Tennis elbow is a commonly known side effect of tennis that is watched for by all, but another potential problem area is not as mainstream. This is the potential shock tennis can have on the feet — especially if one is not wearing the proper shoes.
Suitable tennis shoes, in good condition, can enhance mobility and aid in preventing injury to the player. As with any shoe, make sure the tennis shoe fits properly and is in good condition. There are shoes that are designed specifically for tennis. When one goes to the shoe store, they will see the shoes arranged in categories such as running and walking. There is also a section for tennis shoes that are designed specifically for tennis players.
Tennis shoes do not have as much traction as running shoes, so it decreases the stress on one’s foot and ankle. This is important because tennis players often have to stop and go and move from side to side quickly. These shoes can also have padding in the toe to prevent injury in that area.
One may think that using a running shoe on the tennis court is not so bad, but one is advised against this to prevent injury and undue strain. Running shoes may increase the chance one has of a broken or sprained ankle. This comes from the fact that running shoes have a thick, soft heel to maximize cushioning for the use of general heel-to-toe impact on the foot. Runners generally run straight ahead without any sharp turns or pivots common in tennis. The soles of running shoes are also not steady enough for the side-to-side movement of a tennis player.
Some things to look for when trying on these shoes is to insure they fit securely around the heel, thus preventing the heel from sliding around in the shoe. This area, as well as the toe area, should have a sufficient amount of cushioning. The shoe must also support the arch of the foot.
It is also suggested that when going to buy shoes, one should aim to shop at later times in the day such as afternoon or evening. This suggestion comes from the fact that one’s feet swell up during the day and trying on shoes is best when one’s feet are close to their largest size.
When thinking about what type of material to get in tennis shoes, one commonly has the options of canvas, leather, or vinyl tops. A canvas shoe breathes the best, making it remain the coolest, and the canvas is the least likely to have chemicals that may transfer onto one’s skin. Leather shoes have more support and will remain drier in wetter conditions. Vinyl shoes have a good support system and care the best when it comes to dealing with moisture from external forces, yet vinyl breaths the worst making it the hottest. This is really a personal preference for each player as durability of the top of the shoe is not often an issue because the sole of the shoe can wear out long before the top.
By Lauren Culliton