Black Friday - best deals from 51 stores 4 Best Cheap Tennis Shoes in 2024
Playing tennis doesn't have to be super expensive. Thanks to cheap tennis shoes that are ready to keep up with our pace. Cheap doesn't always mean haphazard. You'd be surprised that some cheap tennis shoes are equipped for match days.
We tagged all tennis shoes costing $110 and below as cheap finds. We put them through vigorous testing, both on the court and in our lab, where we cut them in half and, later, into little pieces. This allowed us to examine and measure every little detail.
Whether you're a budget-conscious beginner, a recreational player, or a tennis pro, you'll easily find the most affordable footgear that we have tested here.
How we test tennis shoes
- Buying the shoes is the first step. When we say we buy the shoes, we really invest in them using our own funds. We do not rely on anyone as we want to remain nonpartisan.
- We do multiple playtests on each pair of shoes for a minimum of 4 hours a day for two weeks, mindful of vital parameters like stability, cushioning, traction, durability, flexibility, fit, weight, and so on.
- We are nerdy about scores and quantities because we want to put more weight on the characteristics of the shoes. So we test them in our lab, measure various aspects, and compare the values to the mean. We also bring our saw machine to work by cutting the shoes open, revealing all their parts.
Important: As our pages are ads-free, our selection process for the "top picks" isn't influenced by advertisements. We bought every pair of tennis shoes that we subject to a rigorous wear test. None of these came free from our affiliate retailers or were given by the brands.
Best cheap tennis shoes overall
What makes it the best?
For only $100, ASICS Gel Challenger 14 delivers premium features such as comfort, exceptional stability, and a reliable outsole that’s both grippy and long-lasting. Compared to the $132 average tennis shoe, every cent is worth it because it brings us to the top of our game, making it our number one budget-friendly shoe. Plus, it’s the perfect shoe for dipping one’s toes in the sport.
Light in the pocket and on foot, our scales reveal an airy 12.5 oz (354g) build. Despite its pronounced stability features, it offers a nimble feel, even lighter than the 12.8 oz (364g) average tennis shoe. The DYNAWING stability system provides a firm foothold in the ankle and midfoot area, yet strategically allows the forefoot to bend effortlessly. Our flex test confirms it's 22.9% more flexible than average.
The cushioning seamlessly blends comfort and court connection well. Its average stack height and 31.3 HA composition, feel well-balanced and provides responsiveness during takeoffs.
We effortlessly shifted directions, braked, and slid through the court with the robust outsole. Its strong adhesive power enhances our control over micro-adjustments in footwork. Our durometer reading of 86.5 HC proves the rubber’s toughness, further supported by its minimal damage against our Dremel.
Regrettably, the upper doesn’t match the outsole and showed heavy damage after testing. Those who drag their toes are better off with more protective uppers.
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
- More flexible than average
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Upper is not so abrasion-resistant
Cheap tennis shoes with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
Sweeping the comfort category of cheap tennis shoes is the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2. The irony lies in the fact that it packed so much cushioning for us but it feels incredibly light. The paradox continues, as it is overwhelmingly delightful on foot but unbelievably easy on the wallet at $110. Compared to the usual price of tennis shoes, we saved 13%!
It isn’t only that the midsole graced our feet with superb stepping comfort but it also hindered any possible harm that may come from our violent landings. The good news is we didn’t feel like there was any heaviness from the midsole pulling us down, making our games even more amusing.
If there is one thing that we discovered could be better in the Hypercourt Express 2, it is its fit which is more on the wide side. We found that this shoe might not be the best bet for players with slim feet. If you are one of them, we suggest seeking snugger tennis pairs.
Pros
- Light and nimble on the feet
- Mind-blowing durability for the price
- Well-balanced soft cushioning
- Wide and stable platform for a speed shoe
- Excellent grip and give
- Amazing in-shoe comfort
- Ideal for wide feet
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not for narrow feet
Best cheap lightweight tennis shoes
What makes it the best?
Easy on the feet and on the wallet, the NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 emerged as our best lightweight cheap tennis shoe. We enjoyed its breathable upper and well-balanced stack, while the resilience it showed in our lab blew us away since it’s only $85!
The shoe melted away as soon as we started playing. Our scales confirm it’s only 11.9 oz (336g), 7.7% lighter than average, mostly attributed to its average 30.7/19.2 mm stack, yet we felt comfortable and protected enough from impact.
Our toes felt the breeze even during the most heated sessions, as our body heat escaped and air flowed in freely through the porous mesh upper. Our lab confirms its breathability with a 4/5 rating in our smoke test. Thankfully, the shoe includes a toe guard that effectively prevents damage during toe drags, receiving a remarkable 4/5 durability rating in our abrasion test!
The NikeCourt Vapor Lite 2 continues to make our jaws drop as its outsole displays exceptional resistance against our Dremel, shedding only 0.3 mm vs. the 0.8 mm average. We understood why as soon as we pushed our durometer against the rubber: it's one of the toughest tennis outsoles we’ve tested at 90.0 HC.
The shoe has a streamlined build that contributes to its lightness, particularly in the toebox area. However, this may feel constricting to players with wide feet.
