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Whether you're a diehard Novak Djokovic fan or an avid supporter of the Gel Resolution line, ASICS has grown in you as the authority in tennis shoes. And if you're a first-time wearer, you must be curious to know which models from this Japan-originated label are top-flight.
The only way to figure out the finest tennis shoes from Asics' rich line of well-engineered court shoes is by taking them to a series of playtests. We did multiple rounds on different tennis playgrounds evaluating their playability, construction, and durability. Our top picks below will help you obtain the most agile, the best gem for clay, and money-saving pairs in the market.
How we test ASICS tennis shoes
We choose the best ASICS tennis shoes by putting our best foot forward in challenging the shoes to their limits. The process we follow is:
- Using our funds, we purchase ASICS shoes. We completely avoid relying on sponsorships and promotions because we like to be able to report whatever we find during our entire testing.
- We take each pair to no less than 20 hours a week of court showdown, evaluating them based on performance and construction.
- In our lab, we cut tennis shoes in half and even into pieces. This is essential in revealing all the materials and units, as well as in measuring 20+ features of the shoe.
The top, unparalleled contenders are included in our A-list recommendations.
Best ASICS tennis shoes overall
What makes it the best?
ASICS Court FF 3 proves itself as the most distinctive tennis shoe from ASICS. Our feet are always in their peak condition while on a game, thanks to its extra supportive construction and resilient traction.
We corroborated the shoe’s grip not only in our actual play of tennis but also in our lab-conducted outsole hardness test. With a hardness of 85.3 HC, which is slightly softer than the average by 2.2%, the outsole rendered us confidence and control in sliding and stopping anytime in the court.
The overall construction of the ASICS Court FF 3 provided us with stabilizing reinforcements. The sturdy framework of the shoe is evinced in our torsional rigidity assessment, in which the shoe demanded a significant amount of strength to be twisted, therefore getting a 5/5 rating. We also avoided unsteadiness and heel slips, thanks to the very securing heel counter of the shoe, which scored a 4/5 in rigidness during our manual test.
However, this shoe isn’t our best bet in terms of weight. Although it didn’t drag us down, it’s still quite heavy at 14.32 oz (406g). This is 10.9% heavier than the average. We suggest checking out other lighter pairs if an airy sensation is what you wish for.
Pros
- Top-notch abrasion resistance
- Excellent impact protection in the heel
- Responsive and propelling cushioning
- Unmatched foot containment
- Exceptionally stable platform
- Fantastic grip and sliding
- Very comfortable in-shoe feel
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not for wide feet
- High price
ASICS tennis shoes with the best stability
What makes it the best?
Delivering the utmost stability in our matches among ASICS tennis shoes is the Gel Resolution 9. Its supportive nature instills confidence and control with each shifting movement, complemented by a cushioned base for gentle landings. On top of this, its solid construction allows us to play with minimum worries and maximum potential!
Gel Resolution 9 handled our most aggressive lateral movements so gracefully that we can’t imagine losing balance. Our lab reveals its foot containment is so secure from all directions: from the rigid heel to the shoe's exoskeleton called DYNAWALL. Further enhancing our control over sudden pivots, slides, and stops is the herringbone pattern of the grippy outsole.
This ASICS shoe balances cushioning through the 32.5 mm heel with ground connection through the 21.6 mm forefoot. To amplify the shoe’s responsiveness, two Gel pods are placed under the ball of the foot and the heel. We didn’t have to think twice when chasing the ball because we felt very supported.
Despite constant toe-dragging in playtests, the upper and outsole remained intact. The toebox and AHAR rubber resisted abrasion exceptionally well against our Dremel, earning a perfect 5/5 rating and exhibiting 42.9% less damage than average, respectively.
However, the unmatched stability sacrifices some weight and agility. Those who prefer to be quick on their feet should look for lighter options.
Pros
- Immensely stable and supportive
- Highly secure foothold
- Unbeatable durability
- Amazing impact protection and responsiveness
- Incredible in-shoe comfort
- Provides arch support
- Excellent grip but can slide as well
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- A little break-in needed
Best ASICS tennis shoes for speed
What makes it the best?
