My review (s) of basketball shoes sneakers for tennis !

[Ryebread]

I have been using basketball sneakers for tennis for the past year. I have two main types that I have found to be very durable.

Here is my favorite and review #1 (more will follow in coming weeks)

NIKE JORDAN ZION 1
it's just below a 3/4 height, so it does not look out of place on a tennis court, IMO
but it will offer a little bit higher/more ankle support, which I need b/c of prior volleyball/ankle issues.

It's uploading now, so quality should improve over the next several mins.

1. light weight
2. feel low to the ground
3. amazing cushioning
4. nice traction
5. good durability
6. great comfort
7. great support!
8. confidence inspiring
9. nice looks (subjective)
10. fair price (not cheap, but fair)

With a down-to-earth persona and abilities that are out of this world, Zion is unlike anybody else. On court, the gentle spirit who's all about family transforms into an unmatched force of unstoppable athleticism and speed. The Zion 1 kicks off his signature line with a design inspired by his duality of humility meets superhuman ability. Full-length Air Strobel cushioning is stacked with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot—a sensational mix of plush underfoot comfort and rapid responsiveness. It's light, stable and strong, with aggressive traction to help Zion grip the court and control his power.

 

[d-quik]

I have been using basketball sneakers for tennis for the past year. I have two main types that I have found to be very durable.

Here is my favorite and review #1 (more will follow in coming weeks)

NIKE JORDAN ZION 1
it's just below a 3/4 height, so it does not look out of place on a tennis court, IMO
but it will offer a little bit higher/more ankle support, which I need b/c of prior volleyball/ankle issues.

It's uploading now, so quality should improve over the next several mins.

1. light weight
2. feel low to the ground
3. amazing cushioning
4. nice traction
5. good durability
6. great comfort
7. great support!
8. confidence inspiring
9. nice looks (subjective)
10. fair price (not cheap, but fair)

With a down-to-earth persona and abilities that are out of this world, Zion is unlike anybody else. On court, the gentle spirit who's all about family transforms into an unmatched force of unstoppable athleticism and speed. The Zion 1 kicks off his signature line with a design inspired by his duality of humility meets superhuman ability. Full-length Air Strobel cushioning is stacked with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot—a sensational mix of plush underfoot comfort and rapid responsiveness. It's light, stable and strong, with aggressive traction to help Zion grip the court and control his power.

You said durable for outdoors but this is compared to other basketball shoes not tennis shoes right? How did they last throught your summer?

 

[gold325]

I also love premium and light (cheap ones are heavy) BB shoes for tennis BUT the soles wear out faster than decent tennis shoes

 

[Rayzor]

I’ve been using Nike KD Trey 5 VII (wow, that name!) exclusively for indoor tennis, about 6-8 hours a week, for the last 6 months. They have lasted as long or longer than the last pair of Air Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tours I had.

 

[michael valek]

I think I’m gonna try Zion 2 for the winter indoor season

 

[d-quik]

I have been using basketball sneakers for tennis for the past year. I have two main types that I have found to be very durable.

Here is my favorite and review #1 (more will follow in coming weeks)

NIKE JORDAN ZION 1
it's just below a 3/4 height, so it does not look out of place on a tennis court, IMO
but it will offer a little bit higher/more ankle support, which I need b/c of prior volleyball/ankle issues.

It's uploading now, so quality should improve over the next several mins.

1. light weight
2. feel low to the ground
3. amazing cushioning
4. nice traction
5. good durability
6. great comfort
7. great support!
8. confidence inspiring
9. nice looks (subjective)
10. fair price (not cheap, but fair)

With a down-to-earth persona and abilities that are out of this world, Zion is unlike anybody else. On court, the gentle spirit who's all about family transforms into an unmatched force of unstoppable athleticism and speed. The Zion 1 kicks off his signature line with a design inspired by his duality of humility meets superhuman ability. Full-length Air Strobel cushioning is stacked with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot—a sensational mix of plush underfoot comfort and rapid responsiveness. It's light, stable and strong, with aggressive traction to help Zion grip the court and control his power.

