventilation also plays a very important role. Ventilation can be more or less a concern depending on the environment in which you practice. Adequate ventilation can be necessary for keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters in hot temperatures. Also, note that your shoe’s color can play an important part in determining the temperature of your feet. Light colors reflect the heat of the sun whereas it is absorbed in darker colors, which will warm your feet.
Ability to Absorb Shock
The Nike tennis shoes offering thick and wide heels will absorb more shock as they will spread the impact forces out in both space and time. An ideal tennis shoe must absorb shock as it will reduce the risk of injuries during the game and your feet will remain safe and you will be able to perform your best in the court.
Weight
The weight of a good tennis shoe has been associated with speed by many players. A lightweight tennis shoe will enhance your game whereas a heavier shoe will affect your game and will make you feel somewhat sluggish. Manufacturers of Nike Shoe also strike a balance between weight, stability, and durability so the player can get all the features in a single shoe. It’s important to remember that as the size of the shoe changes, the weight of the shoe will also start changing. A tennis shoe becomes lighter if you remove material from a shoe, but the comfort or longevity of the shoe typically is sacrificed.
Durability
Most tennis players compete in the sport on the hard courts, so shoes need to have ample endurance to cope with the beat. The outsole on the base of the shoe, which has continuous contact with the court, is an important part and is very crucial for the durability of the tennis shoe. However, the outsole of the tennis shoe is not the only part that should be robust. The toe of a tennis shoe also often comes into contact with the court during the match, and during slides or pitches, the front upper part of the shoe will scrape the court regularly. It can be helpful to check your current shoes before purchasing your next pair of tennis shoes to find out where additional security is required and then consider it when you are buying a pair of new Nike tennis shoes.
Stability
Sharp or abrupt motions are frequent when playing tennis. If you’re hitting groundstroke’s from side to side, coming forward as well as attacking the net to strike, or heading back to chase down a shot, your shoes need to have enough stability. The stability of a tennis shoe relies on many factors. The width of the shoe in the sole of a tennis shoe will lead to a balanced base that will keep the shoe stable. In addition, a shoe’s sole must have adequate rigidity to withstand motions across the court as quickly as possible. In order to improve stability and avoid a twist, many shoes would use a rigid plastic insert called a shank and will insert it in the center of a shoe’s sole.
Best Nike Tennis Shoes 2021 Comparison Table
In this article, we have combined reviews of the best men’s and women’s tennis shoes, along with guidelines for purchasing a new pair of Nike tennis shoes or replacing your current ones.
Name Reliability Rating Price
Women’s Nike Tennis Shoes
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Women’s Tennis Shoe USA . UK [usr 4.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Flare 2 HC Women’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.6 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 HC Women’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Court Lite 2 Women’s White Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 4.2 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Court Lite women’s Tennis Court Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Zero Tennis Shoe USA . UK [usr 3.8 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Air Zoom Cage 3 Hc women’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Prestige Tennis Shoes White USA . UK [usr 4.0 size=16 text="false"]
Men’s Nike Tennis Shoes
Nike Court Lite 2 Men’s Black Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.7 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Men’s Court Lite Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 4.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Men’s Clay Court Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.0 size=16 text="false"]
New Nike Men’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Men’s Court Tech Challenge 20 Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 4.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Hc Men’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 3.1 size=16 text="false"]
Nike Air Vapor Advantage Clay Men’s Tennis Shoes USA . UK [usr 4.0 size=16 text="false"]
Women’s Nike Tennis Shoes
1.Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Women’s Hard-Court Tennis Shoe
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is one of the most popular and effective women’s tennis shoes in recent years. Nike also incorporated some new features to make the Vapor unique and exclusive from its other shoes. The lightweight, durability, and robust performance are some of the main advantages of this shoe. This new Nike tennis shoe is made using a breathable mesh that will keep your feet dry and cool in the entire match. Moreover, a padded foam collar provides an extra supportive fit and offers you the strength to play comfortably with stability. Another main attribute of this shoe is the weight of the shoe. In order to keep weight at a minimum, the rubber is explicitly eliminated in low-wear areas. When you play intensive and long matches, this feature gives you a huge benefit as you can sprint, jump, and slide easy.
[i2pc][i2pros]The midsole is made using Zoom Air Unit to provide adequate cushioning.
It is available in different colors.