The Solution Speed FF 3 stands out as the ultimate choice for speed on the court, allowing us to cover more ground than any other ASICS tennis shoe. Its exceptional traction, durability, and stability boost our confidence, enabling agile movements while maintaining our grace under pressure during the game.
Thanks to the Solution Speed FF 3's outstanding grip and lightweight design, we efficiently retrieve shots and counterattack on the court. Its reliable traction ensures safety during rapid direction changes, enabling quick stops and micro-adjustments. Plus, its sleek design enhances agility. Weighing just 10.9 oz (309g), it's 15.1% lighter than average, keeping us nimble throughout the game.
Other than its grip, the shoe’s balanced yet responsive cushioning and stiffness in the right areas allow us to move with confidence. No second-guessing, we maintained our assertiveness during sudden movements without the midsole being too rigid. We discovered that the Speedtruss technology of the shoe kept us stable from ankle twists but allowed us to bend with ease. Our flex test confirms its loose build, emerging 14.6% more adaptive than average.
Overall, the shoe demonstrated exceptional resistance to abrasion. After our Dremel test, there were minimal signs of damage on the toebox, heel, and outsole, highlighting its durability and longevity.
Unfortunately, the forefoot runs narrower than average, making the shoe unsuitable for those with wide feet.
Pros
- One of the lightest tennis shoes on the market
- Fantastic wear resistance and durability
- Exceptionally breathable for a tennis shoe
- Grounded platform with a great court feel
- Shank adds propulsion and facilitates speed
- Rockered heel makes transitions faster and smoother
- Solid stability for a speed-oriented shoe
- Perfect grip with enough give
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not very stable for baseline players
Best ASICS tennis shoes for clay court
What makes it the best?
The ASICS tennis shoes that we ultimately recommend for clay court players is the ASICS Gel Resolution 9 Clay. Whether we’re forcefully pushing forward, suddenly stopping, or quickly changing our direction, we never experienced slipping and falling with this tennis shoe. Even a hint of instability didn’t arise, so there’s no question about the precision of our movements inside the clay court.
With Gel Resolution 9 Clay’s herringbone pattern, no wonder we remained surefooted despite lateral movements. We investigated further in our lab and found that its outsole is 88.5 HC hard, which is 3.5% firmer than average. On our clay court games, this translated to superior grip and durability. We confirmed the outsole’s durability using our Dremel, as it only caused a 0.8 mm indentation on the area, which is not only around the average but is also impressive given our tool’s abrasiveness.
Even improving our stance and stability is the wide base of the shoe. It spanned to 109.3 mm in the forefoot and 89.2 mm in the heel. Although the forefoot is 2.4% narrower than that of most tennis shoes, and the heel is average, we found these platform widths more than enough as we felt exceptionally stable on the court. The downside is that ASICS Gel Resolution 9 Clay costs $150, 14% more than other tennis shoes. Unless you don’t mind, we recommend choosing a more affordable pair.
Pros
- One of the most durable tennis shoes
- Unbeatable support and stability
- Highly secure foot lockdown
- Not so heavy given the construction
- Fantastic impact protection
- Very fun and responsive cushioning
- Amazing in-shoe comfort
- A fine balance of stiffness and flexibility
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Needs breaking in
Best ASICS tennis shoes for beginners
What makes it the best?
Gel Challenger 14 is our best bet among ASICS tennis shoes for beginners. It delivers a comfortable and stable ride, ensuring our footwork is controlled to boost our confidence. At a non-intimidating $100 price, it’s 24.2% cheaper than average and doesn’t compromise premium features such as outsole durability.
Gel Challenger 14 boasts outstanding shock absorption, handling our hard landings and aggressiveness on court gracefully. We discovered a near-average 30.4/20.8 mm stack that balances cushioning and ground feel well, with a firm 31.3 HA composition resulting in stable landings and powerful take-offs. A GEL unit is also embedded in the heel to soften the impact.
Our arches and ankles feel very much supported with the DYNAWING stability system establishing a pleasantly firm foothold in the midfoot area. In our manual assessment, we found it highly resistant to twists, earning a 5/5 torsional rigidity score. The support ends near the forefoot, which strategically allows us to bend freely. As our flex test confirms, Gel Challenger 14 is 22.9% more adaptive than average.
