The right shoes make all the difference

As tennis players, when we think of equipment, we tend to think of our racquets, our strings and our grips. We all do endless research to find the newest technologies available to enhance our game. Yet, for whatever reason, we tend to overlook one of the most important pieces of equipment: our footwear.

Have you wondered why you have been dealing with a nagging injury or what reason might be behind your inability to slide on clay? Often overlooked in the equation is the type of shoes you are wearing. For me, not only as a professional player but also as a junior and college player and a coach, footwear has played an enormous role in my career.

Let’s take a little look into the ups and downs of my journey to see just what I mean.

When I was just 12 years old, I sustained an injury to my foot that took me out for three months. It was then my doctor gave me a wake-up call and stressed the importance of footwear. I must admit, my Dad was a bit of an overprepared, worrying type of guy. So knowing that, you probably can imagine after that doctor’s appointment there were piles of printed stacks of online tennis shoe reviews all over our house. Next thing I knew, I had at least five different trial pairs of shoes at our door by the following week. That was my first glimpse into the world of footwear and my first realization of just how large and complicated it can be to find the right match for you.

^{Left: Image courtesey of Hayley Carter. Right: Photo by UNC Athletic Communications}

Fast forward to college, where as a freshman, I walked into practice my first week to find brand new boxes of shoes piled high in front of my locker. How exciting!!! But lost in the excitement of new gear was the process of actually evaluating and picking out just the right footwear for myself specifically, not for the team as a whole. As I began my college career, I found myself piling up injuries. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it. I had done all of the extra rehab and was more fit than I had ever been, so why was I continuing to get hurt? After my sophomore year, I spent a summer in several doctors’ offices where the little 12-year-old in me was reminded once again just how much footwear matters.

"As I began my college career, I found myself piling up injuries. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it. I had done all of the extra rehab and was more fit than I had ever been, so why was I continuing to get hurt?"

I truly think that wake-up call was the turning point of my career. I ended up getting the medical approval (university apparel contracts are tricky!) to return to my Asics footwear for my junior and senior years. What was to follow was success. Unsurprisingly, I had the best — and healthiest — two seasons of my career.

Following my senior year as a player, I remained close to college tennis and coached for a season at Oklahoma State University. One of my main priorities as a coach was placing an emphasis on the importance of footwear. I knew firsthand how it could affect a player, and it had such a big impact on my own college career. I was the coach who always told my players to never be afraid to speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, then it likely isn’t right. I talked to the equipment staff constantly and was always on the quest for not simply the newest and coolest shoes, but also the shoes that were proven to last and stay tough through long days of practices and competitions.

Now, as I compete on the professional level, the quest for the best footwear continues. I’ve embarked on my career as a full-time professional on the WTA tour, and I trust Asics with my footwear. From when I was just 12 years old to the lowest point of my career as a college sophomore, returning to Asics has proved time and time again to be the best option for me.

Today you’ll find me rocking the newest pair of Asics GEL-Resolutions, which I have worn for many, many years now. It’s simple – they perfectly complement my game and keep me injury free and able to play aggressively while trusting my shoes to help avoid injuries. They are quick and light enough for me to move at full speed, yet also provide the perfect balance of stability to allow me to move without fear. With Asics, I can play confidently and freely.

I know one day when my career is over, I will be thankful I placed such an importance on my footwear. And I hope you will begin to place just as much importance on yours! Do your research — test different shoes and ask people for opinions. In the end, you will find your own perfect match, and the journey will have been worth it.