I have been using indoor soccer shoes to play tennis. Although they fit my feet well and I don't have any pain when using them, they have traction and durability issues on a tennis court. I have wide, flat feet (a ski boot fitter in Aspen told me I had the widest, flattest feet he had ever seen), but my main issue is when I started buying tennis shoes is the raised heel. For me, it causes heel slippage as well as leg, ankle and back pain. I've tried different insoles without much success (and most quality insoles have a raised heel as well, so it doubles the issue). The two main shoes I've tried to far are the Asics Gel Game and the Lotto Vector (also tried my friend's Propulses without success). The Asics were better than the Lottos, especially when I changed insoles (although I still had pain), but the Lottos were bad for me no matter what insoles I used. I actually played with them without any insoles, and it helped a lot, but not using insoles really messed up my feet. Are there shoes that have very little difference between the toe and heel? Some of the Nike shoes look like they have a smaller difference between the heel, but I don't want to keep spending money trying to find the right shoe. I'd prefer not going back to the soccer shoes, but it might be my only option.
Shoes without a raised heel
- Thread starter ninjafk
- Start date
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
On ocassion I have worn Reebok NPC. Theyre basically like a Stan Smith, but with better leather uppers and a firm foam layer under the foot (as opposed to firm rubber like most retro tennis shoes).
Theyre probably the most comfortable tennis shoes I have worn. Its basically like wearing Stan Smiths but with more cushioning under the foot to absorb shock.
That style of shoe 'served' many pro's on all surfaces pretty well in the 70's, so they can't suddenly be that bad.
I tend to find the modern tennis shoes feel very cumbersome and like I question the so called technology in modern racquets, I do the same with the shoes.
Theyre probably the most comfortable tennis shoes I have worn. Its basically like wearing Stan Smiths but with more cushioning under the foot to absorb shock.
That style of shoe 'served' many pro's on all surfaces pretty well in the 70's, so they can't suddenly be that bad.
I tend to find the modern tennis shoes feel very cumbersome and like I question the so called technology in modern racquets, I do the same with the shoes.
dominikk1985
Legend
are those real orthopedic insoles that are fit to your feet by a specialist or just Standard insoles?
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Flattish, very wide feet here. I love how low the babolat propulse is, but i play with the sfx now. mostly i love the forefoot width of the sfx.
You can eliminate heel slippage with a runner's trick: looping the top eyelets with the lace, then lacing through the loop (one aglet into the loop, the other aglet into the other loop). It really cinches up the heel. To me, this is more important than a low heel.
You can eliminate heel slippage with a runner's trick: looping the top eyelets with the lace, then lacing through the loop (one aglet into the loop, the other aglet into the other loop). It really cinches up the heel. To me, this is more important than a low heel.
I have wide feet with high arches so my experience may or may not help.
I like low drop shoes (difference between heel and forefoot is minimal) and often have trouble with the instep width as that's where i experience the most pressure.
I've been using New Balance 996's for over a year now with pretty good results. They're low to the ground with what feels like little drop. They also come in widths (EE) which help with the instep/toe box. I use insoles too but you may want to try the standard insole as they seem to be relatively flat.
Good luck.
I like low drop shoes (difference between heel and forefoot is minimal) and often have trouble with the instep width as that's where i experience the most pressure.
I've been using New Balance 996's for over a year now with pretty good results. They're low to the ground with what feels like little drop. They also come in widths (EE) which help with the instep/toe box. I use insoles too but you may want to try the standard insole as they seem to be relatively flat.
Good luck.
I would really like to know how you do that because my heels go up and down in my Barricades a lot.
Would you mind taking a picture of that lacing being done?
WildVolley
Legend
As far as I know, all the major tennis shoe brands these days make shoes with a substantial heel-to-toe drop. A few years ago, a number of posters here were trying to get more info on this drop, but we only measured a few shoes.
The only advantage to the higher heel is that it allows the manufacturers to jam more cushioning in the heel. Despite what some manufacturers assert, this doesn't help keep you on your toes, but actually reduces your ability to push off by pre-tensing your calve muscles and thereby limiting their range of movement. This is the reason that sprint spikes don't have built up heels.
Rumors have swirled that New Balance was going to make a zero-drop tennis shoe, but there is still no sign of it.
Thanks for your help guys. I'll see if I can find a pair. Scotus, I used to play tennis with Pumas. The soccer style ones worked well, their Villas shoes are no good for tennis, which is unfortunate. The problem is those shoes wear out VERY quickly. After I posted this, I read some articles that the high drop is really bad for you. I'm surprised that there are so many shoes that have the high drop.
robbo1970
Hall of Fame
I also wear Reebok Workout Plus Low. Very comfortable, good support around the foot. Firm sponge sole for comfort.
I like to use my speed around the court too and find modern shoes slow me down. These Reeboks are super quick and offer a bit more cushioning under-foot that Stans.
I like to use my speed around the court too and find modern shoes slow me down. These Reeboks are super quick and offer a bit more cushioning under-foot that Stans.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Sure man!
It is a must, especially with poly/modern/non-cotton socks!
Good diagram and instructions right here. There is a youtube vid called runners lacing that will help, too.
http://championpt.net/blog/?p=37
Thank you very much.
I tried this method last night and it works great! I highly recommend this to those who are fed up with the heels slipping.
tegg96
Semi-Pro
Hi,
Try these,
New Balance Men's MX20v3 Minimus Cross-Training Shoe
I use these for tennis and find them excellent. 4mm drop, 2E widths available, very stable, super light weight. Mostly allow your foot to work naturally. Minimal cushioning but your feet and calves build up for natural cushioning. Great shoe for tennis actually.
Try these,
New Balance Men's MX20v3 Minimus Cross-Training Shoe
I use these for tennis and find them excellent. 4mm drop, 2E widths available, very stable, super light weight. Mostly allow your foot to work naturally. Minimal cushioning but your feet and calves build up for natural cushioning. Great shoe for tennis actually.
