6 Best Adidas Tennis Shoes
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We wear-tested and lab-tested Adidas tennis shoes to extract the top-tiered ones worth adding to your tennis shoe racks.
We spent over 20 hours on the court scrutinizing the performance value of every pair of the Three Stripes tennis shoes. We played in them on both clay and hard court and observed where they performed at their best.
We also tested the shoes in our shoe lab, which resulted in over 20 parameters that we use to compare shoes across the whole tennis category. In the end, we picked the ones that shine in different setups, making them our top recommendations!
How we test Adidas tennis shoes
No tennis shoe release goes overlooked by our team of tennis experts.
- We acquire the shoes that we will test and personally pay for them. This is to prevent us from feeling obliged to produce positive reviews.
- We inspect each new release closely and test them on the court while paying special attention to all the relevant aspects: stability, durability, traction, fit, and comfort. We take them to hard and clay courts and play in them regularly to fully gauge and observe their limits.
- We go back to our lab and perform tests that include dissecting the shoes, measuring the hardness of the outsole, the durability of the toeguard, breathability, midsole softness, and so on, and calculating the percent change difference of each value to the averages for all tennis shoes we've tested.
Best Adidas tennis shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Barricade 13 dominated the court and excelled in the lab, ultimately being our top Adidas tennis shoe, This high-performance kick redefines the game with its supportive ride, excellent traction, and ability to keep us in control.
Stability is where Barricade 13 shines and it has many elements that work together to promote our precise and steady footwork. It’s home to the Repetitor+ foam, which our durometer measured at a balanced 26.1 HA. However, it feels firmer underfoot, enhancing our ground sensitivity. It’s incorporated within the Torsion System that extends to the medial sides to cradle and support our arches. Feeling like actual barricades on both sides of our feet, we never experienced excessive lateral movements or ankle rolls.
This Adidas shoe found a way to enhance comfort through its longitudinal flexibility. Our bend test reveals it’s 21.3% more malleable than average, allowing us to move through the court with grace and coordination.
As we performed hard stops and quick direction changes in the game, the Adiwear outsole gripped excellently on the court, keeping us safe from any injuries. It mixes flat and sharp herringbone patterns to provide a balance of braking and sliding power as needed.
However, we felt the cushion lacked the responsiveness that some tennis players prefer. Those in search of some extra bounce should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional stability and arch support
- Wide and steady platform
- Hard-wearing outsole with a 6-moth guarantee
- Sufficient impact protection
- Great court feel
- Highly secure foothold and lockdown
- Outsole grips and slides well
Cons
- Upper is not the most durable
- Cushioning lacks bounce and responsiveness
Best Adidas tennis shoes for clay court
What makes it the best?
For clay court games of tennis, our absolute top pick from Adidas is none other than the Barricade 13 Clay. This hell of a tennis shoe elevated our playing experience, ensuring balanced and injury-free nimble movements on the court. Not only that but the robustness of this shoe also blew our minds!
We love the Adidas Barricade 13 Clay for sideway propulsions and maneuvers because it keeps us surefooted no matter how aggressive we are. We measured its width’s base, and it proved the shoe’s stability, as the forefoot sits around the average at 111.9 mm while the heel is 9.6% wider at 98.3 mm.
Apart from stability, Barricade 13 Clay also resisted slipping, thanks to its outstanding traction. Pressing our durometer against the outsole, we recorded a hardness of 79 HC, which is 7.6% softer than average. This equated to the outsole firmly gripping the clay court and keeping us planted through our powerful shots and quick footwork.
We also appreciated how this tennis shoe withstood the harshness of clay courts, and consistent games of tennis, as well as our Dremel tool, which didn’t wear down the Barricade 13 Clay. In fact, the results urged us to give the toebox and heel padding durability scores of 4/5 and 5/5, respectively. However, for its $160 price, 21.6% higher than most tennis shoes, we can’t recommend it for thrift shoppers.
Pros
- Exceptional stability and support
- Incredibly durable upper and outsole
- Generous impact protection
- Fun and responsive cushioning
- Highly secure foothold
- Wide and steady platform
- Good level of flexibility
- Excellent grip but can slide too
- An ounce lighter than the predecessor
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Heel drop can be too drastic for some
Best Adidas tennis shoes for speed
What makes it the best?
