Tennis isn’t only about having an excellent backhand or a great serve. You can only achieve your full potential if you’re also wearing the right footwear. The best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis will help you with side to side court coverage, continuous movement, running, jumping, and all other activities that take place during tennis matches. You will also have fun on the court without worrying about heel pain. This review consists of some of the best tennis shoes, recommended by top players and people with plantar fasciitis for your consideration.
Our Recommendation (For Men)
- Superior midsole cushioning
- ROLLBAR technology for rear foot movement reduction
- Used Ndurance rubber, which ensures that high wear areas last longer
Our Recommendation (For Women)
- Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning system
- PGuard Toe Protector for durability purposes
- Help enhance your foot’s natural gait
Best Men’s Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
1. New Balance Men’s mc806
There’s nothing as important as stability when playing tennis. The New Balance Men’s mc806 shoes are designed to ensure that you are stable throughout your time on the court.
They top the list of the best men’s tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis with good reason. The shoes also offer unrivaled motion control and feature some reliable New Balance shoe technology.
Product Highlights
The tennis shoes have Herringbone Outsoles, which play a significant role in their overall performance. Users get increased traction for quick pivoting and lateral motion as well. They can provide you with superior midsole cushioning thanks to New Balance’s C-CAP technology. Their compression molded EVA is also extremely flexible.
The shoes also have ABZORB technology. The tech further enhances their cushioning, since it comprises of a superior foam blend, rubber and compression set. The shoes are also ideal for people who struggle with rear foot movement. They have ROLLBAR technology for rear foot movement reduction. The shoes will also last you longer than those of other brands. New Balance used Ndurance rubber, which ensures that high wear areas last longer. The shoes also have the following features;
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
- Perforated toe box
The Good/ What I like
The tennis shoes also have moisture wicking properties.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
The shoes have a fit that’s too narrow for some players.
Pros
- Non-marking outsole
- Lightning dry lining
- Long-wear drag tip
Cons
- Some users find the shoes noisy
2. K-Swiss Men’s Hypercourt Express
These Hypercourt Express shoes are good tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis. They were initially under a lot of scrutiny since tennis players didn’t know if they would live up to the reputation that the Ultra Express shoes had set. However, after their launch, the shoes have continued to win the hearts of many tennis players around the globe.
The Tennis shoes also got a high comfort rating from the brand’s playtesters. They have plush cushioning and sufficient padding. The padding is ideally focused around the ankle collar and the heel area for added comfort.
Product Highlights
The Hypercourt Express’ midsole and outsole are similar to those of the Ultra Express tennis shoes. However, they have stiffer uppers and also feature the brand’s DuraWrap technology. Aside from comfort, they have also earned a reputation for having excellent playability. You can rest assured that their on-court performance can handle the highest play levels.
The shoes also offer flexible support without stitching. The brand used seam-free technology for the shoe’s upper. They are flexible because they have breathable tech mesh and layers of TPU bonded together. The welded seamless construction is certainly state-of-the-art. You will also take a liking to their responsive cushioning. The shoes have a molded Ortholite sock liner, responsible for the underfoot’s responsiveness. The tennis shoes also have the following features;
- K-Swiss’ signature Aösta 7.0 high-density rubber
- Deep herringbone treads
- All-court performance
The Good/ What I like
The shoes are roomy, making them ideal for several shoe sizes.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
The shoes are not durable.
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Draggaurd Rubber & Aosta Rubber Outsole
- Quick and responsive play
Cons
- People with narrow fit find them too wide
3. Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5
The Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5 are well known for their explosive speed. The brand managed to find an innovative way to make them comfortable while retaining their stability. As such, the balance brought out by the two features does not interfere with the speed of the tennis shoes. The use of innovative Sensifeel technology places the shoes far ahead of their competitors.
The tennis shoes come in a game-changing design that makes them appealing to all kinds of tennis players. They also come in contemporary color schemes, sporting matte finishes and clean lines.
Product Highlights
The tennis shoes provide superior support and upgraded comfort. The brand ensured that the upper is minimally layered to bring out such features. The shoes also offer a low-to-the-ground court feel. As a result, they are extremely agile and offer explosive acceleration.
Users also like the fact that the shoes help increase their response time and even provide them with controlled deceleration. They have an R-DST+ midsole, which is also responsible for their dynamic performance. The feature offers the best rebound and comfort combination.
The shoes also comprise of Duralast, a durable and high-density rubber compound. Users will get maximum traction regardless of the surface they are playing. The rubber also gives the shoes abrasion resistance qualities. The Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5 also has the following features;
- Pro Torque Chassis
- Highly-compressed EVA material
- Forefoot support
The Good/ What I like
The shoes provide enhanced comfort thanks to their full inner sock construction.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
The soles thin out after a few months.
Pros
- Arch technology
- Endofit technology
- Natural foot movement
Cons
- The shoes run small
Best Women’s Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
1. ASICS Women’s Gel Resolution 6
The ASICS Gel Resolution 6 are some of the best tennis shoes for overpronation. They are part of the brand’s stability tennis line. The shoes’ design focuses on midfoot stability and support.
