adidas aspires to be the 'best sports company' in the world. That is why they continue to produce some of the most respected tennis shoes on the market. So, whether you are an aggressive or baseline player or prefer to play on clay courts rather than the hard one, adidas has a shoe for you.

In this article, we break down the technology used and how it supports your performance on the court. Then we’ll help you find the best shoe for you.

How adidas tennis shoe technology improves your performance

adidas SoleCourt Boost – adidas’ premium stability shoe

Right out of the box, you’ll notice a protruding feature on the forefoot (the outrigger) that provides stability and prevents your feet from sliding as you make those side to side movements.

The SoleCourt Boost midsole combines soft and spring-like effects in a perfect balance. It is springy yet, it's soft enough like walking on tiny clouds giving that cushioned feeling.

The upper is flexible, while also structured to feel supportive. You’ll notice RPU dots on top of the shoes that are strategically placed to do two things 1) offer protection during those aggressive moves, and 2) allow you to stretch and bend naturally.

The SoleCourt Boost runs a bit wider in the toe box and accommodates wide-footed players well. So, if you have medium or narrow feet, you may wear two pairs of socks or look at other adidas tennis shoes.

The traction is excellent and the outsole is not slick, meaning there’s no sliding when making those abrupt changes in direction.

For most people, these shoes do not need any break-in time. But, depending on your unique foot type, you might find them a bit stiff. They, however, soften up around the edges after a session of play. The arch also sits up high, a factor to consider if you have flat feet.

What you'll notice:

• Springy cushioning

The midsole is well cushioned because of the Boost foam that gives it that springy feel.

As you slide into your shots, you’ll notice the cushioning in the forefoot becoming less and less, but this will not affect the shoes’ overall comfort.

• Stable, yet quick moves

Though it is a stability shoe, you will feel quick on your moves and be able to make those confident direction changes.

adidas' Adizero Ubersonic series – adidas' premium light and speedy shoe

The first thing that stands out as you put on the shoes is how light and flexible they feel. You’ll be able to make quick moves and race around the court easily. So if you are an aggressive mover, these fit perfectly.

Inside the shoe, there is a sock-like design that makes it easy to slip into the shoe and hugs your feet, making you feel like you are wearing a glove. The shoes breathe naturally, and it flexes with your feet while providing support for those dynamic movements.

For a speedy shoe, Adizero Ubersonic provides enough stability and ample support. It rides low, making you feel close to the ground and able to make those quick movements. The forefoot wraps around your toes and protects against toe-drag, which occur during serves and extreme movements, and can wear out the shoes.

Again though it is light, the shoes hold up well when it comes to durability because of the rubber outsole. But, still (take note) these shoes are more suitable for tournament days, and maybe not the best for everyday tennis play.

What you'll notice:

• Slick

One thing you’ll definitely notice is how slick the outsoles are. This is perfect for sliding into shots, but if you’re not used to this feature, it can take a little getting used to.

• Speed, but stable movements on the court

Yes, it is a speed shoe, but it sits close to the ground and has an excellent amount of stability for such a light shoe.

adidas Stycon – adidas' Stylish and stable shoes

This is quite a unique shoe in the tennis world.

At a glance, you will notice the shoes have no laces, which creates a stylish look. But, how can a laceless shoe be stable for aggressive movements?

1) The Stycon has a sculpted midsole that holds your feet and prevents you from rolling over. 2) It has internal straps that wrap around the feet securely.

A nice little bonus: no matter how aggressive you play in the Stycons, you never have to worry about your laces coming undone.

The reinforced mesh lining (you won’t see it) gives you that locked-in feeling.

The internal knitted sock-like feature makes the shoes flexible and will naturally mold to your foot shape.

Though the elastic straps are stretchy, they need a short break-in time. Plus, they tend to leave pressure marks, so wear protective socks.

What you'll notice:

• Secure and steady footwork

The internal straps are tight but will hold your feet in a secure position. The upper material also wraps around your feet providing added support during those quick direction changes.

Note: Because of how well this shoe locks in your feet, you’ll likely want to take it off whenever you’re not playing tennis. In other words, the Stycon isn’t going to be your typical multi-tasking shoe.

How do I choose the best adidas tennis shoe for me?

To choose the best adidas tennis shoes, you’ll need to consider three factors:

1. The type of tennis player you are
2. The playing court
3. What do you prefer: agility or stability?

First, the type of tennis player you are

We have two types: aggressive players and hang back players.

• An aggressive player: Are you a player who likes to be in control, dictate the play, and move around the court with ease without being weighed down? Shoes like the Adizero Club and Ubersonic 3 allow you to make speedy moves in any direction.

• A baseline player: Baseline players like to hang at the back of the tennis court and let the ball come to them. Their movements tend to be side-to-side as they react to their opponent's shots. If this sounds like you, you’ll want shoes with stability materials like the SoleCourt Boost that will support your side-to-side movements.

