What are the best Asics tennis shoes?

If you love to play tennis, you want to look your best every time you step onto the court. Every tennis player, regardless of ability, needs to wear the right shoes to perform at a high level.

Asics is a brand known for prioritizing functionality and comfort in their shoes, which makes them a worthy consideration if you want to upgrade your tennis shoes. If you want a reliable, high-quality pair, the Asics Women’s Gel Dedicate 8 Tennis Shoes provide a secure fit, flexibility and exceptional responsiveness.

What to know before buying Asics tennis shoes

Size and cut

Tennis requires quick and sneaky movements, so wearing comfortable shoes is paramount. They should be snug, but not tight enough to constrict your feet. Shoes that are too tight can cause pain quickly and limit your performance, while shoes that are too long or too wide can be awkward and cause you to trip.

Also, while most Asics tennis shoes have a bulky and wide construction, some are narrower than others. Those with wider feet should look for a wide foot option, but buying a size up is fine if none are available.

The style of play

Your tennis shoes should complement and enhance your playstyle as much as possible. Serve and volley players are typically aggressive and spend much of the game running from the baseline to the net, making shoes with durable soles a necessity. Players who stick to the baseline are a bit more passive and defensive, but tend to move with more agility. Their shoes must therefore be flexible and responsive to allow rapid lateral movements.

Versatility

Tennis shoes aren’t just for playing. They can be used as everyday shoes for running errands or even performing other physical activities such as walking, jogging and weight lifting. Asics tennis shoes are designed for optimal comfort, so they are excellent when long periods of walking or standing are required, such as at work (if athletic shoes are acceptable).

What to Look for in Quality Asics Tennis Shoes

Durable and breathable upper

An upper should protect your feet while providing good ventilation, so your feet don’t overheat. A high-quality tennis shoe upper is usually made from synthetic materials and features mesh fabric overlays for breathability to keep your feet dry and cool while you play.

Cushioned midsole

The best tennis shoes have thick soles containing soft ethylene-vinyl acetate foam for added comfort. Asics incorporates Gel technology into many of its rear and forefoot tennis shoes for increased responsiveness, providing players with more flexibility and improved agility.

outsole

The type of outsole of your tennis shoes should depend on the type of court you frequently play tennis on. Hard courts wear shoes out faster than other surfaces, so if you play on them often, the outsole should be thick and provide plenty of traction. Soft grass and clay courts are smoother, so they require shoes with herringbone tread patterns on the sole for traction that won’t damage the court or inhibit your performance.

How much you can expect to spend on Asics tennis shoes

Expect to pay between $100 and $140 for shoes made with durable materials and advanced technology to deliver elite performance. If you’re working on a budget, you can find a solid pair for $60 to $100.

Asics Tennis Shoes FAQ

Can I wear running shoes to play tennis?

A. Casual players can use them, but for more competitive matches, tennis shoes are necessary. They are designed to provide grip on the tennis courts and stability for lateral movements.

How often should tennis shoes be replaced?

A. If you play mostly on hard courts, you might need a replacement shoe in three to six months, but if you play more on softer surfaces, they can last you six to 12 months.

What are the best Asics tennis shoes to buy?

Best Asics Tennis Shoes

Asics Women’s Gel Dedicate 8 Tennis Shoes

What do you want to know: These shoes offer superior responsiveness and are perfect for fast grassroots players.

What you will love: They have a flex-tuned upper for increased flexibility during side-to-side movements, and improved torque control in the heel allows players to execute quick moves with agility. They offer secure, locked-in charges, and forefoot Gel technology creates more efficient energy transfer for more responsive strides.

What you should consider: They have a slim build and are stiff right out of the box, so you’ll have to spend some time breaking them in.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Best Asics Tennis Shoes for the Money

Asics Women's Gel Dedicate 7 Tennis Shoes

Asics Women’s Gel Dedicate 7 Tennis Shoes

What do you want to know: These shoes have a sturdy construction and provide excellent arch support, making them suitable for players of all skill levels.

What you will love: They have a synthetic leather upper with toe reinforcements for added support and durability and an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam midsole for superior comfort. The forefoot contains Gel technology for stability and responsiveness, and the wraparound outsole allows players to move with increased flexibility.

What you should consider: They are not as durable as other Asics tennis shoes and the laces are short which makes them difficult to tie.

Or buy: Sold by Dick Sporting Goods

Worth checking out

Asics Men's Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes

Asics Men’s Gel-Challenger 12 Tennis Shoes

What do you want to know: These shoes are ideal for players looking for a balanced combination of comfort and traction.

What you will love: They have a chunky build, but they’re lightweight, thanks to a compound EVA foam midsole. They offer plenty of cushioning and have a removable Ortholite sockliner for added comfort and moisture management. The rear and forefoot contain Gel technology for increased responsiveness and better shock absorption.

What you should consider: They run small, so it’s best for those with wide feet to buy a size up.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

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Kevin Luna written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

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