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- Outstanding rubber durability for the price
- Lighter than average
- Nice breathability
- Sufficient stability for beginner players
- Good impact protection
- Well-padded interiors
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Short laces
Most affordable tennis shoes
What makes it the most affordable?
The ASICS Gel Dedicate is unsurpassable as the most affordable yet great tennis shoe that we have ever played inside the court and tested inside our lab. We’d never guessed that it is only $80 and 39.2% cheaper than most tennis shoes because of the shoe’s stellar on-court performance. Talk about an excellent bargain!
We found that sweat stood no chance when the ASICS Gel Dedicate 8 was on our feet even during long rallies. We looked into this in our lab by injecting smoke inside the shoe and observing the volume that exits. With a significant volume of smoke that emerged from the upper, we awarded the shoe a breathability score of 4/5.
Executing bold movements with this tennis shoe is also a breeze, thanks to its incredible traction. Using our durometer, we measured the outsole’s hardness to be 86 HC, which is almost as hard as most of the tennis shoes that we tested. This equated to a great gripping action inside the court.
However, ASICS Gel Dedicate 8’s quality failed to impress us. We pressed our Dremel to its upper and heel padding and it resulted in a nightmare, durability-wise, earning 1/5 and 2/5 ratings, respectively. Due to this, we recommend looking for more hardwearing pairs if you wish for robustness.
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
When it comes to hitting the tennis court without breaking the bank, finding the best cheap tennis shoes can be a real game changer. Whether you’re a casual player or a budding tennis enthusiast, the right pair of budget-friendly tennis shoes can allow you to enjoy your time on the court knowing that your wallet is as happy as you are.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what the world of affordable tennis shoes looks like and what offerings the manufacturers can serve up. By the end, you should be ready to smash your competition with a pair of tennis shoes that are not only cost-effective but also ace your needs.
Not just tennis but pickleball and more
This guide might be specific for tennis shoes, but players of other similar sports will benefit from it too. From the rapidly evolving pickleball to handball and badminton, these tennis shoes are versatile enough for many different activities.
7 reasons why there’s no shame in cheap tennis shoes
There’s no shame in seeking out cheap tennis shoes. Everyone is in a different situation and needs and priorities are subject to circumstance. Consider:
- Budget constraints: Tight budgets mean keeping expenses down but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop living life. Affordable tennis shoes allow you to enjoy court time without worrying about your bank accounts.
- Occasional or light play: Not everyone plays tennis all day every day - I know, hard to believe right? If you don’t play very frequently then it’s hard to invest in expensive tennis shoes, and often a cheaper option is more than adequate.
- Beginners: People who are just starting out with tennis may not wish to spend too much money on an activity they’re not quite sure about yet. With racquets, club fees and court hire, shoes can be an extra unwanted expense, so a pair of cheapies allow them to test the water… well, grass as the case may be.
- Growth spurts: Junior tennis players, and teenagers in particular, are susceptible to growth spurts so it’s fair that budget-savvy parents don’t want to pay a premium for tennis shoes. It’s much better investing elsewhere to help your child’s journey, such as a coach, before committing to more expensive shoes that barely get worn in before they get a chance to be worn out.
- Backup: Having a spare set of tennis shoes is a good idea to keep in your kit bag, in case your preferred get damaged or wet. A backup pair will need to meet minimum requirements, but if you intend to wear them infrequently it’s fair that you don’t see the value in investment.
- Experiment: Not sure which tennis shoes suit you or why? Experimenting with a cheaper version of the model that takes your fancy isn’t a silly idea, it allows you to ‘try before you buy’, so to speak.
- More than just tennis: If you’re the type of person who enjoys sports of all sorts, tennis might just be another activity on your busy schedule. That being the case, a pair of inexpensive tennis shoes might also be suitable for other activities, as opposed to premium tennis shoes which are really best left for the court.
Don’t compromise on comfort
In the pursuit of affordable tennis shoes it’s likely you’re already aware you’ll need to be willing to compromise on something along the way. And if there’s one thing you must not compromise on, it’s comfort.
Imagine spending hours upon hours on the court, chasing the ball left and right, to the baseline and back to the net all day only to be let down by some uncomfortable shoes. No thanks. Take it from us, it’s ok to skimp on the dollars and pursue a bargain, but whatever you do don’t skimp on comfort - you’ll be paying the price quickly!
Big tennis brand name bargains
It might seem somewhat counter-intuitive that the big brands are even up for consideration in an article focused on cheap tennis shoes, but fortunately all of the big brands realize that there is a market for budget-conscious customers. Great news, it means not only are the big brands a consideration they are a very real contender. So if it’s a big brand name bargain you’re looking for, consider these brands:
Asics
Asics is a brand most people will think of as being high-performance and expensive athletic footwear. However, they have recognized the need to appeal to sports enthusiasts of all budgets too. That’s why Asics is not just the brand seen on Novak Djokovic’s feet, it’s now an extremely popular choice amongst tennis players of all abilities. Look for their Gel technology to help soften the shock which tennis players experience so much of.