Second, the tennis court.

• Clay courts: Because they do not offer traction, you will need shoes with a tight herringbone, zig-zag pattern. This outsole provides great traction allowing players to slide into their shots, which helps to preserve energy. For clay courts, you should look into the SoleCourt Boost Clay, the cushioned SoleMatch Bounce, or the speedy Adizero Ubersonic 3.

• All court: If you plan on playing on indoor courts, or standard outdoor courts, you might like a premium stability shoe like the SoleCourt Boost. Or if you’re not ready to invest as much in your shoes just yet, an entry-level model like the speedy Adizero Club, or the stability alternative in the GameCourt are all nice options.

And finally, what do you prefer, speed & agility or stability?

Some players prefer stability and support during play. Others prefer minimal stabilizing tech so their feet won’t be weighed down – it all depends on your style of play.

Here’s a breakdown and a side to side comparison of the adidas shoes, speed versus stability:

Stability (Wider and Durable Shoes)

• adidas SoleCourt Boost: adidas' Top Stability Shoe

Your feet have more support in this shoe than any other in the lineup. Of course, this means they are on the heavy side at 12.9oz.

• adidas SoleMatch Bounce: A step below the SoleCourt Boost

This shoe is fitted with the Bounce cushioning, which is firmer and more responsive than the Boost cushioning in the SoleCourt.

The SoleMatch has an outrigger to help you make abrupt lateral stops. But if you’ve never played in a shoe with an outrigger, it can take some breaking into. This shoe is also a little lighter than the SoleCourt at 11.4oz.

• adidas GameCourt: Entry-level stability shoes

This shoe series is great for beginners and recreational tennis players. It’s the lightest of all the stability shoes. It’s also the most flexible since it doesn’t have as much stability technology in the upper. And for those just starting out, they’re also the most affordable.

Speed (Narrow, Less Durable)

• adidas Ubersonic 3: adidas' Top Speed Shoe

This is by far their fastest model. And while not the most stable shoe, it still has a pretty decent amount of support.

• adidas Adizero Defiant Bounce: A step below the Ubersonic

The Defiant Bounce is just a hair lighter than the Ubersonic at 10.7oz. And this model has the Boost foam, making it a tad firmer and springier.

• adidas Adizero Club: adidas’ most affordable speed shoe

The shoe model has a ventilated upper. Doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the Defiant Bounce above it, or the Ubersonic above that. But it’s light and fast, plus it’s affordable, making it a great entry shoe for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best adidas Shoes For Beginners?

GameCourt: This shoe series offers comfort for recreational tennis. The toe box is wide, and there is minimal lateral support, but it is enough to get by.

It is an affordable and stylish shoe to help you determine your playing style before investing in high-end shoes.

CourtJam Bounce: This shoe offers great value for players looking for support. The mesh upper is breathable for breathability and support. It offers the step-in comfort and the heel will lock you in.

The Bounce midsole cushioning is light and responsive and will give a good underfoot feel. They are not the most durable shoes but will offer great traction on any court surface.

Can I Use adidas Running Shoes For Playing Tennis?

If you are into both running and tennis, you’ll probably need separate shoes for both sports. This is because adidas running shoes are designed to offer cushioning, support, and propel you forward.

They have a thick midsole and are also not equipped to offer balance, stability, and support as you pivot or slide into your shots.

Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are made to support side-to-side movements. Most have a low-to-the-ground design that gives added stability during those aggressive moves.

What if I’m Not Sure Which Type of Court I’ll Prefer Playing on Yet — Which adidas Tennis Shoe Would Be Best For Me?

If you are in doubt on which court surface you prefer, the all-court adidas shoes may be a good start. These shoes have a modified herringbone tread pattern, which gives decent support on any court surface.

When Should You Replace adidas Tennis Shoes?

How often you replace the tennis shoes will depend on the type of player you are, the court, and shoe type.

A general rule is replacing your shoes after six months if you are an active player. This is because most shoe technologies tend to wear out after 45 to 60 hours of play.

Indicators to watch out for include:

• If the sole is worn out and no longer provides a strong grip on the court.
• The comfort and cushioning have declined, and you have achy joints after playing.
• The shoe traction is lower, and not gripping the court as it once did.

How to Clean Your adidas Tennis Shoes?

Dirty tennis shoes make your feet slip and affect your performance. Here are three tips for keeping your shoes clean:

• Remove the laces and sock liner from the shoes before you begin to clean.
• Wipe off any dirt and scrub the shoes using a brush and cold water.
• Air-dry the shoes. Avoid placing the shoes under the sun or heat.

Do not wash your tennis shoes using a washing machine or dryer because it can damage the material.