The shoes also feature an extended Flexion Fit® construction and an added lateral support brace. The brace ensures that users get maximum stability without any compromise when it comes to their comfort.
Product Highlights
You will find the underfoot area comfortable. Asics incorporated FluidRide® construction, giving the mid and forefoot area a plush kind of feel. These shoes will also help enhance your foot’s natural gait. They have the ASICS Impact Guidance System, which will improve your gait from heel strike to toe-off. The Gel Resolution 6 shoes also have the brand’s Personalized Heel Fit technology. The collars have two layers of memory foam line. They even mold to the user’s heel, resulting in a personalized fit.
The critical areas of the outsole have ASICS’ high abrasion rubber. The outsole has exceptional durability because of the AHAR technology. Their outsole also has DuoSole technology for flexibility purposes. It is also light in weight because of the ASICS Trusstic system. The system helps retain the shoes’ structural integrity while reducing the sole unit’s weight. The shoes also have;
- The APMA seal of acceptance
- Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning system
- Solyte Midsole material
The Good/ What I like
The shoes also have a PGuard Toe Protector for durability purposes.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
They don’t offer much arch support.
Pros
- Light midsole material
- Gender-specific cushioning
- Form-fitting comfort
Cons
- The fit is too narrow for some users
2. K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express
Just like their male counterpart, the K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express comes highly recommended. It’s not a surprise that they feature among the best women’s tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis.
If you are a fan of the award-winning Ultra Express, then you will fall in love with this update. Their predecessors already had a ton of impressive features. As such, you can expect nothing less from the Hypercourt Express. They are as fast as running shoes but with increased and lasting comfort.
Product Highlights
You can expect the same level of durability from this pair of tennis shoes. They are also as breathable as the Ultra Express shoes. However, their performance will surpass your expectations. You are certainly in the right place if you are looking for dependable all-surface performance. You won’t feel as if you are restricted to certain locations when you are wearing these tennis shoes. The Hypercourt Express shoes have K-Swiss’ signature Aösta II high-density rubber outsoles. They also feature herringbone treads.
They have several comfort features, which include ankle collars with sufficient padding. The brand’s Seamfree technology and seamless construction are state-of-the-art. Coupled with the breathable tech mesh, the lack of stitching also makes them flexible. Other features worth noting include;
- Corrected foot positioning
- Generous fit
- Lightweight profile
The Good/ What I like
The shoes’ underfoot is highly responsive, thanks to their die-cut EVA sock liners.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
Some users expressed disappointment to the fact that the shoes only last for a few months.
Pros
- Draggaurd Rubber
- Molded Ortholite sock liner
- Aosta Rubber Outsole
Cons
- The sizing is off
3. New Balance Women’s WC1005
The New Balance Women’s WC1005 are often among pro tennis players’ collections. The shoes are also one of the best tennis shoes for heel pain.
They are an excellent fit for people who spend long days on the court. Even though the shoes were later updated to the WC1006 version, many players still consider them as their favorites.
Product Highlights
One of the reasons why the shoes are popular is because of their lightweight profile. New Balance incorporated Revlite midsoles into their construction to make them feel practically weightless. You can rest assured that you won’t feel easily worn out during those long tennis matches. The shoes are also breathable, so you will feel throughout.
They are quality shoes since they do not sacrifice stability, underfoot cushioning, or even minimize construction to achieve the features mentioned above. The shoes also have S-Curve technology for superior lateral support. New Balance used N-ergy cushioning on the shoes. The cushioning provides reliable shock absorption and guarantees an optimal ride. The cushioning is also responsive and quite flexible as well. The shoes also have;
- Long-wear drag tips
- Mesh uppers
- Non-marking outsoles
The Good/ What I like
The shoes have top rated stability technology.
The Bad/ What I don’t like
The shoes are not a good fit for people with pronation issues.
Pros
- ACTEVA Ultra Lite
- Ndurance outsole
- Four color variations
Cons
- Wide heel area
Buyer’s Guide
The best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis enable you to continue spending time on the court, doing what you love most. However, you must first understand what to look for while you shop for the shoes. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when making your selection;
1. Fit
The tennis shoes should properly fit you if you wish to make the most out of them. Before you make a purchase, ensure that you confirm if the manufacturer has your shoe size. If you find yourself unfamiliar with the sizing metrics they use, check if they provide a sizing guide. Some manufacturers will give you instructions on how to get the correct sizing as per their metrics.
However, that is not always the case. That is why you also need to make good use of customer feedback to check if the shoe sizing runs small or big. As such, you will be better informed when selecting your shoe size. Smaller shoes will cause you discomfort, and aggravate your plantar fascia. The pain will worsen, and you will eventually not be in a position to play at all.
Larger shoes will provide you with a loose fit. The chances are that you won’t even get adequate support from such shoes. They will also affect your overall performance since you will find it difficult to move around the court.
2. Foot Type
To get the ideal tennis shoes, you must first determine your foot type. People generally fall into three categories; overpronators, neutral and underpronators. The truth is that not everyone is familiar with their foot type. However, there are several methods you can use to find out the category in which you belong. The simplest way is by examining the wear on your shoes. You will notice that some areas tend to wear out more than others.