It offers a removable insole so you can also replace it.[/i2pros][i2cons]The lacing system is not good.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Nike Flare 2 HC Women’s Hard-Court Tennis Shoes
Nike Flare 2 will take all your stress away and you can easily play intense matches with this woman’s hard-court tennis shoes and your feet will remain protected. This shoe is made using Nike’s trademark XDR outsole which is an extra durable rubber. This shoe does not have a 6-month outsole guarantee, but on different courts its consistency is suitable. Also, the herringbone treads design of this shoe wrap on the tip of the shoe and provides excellent grip and traction. Nike infused the middle sole with soft foam that is extremely light in weight and is ready to impact during court landings and provides the energy return needed during departures.
[i2pc][i2pros]The heel provides additional padding for added comfort.
It is true to size and provides a perfect fit.[/i2pros][i2cons]The collar of Nike Flare 2 often rubs against the ankle.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 HC Women’s Tennis Shoes
Along with its killer looks, the Nike Air Zoom women’s tennis shoe provides excellent stability, durability, and comfort. This Nike zoom tennis shoe is designed to withstand the roughness of hard-courts and is made using a durable rubber design. The thinner patterns are incorporated into less abrasion-prone sections. Such a structure is intended to improve your stamina and to maintain your stability even on concrete courts. The hard-wearing rubber layer is also placed on the underside of the shoe and even on the top and lateral area to enhance the durability. The midsole is equipped with the Zoom Air unit which enhances the cushioning and makes the shoe even more comfortable.
[i2pc][i2pros]To offer more support this trainer offers a unique lacing system.
The medial lace loops of this tennis shoe are covered using a supportive upper so they don’t rip off easily.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not light in weight.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Nike Court Lite 2 Women’s White Tennis Shoes
The Nike Court Lite 2 will cushion your foot when you are practicing and playing. Specifically built for rough courts, its special outer sole gives you an outstanding grip while you are running and hitting. These white Nike tennis shoes offer the most important elements for a hard court setup and are the best option for all the tennis beginners. This shoe is made using synthetic mesh instead of rubber so the shoe is extremely light in weight. The outsole of this shoe features green durable rubber that can withstand abrasion and is also environment-friendly. The Court Lite 2 is fitted with lightweight Phylon made of EVA foam pellets for shock absorption. It also features a low arch that is suitable for flat-footed players as well.
[i2pc][i2pros]It features a padded collar and tongue to provide adequate comfort.
The lacing system of this tennis shoe offers a perfect fit.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not durable.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Nike Court Lite women’s Tennis Court Shoes
For women who need comfortable Tennis shoes with a traditional look and elegant style, this is their best possible choice. An enduring rubber sole, the Phylon midsole, and firm mesh tongue, respectively, are ideal features of this shoe. A coating around the toe region also guarantees optimum impact and abrasive injury resistance. This is a plus in tennis shoes because toes are directly exposed to injury and potential consequences. A good aspect of this shoe is its ability to endure traction through the GDR sole so you can wear it in many ups and downs of humidity. This shoe is also very robust and can cope with any weather conditions while still providing strength. This shoe’s court style is highly innovative, giving young women a sophisticated look.
[i2pc][i2pros]It is extremely light in weight and provides maximum breathability.
It provides maximum durability.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not suitable for players with wide-foot.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Zero Tennis Shoe
A pretty modern and stylish tennis shoe even amongst the various versions of Nike is the Air Zoom Zero tennis shoe. Indeed, this shoe is an excellent choice even if you are not a professional tennis player, but want to experience your sport without challenges. This Nike slip-on tennis shoe features fly-wire technology which helps in minimizing weight and providing support. This shoe’s midsole is pure foam, coupled with the Air Zoom unit to offer advanced cushioning and a lightweight look. The shoe is easily immune to any sort of damper effect because of this. In addition, the shoe’s sole is made of high-quality rubber and connected using flexor groves. The flexor grooves contribute to the battle against traction and provide stability and durability. This cheap Nike Tennis shoe is worth considering as it offers all the features that should be in a good tennis shoe.
[i2pc][i2pros]It offers Zoom air cushioning.
It provides maximum breathability.[/i2pros][i2cons] It does not offer a perfect fit.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Nike Air Zoom Cage 3 Hc women’s Tennis Shoes
This class of tennis shoes from Nike can be used easily and frequently by women trainers and tennis lovers. The category Zoom Cage is a rare mix of comfort and style for women who want to have full support in the court. This shoe has a lightweight design and a plush construction because it is integrated with a piece of synthetic fabric. The sole is made using durable, strong rubber composed of zonal abrasion designs and herringbone styles. These patterns are solely responsible for the longevity and abrasive damage tolerance. The middle sole offers Zoom-air cushioning design that handles shock absorption and evenly distributes it to the whole area.