We achieved maximum agility levels on the court with the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4.1, claiming the top spot for speed among Adidas tennis shoes. Beyond its lightweight design, this tennis shoe provided solid traction and superior stability, supporting our sharp and nimble maneuvers.
The Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4.1 didn’t weigh us down during our games. Our scale indicated a weight of 12.31 oz (349g), which is just right by the average. This made us zoom through our forward and lateral movements. The precision in our movements is all thanks to the reinforcing construction of the shoe, along with its grip. Upon our torsional rigidity test, this shoe deserved a score of 4/5, which translated to our steadiness despite shifting our weight side to side in the shoe.
We also quantified the hardness of the outsole using our durometer, which displayed 73.4 HC, 14.6% softer than average. This equated to a remarkable grip on the court. However, the softness of the outsole made it vulnerable to abrasion, as also proven by our Dremel test. Our tool caused a 1 mm deep dent, which is 0.4 mm deeper than average. The fact that the shoe doesn’t have a durability warranty was also a letdown. If this bothers you, we suggest searching for other Adidas tennis pairs.
Pros
- Feels light and speedy
- Plenty of heel cushioning
- Bouncy midsole foam
- Stable platform for a speed shoe
- Very flexible forefoot
- Excellent grip on hard court
- Highly secure lockdown
- Solid durability
Cons
- Not so breathable
- Not for wide feet
Adidas tennis shoes with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
The Defiant Speed 2 highlights agility in our playtests, yet what makes it stand out among Adidas tennis shoes is the top-notch comfort it brings. Our lab tests reveal some components that contribute to its soothing aura: its light and flexible build and the responsive Lightstrike midsole. It even offers all-around longevity as a bonus.
During our games, we observed strong ground feedback without the sting thanks to the energetic Lightstrike midsole. Despite its below-average 28.8/17.0 mm stack, the ride feels forgiving due to the well-balanced 27.1 HA foam.
Defiant Speed 2 has a light and pliable build that boosts comfort and control in our footwork. Our scales reveal it weighs 12.2 oz (347g), 3.6% below average. Meanwhile, it shows minimal resistance by emerging 17.9% more bendable than average in our flex test.
Defiant Speed 2 performs wonderfully in terms of durability and defies our Dremel in all areas. The Adituff toeguard and toebox rated a high 4/5, the heel padding a very resistant 5/5, and the outsole with a small 0.5 mm dent vs. the 0.8 mm average. These numbers erased all our doubts regarding the shoe’s longevity.
However, we think its lockdown could still be improved. The collar design was a bit too spacious for our medium-width feet (even more for those with narrow feet), so we experienced a bit of toe jamming.
Pros
- Grounded platform with good court feel
- Responsive Lightstrike cushioning
- Stable base for a speed shoe
- Generously padded insole
- Fairly flexible forefoot
- Impressive durability for the money
- Great balance of grip and give
Cons
- Not everyone can achieve a secure lockdown (especially skinny feet)
- Higher drop may cause toe jamming
Adidas tennis shoes for beginners
What makes it the best?
Solematch Control seamlessly blends a comfortable, surefooted, and nimble ride, making it our most beginner-friendly Adidas tennis shoe in the lab. On the court, we experienced a high sense of traction and control, boosting our confidence as it allowed us to move with precision and coordination.
With the absence of a stiff shank, Solematch Control feels lighter on foot since it takes less effort to bend as we please. It barely put up a fight in our flex test, emerging 20.6% more adaptive than average. This also makes the experience more comfortable for those who are new to the game.
Further enhancing comfort is the soft and springy Bounce foam. Our durometer confirms its plush feel at 24.0 HA, providing effective impact protection. The stack remains grounded to increase our agility and stability during nimble rotations and small foot adjustments.
Serving as extra support for newbies is the highly grippy outsole, a much-needed feature for controlled movements. The rubber has wavy and blocky patterns to serve as brakes when needed. From sudden stops to pivotal movements, the traction keeps us surefooted.
However, the upper showed subpar breathability and felt like a sauna during heated sessions. We recommend exploring alternatives if breathability is a priority.
