Best Women's Tennis Shoes 2019

We selected our top 4 clay court, hard court, lightweight and stability tennis shoes, which received high praise from both our playtesters and the tennis community.

Why did we chose these 4 categories? We want to help you understand the differences between these types of tennis shoes so that you can pick the right ones for your feet, surface and game!

Let's start with two of the most popular tennis surfaces: clay and hard courts. Both courts play differently; therefore, your game and footwork will change slightly. In order to maintain optimal footing on each court surface, it’s important to wear a tennis shoe that is designed to handle the build of the court. Discover our best women's tennis shoes for 2019 and bring your game to the next level!

One main feature differentiates a clay court tennis shoe from a hard court or a grass court tennis shoe: the outsole.

• The outsole of a clay court tennis shoe will usually feature a full herringbone (zig zags) tread pattern. This pattern helps keep clay out of your outsole so you can better grip the court when sprinting, stopping or changing directions. If some clay does gather, a couple of taps on the shoe with your racquet between points should knock the clay loose. The herringbone design makes sliding from side to side more predictable so you can perfectly glide into a shot and recover a la Nadal. It also provides the traction needed for securely moving forward and backward.
• The tighter knit upper of clay court tennis shoes aids in stability and also helps keep the clay from entering your shoe.

If you plan on playing on clay on a regular basis, you should consider picking up a pair of clay court specific tennis shoes in order to optimize your movement and stability on court. The right shoe for the right surface.

Take a step into comfort and move without limits in the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X. This highly anticipated update lives up to the reputation of the Vapor line. The praiseworthy comfort and playability that popularized the Vapor line remain intact in this iteration; the most noteworthy change is the new Dynamic Fit System. Some of our playtesters thought that the modern lacing design could have held their feet slightly better, while others felt more locked in than ever. Overall the Vapor Xs delivered a stellar experience on the court and is a superb choice for lightweight luxury.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Medium; Arch: Low

Our playtesters loved the combination of all-around comfort, lightweight materials, stability and durability. The full length Boost technology in the midsole provides comfort and responsive rebound in every step. However, some playtesters had trouble with the fit as the forefoot is slightly wide, while the midfoot is narrow.

Fit Detail:

Length: Slightly long; Width: medium (wide toebox); Arch: Medium

Our playtesters praises of comfort abounded as soon as they slipped these shoes onto their feet. Injected with Mizuno's Wave Cushioning in the heel and PoWnCe Technology in the midfoot for shock absorption, these shoes offer a comfortable and responsive feel underfoot. Once on court, our team had good support throughout the mid and forefoot as well as the stability they needed to move confidently. Overall, these shoes are a great option for players who are looking for a shoe that offers a comfortable ride in a well-balanced and cosmetically pleasing package.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Narrow; Arch: Medium

The new Wilson Kaos 2.0 remains quick and aggressive to help bring speed and energy to your footwork. It has been updated to offer an expanded toebox and more flexible fit and is still loaded with innovative technology. You will feel secure and stable for quick, explosive court movement as the Skinguard upper will lock your feet in and provide lateral reinforcement for aggressive movements.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Snug Medium; Arch: Medium

Hard courts are the most demanding when it comes to outsole durability.

• Most often hard court tennis shoes feature an outsole with a modified herringbone pattern to give you the perfect blend of grip and give on the court.
• Hard court tennis shoes will often feature ample cushioning and a midsole that will help transfer energy into every step you take as well as absorb shock from the harder surface.
• They usually feature a tough upper that will aid in support and durability.

The Nike Zoom Cage 3s integrate a bootie construction for a slip-in, sock-like experience that can accommodate a wide range of foot widths and fit preferences. The underfoot cushioning felt plush, and the traction offered more give than grip. The shoes are impressively lighter than other Nike offerings such as the Ultra React and the Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour, so that our playtesters felt quick and fast on the court. The Zoom Cage 3s shone in the Support and Stability category, securing and stabilizing the lady playtesters' feet during directional changes and aggressive movements. Durability was also a highlight for all players, who deemed the Nike Zoom Cage 3s a fast, stable and durable option for players of all levels.

Fit Detail:

Length: slightly short; Width: Snug Medium; Arch: Low

With a plush underfoot feel and built-in support, the Speed Blueshield 3 AG will help you take your footwork to the next level. The heel collar has been updated to hug your feet while the upper is soft, yet supportive and features air mesh for breathability as well as Supreltech and Dia Shield for comfort and support. The EVA insole and Blueshield cushioning keeps your feet comfortable as but also absorbs court shock and adds energy into each step you take.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Medium; Arch: Low

Boasting a more streamlined design, the HEAD Revolt Pro 3.0 features several new technologies for a high-performance feel on the court. The Energy Frame technology provides a stable ride in any direction for even the most aggressive movers. Midsole Lockdown Straps integrated into the lacing system help keep feet firmly supported inside the shoes. Other technologies include Tri-NRG cushioning in the midsole for a comfortable ride and the Hybrasion+ outsole that provides excellent longevity and grip. Our playtesters were impressed with the sleek new look and the updated fit that's more true to size. They unanimously gave durability and support the highest ratings among the performance features. All in all, the HEAD Revolt Pro 3.0s offer excellent stability and durability for all levels of players.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Medium; Arch: Medium