[i2pc][i2pros]It offers drag on cage design to withstand sliding movements.
It is highly durable.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not true to size.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Prestige Tennis Shoes White
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Prestige Tennis Shoes are made specially to be used in hardcourt tennis games. The outsole of this shoe is made using an extra-durable rubber compound which makes this Nike Training tennis shoe highly durable as well as stable. It also features Zoom air technology that offers adequate cushioning and enhances the speed. Its herringbone tread design provides the right grip that is required when changing directions. The forefoot area of this shoe is designed using lightweight Phylon foam which can absorb maximum shocks as well.
[i2pc][i2pros]It is made using a Dynamic fit system that provides a perfect fit.
It features rubber on the toe area for extra protection.[/i2pros][i2cons]The padding under the heel is not adequate.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Men’s Nike Tennis Shoes
9. Nike Court Lite 2 Men’s Black Tennis Shoes
Nike has designed Nike court lite 2 for hard courts. The rubber outsole of GDR, built particularly for hard courts, is used for durability and great traction. The sole consists of five distinct patterns. Each pattern is intended for 1 out of 5 fundamental tennis movements that are practiced by tennis players. This black Nike tennis shoe feature mesh upper for breathability and ventilation. Also, the tongue and neck of the shoe padded to offer to maximize comfort. It also features a mid-foot shank that increases flexibility and maintains the foot resistance against movement jerks. During the game the whole pressure is on the toes so to protect the toes these tennis shoes provide extra-cushioning under the toes also the abrasion-resistant material is also added.
[i2pc][i2pros]It offers excellent support with a snug fit.
It is breathable.[/i2pros][i2cons]It does not provide adequate arch support.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. Nike Men’s Court Lite Tennis Shoes
If you’re a frequent player looking for supportive and durable tennis shoes, then this is the ideal option for you. Nike Men’s Court Lite tennis shoes are a combination of ease and style and this is one of those revolutionary Nike shoes you can trust. This lightweight tennis shoe is designed using the thick surface leather, the Phylon midsole, and the rubber outsole and it provides firm, powerful support. The rubber outsole is sufficiently robust to resist optimal pressure and guarantees strong support during movement. In addition, the shoe is also designed to bear any type of weather so that bad and extreme weather conditions did not affect the shoes. A major benefit of this shoe is the tolerance to traction so that athletes do not experience adhesion and friction when playing and the sole remains solid.
[i2pc][i2pros]It is ideal for both professional and new tennis players.
It is light in weight and offers maximum comfort.[/i2pros][i2cons]In most cases, it falls out of size.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
11. Nike Men’s Clay Court Tennis Shoes
If you play mostly on clay courts and want a shoe that is suitable for clay courts then this shoe from Nike is the best option as it is specifically designed to be used on clay courts. These best play court tennis shoes offer Lunarlon foam midsole that fit with your feet and provide plush comfort. It has straps on the medial area that are integrated with laces of the forefoot to offer stability. The best part of this shoe is it features an integrated crash pad that provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
[i2pc][i2pros]It provides stability during side movements.[/i2pros][i2cons]The inner sole of this shoe is not comfortable.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
12. New Nike Men’s Tennis Shoes
This New Nike Men’s tennis shoe will surely improve your game and you will be able to perform your best in the court after wearing these shoes. A leather and mesh top offers lightweight and long-lasting longevity so that every time you can enjoy appropriate balance and comfort. A TPU midfoot and the zoom air unit in the heel ensures stability, providing flat and reactive damping that is required for rapid change of direction and sprints. An updated herringbone design makes sure that you move and fill the match ball on hard surfaces.
[i2pc][i2pros]It is very durable.
It can withstand different weather conditions.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not comfortable.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
13. Nike Men’s Court Tech Challenge 20 Tennis Shoes
Nike Men’s Court Tech Challenge 20 Tennis Shoes is an aesthetic shoe but offers all the latest features. It provides Max Air unit in the heel that offers adequate cushioning. The medial area of this shoe is also durable and provides support during slides. Also, it has an in-built crash pad that provides a comfortable heel-to-toe transition. It is made using a rubber outsole and also has a herringbone pattern that provides maximum traction. The flywire technology used in this shoe protects your foot from injuries.
[i2pc][i2pros]The rubber used on the toe area provides added durability.
The asymmetrical collar of this shoe provides additional support.[/i2pros][i2cons]It takes a lot of time in adjusting the shoe.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
14. Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Hc Men’s Tennis Shoes
Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is the most popular shoe in the market for tennis shoes. This shoe gives excellent performance and is light in weight as well. The heel of the shoe features Zoom air technology integrated with Phylon that provides comfort and makes the shoe highly durable. This new Nike tennis shoe has a breathable mesh upper that offers adequate ventilation and will keep your feet dry in hot weather as well. It is available in different and unique color combinations and will add to your style and personality.
