When picking out your next pair of tennis shoes, you’ll want to consider a number of different factors. A good tennis shoe should match your style of play, your foot shape & size, and it should be built for the type of court you’ll be playing on.

How Fila tennis shoe technology improves your performance

Fila Axilus 2 Energized – Speed and agility shoe

This shoe is called the Energized for a reason. It’s made with Fila’s Energized cushioning tech, which is built to absorb ground impact and return that energy to help you bounce into your next step.

The tradeoff that comes with an energy-return shoe is that it feels a little firm compared to a heavily cushioned model. There is a little extra cushioning in the heel, though it’s a bit lacking in the forefoot. You may want to add an extra insole if you prefer more cushion.

The outsole traction works well on all play surfaces, and it’s surprisingly durable for such a light and speedy tennis shoe. In fact, it’s so durable, Fila was confident enough to offer a six-month guarantee on the outsole.

As far as how this shoe feels, it has a low-to-the-ground ride for players who appreciate that minimalist “Spartan” vibe. It has a very wide fit, meaning people with narrow feet may need to downsize or double up on socks. And it has low arch support, so if you’ve got high arches you probably won’t feel it at all.

What you’ll notice:

• Flexible

Because there’s not a lot of stability tech in the upper, this shoe has great flexibility, allowing your feet to move freely. A quick note: even though this isn’t a stability shoe, thanks to the TPU shank it does have a decent amount of support.

• Roomy Feel

This shoe was designed for the player looking for more wiggle room, especially in the forefoot area. Fans with a more narrow foot may need to cinch their laces a little tighter, or wear an extra pair of socks.

• Breathable

The mesh upper lets plenty of air in, keeping your feet from getting too hot and sweaty. This goes hand-in-hand with the wider design.

Fila Axilus 2 Energized LE US Open – Same shoe, different design

An extension of the Fila Axilus 2 Energized, the LE US Open was created specifically for the 2019 US Open. FILA was the sponsor of the No. 1 and 3 ranked women on the circuit. And this shoe features the design scheme that the Fila players wore in the competition.

Fila Original Tennis – Budget stability shoe

This shoe is a throwback to the iconic Fila Original Tennis model that was released in the ‘80s. Over the years, Fila has given homage to the Original Tennis by re-releasing the time-honored classic with different color schemes and designs.

This shoe has EVA cushion in the midsole for shock absorption and a leather upper for support. Though keep in mind this is a throwback model. It’s not designed with the supportive technology of a modern stability shoe.

What you’ll notice:

• Old school feel

If you’ve got a bit of a nostalgic feel for the old Fila tennis shoe days, you’ll appreciate this shoe. From the 80’s design, to the tough leather upper. Playing in this shoe is like playing in a time machine.Note: Because this model doesn’t have all the latest and greatest tech, this shoe probably won’t be best for those long, intense matches.

• Breathable

The shoe has air holes in the toe and side areas to let heat out. But keep in mind, this is an all-leather shoe. Let’s be real. At some point, your feet are likely going to get sweaty.

• Hefty Feel

Weighing in at a whopping 16.5 oz., this shoe is on the heavier side of the tennis shoe spectrum. It’s not so heavy that it’ll drag you down, but just know that you won’t exactly be zipping all over the court.

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

To find the best shoe for you, you’ll need to answer a few questions:

1. What type of tennis player are you?...And...
2. What type of court will you be playing on?

First, what type of tennis player are you?

• An all-court, aggressive player – Are you a player that likes to zip across the court, constantly going after the ball, without being weighed down by a clunky shoe? Then you’d probably appreciate a light shoe model like the Axilus 2 Energized.

• A baseline player – Are you a player who likes to hang at the back of the court waiting for the ball to come to you? This kind of player spends most of their time running side to side. If this sounds like you, then you might like a slightly more stable shoe like the Fila Original Tennis. Just remember that this model is more for a nostalgic Fila fan, or possibly for an entry-level tennis player.

Next, what type of court will you be playing on?

• All court – If you’re playing on more standard tennis courts, both the Axilus 2 Energized and the Original Tennis are fine options.

• Clay court – Since it is hard to get good traction on a clay court, you’ll want a shoe with a herringbone (zig-zag) pattern on the outsole. This design helps to keep the clay from getting lodged into the tread, making your shoes slippery. Your best bet for clay courts is the Axilus 2 Energized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my Tennis shoes clean?

It isn’t recommended to put your shoes in the washer or dryer.

1. Make a cleaning solution using warm water, laundry detergent, and some baking soda. Use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean the outer shell and inner lining of the shoe.
2. Remove the laces and clean them in the solution.
3. Rub the shoes gently with a soft microfiber towel. Allow them to air dry, but never in direct sunlight.

How often should I replace my Tennis shoes?

The wear and tear of your shoes will be determined by how hard you play in them, and how often. Generally, the integrity of a shoe will tend to break down after about 45-60 hours of use. Approximately 6 months to 1 year.

But here are some other signs that can help you determine when to replace your tennis shoes:

• When your shoes stop gripping the court as well as they used to. This indicates the tread is wearing thin.
• When you start noticing the ground impact with each step more than you used to. This means the cushioning is wearing out.

If you start experiencing any joint pain after your matches. This could mean that numerous parts of the shoe have run their course and are no longer protecting you.