The robust outsole provides impressive traction and braking power, allowing for controlled slides when needed. Constructed with AHAR PLUS rubber measuring 86.5 HC, it exhibits exceptional toughness by showing minimal damage in our rigorous Dremel test. However, while the outsole proved resilient, the toebox suffered considerable damage during testing. Therefore, we suggest toe-draggers to explore more protective options.
Pros
- Excellent stability and arch support
- Super hard-wearing outsole
- Grip of a top-tier tennis shoe
- Light for a stability-oriented shoe
- Lots of impact protection
- Plush and cushy in-shoe feel
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Upper is not so abrasion-resistant
Best lightweight ASICS tennis shoes
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Game 9 is a very affordable shoe that’s gentle yet supportive. Its simple and flexible construction makes moving feel so effortless and our lab tests confirm it’s our best lightweight ASICS tennis shoe. For only $90, it’s a mind-blowing 33.8% cheaper than average!
Chasing the ball feels effortless since it becomes a part of us once the game starts. Our scales reveal it’s one of the lightest tennis shoes in our lab at 10.8 oz (306g), 15.0% below average.
The shoe moves in rhythm with our feet, like its second skin, because it flows easily with us. Our bend test shows it’s 32.2% more flexible than average, allowing us to move with speed and precision.
In the midfoot, we found the TRUSSTIC shank that stiffens the shoe, evidenced by its 4/5 torsional rigidity rating in our manual assessment. At this level, it takes a lot of effort to twist the shoe, which helps keep our footing centered and balanced even while performing explosive lateral movements.
Unfortunately, Gel Game 9 will disappoint players seeking for the Gel cushioning, or even lots of cushioning for that matter. This shoe is more focused on court feel and weight, so those seeking for lots of impact protection should look for alternatives.
Pros
- One of the lightest tennis shoes
- Highly flexible forefoot
- Fantastic lateral support for a budget shoe
- Secure heel and midfoot lockdown
- Comfortably padded in-shoe feel
- Fits as expected
- Good grip on hard court
Cons
- Very minimal cushioning (no Gel found)
- Not breathable
- Subpar durability
Best budget ASICS tennis shoes
What makes it the best?
The best budget ASICS tennis shoe we have worn and tested so far is the ASICS Gel Dedicate 8. This pair proved that we didn’t have to spend a lot to treat our feet while swinging and smashing inside the court. At only $80, 39.2% lower than the cost of other tennis shoes, Gel Delicate 8 stood out in stable yet unconstrained maneuvers.
We subjected ASICS Gel Dedicate 8 to manual tests of stiffness and after shifting our weight while donning the pair and twisting the shoe with our hands, we rated its torsional rigidity a 4/5. This resulted in unwavering steadiness and control even during shuffles and rapid movements.
Even though the ASICS Gel Dedicate 8 reinforced our feet during lateral movements, it didn’t sacrifice flexibility. In fact, when we bent it using our digital force gauge, it yielded 12.5% easier than other tennis shoes while only exerting 26.6N of force.
For its cheap price, our expectations for its quality were low. We were proven correct by our Dremel test, as the toebox and heel padding were quickly damaged by our tool, deserving durability scores of 1/5 and 2/5. Invest in tennis shoes with higher quality if you prioritize long-lastingness.
Pros
- Among the cheapest you can get
- Highly breathable upper
- Decent outsole durability for the price
- Much lighter than average
- Sufficient impact protection
- Surprisingly stable platform
- Flexible in the forefoot
- Good enough grip and give
- Well-padded interiors
Cons
- Very frail upper materials
- Lacking support in the upper
Since its beginning in 1949, Asics has been a market leader in sports shoes of all varieties, and recently they have become a significant player in the world of tennis. And if you’ve seen and worn their shoes, you’ll already know their reputation comes with good reason.
Asics tennis shoes are known for their comfort, stability, and durability and are a favorite for tennis players worldwide. Aside from big names like American Jennifer Brady and Frenchman Gaël Monfils, perhaps the world's greatest tennis player - Novak Djokovic - is an Asics athlete.