Adidas
One of the biggest brands in the sporting world, Adidas has a history of offering good value tennis shoes without being too expensive. They serve players of all varieties, including men and women, boys and girls - which is excellent news if you’re in a tennis family. Aesthetically, many of Adidas offerings are a classic look which is similar across the board, regardless of price. This makes them a definite consideration if ‘fake it til you make it’ is in your on-court repertoire. Afterall, none of us want to look cheap, even if we are.
New Balance
A well respected brand in the athletic footwear field, New Balance is known for its quality and comfort. Fortunately for us they’ve retained those standards in their lower-priced tennis shoes, allowing you to take advantage of the brand’s commitment to upholding their reputation. The lineup is often suitable for a range of activities, not just limited to tennis, which makes them a worthy candidate for someone seeking additional value in their shoe-purchases.
Nike
A global sensation, Nike offers a wide range of tennis shoes suitable for all budgets. Their iconic Swoosh logo means you can enjoy the style and flair that the brand is famous for without it costing you an arm and a leg. With styles suitable for all members of the family, Nike is always a good contender when researching the best tennis shoes on a budget. Additionally, many of their cheaper options are great choices for general streetwear meaning you can maximize your bang for buck - two activities for the price of one.
Materials on a budget
Cheap shoes are unlikely to be fitted out with the premium materials that their more expensive counterparts might enjoy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t viable options available.
- Synthetic uppers are most commonly found on inexpensive tennis shoes but the good news is that technology has allowed this fabric to thrive and they are now considered a comfortable and reliable option.
- Rubber outsoles are standard on tennis shoes, but you might find cheaper shoes don’t quite have the longevity or grip compared to the more premium options.
- Basic EVA midsoles are an easy choice for a shoe manufacturer trying to cut costs, especially as most consumers overlook them early in the research and buying phase. Compared to their pricier alternatives they either won’t have the cushioning from the start, or if they do they will compress quickly. Be cautious of this if you experience foot pain or require extra support.
- Stitching is obviously an important detail in shoes, but some budget models may choose to use weak or cheap stitching that won’t last very long.
Buy (too) cheap, buy twice
Take the time to really consider the materials used in your next pair of tennis shoes, especially if you are looking for good value. Low cost shoes might mean you need to sacrifice some aspects but try to strike the balance between affordable and decent quality. Don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap pair of shoes only to discover they didn’t last very long, therefore forcing you to buy another pair when you could have bought a good pair at the start for the same money.
The traction trade-off
Traction is an important feature of most tennis shoes, something that nearly all players will consider as it directly impacts their on-court performance. Cheaper tennis shoes may not see the same advanced technology that high-performance tennis shoes may offer, but you should be able to find something still which offers reasonable grip and stability on the court.
Simple outsoles
Simple patterns on the outside of budget-friendly tennis shoes are common. Basic herringbone patterns look great to the untrained eye because they look so similar to the pattern on higher end models. But that’s somewhat of a marketing ploy - players will notice a big difference between a simple outsole with a herringbone pattern versus a well thought out outsole with deep treads, which also happens to have a herringbone pattern.
Cushy but affordable confidence
Cushioning is important for tennis players to provide comfort and support, especially when court time is more than just a quick hit. While it’s true that some cheaper tennis shoes will not offer the same level of cushioning as their more expensive rivals, there are some features offered that you can look for.
Some of the best known shoe cushioning technologies for tennis include Gel by Asics, Air Zoom by Nike, and Boost by Adidas. If you can find a pair of shoes with those features within your budget, that’s a great place to start.
Acing the color choice
White shoes are about as synonymous with tennis as one could possibly imagine. For shoppers on a budget, white is most commonly the primary color consideration - anything else might be considered a risk. A risk that the local club courts won’t accept colorful shoes as due to their strict attire requirements, or a risk that even if they did your non-white shoes might not work well with the rest of your outfit.
You may also wish to consider a relatively plain black pair, which is seemingly particularly popular amongst the pickleball playing community.
Striking the perfect balance between price vs value
Tennis is an equipment based sport and nearly every player will have at some stage asked themselves the age-old question: how do you strike the perfect balance between affordability and quality?
Ultimately, the choice between affordability and quality in tennis shoes comes down to your individual circumstances and priorities. While budget constraints may lead you toward cheaper, more affordable options, remember that there's value in investing in your game, even if it means stretching your budget slightly.
The bottom line
What matters most is that you're comfortable, supported, and confident on the court. After all, tennis is about enjoying the game and having fun on the court, regardless of the shoes you wear.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code for casual tennis?
There are no rules about what to wear when playing tennis recreationally at a park or on a public court. Some clubs or private courts may enforce rules such as ‘all white’ clothing or ‘clay-court only shoes’ (if they have clay courts), and it’s worth checking with them prior to outlying your cash on any new equipment purchases.
Do I really need tennis shoes?
Fair question, especially if you're on a strict budget. But remember, while tennis shoes are built a bit more stronger to account for the fast and sharp on-court movements than regular sneakers, they can also be worn during day-to-day activities including walking the dog, a morning at the shops or picking up the kids at the afternoon school run. You can get great value out of a good pair of tennis shoes, not just with a racquet in hand.
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