7 Best ASICS Tennis Shoes in 2025

Brenton Barker
Brenton Barker on
7 Best ASICS Tennis Shoes in 2025

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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. Here is our process:

  • We purchase ASICS shoes with our own funds. 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 a beating on the court, 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
  • Unmatched foot containment
  • Exceptionally stable platform
  • Fantastic grip and sliding
  • Very comfortable in-shoe feel

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Not for wide feet
  • High price
Full review of ASICS Court FF 3

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
  • Solid impact protection
  • Incredible in-shoe comfort
  • Provides arch support
  • Excellent grip but can slide as well

Cons

  • Slightly heavy
  • A little break-in needed
Full review of ASICS Gel Resolution 9

ASICS tennis shoes with the best shock absorption

What makes it the best?

The Solution Speed FF 3 stands out as the ultimate choice for shock absorption on the court, allowing us to cover more ground than any other ASICS tennis shoe without any joint pain. Its exceptional cushioning, traction, and stability boost our confidence, enabling agile movements while maintaining our grace under pressure during the game.

The shoe’s balanced yet responsive cushioning and stiffness in the right areas allow us to move with confidence. With every takeoff, we're welcomed with well-cushioned landings, proven by its high 104 SA or shock absorption score. 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. 

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.

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
  • 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
Full review of Asics Solution Speed FF 3

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
  • Top-tier outsole grip
  • Highly secure foot lockdown
  • Not so heavy given the construction
  • Fantastic impact protection
  • Amazing in-shoe comfort
  • A fine balance of stiffness and flexibility

Cons

  • Not very breathable
  • Needs breaking in
Full review of ASICS Gel Resolution 9 Clay

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
  • Reliable impact protection
  • Plush and cushy in-shoe feel

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Upper is not so abrasion-resistant
Full review of Asics Gel Challenger 14

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
  • Fantastic lateral support for a budget shoe
  • Extra tacky outsole grip
  • Secure heel and midfoot lockdown
  • Comfortably padded in-shoe feel
  • Highly flexible forefoot
  • Fits as expected

Cons

  • Very minimal cushioning (no Gel found)
  • Not breathable
  • Subpar durability
Full review of ASICS Gel Game 9

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 to 30 degrees, it yielded 24.7% easier than other tennis shoes while only exerting 12.2N 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
  • Super strong grip out of the box
  • Decent outsole durability for the price
  • Much lighter than average
  • Sufficient impact protection
  • Surprisingly stable platform
  • Responsive midsole
  • Flexible in the forefoot
  • Well-padded interiors

Cons

  • Very frail upper materials
  • Lacking support in the upper
Full review of ASICS Gel Dedicate 8

Solution Speed FF, Gel Resolution, or Court FF?

The most advanced and technology-packed offerings from ASICS, these three shoe series have earned the favor of many tennis players over the years. The Court FF, in particular, is the signature shoe of Novak Djokovic himself.

choosing the right asics tennis shoe for you

But how do you know which one is right for you? Here is a brief overview:

Solution Speed FF Gel Resolution Court FF
Lightweight and agile Stable and sturdy Premium and versatile
Best for attacking speedsters, all-court players Best for powerful baseliners Best for all-around players

All three shoes are offered in All-Court (AC) and Clay Court (CC) versions, and sometimes also in the Padel variant.

outsole-types-in-best-asics-tennis-shoes.jpg

AC shoes employ thick and sturdy treads for hard courts, Clay shoes feature a classic herringbone pattern to shed dirt and allow sliding on clay, and Padel shoes have a large criss-cross flex groove in the forefoot to accommodate swift rotational moves of padel.

Cushioning in ASICS tennis shoes

With its very own ASICS Institute of Sport Science, the brand innovates and pushes its products ahead of the competition, especially when it comes to cushioning technologies.

But here at RunRepeat, we get to test exactly how cushioned each ASICS shoe is by measuring its shock absorption and energy return.

cushioning in best asics tennis shoes

Shock absorption

Considering the high-impact nature of tennis, your feet, muscles, and joints require a good deal of shock attenuation underfoot. But at the same time, you can't have too much cushioning either, as that would compromise your connection with the court and potentially increase the risk of injury.

Having tested dozens of tennis shoes with the acclaimed ASTM F1976 method, we found that most ASICS shoes meet the sweet spot of shock absorption both in the heel and forefoot.

Choose ASICS shoes with higher SA readings if:

  • you need extra joint protection
  • you have plantar fasciitis
  • you are a heavier player
  • you engage in long matches

Choose ASICS shoes with lower SA readings if:

  • you prefer a more grounded experience
  • you want a super light and agile shoe

Energy return

We also measured the percentage of energy that each ASICS tennis shoe returns after being compressed. In other words, how bouncy of static the shoe feels on the court.