So what is it that this Japanese brand gets so right? Why do tennis players around the world prefer Asics ahead of all other brands available? What makes them so comfortable? In this article, we explore everything there is to know about what goes into Asics tennis shoes and help you find the best Asics tennis shoe for you.
The Novak Djokovic factor
Considered one of the best tennis players certainly of the modern era, but perhaps also of modern times, the fact that Novak Djokovic now wears Asics shoes on the court has been a huge bonus for the tennis arm of the company.
But it’s not just the brand that has benefitted from this sponsorship deal; club players who choose to wear Asics as their preferred tennis shoe now have a sense of validation. Previously Asics was primarily known only for running and athletics, but now it’s highly regarded within tennis circles too.
Let’s not pretend for a moment that Djokovic isn’t paid to wear Asics. Of course, he is and has been since the 2018 Australian Open (prior to which he was endorsing Adidas shoes). But as one of the best sportsmen in the world, he wouldn’t choose to wear and endorse a brand that he thought didn’t help him.
Novak Djokovic generally wears a version of the Asics Court FF 3 shoes on most court surfaces; on the clay court, he wears Asics Clay Court FF2 shoes and is also seen wearing the Asics Gel-Resolution Novak which is his signature tennis shoe.
Which one is right for you: Solution Speed vs. Court FF vs. Gel-Resolution
These three models are easily the most popular offerings in the Asics tennis lineup, but what really is the difference between them, and if you were to pick just one, which would it be? Here’s a summary chart to make it easy to understand:
|
ASPECT |
SOLUTION SPEED |
GEL RESOLUTION |
COURT FF |
|
One word summary |
Lightweight |
Sturdy |
Premium |
|
Suit court type |
All surfaces |
Hard court |
All surfaces |
|
Suit player type |
Attacking speedster |
Powerful baseliner |
All-rounder |
|
Interesting feature |
Flexion Fit |
Trusstic System |
FlyteFoam |
|
Feel |
Very light |
Heavy |
Medium |
|
Lateral support |
Medium |
Strong |
Medium |
|
Aesthetics |
Modern |
Traditional |
Stylish |
|
Colorways |
Various |
Limited |
Wide range |
Asics technology that smashes the competition
Asics don’t just design shoes to look good or market them to be popular, they rely on science - with their very own Asics Institute of Sport Science - to innovate and push their products ahead of the competition. Here are some popular examples:
Asics Gel cushions your bounce
Asics Gel is something you’re bound to come across when browsing tennis shoes. Many models within the Asics tennis range come with this cushioning technology, which is designed to influence both the rearfoot and forefoot on the court.
The rearfoot gel tech reduces impact during heel strike, ensuring a smooth transition, while the forefoot gel excels at shock absorption during forward motion. Asics uses a varied construction of gel complemented with layers of soft foam for improved cushioning and comfort.
The technology behind Asics Gel
Created from inert polymers and converted into silicone, Asics Gel's properties are created in labs before being injected into their shoes, resulting in an end product that eases stresses on the body, which is very beneficial during sports like tennis. Every iteration of Asics' gel technology is designed to enhance cushioning and boost performance.
Three benefits of Asics Gel for tennis players:
- Improved comfort during long matches, and
- Excellent stability and on-court control, and
- Encourages an organic running style so you can focus on your tennis shots.
Asics FlyteFoam is impressively light
Asics FlyteFoam is a very lightweight cushioning foam that is usually found on speed-oriented tennis shoes. The foam is combined with high-energy elastomers for increased bounce and toe-off efficiency in each stride.
What FlyteFoam feels like
Players will often refer to FlyteFoam technology as offering an extra spring in your step, most commonly experienced during bounce and push-off which becomes important for fast tennis-specific movements like jumping for the smash shot or sprinting for the corner ball.
Why you might enjoy shoes with FlyteFoam
Benefits include reduced weight for easier movement around the court, energy return for added spring, and enhanced stride power for improved propulsion.
Asics Dynawrap keeps your feet secure
The Asics Dynawrap is a small but clever detail Asics have rolled out into their tennis-specific ranges. It looks like a ribbon at the bottom of the laces and essentially controls the placement of the forefoot in the shoe and how tight you want it locked down. This allows you to experience a locked-in feel which is great when you're making quick transitions.