If the inside of your shoes show a lot of wear, you are an overpronator. The same applies to people whose shoes show signs of wear around the ball of the foot. People who belong to this foot type need shoes with a lot of cushioning and support. If your shoes exhibit signs of wear along the outside of the heel, then you are an underpronator/ have a supinated foot. Such players often wear out their tennis shoes faster. As such, the shoes you need should have extremely durable outsoles.
Lastly, we have the neutral/ ideal foot type. You belong to this category if your shoes wear out evenly. The advantage of belonging to this category is that you can choose any kind of shoes you want. The best approach is to base your decision on the surface you’re going to be playing on.
3. Tennis Court surface
Your tennis shoes will need to be compatible with the surface you will be using. Tennis shoes for courts with hard surfaces such as concrete need to be durable. The outsole you select should be resilient, and the shoes need to have a very supportive upper. Both the upper and outsole will need to be of the toughest materials. Since soles wear out faster on such courts, you have to check your tennis shoes for excessive wear continuously. Keeping track of your shoes will let you know when you should replace them.
Softer courts like those made of clay, require lighter lateral support. Since such courts have fine grains of dirt, it is best to select shoes with a solid synthetic or leather upper. You should also settle for shoes with non-damaging traction in mind. Players can also opt for multi-court tennis shoes. Such shoes are convenient because they can be used on different surfaces. You can play on both soft and hard tennis courts without worrying if you are wearing the right kind of shoes.
4. Tennis playing style
Your playing style is also a determinant when it comes to selecting the right tennis shoes. If you’re a serve and volley player, you need shoes that have durable toe caps. Most brands refer to them as having reinforced toes. This kind of player tends to slide their foot backwards during a serve. They also need medial arch support.
On the other hand, baseline players need more lateral support. The ideal tennis shoes for these players are those with highly durable soles. Since they play along the back line of the court, they are always under constant lateral motion. That is why such shoes are more compatible.
5. Body type
Heavy tennis players need extra support. These players need heavy shoes with exceptional stability features. Players who are lighter and have smaller body types need lightweight shoes. Such shoes will be easier for them to manage, especially on days that they will be playing for long periods.
FAQs
1. How do I know that I have found the right fitting plantar fasciitis tennis shoes?
There are several signs that the shoes you are wearing offer a perfect fit. First, you won’t feel any discomfort, pain, irritation, or experience any chafing. If you are wearing the wrong shoes, you will experience one or more of the mentioned symptoms.
The second sign should be the kind of fit the shoes are offering. You should not feel as if they are too loose or too tight. The heel should not slip, and they should have at least a 1/4 to 1/2″ of toe box space. The forefoot should also have a snug fit.
Lastly, the tennis shoes should fit the width and volume of your feet. The arch support and cushioning should also feel sufficient.
2. What are some of the tips for finding fitting tennis shoes?
There are several things you can do to help you find fitting tennis shoes.
- When fitting the shoes, wear the same kind of socks you intend to use during your matches.
- Shop for your shoes towards the end of the day for a more accurate fit.
- For comfort, make sure the shoes have room for orthotics or insoles.
- When fitting the shoes, try out several dynamic movements.
- If you’re set on a particular type of tennis shoes, try them out in several sizes to get the best fit.
- Have an idea of what you are looking for before you start shopping.
3. What is a wet test?
A “wet test” is one of the ways in which players use to determine their foot type. The test consists of using a dark piece of construction paper. Players wet their feet and step on the paper. Their imprint is then used to determine the foot type category they belong to.
- People who have a complete imprint of their foot are classified as overpronators.
- If you see moderate space in your arch area, then your feet are neutral.
- Supinators/underpronators have imprints that leave large open areas.
4. Can I wear running shoes when playing tennis?
Wearing running shoes might seem like a convenient option, but it’s not advisable. Even though running shoes are lightweight, they are ideally designed for forward-motion when running. On the other hand, tennis shoes are equipped to handle the rigorous lateral movements associated with the sport. The shoes will provide you with optimal support and will have you moving freely and much quicker when playing.
5. How long should I wait before replacing my tennis shoes?
Even though players are advised to replace their shoes after 500 miles of wear, not all shoes have the same level of durability. You should start thinking of replacing them as soon as your shoes start failing. As a player, you should also keep an eye on the tread patterns on your outsoles. You want to avoid slipping on the court and putting yourself at risk of injury.
Wrap Up
The New Balance Men’s mc806 are the top men’s tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The shoes provide lateral motion support and increased traction to allow for quick pivoting. The Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.5 are also a great fit for people looking for affordable pocket-friendly options. The shoes are incredibly agile and ideal for people seeking explosive acceleration.
The ASICS Women’s Gel Resolution 6 shoes also top our recommendation list. The shoes provide maximum stability thanks to their lateral support brace. They also have the APMA seal of acceptance. If you are working on a budget, you should consider the New Balance Women’s WC1005 tennis shoes. They also offer superior lateral support thanks to the brand’s S-Curve technology.