Hard court tennis shoes

Hard court and clay court are two of the most popular surfaces used in tennis. But between these two tennis grounds, many of the global tournaments are played on hard court. One of which is the highly-anticipated Grand Slam event, the US Open. This goes to say that many tennis clubs with hard court facility thrive around the world. And because of such popularity, hard court trainers are highly in-demand compared to grass and clay court shoes. 

Here’s a rundown of the major attributes of hard court tennis shoes and how are these different from clay and grass court footgear.

What makes hard court shoes different?

• Their non-marking outsole is resistant to abrasion in defense of the gritty court
• Designed with partial herringbone tread for traction 
• Devised with a sturdy upper that grants support and durability
• Constructed with cushioning to absorb shock since the court can put pressure on the joints 
• Their midsole unit is equipped with a technology that offers energy return into every step
• The toe area is wrapped with a durable reinforcement as protection against toe dragging
• They are heavier and more stable than other types of tennis shoes
• Aside from all-court tennis footwear, hard court trainers are versatile enough as they can also be used on grass and clay surfaces

Hard Court Shoes vs Clay Court Shoes

• The herringbone tread pattern on hard court shoes is modified to address traction during pivots and multidirectional changes, while clay court shoes have it in full-length. This heel-to-toe fishbone tread allows the player to slide sideways.
• Hard court shoes have thicker midsole cushioning while clay court tennis trainers have low-to-the-ground sole for better surface contact and control. 
• The rubber outsole material on hard court trainers is more durable than on those for clay. Hence, it’s more common for some hard court footgear to have the outsole durability warranty feature. 

Qualities of Hard Court Surfaces

• Built using rigid materials consisting of acrylic top layer over asphalt or concrete
• The acrylic surface grants better bounce consistency compared to the top layer of other courts
• The tennis ball tends to create fast speed which is why it’s quicker to play on this surface than on clay
• Although the pace in grass and hard courts is speedy, it’s still faster to play on grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all hard court shoes have an outsole durability warranty?

Brands offer a six-month durability guarantee to some of their high-performance tennis footgear. This warranty allows the buyer to have their shoe replaced should it sustain a considerable degree of wear in the outsole within six months from the time of purchase. But not all hardcourt-specific shoes are tagged with this feature. 

Is it okay to wear extremely light tennis shoes on hard court? 

Wearing lightweight tennis shoes on the hard court may offer speed which can benefit agile players. These trainers may survive for a couple of matches on the acrylic ground but might not withstand the abrasiveness of the hard court for a protracted time.  

Can I wear hard court shoes on grass courts?

The non-marking and heavy-duty features of hard court shoes may be used on the grass court, especially when the surface is dry. But it can get a bit slippery on the moist grass, which is why grass-equipped tennis trainers have tiny nubs for increased traction on such playing surface.

How tight should my hard court tennis shoes be?

Apart from adjusting the closure system, the heel of your hardcourt-ready trainers should offer a snug fit so you can move easily without worrying about your foot slipping inside. It should keep you supported while allowing you to achieve proper footwork techniques comfortably. Lastly, there should be at least a thumb’s width distance from the edge of your longest toe and the tip of the shoe so your foot won’t feel cramped.

How do I know that it’s about time to replace my hard court trainers?

It’s high time to retire your tennis footgear if…

• it doesn’t provide the same traction as it did in the past
• it no longer creates a squeaking sound on the hard court
• you’re beginning to have foot discomforts after using it at a protracted time