Pros
- Lighter than average
- Very good ground feel
- Sufficient impact protection
- Springy Bounce cushioning
- Responsive insole
- Comfortably flexible
- Stable platform for a speed shoe
- Exceptionally durable upper and outsole
- Incredibly grippy
- Good for wide feet
Cons
- Not so breathable
- No snappy push-offs (no shank)
- Not for narrow feet
Best budget Adidas tennis shoes
What makes it the best?
Made for smooth strides and glide-ready comfort, the Adidas Gamecourt 2.0 offers a stable and effortless experience during our playtests. We discovered in the lab that it has a light and fluid build with subtle support elements to keep us surefooted. For only $90 vs. the $136 average tennis shoe, it offers excellent value for money through its durable Adiwear outsole, making it our best budget Adidas tennis shoe.
Gentle on the feet and the wallet, our scales show Gamecourt 2.0 weighs 6.7% lighter than average at 11.9 oz (336g). It flows with our feet and barely resists our motions, confirmed by our bend test when it emerged 29.0% more flexible than average.
Meanwhile, the base is a firm 32.0 HA to boost our stability. Together with its raised sidewalls and midfoot shank, it felt impossible to lose our balance while performing hard dashes or crossover steps.
When we flipped the shoe over, we were floored to find the sturdy Adiwear outsole typically seen in more expensive counterparts. The herringbone pattern does the job in terms of grip, while our Dremel only damaged the rubber by 0.4 mm vs. the 0.8 mm average, cementing its durability.
However, cushioned comfort is its weak point, so we suggest those seeking a plush and impact-protected sensation to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Fantastic durability for the price
- Very supportive for its built
- Wide and stable platform
- Lighter than average
- Flexible and maneuverable
- Good grip on hard court
- Accommodating toebox
- Nicely breathable
Cons
- Very little forefoot cushioning
- Minimal impact protection
For generations, Adidas has been serving up tennis shoes designed to appeal to players of all levels, from beginners right through to ATP professionals.
Synonymous with both performance and aesthetics, Adidas offers a broad range of tennis shoes that incorporate some cutting-edge technology plus the classic designs for which they are known.
The ultimate what, why, and how guide
In this ‘what, why and how’ guide we’ll take a deep look at each of the above seven factors and features to consider when searching for the ideal pair of Adidas tennis shoes. So get ready to step up your game and enjoy learning about:
- What really makes the best Adidas tennis shoes, and
- Why that’s important to your game, and
- How Adidas does it, including the technologies they use.
Let’s start by first knowing exactly what it is we’re looking at…
7 key factors in tennis shoe selection
- Technology: Good shoes means good tech, something Adidas continues to innovate and improve upon.
- Surface adaptability: Tennis shoes aren’t just a one-purpose-fits-all. Clay courts, for example, require clay court-specific shoes.
- Cushioning: If you’re going to spend a fair bit of time on the court, it’s only reasonable that you’re comfortable when doing so.
- Support: Tennis can be hard on the body. Good shoes solve that problem.
- Right fit: Getting the correct size shoes that fit you nicely is critical to enjoying your tennis play time.
- Durability: It’s disappointing to find a fantastic pair of tennis shoes only to find out later that they don’t last very long. Adidas has specific manufacturing techniques to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Regardless of abilities, every tennis player wants to look good on the court - something Adidas figured out decades ago. That trend continues to this day.
The Adidas appeal
The iconic Adidas brand is easily identified with its famous three stripes which are typically located on the sides of each shoe, and complemented with the Adidas logo - often on the outside of the tongue. Due to its simplicity and popularity, many brands have attempted to copy the Adidas designs, yet none have been too successful.
Adidas tennis shoe technologies
For many decades Adidas has been at the forefront of tennis footwear, and their modern technology is a testament to a brand that knows how to consistently innovate and improve, all in the name of assisting the people who wear their shoes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tech Adidas uses in their tennis shoe range:
Adidas AdiPRENE
Introduced in 1996, Adidas' AdiPRENE technology is located in the shoe's heel and serves as a reliable safeguard against the rigors of intense training and matches. Its primary function is to absorb shock effectively, offering dual benefits: protecting your heels from excessive stress and preserving your joints. This specialized material is engineered to endure all court surfaces, ensuring optimal playability and comfort throughout your game.