Why you should experiment with Dynawrap
The Dynawrap system is something you can experiment with over time and in different circumstances; for example, you may want it to be tightened up during a particularly intense match or loosened off in hot weather to allow for natural expansion.
Asics Dynawall optimizes stability around the court
The Asics Dynawall system refers to a responsive section of rubber within the shoe which is meant to improve lateral stability.
It sits under the midfoot and uses a solid piece of TPU that acts as a brace so that when a player hits the brakes to change direction, the upper part of the shoe stays over the midsole, preventing the chance of slippage or rolling an ankle. It's a functional feature that's effective when you're covering both sides of the baseline.
Asics Guidance Trusstic avoids unwanted twists
The Asics Guidance Trusstic is a fancy term for an innovative section of the shoe for stability that sits at the middle part of the sole to prevent the shoe from twisting. It’s well known that the shoe twists as the foot moves in various directions, particularly with agile movements seen during a tennis match. Excessive twisting of the shoe hinders stable movement.
To put it simply, when a player lands on their feet the Trusstic system suppresses the inward twist. On the other hand, before toe-off a player will naturally want to outwardly twist their shoe to maximize their jump power, and the Trusstic system allows this twisting action.
Maximize durability with Asics AHAR
AHAR (“Asics High Abrasion Rubber'') has been designed to improve the durability of shoes while maintaining necessary functions including grip. It’s been implemented on specific areas of the shoe that are typically more prone to wear and tear, to help avoid that dreaded “my shoes are wearing out already” feeling.
AHAR actually uses a rubber material that is also used for car tires as the main material for the outer sole, and mixes it with a reinforcing material. A prolonged shoe life is definitely a good thing!
Tournament-approved comfort and support via Flexion Fit
The Asics Flexion Fit system is engineered to make the shoe more comfortable through a form-fitting upper. This proprietary technology is designed to provide superior support and respond to your every move. As a result, tennis players can expect a shoe that keeps up with their quick cuts and explosive movements. An excellent feature for a competitive player.
Two big Asics tennis trends of the future
Not one to be left behind, Asics is making fast-moving steps into the future of tennis shoes. So what can we expect? Here are my predictions:
- Focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials: As consumers become more and more conscious of the products they purchase, so too do manufacturers. Expect to see Asics pursuing a more planet-friendly approach accordingly.
- Additional technology Innovations: Just when we thought technology couldn’t get any better, there are always scientists working in the background to find something, somewhere for their athletes. With the biomechanics busily working behind the scenes in the Asics Institute of Sport Science with their professional tennis players, expect to see scientific principles to be the driving force behind new developments in materials, structure, and fit.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name ‘Asics’ mean?
The company's name is based on an acronym of the Latin expression - which Asics considers their founding philosophy - ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ (translation: ‘a sound mind in a sound body’).
Interestingly, Asics actually originally started under the name ‘Onitsuka’ (after the founder, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka) in 1949 before a series of business restructures found them with their new ‘Asics’ name twenty-eight years later, in 1977.
Can I wear Asics running shoes when I play tennis?
Yes, regular running shoes are a satisfactory shoe to wear if you’re new to tennis or just like having the occasional play. However, you will benefit from tennis-specific shoes the more you play, which becomes a wise investment the more court time you get.
What is so special about Asics tennis shoes?
Talk to anyone at your local tennis club about shoe choices and Asics is a brand that is sure to stand out. This likely comes down to what goes into the shoe itself: a blend of technology combined with an athlete-centric design. From gel cushioning for shock absorption to their ultra-lightweight FlyteFoam, it’s easy to see why they’re popular.
What are the downsides of Asics shoes?
As nice as Asics tennis shoes are, they do come with a couple of potential downsides. First, their strong name and the influence that scientific research has on their products can lead to a higher price point compared to some other comparative brands, which might make Asics unsuitable for budget-conscious buyers.
Additionally, certain models might require a break-in period to combat their performance-oriented design, meaning the shoes could feel somewhat uncomfortable until they adapt to the foot.
Are Asics tennis shoes recommended by podiatrists?
Yes, Asics makes biomechanically sound products and for this reason, is highly regarded by podiatrists. Don’t be surprised if your podiatrist recommends this brand to you.
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