Hard court shoes for senior player

[jss]

Love playing tennis, but I'm in late 40s and it has taken a toll on my body. I have athritis on both knees but it's manageable. During summer I've played mostly on clay, sometimes several hours a week without a problem. Now I've played on a hard court for the first time, and my knees are still sore after two days.
I wore brand new Vapor Xs, liked them, but I think the friction on court surface was too much. Now I'm hoping to find less grippy shoes that would slide a bit like on clay.

Any advice? I even thought of applying some baby powder on the soles.

thanks,
jss

 

[jss]

Btw, I was using Vapor 9.5s on clay, so it was not about cushioning.

(And please don't tell me about your preferred shoe brand unless you think it would help with this particular issue)

 

[fuzz nation]

I can't say that I've tried enough different shoes to know which ones are less grippy on hard courts. My priority with any shoe is that I get a decent fit with my particular foot shape - same as anyone else I suppose - and that I also get decent ankle alignment. Even if a shoe has a relatively thin sole and not much other "stuff" between the court surface and my foot, proper ankle alignment means much more comfort for me.

Another issue with hard courts for me is that some courts are more grippy than others. Outdoor courts might have a bit of accumulated pollen or dirt to make them less grippy, but some may have more of a slick top coat compared with others that are more gritty and grabby. So I'm more sure-footed if I have that decent fit - the shoe holds my foot well enough - and I have a little bit of feel for the surface through the soles of my shoes.

As far as maintaining my legs for tennis, I get substantial benefits from riding a bicycle at least twice a week. I coach high school teams in both the spring and fall and there's no doubt that my bike has been my fountain of youth. While this doesn't solve your shoe issue, it might give you some big-time benefits regardless of what specific shoe you find.

 

[prjacobs]

I’m 68 and love the Asics Court FFs. Snapped my Achilles’ tendon decades ago and comfort is a must. I never had issues with my Nike 9.5s or any other shoe on clay in terms of knee comfort, (although my Asics SS2s for clay were far better) but hard courts take a much bigger toll on knees. Personally, I think cushioning makes a huge difference . I also bike 30 - 40 miles a week and stretch a lot. On hardcourt, the Nike 9.5s just don’t compare to the FFs. Good luck.


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[markwillplay]

ASICS Fel Res were great for me until I used hem on hard courts. I am 48 and my knee hurt on the inside after a few outings. I switched to Bab SFX and pain went away. I wore the Gel FF for a day standing in hard tile and my feet hurt. I did the same with SFX 2 and no pain. The new SFX are a good bit wider and you may have to size down I have a size, but they have the best coaching, practical cushioning, of any shoe I have compared it to. I have a pair of the new SFX3 and although they are a little big (I have to wear two pairs of socks), they are very plush.

 

[norcal]

Wow if your knees are already sore on clay DO NOT start playing on hard courts (sounds like you have that option). I wish I had the option of a softer surface.

As far as grip, as someone already mentioned that has more to do with surface than sole, as any new sole is going to be very grippy. A coarse hardcourt (like they have in the desert around Indian Wells) is like sandpaper, a worn public court in Norcal is slippery.

As for cushion I would recommend Yonex Fusion Rev2 or Sonicage, both have a bit extra room in forefoot, both have excellent cushion (Fusion being more stable, Sonicage more comfy).

 

[mhkeuns]

Try the Babolat SFX3. It is light and extremely comfortable.

I would also recommend the Asics Gel Resolution 7. A little heavier than the SFX3, but it is the best all-around shoes and will fit your needs.

 

[mike schiffer]

Love playing tennis, but I'm in late 40s and it has taken a toll on my body. I have athritis on both knees but it's manageable. During summer I've played mostly on clay, sometimes several hours a week without a problem. Now I've played on a hard court for the first time, and my knees are still sore after two days.
I wore brand new Vapor Xs, liked them, but I think the friction on court surface was too much. Now I'm hoping to find less grippy shoes that would slide a bit like on clay.

Any advice? I even thought of applying some baby powder on the soles.

thanks,
jss

Try Kirkland Glucosamin=Chondroitin....fixed my 66 year old tender knees...2 per day at least...