Adidas AdiPRENE+
Tennis often involves fast movements and quick acceleration, especially during serves and net approaches. Adidas' AdiPRENE+ is commonly positioned beneath the toe section of the shoe, although it can also extend across the entire front portion of the foot (full forefoot AdiPRENE+). This innovative technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing your tennis performance by facilitating a smoother take-off with each step. It also provides a responsive and springy feel, which is a nice addition to a game of speed and agility.
Adidas AdiTUFF
AdiTUFF technology by Adidas is specifically tailored to meet the demands of sports such as tennis and handball. It incorporates a resilient, abrasion-resistant material that significantly enhances the longevity of the shoe's outsole. This durability factor is of utmost importance in sports characterized by frequent lateral movements.
Adidas AdiWEAR
AdiWEAR technology by Adidas is found on the outsoles and is designed to extend the lifespan of your shoes. The material is inherently wear-resistant and is known for its durability, even under continuous strain.
Blown Rubber
Adidas' Blown Rubber sets itself apart from its solid rubber counterpart by undergoing a unique process where the rubber is expanded, or "blown up" if you prefer. This results in a lighter-weight material that offers superior traction compared to conventional rubber.
Boost
Adidas' Boost technology is tailored for the demands of tennis, seamlessly merging comfort with superior bounce-back capabilities, ultimately delivering a surge of energy with every step on the court. Unlike traditional EVA cushioning, Boost cushioning is noticeably softer, yet remarkably efficient at returning energy. In the past, comfort often meant sacrificing speed, and vice versa – cushioning was associated with softness, while energy return leaned towards firmness. Boost technology disrupts this trade-off. It strikes the perfect balance, offering both comfort and speed, making it the ideal choice for tennis players. Lightweight, breathable, and contoured to the natural shape of your foot, Boost technology ensures a more personalized and comfortable fit during your tennis matches.
Bounce
Adidas' Bounce technology creates a tennis-specific midsole that optimizes energy transfer and delivers a natural bounce-back with every move on the court. The inclusion of anti-collision protectors within this design is tailored for tennis performance. This unique configuration translates into heightened performance and comfort, regardless of whether you're playing in hot or cool conditions.
ClimaCool
Adidas' ClimaCool technology is designed to offer the ultimate in tennis footwear ventilation. Tennis shoes equipped with this technology often feature strategically placed perforations in the midsole, complemented by a vamp crafted from breathable "pearl canvas" textile. This design is tailored to keep tennis players cool and comfortable on the court, ensuring optimal breathability for top-notch performance.
Torsion System
Adidas' Torsion System technology incorporates a lightweight arch support mechanism that facilitates independent movement of the forefoot and rearfoot. The outcome is superior surface adaptability and enhanced stability. Extensive development and refinement efforts have led to Torsion System variants tailored for specific sports. In the case of adidas tennis shoes, this translates into notably improved lateral movement, a key advantage for tennis players.
Different shoes for different surfaces
Most Adidas tennis shoes are made for ‘all court’ surfaces, meaning they are suitable for all players across each of the different playing surfaces. However, for more advanced players shoes that are specific to a certain surface type are more appropriate. Let’s take a look at what that means, and how the folks at Adidas have dealt with it.
Hard courts
For hard courts, which are known for their durability and speed, you'll want tennis shoes that provide excellent traction and stability. Adidas has models equipped with durable outsoles and superior grip, ensuring you can move confidently and make quick lateral movements without slipping.
Clay courts
Clay courts require tennis shoes that offer excellent grip on the loose surface which can handle sliding across the court. Adidas tennis shoes designed for clay courts will feature clay-court-specific outsoles to provide the necessary traction.
Grass courts
Grass courts are considered the awkward ‘in between’, one which requires a balance of both grip and slip, allowing for smooth movements and changes in direction. As this surface is relatively unpopular, Adidas does not make tennis shoe options designed specifically for grass courts. If you play mostly on grass courts you have two options:
- Choose from Adidas’ all court series, or,
- Choose another brand like Asics, who make some great tennis shoes for grass.