The springiest and most responsive ASICS shoes showed the highest % in this test:

Choose ASICS shoes with a higher ER if you enjoy explosiveness, propulsion, and rapid recovery. Conversely, ASICS shoes with a lower ER will give you a more grounded, stable, and predictable ride.

Stability and support in ASICS tennis shoes

ASICS shoes have repeatedly shown high stability scores in our tests.

In addition to offering a dedicated stability shoe line (the Gel Resolution), the brand also includes stabilizing technologies in many other shoes to keep the foot secure during aggressive lateral movements.

We perform several tests to check every parameter that contributes to the shoe's side-to-side stability and support, including:

Torsional rigidity (how hard it is to twist the shoe on a 1-5 scale).

Heel counter stiffness (how stiff the back of the shoe's upper is on a 1-5 scale).

Midsole width (the widest parts of the shoe's forefoot and heel).

midsole width in best asics tennis shoes

Putting these measurements together, we can determine which ASICS tennis shoes offer the best lateral stability and, consequently, ankle support.

These shoes are particularly beneficial for players with flat feet and overpronation, as well as past ankle injuries.

How durable are tennis shoes from ASICS?

We are happy to report that both expensive and affordable ASICS tennis shoes usually pass our demanding durability tests with flying colors. So if you hope to invest in a lasting pair of court shoes, this is one of the brands you can trust.

To test each ASICS shoe's wear resistance, we apply a Dremel with a sandpaper tip to several high-wear areas of the shoe:

  • Top of the toebox (rated on a 1-5 scale, the higher the better)
  • Inner lining of the heel collar (rated on a 1-5 scale, the higher the better)
  • Outsole rubber in the heel (dent is measured with a tread gauge, the shallower the better)

More advanced ASICS shoes feature significantly better toebox reinforcement, protecting their upper material from aggressive slides and slashes against abrasive courts. This is clearly reflected in our toebox durability results.

toebox-durability-in-best-asics-tennis-shoes.jpg

The shoe's inner lining is often overlooked, but once it develops a hole, it can become pretty bothersome in the ankle area.

heel-padding-durability-in-best-tennis-shoes.jpg

But when it comes to outsole durability, ASICS' proprietary AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) or AHARPLUS compound is unbeatable! Used in most of the brand's tennis shoes, it is either full-length or added in the most high-wear areas of the outsole.

outsole durability in best asics tennis shoes
Can you even see the dent our Dremel drilled in this shoe?!

Insane traction of ASICS tennis shoes

Already familiar with the mighty grip of ASICS running shoes, we were excited to put the brand's tennis shoes to the test.

And they delivered!

Taking each shoe through our traction testing machine, we recorded the coefficient of friction their outsoles generated against a slab of dry concrete. We specifically tested each shoe's forefoot traction, as that's where most of the force goes when you make a sudden stop or change of direction in tennis.

The higher the friction score, the better the grip. And nearly all ASICS tennis shoes showed above-average scores!

Getting the right size and fit in ASICS tennis shoes

If you are about to purchase your very first ASICS shoe and are completely lost about sizing, start by measuring your current foot length as precisely as possible. After that, you will be able to check which ASICS shoe fits you best according to the brand's size chart.

But here is the kicker - not all ASICS tennis shoes fit the same, even in the same size!

That's why we came up with a custom method of measuring each shoe's internal space with the help of gel. Once the mold gets solid in the freezer, we take it out of the shoe and measure the following parameters:

  • The widest part of the shoe (ball of foot area)
  • Toebox width in the big toe area
  • Toebox height

size and fit of best asics tennis shoes

These numbers tell us which ASICS shoes fit as expected for a men's US size 9 (D medium width) and which are slimmer or roomier than that.

Good news: ASICS tennis shoes tend to be consistent with the fit, according to our numerous measurements. Here is an overview:

The Novak Djokovic factor

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.

Considered one of the best tennis players of the modern era, and perhaps also of modern times, the fact that Novak Djokovic 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 benefited 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 FF 2 shoes and is also seen wearing the Asics Gel-Resolution Novak which is his signature tennis shoe.

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, as long as they are firm, stable, and close to the ground.

These running shoes are decent for people who are only testing the waters or enjoy an occasional game. However, you will benefit from tennis-specific shoes the more you play, which becomes a wise investment the more court time you get.

ASICS offers many affordable options which become dirt cheap during sales.

ASICS Court FF 2 Removable insole

Author
Brenton Barker
Brenton Barker
Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience coaching WTA and ATP professional tennis players, whom have won a total of 10 international professional Tournaments. Brenton holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the former Head Tennis Coach at the Japanese Government Sports Science Institute. Brenton was also a former Manager & Head Coach of Australia’s Governing Sporting Body, Tennis Australia, and has been a Dunlop International Advisory Board Member since 2010. Additionally, Brenton was the Head of Player development for World No 7 and two-time Grand Slam Champion Johan Kriek.