 

[Traffic]

I avoided clicking on this thread because of the title. Come to find out OP is referring to my age as "senior"...
I've been wearing GR7s for the past year. I just switched to Wilson Rush Pro 2.5. Interesting difference. My heels are locked in and there seems to be a tad more cushioning. I still have PF symptoms after play but not as bad as the GR7s. I use an aftermarket insole in both.

Only recently had I started noticing a touch of knee pain. both with GR7s and Rush. Pretty minor and doesn't stay. Maybe it's all this split stepping and moving my feet that I've been doing lately...

 

[Grieeegoorr]

I can't say that I've tried enough different shoes to know which ones are less grippy on hard courts. My priority with any shoe is that I get a decent fit with my particular foot shape - same as anyone else I suppose - and that I also get decent ankle alignment. Even if a shoe has a relatively thin sole and not much other "stuff" between the court surface and my foot, proper ankle alignment means much more comfort for me.

Another issue with hard courts for me is that some courts are more grippy than others. Outdoor courts might have a bit of accumulated pollen or dirt to make them less grippy, but some may have more of a slick top coat compared with others that are more gritty and grabby. So I'm more sure-footed if I have that decent fit - the shoe holds my foot well enough - and I have a little bit of feel for the surface through the soles of my shoes.

As far as maintaining my legs for tennis, I get substantial benefits from riding a bicycle at least twice a week. I coach high school teams in both the spring and fall and there's no doubt that my bike has been my fountain of youth. While this doesn't solve your shoe issue, it might give you some big-time benefits regardless of what specific shoe you find.

+1 on the bike riding, when my knees are giving me grief they always feel better after a bike ride. If you are going to strap yourself onto a road bike and ride for hours on end just make sure that it is set up properly for you, otherwise you will do more damage than good. Mountain Biking is good because you are not in one static position for long periods doing the same thing over and over again.
If you want to keep playing tennis it is time to start looking after your knees, stretching before and after you play, bike riding, keeping your knees covered when it is below 18* C (sorry from Australia, don't know what that is in F)
and if you are going to be playing on hard court look into some shock absorbing inner soles. I'm trying some out that skateboarders use to mitigate against the damage they do to their knees from slamming themselves repeatedly onto concrete.

 

[mctennis]

I'm trying some out that skateboarders use to mitigate against the damage they do to their knees from slamming themselves repeatedly onto concrete.

As long as these skateboarders aren't 12, if so they will not feel the knee pain for years. Keep us updated though on how the things you are trying out actually work. I can always use more knee cushioning help.
I play on hard courts most of the year, due to weather where I live. Clay can only be used about 3 months of the year. Even less days actually when you deduct the rain days, heat/high humidity days.

 

[bigdaddyps]

Having been in the vitamin/supplement business for decades, I can say without reservation that Glucosamine Chondroitin works wonders for a LOT of joint pain sufferers.
You need to take it for a couple of months to see if it works for you.

 

[OnTheLine]

Arthritic knees here and late 40s. I don't have the option for clay courts in my area so play on hard 10-15 hours per week.

Nike Vapor 9.5s and X: both get my knees (and hips) extra achey, even with arch supports

Wilson: absolutely did not fit my feet correctly so didn't try further

Yonex: Exclipsion ... really liked this, did not aggravate knees or hips, very comfortable ... but seemed to wear out quickly

Asics Gel Res7s and Gel Speed3s (for matches only) WITH good arch support insoles seem to be the best for me.

In terms of sliding capability: I think that is going to be more about the court than the shoe in some ways. Some courts are heavily (or freshly) textured, others are more smooth so the same shoe may behave differently on different courts. Brand new, all of them start out quite grippy in my experience.

 

[esantoro]

Just turned 50 and for the first time decided to think seriously about tennis shoes. When I was younger, I bought what was cheapest. I now like the comfort of Adidas Barricades. It seems that tennis shoes have gotten much more comfortable than pre-2004.

 

[IowaGuy]

I’m 68 and love the Asics Court FFs.

I'm in my 40's like the OP.