This shoe was designed with the help of top pros to offer premium stability and comfort in a lightweight package. The SYN-PULSE technology provides responsive comfort and rebound, keeping movement healthy and spry. The innovative geometric outsole grips the court well and is durable enough for extensive use. Our playtesters also liked that the shoe comes with two Ortholite insoles which have different thicknesses (4mm & 5.5mm) for extra cushioning on hard surfaces.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Medium; Arch: Medium

Now more than ever, the margins between winning and losing are very narrow. Players are always looking to get that little edge on court and footwear is integral in contributing to the success of players at all levels. When searching for the right lightweight tennis shoes, we suggest taking into account shoes with:

• A low static weight
• A speed-oriented design
• Stability built into the materials of the tennis shoe
• A low-to-the-ground, responsive midsole

All our playtesters agree: the Ubersonic 3s are an incredible option when it comes to light, high-performance speed shoes, that will keep you moving supremely fast. However, it has way more to offer! The seamless bootie construction provides step-in comfort and a great fit. The Sprintframe construction provides stability and support for our most aggressive movers, which explains why WTA star Angelique Kerber has made these her on-court shoes. The updated outsoles have a modified pattern for just the right level of traction and decent durability even on gritty hard courts. The length is slightly long; we recommend going a half size down.

Fit Detail:

Length: Slightly long; Width: Medium; Arch: Medium

With the Solution Speed FFs, Asics has made one of its most beloved models even better. The key aspect of this update is the implementation of Asics' popular FlyteFoam, which provides responsive cushioning without adding weight. The sleek design offers a nimble, low-to-the-ground feel and our playtesters were impressed with the stability and support on even their most aggressive movements. Our playtest team also noted that the fit was slightly updated with some much-appreciated added room in the toe box. Overall, players of all levels looking for high-performance shoes that offer all the bells and whistles should definitely check out the Asics Solution Speed FFs.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Medium; Arch: Medium

If you're looking for super-lightweight shoes with great stability, Babolat has you covered with the Jet Mach IIs. Our testers loved the lightweight and responsive feel from the midsoles, which created a low-to-the-ground athletic experience. The key feature of the Jet Mach IIs was their surprising level of support. Kevlar and polyamide in the uppers allowed the shoes to withstand the strenuous demands of aggressive movement while remaining flexible enough to feel natural on our team's feet. The length is slightly short; we recommend sizing up a half size.

Fit Detail:

Length: Short; Width: Narrow; Arch: Low

Breaking the mold from typical tennis shoes, the innovative Nike Court Air Zoom Zeros reward tennis players with ultimate speed and performance. Built with a one-piece upper, the Zoom Zeros proved to be somewhat challenging to put on, but once they were on they felt responsive underfoot and supportive through the uppers. From the moment our testers stepped onto the court in these shoes, they were impressed by the fast feel and stable response provided by the full Zoom Air unit. All in all, we think players who rely on explosive movements and want to look sharp on the court will love the Court Air Zoom Zeros.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Snug Medium; Arch: Low

Directional changes, jumps, slides, multi-directional sprints…

Tennis is very demanding on your lower body and puts your legs under a lot of pressure. Therefore, the level of stability provided by your tennis shoes is a determining factor in feeling secure on court as well as in preventing injuries. Here are some of the best women's stability tennis shoes from this year so far.

Continuing a legacy of comfort, stability and technology, the Asics Gel Resolution 7s take another step in the right direction. This update to Asics' flagship shoe is an ideal option for aggressive players of all levels. These shoes felt quicker than their predecessor, with the same levels of stability and support, and the addition of Flexion Fit and an updated polyurethane upper increased the comfort, support and flexibility.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Narrow to Medium; Arch: Low

With its snug and streamlined fit, the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 2 offers step-in comfort to players with narrow feet. Notable features include supportive underfoot cushioning, hefty arch support, soft heel collars and mesh uppers, but the lasting durability and grippy traction were the features that really caught our playtesters' attention. Players looking for a narrow fit, top-notch performance and a chic cosmetic will enjoy this sleek update from Yonex.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Narrow; Arch: Low

Aggressive players will revel in the support offered by the Propulse Fury. Taking a step forward, this shoe has been re-engineered to maximize stability, durability and comfort for the modern player. Babolat identified 9 key pressure points on the foot and inserted Active Flexxion technology to provide cushioning and responsiveness to those areas. The shoe runs slightly short. We recommend going up a half size.

Fit Detail:

Length: Short; Width: Slightly more narrow than Medium; Arch: Low

New Balance's top of the line shoe for lightweight performance gets updated with a brand new knit upper offering a modern look and feel. Now more stylish, softer and more comfortable right out of the box, the 996v3 is WTA superstar Heather Watson's shoe of choice and continues to ride very low to the ground, keeping you completely connected to your movement and providing a stable base. ProBank technology is designed to keep your foot in optimal position while adding extra stability for aggressive lateral movements.

Fit Detail:

Length: True; Width: Snug Medium; Arch: Low