When buying a tennis shoe, three things come into focus; the shape of your feet, your playing style, and court preference.

In this article, we’re going to break down HEAD tennis shoes and the technology used in them. And, then we will help you choose the best shoe that matches your style of play.

How HEAD tennis shoe technology improves your performance

HEAD Sprint SuperFabric: HEAD’s flagship model (light and durable shoe)

The HEAD Sprint SuperFabric was designed to be an everyday, multi-tasking training shoe. This model is light and durable, thanks to the SuperFabric material, which flexes during those aggressive cuts.

These shoes give a locked-in feel because of the sock-like design and bootie construction that hug your feet. The elastic lacing system also secures your feet in place and gives a streamlined feel when changing directions.

Just like most of HEAD’s tennis shoes, the Sprint SF is fitted with HEAD’s cooling system with perforations at the bottom of the shoe, the midsole, and the upper to ensure good ventilation.

Though it has a SuperFabric material (which is meant to be soft), the shoe does take a little time to get used to. When you first wear them, your toes may feel cramped up a bit. They do stretch up after a couple of weeks, but not too much to lose that locked-in feel.

FYI, the cushioning in this shoe is on the lower side, which is great for players looking for a low-court feel. But if you prefer a lot of cushioning between you and the court, this might not be the best match.

While the Sprint SF has decent stability for such a light shoe, it's not the most stable model. So, if you are looking for a sturdy shoe for those side to side movements, these shoes are probably not for you.

What you’ll notice:

• Top-notch Flexibility.

The SuperFabric material used on the upper makes the shoes flexible, yet quite durable for a lightweight shoe. The sock-like construction hugs your feet and flexes with you as you move.

HEAD Revolt Pro 3.0: HEAD’s premium stability shoe

The Revolt Pro 3.0 was designed for players who want extra support for side to side movements. The shoes offer premium stability with the Triple Density System (TRI-NRG) in the midsole.

This TRI-NRG support system delivers three things: 1) It cushions your heel from impact. 2) stabilizes the mid-foot during abrupt stops. 3) Absorbs impact and returns the energy into your next step.

Plus, the upper is rigid and maintains its form throughout the game, which means you can make side to side movements with confidence.

The Revolt Pro 3.0 has a double vent system just like other HEAD’s tennis shoes. But, the upper is covered with a sticker underneath that blocks the vent, so remember to remove it before putting the shoes on.

If you’re a competitive player who is hard on their shoes, you’ll appreciate the outsole rubber that provides plenty of durability (backed by a six-month guarantee).

One possible downside, the traction feels sticky right out of the box, making it hard to slide into your shots. It takes about a week to break in and attain a sweet spot between grip-and-give.

What you’ll notice:

• High performance.

This shoe is designed to perform during intense games. It not only cushions your feet but also absorbs shock because of its higher heel design.

The triple-density midsole also keeps your feet stabilized while the upper is rigid enough for support.

HEAD Sprint Pro 3.0: HEAD’s light and speedy tennis shoe

The Sprint Pro is HEAD’s ‘pacemaker.’ It is light and built for speed — great for aggressive movers.

The upper is fitted with a light mesh material that flexes with your feet and allows you to sprint quickly around the court.

It also has a Delta Strap on the side that adapts with your feet and gives you a personalized fit. However, if you like to play on the baseline and are looking for stable shoes, the Revolt Pro would likely be a better fit.

One thing though: the laces may be a bit thin for some people and may loosen up frequently during game time. So you may want to look into a thicker pair of laces to go with this shoe.

What you’ll notice:

• Top-shelf comfort

If you like that out-of-the-box comfort, then the Sprint Pro delivers just that. And, the upper wraps your feet without feeling too clingy.

• Secure footwork

Because of the reinforced Delta Straps, your feet will stay secure regardless of how rough the game gets. Not as stable as the Revolt Pro, but they hold up pretty good.

How do I choose the best HEAD 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?
2. What type of court surface do you prefer?
3. What’s your foot shape (narrow or wide)?

First, what type of tennis player are you?

• Aggressive player: you don’t wait for the ball to come to you. Rather, you bring on the action, and that’s why you need speed. And shoes like the Sprint Pro are light and won’t weigh you down.

• Baseline player: as a baseliner, you tend to hang back on the court’s outer end. You prefer moving side to side and letting the ball come to you, giving you time to react. Because of the constant lateral movements, you need sturdy tennis shoes like the Revolt Pro.

Then, what type of court surface do you prefer?

• Clay court: this court affects how the ball bounces and moves. And for you to react to it, you need a shoe designed with a special herringbone sole for traction. The Revolt Pro clay is designed to help you make rapid movements.

• All court: if you prefer playing on standard or indoor courts, you have a wide selection of HEAD tennis shoes from the speedier Sprint Pro to the light yet durable Sprint SuperFabric.
  

Next, what is your foot type?

• Narrow feet: most of the HEAD tennis shoes fall on the narrow side. But their most narrow tennis model is the Sprint Pro.
  
  
• Wide feet: If you are looking for shoes that don’t make you feel cased-in like a sausage, the Revolt EVO is right for you. It fits wider than most of the other HEAD tennis shoes.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same pair of HEAD shoes for running and playing tennis?

Tennis shoes can be used for running, but they are not the best option.

Both running and tennis shoes are cushioned. But, running shoes tend to be more cushioned to shield your feet from impact. When running, you move in one direction the entire time, and the running shoes are geared to support that.

Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are designed for stability and to keep your ankle from rolling over when making side to side movements.

So, if possible, you would want to get a shoe for running and a separate one for tennis.

However, if you want one for both sports, tennis shoes may be a great option. They may not be perfect for running in, but they offer decent cushioning and support. Preferably, you need a tennis shoe that is light with decent durability like the Sprint SuperFabric.

How often should I replace my HEAD tennis shoes?

This depends on three things; your type of play (are you an aggressive player?), how often you play, and the durability of the shoes. The type of shoe can also affect the lifespan — light and speedier shoes wear out quicker than sturdier shoes.

That being said, tennis shoe technologies tend to wear down between 45 to 60 hours. That means you’ll need to replace them in about 6 to 12 months.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• If your shoes’ traction starts to wear out and you notice the shoes slipping around, especially when playing on hard courts.
• Your shoes’ grip isn’t as it was initially, and you are struggling to make sharp cuts.
• You have pain in your joints or arches.

Can I machine wash HEAD tennis shoes?

It’s not advisable to use a machine to clean your shoes. This may damage the materials and cause the shoes to wear out quicker.

How should I clean my HEAD tennis shoes?

When you are cleaning your tennis shoes, consider using a mild soap and a soft-bristled brush. Remove the laces and sock liner, and gently clean the shoes out with a brush, use cold water to rinse them off. Be sure to air-dry them instead of exposing them to direct sunlight.

I need help deciding: What are the best HEAD tennis shoes for a beginner?

The Sprint Pro 2.5 is an ideal beginner-friendly tennis shoe. Though it is designed for speed, it offers support and stability. You may experience some rubbing on your Achilles because the ankle collar is a bit stiff. It has decent comfort and durability, but it is a good shoe if you are starting out.