[i2pc][i2pros]It is light in weight so it will not affect your performance.
It provides adequate comfort.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not highly durable.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
15. Nike Air Vapor Advantage Clay Men’s Tennis Shoes
Nike Air Vapor Advantage Clay Men’s Tennis shoes provide excellent breathability and you can easily wear then in extremely hot weather as well because it will keep your feet cool and dry. It can withstand hard tennis games as it is built using highly durable rubber. It features fly-wire technology to provide extra cushioning and comfort. The extra padding around the heels protects your feet from injuries and will enhance your game in the court as well.
[i2pc][i2pros]It provides an easy lace-up design so you can easily adjust the shoe.
It is very durable.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not light in weight.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Different Types of Nike Tennis Shoes
A large variety of Nike tennis shoes are available for various players and court surfaces so they can meet the needs and requirements of every player. It can be useful to learn about different styles of tennis shoes, instead of depending solely on style or what your favorite player uses, so you can make the right decision and will buy the best Nike court tennis shoes.
Hard Court Tennis Shoes
While courts vary in popularity across nations, hard courts are the most common because they are easy to manage, making them affordable over the long run. If you spend much of your day on hard courts, it is critical that your best hard court tennis shoes have design characteristics that meet the harsh requirements of the surface of this court As most of the tennis players practice their game on the hardcourt so Nike tennis shoes offer sole that is ideal for hard court. Moreover, the shoes designed for hard-court can also be used on clay and grass courts as well.
Clay Court Tennis Shoes
The second most popular surface of the courtyard of tennis is clay, which also plays the slowest since the ball loses its momentum and bounces back higher after hitting the surface. The courts of clay are slippery and often players slide on the court as well. But Nike clay court tennis shoes offer several features that will help the players to perform their best on the clay court surface. Firstly, clay court tennis shoes typically involve a herringbone tread design around the outsole with the purpose of providing traction on the slippery surface. However, this design is also advantageous as it helps to release claymore quickly, ensuring that the shoe retains its traction. What’s more, clay court shoes don’t need that much cushioning or stability through the sole, and you’ll see design updates taking that into account, which also lets them lose some weight.
Grass Court Tennis Shoes
Now a day, grass courts are not common, but if you have the chance to spend time regularly on this court, certain design features should be taken into account. Most importantly, grass courts are slippery, so tennis players can use grass court tennis shoes with flatter soles equipped with tiny studs or pimples to improve overall traction. Most professional tennis players use special tennis grass court shoes with their distinctive outsole bumps. However, since the majority of the players do not play on grass court regularly, you do not find the shoes easily available for purchase.
Final Words
The main purpose of the Best Nike Tennis Shoe is to give players the best grip, protection, and support on the court. There are a variety of tennis shoes available on the market, some for hard courts, and some for clay or grass. All in all, Nike has always been known to bring beauty and comfort for players with its impressive designs. However, selecting the right Nike tennis shoes from various combinations of Nike tennis shoes is a very tough decision. But our detailed reviews of Nike best tennis shoes for women and men will help you to select the tennis shoe that is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Tennis Shoes Different?
Tennis shoes are normally flattering, with specially made sole designs, all based on the type of court surface you currently play. Other styles of shoes have stronger, smoother heels that minimize weight and cushioning to lower the impact whereas tennis shoes are more durable.
Do Tennis Shoes Help?
Tennis shoes are specifically designed for tennis use only just Like women’s CrossFit shoes for the gym. They offer unique features that are needed to play tennis like they are light in weight, provide maximum support in the court, offer flexible soles, and are made using breathable mesh. They are designed to improve the performance of the player on the court like to move around effectively and to change direction more quickly. The soles of the tennis shoes also offer the best traction on hard, clay, and grass courts.
Are There Special Shoes for Tennis?
Yes, there are special shoes designed for tennis and different courts as well. Different types of players play on different types of courts i.e. hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts. Special shoes are made for every type of court as in tennis a lot of movement is needed so tennis shoes provide stability and improve your performance on the court as well.
Can You Wear Clay Court Tennis Shoes on Hard Courts?
The shoes designed for hard-court offer harder and thicker rubber and are durable enough. Yes, you can wear clay court tennis shoes on hard courts but as they are not specifically designed for hard courts they will not offer maximum cushioning and traction.