I think I’m gonna try Zion 2 for the winter indoor season

do you guys have any interest in LeBron's "Witness" series or the Air Max "Impact" series?

 

[michael valek]

They don’t look quite as cool to me.

 

[Ryebread]

do you guys have any interest in LeBron's "Witness" series or the Air Max "Impact" series?

Yes I use witness 4’s often. They are the best for tennis.

5’s wear faster. Never tested the 6 or 7. No interest in paying top dollar.

I bought a bunch of 4’s on clearance over the past few years for like $50 a pair! I’m set for ages.

 

[d-quik]

witness 4

you didn't find this to be too "high off the ground"? How was the toebox width (narrow/medium/wide)?

 

[Mungo]

I have Air Jordans in my outdoor hardcourt rotation. They’re holding up real well and I like the stability they offer.

 

[kevin qmto]

I too have a couple pairs of basketball shoes as tennis court shoes. The soles do wear a bit quickly for my tastes but they’re comfy and supportive. They do make for fine tennis shoes, I mostly tend to use them on carpet indoors to preserve the tread.

 

[skydog]

Adidas Harden Vol 6.

Since Adidas abandoned the Boost midsoles in their tennis line, I am experimenting with the Harden Vol 6 on the tennis courts. The soles are quite durable as they seem to have been designed for outdoor basketball courts, no sign of wear through the first 6 or so hours of play. Full Boost midsole creates my preferred comfortable ride, although I am experimenting with different insoles as the stock Adidas insoles are paper thin. The Move Game Day Pro’s stiffened the shoe up a bit for some increased performance, but also cut back the comfort level so I am trying the regular Game Days to see if they dial back in some comfort. Superfeet Greens were just OK in the Hardens and I may throw in a set of Foot Prints I have lying around that were just too thick for my Ubersonics a few years ago.

A side benefit of the Harden Vol 6 is that you can usually find good deals on them. With tennis shoes being so scarce and running out of stock rapidly, it is almost impossible to find any discounted prices. I was able to scoop up two pairs of Harden Vol 6 for less the retail price for one pair the other week directly from Adidas.

 

[d-quik]

@Ryebread how is the toebox width for the Witness IV and the durability for the AJ Zion after a summer of use?

 

[michael valek]

Plus any either soles we think could be used on clay?

 

[Subway Tennis]

Adidas Harden Vol 6.

Since Adidas abandoned the Boost midsoles in their tennis line, I am experimenting with the Harden Vol 6 on the tennis courts. The soles are quite durable as they seem to have been designed for outdoor basketball courts, no sign of wear through the first 6 or so hours of play. Full Boost midsole creates my preferred comfortable ride, although I am experimenting with different insoles as the stock Adidas insoles are paper thin. The Move Game Day Pro’s stiffened the shoe up a bit for some increased performance, but also cut back the comfort level so I am trying the regular Game Days to see if they dial back in some comfort. Superfeet Greens were just OK in the Hardens and I may throw in a set of Foot Prints I have lying around that were just too thick for my Ubersonics a few years ago.

A side benefit of the Harden Vol 6 is that you can usually find good deals on them. With tennis shoes being so scarce and running out of stock rapidly, it is almost impossible to find any discounted prices. I was able to scoop up two pairs of Harden Vol 6 for less the retail price for one pair the other week directly from Adidas.

Im not surprised to hear this.

I used the Harden 4s quite a few times for tennis and they were great.

The Harden 4s were a bit different to a lot of basketball shoes in that they were not designed with overly thick cushioning, but the court feel was incredible and the midsole was very responsive. The uppers also had extremely good support.

I absolutely loved those shoes. Had quite a few pairs in rotation but wish I had bought more.

 

[onehandbh]

The Harden shoes were probably designed for players that like to take a few extra steps on the court. Perhaps that is why they might be more durable.

