Tennis Shoes for Clay and Hard Courts

[Praprad]

I am going to be playing on clay courts over most of the summer and need new tennis shoes but after that i will be playing on only hard courts. Therefore, I am looking for a durable shoe that can be worn on both clay and hard courts. Any ideas?

 

[Nostradamus]

Not really. if you buy the clay shoes, i was told it was much better for court footing. but if you wear that for hard courts, the tread will just wear out in no time. You can wear the hard courts shoe for clay courts too.

My question is that clay court tread shoes really that much better than the hard court tread shoes for footing on clay courts ?

 

[BHiC]

Not really. if you buy the clay shoes, i was told it was much better for court footing. but if you wear that for hard courts, the tread will just wear out in no time. You can wear the hard courts shoe for clay courts too.

My question is that clay court tread shoes really that much better than the hard court tread shoes for footing on clay courts ?

They are slightly better, but not to the extent that it really makes a difference. The only time clay-specific shoes have helped is when I played on a clay court in the afternoon, during the summer. The court had been played on all day, and it was a dust bowl out there. Then, I could tell a difference in my footing. But if the courts are somewhat well maintained, it doesn't make a difference. I play predominantly on clay, and always wear a hard-court shoe.

 

[Nostradamus]

They are slightly better, but not to the extent that it really makes a difference. The only time clay-specific shoes have helped is when I played on a clay court in the afternoon, during the summer. The court had been played on all day, and it was a dust bowl out there. Then, I could tell a difference in my footing. But if the courts are somewhat well maintained, it doesn't make a difference. I play predominantly on clay, and always wear a hard-court shoe.

Thanks. i played on a dust bowl last summer and it was slippery as hell. just like the Madrid clay. and the hard courts shoes was very tough to get a hold of the court.

 

[McLovin]

I am going to be playing on clay courts over most of the summer and need new tennis shoes but after that i will be playing on only hard courts. Therefore, I am looking for a durable shoe that can be worn on both clay and hard courts. Any ideas?

Do what I do: Buy 2 pairs. One for clay, one for hardcourts.

While the tread on the clay shoes will be OK for hardcourts after the clay season is over, the cushioning will likely be shot. And if you are like me (older, slightly overweight), the pounding your ankles, knees & hips take on hardcourts will add up over time. Its worth the extra $.

Now, the ultimate question: Do you need clay-specific shoes? Well, that depends on whether you adjust for clay (e.g. slide into your shots) or continue to play hard court tennis on clay. If the former, then clay specific shoes will help. If the latter, then don't bother.

 

[Praprad]

Do what I do: Buy 2 pairs. One for clay, one for hardcourts.

While the tread on the clay shoes will be OK for hardcourts after the clay season is over, the cushioning will likely be shot. And if you are like me (older, slightly overweight), the pounding your ankles, knees & hips take on hardcourts will add up over time. Its worth the extra $.

Now, the ultimate question: Do you need clay-specific shoes? Well, that depends on whether you adjust for clay (e.g. slide into your shots) or continue to play hard court tennis on clay. If the former, then clay specific shoes will help. If the latter, then don't bother.

What do you guys recommend? I need to get new shoes anyways so I was thinking of something for both surfaces due to the fact that i will not be playing on hard court but only clay for a few months and then when i return i will only be playing on hard courts. Also what durable shoes would fit into this category?