Cushioning for comfort
Adidas understands the importance of cushioning in their tennis shoes. Designed primarily to provide shock absorption during play, well cushioned shoes will make your time on the court more comfortable with less stress and impact on your feet and joints.
Look for models which use Adidas’ proprietary Boost or AdiPRENE technologies.
Support for stability
Adidas tennis shoes are designed to offer support during the rapid lateral movements, sharp turns and quick pivots that tennis is famous for. With lightweight arch support you can adjust your rearfoot and forefoot independently, which in turn allows you to confidently run around the court without fear of losing control or rolling an ankle.
Look for models which use the Torsion System technology in the shoes.
Getting the right fit
The perfect pair of tennis shoes should fit like a glove and offer a snug and comfortable fit. Finding the right balance is essential; they shouldn't feel overly tight or excessively loose. These shoes should facilitate effortless movement while ensuring ample cushioning on the inner sole for maximum comfort. Unlike the process of breaking in leather shoes, tennis shoes are designed to deliver instant comfort and performance right from the start.
Adidas tennis shoes run true to size. Use our online Adidas sizing tool to find your perfect size.
Going long with Adidas
Hang around at tennis clubs long enough and conversation will invariably end up at how long tennis shoes last. Manufacturers could arguably benefit from shoes that don’t last very long (therefore forcing you to purchase another pair shortly after, and then another pair… etc), but many manufacturers like Adidas have worked in the opposite direction as they attempt to produce shoes that last. Here’s what they’re working on behind the scenes:
- Durable materials: Adidas places a strong emphasis on using high-quality materials, with strong outsoles and extra reinforcement.
- Toe protection: One of the areas you’ll notably find this extra reinforcement is in the toe area of the shoes. For tennis players, this helps guard against abrasions especially during frontward forceful actions such as serves and volleys.
- Outsole strength: Adidas has a tendency to seek out or create technologies to avoid excessive wear on surfaces such as tennis courts. One such piece of tech is in their AdiWEAR outsoles, which are designed for long lasting performance.
Create a regular maintenance routine
It’s not all down to the manufacturer, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get maximum use out of your Adidas tennis shoes. Specifically, regular, proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your Adidas tennis shoes. Over time, the cushioning and support can degrade so making an effort to keep these in tip-top shape is a good start.
Replacement strategy
Don’t string your shoes along, even the most comfortable, trust-wrothy, lucky pair of tennis shoes need to be replaced. As a general guideline most amateur players replace them every six to twelve months, depending on how much they play.
If you have important tournaments or events in your calendar, consider these as well when you consider your shoe replacement strategy. Some players will want to wear a brand new pair of fresh kicks for important matches, and others will prefer their ‘old faithfuls’. Make your decision early, and take actions accordingly.
3 stripes for design, 5 stars for style
Adidas is one of the original manufacturers to make footwear specific for tennis players. To this day they offer tennis shoe models that range from modern and bold to timeless classics, with players of all ability levels catered for.
Color options are predominantly white but if you want to add some flair to your time on the court there are many colorful options available, allowing you to show off your individual personality and style.
Whatever your preference is aesthetically, Adidas know how to create a captive audience - their trademarked three stripes might be simple but their tennis shoe styles are famously popular, it’s hard to go wrong with a pair of shoes designed by Adidas.
- See also our guide to the best Adidas classic sneakers, which includes a section dedicated to the OG tennis shoe - the Adidas Stan Smith.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my Adidas tennis shoes last?
As a general rule, tennis shoes usually last about 45-60 hours of use before wearing out. So, if you play once a week for an hour, you should be replacing your shoes at least once a year.
While the number of hours may provide a good benchmark, it’s best practice to monitor how the shoe feels over time. Unlike running shoes where you can gauge how much mileage you’ve logged, tennis shoes are a bit trickier. The duration of use, style of play, type of court, shoe construction, and player type can all significantly influence the lifespan of a court shoe.
What's the difference between AdiPRENE vs AdiPRENE+?
While both AdiPRENE and AdiPRENE+ technologies offer cushioning, AdiPRENE focuses on heel protection and impact absorption, while AdiPRENE+ is more geared towards enhancing the responsiveness and take-off phase of your foot's movement, contributing to smoother and more efficient performance. Both are pieces of intellectual property developed by and for Adidas.
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