Running Shoes Vs. Tennis Shoes.

Storm_Kyori

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I sometimes find myself debating between the two when purchasing something to use out in the court. My problem has always been that tennis shoes feel really clanky, bulky like I'm wearing working boots. Of course after the break-in they feel decent. The problem with running shoes is since they weren't designed with sliding and toe draging they can get pretty tore-up.

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and what kind of shoes you get. My last tennis shoes was the Babolat All Team 3. They were good shoes didn't wear-out to fast, but my little toe would get jammed and would start to hurt. Also I walk mostly on my outer side of my feet so the inside is like new, but the outside heel area is like totally worn out.

I guess what I'm looking for is a shoe with good cushining, light weight, but not too light that they get don't get enough love out on the court, and is a nice looking shoe. I like the feel of running shoes, but I need something that will stand the occassional toe drag. I was looking into the new Asics what do you guys think.

~K
 
running shoes are definately not a good choice for tennis. obviously you need something more durable that is made specifically for tennis. i know what you are talking about when you say that tennis shoes can feel bulky (i use barricades which are fairly heavy and bulky, but their durability is great). the only shoe that i have used that was very comfortable and somewhat light were the nike citycourt IIIs which are only about $50. they are a nice looking shoe that you could also wear off court if needed.
 
Agreed that running shoes are not a good choice for tennis. However, I do wish that more of the individual technical features in running shoes were incorporated into tennis shoes. For example, a support shoe that is specifically designed for pronation (like the old version of the Brooks Beast). I guess things like this are not considered as much of an issue with tennis versus running due to the biomechanics being different. Still, it would be nice.
 
Tennis: Nike Breath Free II

Running: Adidas Supernova Control 10

I dont think anyone would recommend running shoes for tennis. However, there are tons of recreational players who use their running shoes for tennis. People sometimes only have 1 pair of "athletic" shoes that they use and don't care if it gets beaten up. So they use it for all sports they play in.
 
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I'm pretty sure someone just started a similar thread like 2 days ago.

If you are aggressive with your footwork you will rip those running shoes apart within 2 weeks like I used to until I bought real tennis shoes. So yeah durability is a major issue since running shoes aren't meant for the frequent change of direction and so on.
 
I played tennis in running shoes on a vacation last year.

DON'T DO IT !! - there are no support for the ankles in running shoes and you will get injured before you know it.
 
you'd be way better off using basketball shoes since they are made for moving side to side. playing in running shoes is asking for a rolled ankle and then no tennis for months.
 
When you run you go forward, when you play tennis you go lateral, running shoes have none or to little lateral support, and that's what you need when playing tennis.

Check how the running show is more narrow in the heel area than the tennis shoes,

correr.jpg


barri.jpg
 
I know what you guys mean to say when you go lateral, but I don't seem to have problems when I move that way. It's probably my level of play. I'm not quite there yet at pro level so that's why my feet feel better in light running shoes. I play for at least 3-4 Hrs. I'm currently using the New Balance 992. Those shoes have the Abzorb gel which kepts them feeling good on my feet. I think maybe the Asics will be pretty close with there gel tech. I'll give those a try. Another problem like I stated is that I wear-out the outer heel areas cuz I guess I just step that way. Any suggestion? I've heard about these 6 month guarantee, but if the heels are gone then there's no point in paying $90+ for shoes, it's expensive.
 
I played tennis in running shoes on a vacation last year.

DON'T DO IT !! - there are no support for the ankles in running shoes and you will get injured before you know it.
My story exactly. :(
I sprained my ankle whilst playing with runners on. I haven't been able to play for 2 weeks.
 
I know what you guys mean to say when you go lateral, but I don't seem to have problems when I move that way. It's probably my level of play. I'm not quite there yet at pro level so that's why my feet feel better in light running shoes. I play for at least 3-4 Hrs. I'm currently using the New Balance 992. Those shoes have the Abzorb gel which kepts them feeling good on my feet. I think maybe the Asics will be pretty close with there gel tech. I'll give those a try. Another problem like I stated is that I wear-out the outer heel areas cuz I guess I just step that way. Any suggestion? I've heard about these 6 month guarantee, but if the heels are gone then there's no point in paying $90+ for shoes, it's expensive.

Tennis shoes have a more durable outsole than running shoes, even cheap ones.
 
definitely dont recommend running shoes. i did that and the mesh was torn after about 10 hours of play.

you should definitely get tennis shoes.
 
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