How to Select Tennis Shoes
Every sport requires appropriate clothing to allow ease of physical movements. Proper shoes need to accommodate running, sprinting, quick side-to-side moves, sliding, quick starts, sudden stops, and anatomical support for the feet.
Do you know your feet? Do you have high arches, flat feet, short toes or long toes, weak ankles, or a foot problem that requires special attention to design, construction, support, size, and style?
Ankles and feet are under a great deal of stress during the game and while supporting the body. Our foot type, shoe environment, size, and usage need consideration in the buying decision.
Do not let the shoe size disturb you. Manufacturers use different measurements according to their brand names or location of country. Purchase a pair of shoes that fit.
The best time of the day to shop for shoes is during the late afternoon or early evening as feet tend to swell. Bring socks you intend to use when playing. Add a thumb’s width at the toe to allow comfort and fit. Walk on hard-surfaced areas of the shoe store checking fit and any irritations.. It is deceiving to walk on the carpet
A correct pair of shows will solve any personal or therapeutic issues. A good fitting pair of shoes do not require a period of breaking in. These shores need to be ready for the court.
The heel of the tennis shoe, the overall soft or hard construction the shoe body, and cushioning inserts help to meet surface playing conditions. Pay a price for quality; it is less costly than medical bills.
Foot problems before, during, or after wearing shoes:
- Painful heels-plantar fascistic
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Calluses
- Corns and bunions
- Ankle sprains or fractures
- Achilles tendon
- Stress fractures
- Athlete’s foot
- Inter-metatarsal neuroma-thickness of nerve tissue occurring between the 3rd and 4th toe in ball of foot
Members of the medical profession will help to define the problem and type of shoes required. Ask the shoe salesman for help.
Another consideration for purchasing shoes is the court surface being played on. Courts are layered with grass, clay, concrete, or artificial turf. Grass will require a soft shoe with a good grip for the slippery surface. The clay surface shoe needs grip, strong sides for sliding, and a good fit for security. Hard surfaces require a cushion insert and overall strong construction.
Types of Courts:
- Grass presents a fast game and low ball bounce
- Clay gives a slower game, and the ball bounces higher
- Hard surfaces produce a fast game, a reasonable ball bounce, but is difficult on players.
Allow time for shopping to purchase the correct fit. It will also help to do some consumer research online to gain knowledge and help make a smart purchase decision.