 

[onehandbh]

Anyone try using Air Jordan 1 lows for tennis?

They are so comfortable.

For some reason, their supply does not appear to be meeting their high demand, though. For the last few years, whenever I travel to a different country and I see a Nike store or a store selling Nike basketball shoes, I go in and ask if they have any Air Jordan 1s in stock. Thus far the answer has been 'no' at every store.

 

[Goof]

Space Jams or bust.

 

[bwongman]

Anyone try using Air Jordan 1 lows for tennis?

They are so comfortable.

For some reason, their supply does not appear to be meeting their high demand, though. For the last few years, whenever I travel to a different country and I see a Nike store or a store selling Nike basketball shoes, I go in and ask if they have any Air Jordan 1s in stock. Thus far the answer has been 'no' at every store.

I am assuming you are being sarcastic, right? I love Jordan 1s, but playing in Jordan 1 lows would be no different than playing in a pair of Stan Smiths. They are lifestyle shoes that might be ok for a casual hit but not for anything more vigorous.

The new Ja Morant 1s might be great for tennis. It has forefoot zoom and is lower to the ground. Also pricing is reasonable for $110 USD

 

[onehandbh]

I am assuming you are being sarcastic, right? I love Jordan 1s, but playing in Jordan 1 lows would be no different than playing in a pair of Stan Smiths. They are lifestyle shoes that might be ok for a casual hit but not for anything more vigorous.

The new Ja Morant 1s might be great for tennis. It has forefoot zoom and is lower to the ground. Also pricing is reasonable for $110 USD

Jordan 1 lows have much more cushioning than the stan Smiths. Also more stable. I would consider playing in them for doubles.

 

[Subway Tennis]

I am assuming you are being sarcastic, right? I love Jordan 1s, but playing in Jordan 1 lows would be no different than playing in a pair of Stan Smiths. They are lifestyle shoes that might be ok for a casual hit but not for anything more vigorous.

The new Ja Morant 1s might be great for tennis. It has forefoot zoom and is lower to the ground. Also pricing is reasonable for $110 USD

The Ja’s look like they are going to be very interesting indeed.

Very interesting to see what the performance reviews are like. As you say, the price is right and they look incredible.

 

[michael valek]

Plus any either soles we think could be used on clay?

Anyone using basketball shoes on clay?

 

[michael valek]

will ask this again as clay season is here! any mid top shoes with great soles for use on clay?

 

[michael valek]

anyone?

 

[aus89]

was watching foot doctor zach and it sounds like the Harden Volume 7's would be a great fit for tennis - said the soles are very tough for outdoor courts etc... seemed to have good grip - worth looking at

 

[slchsu]

anyone?

FWIW I have tried hyperdunk lows on clay and was slipping all over the place. I think basketball shoe outsole materials and tread patterns are so specialized for the hardwood that it’s going to be hard to find basketball shoes that can perform anywhere close to a clay-court tennis shoe.

 

[PistolPete23]

Li-Ning Way of Wade Son of Flash, you're welcome

 

[!<-_->!]

Li-Ning Way of Wade Son of Flash, you're welcome

 

[michael valek]

CAn confirm Zion 2 soles work just fine on clay.

 

[onehandbh]

One version of the Wade Son of Flash is named "First Born". Very Apropos as many first born sons are treated very well in many Chinese families.

 

[WYK]

FWIW I have tried hyperdunk lows on clay and was slipping all over the place. I think basketball shoe outsole materials and tread patterns are so specialized for the hardwood that it’s going to be hard to find basketball shoes that can perform anywhere close to a clay-court tennis shoe.

I tried Hypderdunks on Synthetic Grass. They clog up with sand way faster than most clay court shoes do, tho.
I do like them on outdoor hard courts, tho. They let you slide a bit and have great support and feel.

 

[bwongman]

Li-Ning Way of Wade Son of Flash, you're welcome

Ordered them last week. Hope they work out well for tennis.