Asics Gel Court FF are also my favorite hard court shoe. Since switching to them, my knees have felt much better! (I play ~10 hours singles/week)

 

[mike schiffer]

Smart fellas with comments above....think ahead and think cushioning....your joints and knees are only handed out once....so...get it right with shoes that protect....Glucosamine and chondroitin by Kirkland will keep things moving.....I'm playing in my mid sixties and can move like a kid for awhile(there's no fountain of youth yet)....gel inserts also work...

 

[PigPen]

I’m 68 and love the Asics Court FFs. Snapped my Achilles’ tendon decades ago and comfort is a must. I never had issues with my Nike 9.5s or any other shoe on clay in terms of knee comfort, (although my Asics SS2s for clay were far better) but hard courts take a much bigger toll on knees. Personally, I think cushioning makes a huge difference . I also bike 30 - 40 miles a week and stretch a lot. On hardcourt, the Nike 9.5s just don’t compare to the FFs. Good luck.


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I'm 55 and I agree that this is absolutely the best shoe in my opinion. I've had 2 surgeries on one knee and the Court FF is what is keeping me on the court.

 

[FedLIKEnot]

Shoes that fit the foot best is key. I think most people care about so much in a shoe and never the actual foot or consider their foot type. I have a med/high arch and wide forefoot so for me KSwiss and Asics especially the Gel Resolution always works well.

 

[Ronaldo]

Shoes that fit the foot best is key. I think most people care about so much in a shoe and never the actual foot or consider their foot type. I have a med/high arch and wide forefoot so for me KSwiss and Asics especially the Gel Resolution always works well.

Any place locally to try on tennis shoes?

 

[FedLIKEnot]

I am not sure where you live, for me I just got my feet mapped like ten years ago for custom insole when I was a college basketball players (it was D3 and I am 5'8, haha). So ever since I try to get shoes based upon the recommendations of some of the play testers, and I have discovered I have similar feet and fit needs as Jason.

 

[WildVolley]

Despite LOL at your 40s being seniors, I'd advise looking into Yonex shoes on hard courts. IMO, they have some of the best cushioning.

 

[Fanman]

You do realize that the Nike Vapors are not the most cushioned shoes in their line right ? It's their lightweight, speed shoe. May want to try their new Zoom Zero line. Among other shoes I have tried (I am like you as I have bad knees & am older) the KSwiss Hypercourt Express, the Babolat SFX2 (now 3's) were amazing in terms of cushioning & let me play quite a while without my knees aching.

 

[TagUrIt]

Nike Air Zoom Zeroes!

 

[michael valek]

Another vote for zeros. Using them for jogging as well, much better than running shoes.

 

[ace18]

I'm 53, came from the Vapor 9.5's and switched to the Asics Gel Court FF's, love them. I have 4 pairs

 

[markwillplay]

prince t-22 lites are better than the SFX for me as far as cushioning goes. They are now my go-to shoe.

 

[PBODY99]

Fit is everything for me. After 50+ seasons on hard courts, Babolat SFX, Prince T-22, Adidas Bounce Barricade works for me.

 

[Ronaldo]

Come on, Hard Court shoes for a senior? Get with the times,

 

[FedLIKEnot]

Come on, Hard Court shoes for a senior? Get with the times,

More modern version of them, especially with the clunky "dad shoe" trend. Haha.

 

[Ronaldo]

More modern version of them, especially with the clunky "dad shoe" trend. Haha.

Kinda busy. Trying to cater to that 40 & over USTA League playa. Planet Fitness crowd,

 

[bigdaddyps]

U think late 40’s is senior? Wow!
What u gonna call yourself when u r playing at 65? Corpse level?

 

[Ronaldo]

U think late 40’s is senior? Wow!
What u gonna call yourself when u r playing at 65? Corpse level?

And 80+, The Volleying Dead

 

[AggieJason]

Diadora Speed Star K Elite AG. Love 'em. I'm 52 and play on hard courts.
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Di...AG_Black_Gold_/descpageMSDIADORA-DMSKEBG.html

 

[Hmgraphite1]

Just got a pair a Diadora blue shield 2ag and Babolat propulse fury, both are supportive on the sides and cushiony underneith. Cage 3 are the weakest support wise but alright for clay since you don't dig in much anyway. Lookin forward to tryin the zearoes