Why Tennis Shoes Matter (Especially for Beginners)

Running shoes are built for straight-line motion.
Tennis isn’t.

Tennis requires:

• Sudden stops

• Lateral cuts

• Side-to-side shuffles

• Toe dragging on serves

Tennis shoes are designed with lateral stability, reinforced uppers, and durable outsoles to handle these movements safely. Wearing the wrong shoe increases the risk of:

• Ankle rolls

• Slipping

• Premature shoe breakdown

For beginners, the right shoe builds confidence and helps you focus on learning the game — not worrying about your feet.

What Beginners Should Look For in a Tennis Shoe

1. Stability Comes First

As a beginner, you’ll spend a lot of time adjusting footwork and reacting late. A stable base helps keep you upright and balanced during side-to-side movement.

Look for:

• A wider outsole base

• Reinforced midfoot

• A secure heel counter

Avoid ultra-light, speed-focused shoes early on.

2. Comfort Over Speed

You don’t need a “pro-level” shoe.

Beginners benefit most from:

• Moderate cushioning

• A forgiving fit

• A shoe that feels comfortable right away

If a shoe feels tight, stiff, or aggressive out of the box, it’s probably not the best choice yet.

3. Durability Matters More Than Weight

Early footwork tends to be rough on shoes , especially on hard courts.

Look for:

• Hard rubber outsoles

• Reinforced toe areas

• Thicker outsole coverage

Lightweight shoes wear faster and aren’t ideal when you’re still learning movement patterns.

4. True Tennis Traction

Different courts matter, but most beginners play on hard courts.

Make sure your shoe is labeled:

• “Tennis shoe”

• “Hard court tennis shoe”

This ensures the outsole is designed for grip without sticking during lateral movement.

Beginner Tennis Shoe Fit: What to Expect

Fit is where many beginners go wrong.

General Fit Tips

• Tennis shoes should feel secure, not snug

• Your toes should have a little room to move

• Heel slip should be minimal

If you’re between sizes, try both. Tennis shoes shouldn’t require a long break-in period.

Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These)

❌ Buying running shoes for tennis
❌ Choosing the lightest shoe available
❌ Sizing down for a “locked-in” feel
❌ Ignoring court type
❌ Spending top-tier money before you know your playing style

You’ll learn what you like after a few months. Start smart.

Recommended Beginner Tennis Shoes (Realistic Options)

New Balance 696v6

A great entry point for beginners.

Why it works:

• Stable and forgiving

• Comfortable out of the box

• Durable for hard courts

• Budget-friendly

This is a solid choice if you’re new, play casually, or want something dependable without overthinking it.

👉 Read the full New Balance 696v6 review

New Balance 996v6 (For Progressing Beginners)

Once you’re playing more consistently, the 996v6 becomes an option.

Why it works:

• Lighter and more responsive

• Better suited for quicker movement

• Performance-focused feel

This shoe makes more sense after you’ve built basic footwork and want something faster.

👉 See the New Balance 996v6 review
👉 Compare 696v6 vs 996v6

Do Beginners Need Expensive Tennis Shoes?

Short answer: No.

Most beginners:

• Play 1–2 times per week

• Are still learning footwork

• Don’t need elite-level responsiveness

A mid-range shoe with good stability will outperform an expensive speed shoe if the fit and support are better.

How Long Should Beginner Tennis Shoes  Last

On hard courts:

• Casual play (1–2x/week): ~6–9 months

• Frequent play (3x/week): ~4–6 months

If you notice:

• Slipping

• Outsole smoothing

• Upper tearing near the toe

It’s time to replace them.

When to Upgrade Your Tennis Shoes

You may want to upgrade if:

• You’re playing multiple times per week

• You feel limited by weight or responsiveness

• Your footwork has improved significantly

That’s when performance-oriented models like the 996v6 start to make sense.

Final Advice for Beginner Tennis Players

Don’t chase pro gear.
Chase comfort, stability, and consistency.

The best beginner tennis shoe:

• Fits well

• Feels stable

• Let’s you focus on learning the game

Once your skills improve, your shoe choice can evolve with you.

Related Tennis Reads

• New Balance 696v6 Review

• New Balance 996v6 Review

• New Balance 696v6 vs 996v6 Comparison

• K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe (another beginner-friendly option)