 

[bwongman]

One version of the Wade Son of Flash is named "First Born". Very Apropos as many first born sons are treated very well in many Chinese families.

Used these for the first time in match play and they are amazing. The cushioning and support are better than most tennis shoes on the market. The boom in the forefoot and heel are like Nike zoom and make the shoe really comfortable. The traction is great for me, but I am not a slider so I can't comment on how they would slide. The toe area does have a tiny drag guard, but nothing like a tennis shoe would have. Not sure how the durability is on these yet, but they are supposed to be designed for outdoor basketball use, so should be pretty good. Fit is a little on the regular to narrow side and you definitely need to size up a half size. I would actually recommend these for tennis

 

[d-quik]

 

[d-quik]

 

[d-quik]

 

[michael valek]

as zion 2 soles dont last too long on clay, i picked up some lebron witness 7 which seem to have a perfect clay court herringbone sole, and confirm they are great on clay. zion 2 are a step up in terms of everything, but the witness are softer and have better court feel.

 

[WYK]

as zion 2 soles dont last too long on clay, i picked up some lebron witness 7 which seem to have a perfect clay court herringbone sole, and confirm they are great on clay. zion 2 are a step up in terms of everything, but the witness are softer and have better court feel.

Wow, that tread looks exactly like most clay court shoes. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[d-quik]

as zion 2 soles dont last too long on clay, i picked up some lebron witness 7 which seem to have a perfect clay court herringbone sole, and confirm they are great on clay. zion 2 are a step up in terms of everything, but the witness are softer and have better court feel.

The witness 7 were criticized for being too high off the ground though. You didn't feel bothered by this?

 

[michael valek]

They seem lower and more connected to the court than the Zion 2. Less support and more flexible but on clay that’s ok, and still mid so they feel more supportive than any regular tennis shoes.

 

[Ryebread]

I’m still wearing basketball shoes

But I’m using witness 4. I bought so many of them a couple years ago - I should be ok for another two years!

I’ll check out witness 7 though, thx

Witness 5 were not durable. Didn’t check out 6.

 

[The Isomotion31]

I have been using the Jordan Zoom separate for the summer. perfect for what I want to feel my tennis shoe to feel like. durability is ok for the price I paid $70. so far 3 months in them playing 2-3 days a week on hard court. Will probably last me another 2-3 months.

I also tried the Jordan Jumpman 2021 PF edition with the XDR rubber. Those were solid and lasted me close to 2 years.

I wanted to try the Kyrie's but the fit didn't work for me.

I tried the Adidas Dame Certified and they were cool. But I'm a checks guy soooooo. LOL.

 

[d-quik]

I’m still wearing basketball shoes

But I’m using witness 4. I bought so many of them a couple years ago - I should be ok for another two years!

I’ll check out witness 7 though, thx

Witness 5 were not durable. Didn’t check out 6.

 

[Ryebread]

Just ordered a pair thx

 

[d-quik]

Just ordered a pair thx

Lmfao you were pretty convinced huh?

 

[the_faceless_player]

My pair of Way of Wade All City 11s should get here today. Plan to test them out this weekend.

 

[d-quik]

My pair of Way of Wade All City 11s should get here today. Plan to test them out this weekend.

Pretty sure you will like those lol

 

[ghostblue]

My pair of Way of Wade All City 11s should get here today. Plan to test them out this weekend.

I'm interested in these for tennis; curious to hear your thoughts!

 

[the_faceless_player]

I'm interested in these for tennis; curious to hear your thoughts!

Will keep you posted. Really like the initial fit out of the box so I’m looking forward to seeing how they actually perform on a tennis court

https://imgur.com/a/yfZZSLK

 

[the_faceless_player]

Pretty sure you will like those lol

We'll see. I like the fit on foot but am skeptical of not annihilating the toe box and sole once I actually play in them. They'll have their work cut out to make my personal top 3 of recently used shoes.