5 Best Tennis Shoes With High Shock Absorption in 2026

How we test tennis shoes with high shock absorption

We follow a standardised ASTM F1976 protocol to measure the shock-absorbing capacity of all tennis shoes in our lab. Widely used by labs and universities, it is one of the most acclaimed tests to date.

Cutting away the upper, we mark the areas of impact on both the heel and the forefoot (12% and 75% of the shoe length, respectively). We then fix the shoe inside the machine and drop an 8.5kg mass from a 50 mm height with a 2-second interval. The drop is repeated 30 times: 25 reps to break in the foam and 5 to record the results. The latter are presented as adjusted SA numbers, with higher SA readings indicating better shock absorption.

In addition to this essential test, each tennis shoe undergoes 30+ other tests and measurements, resulting in the most comprehensive, data-driven reviews.

We also purchase each tested pair with our own funds to stay unbiased and independent.

Why is shock absorption so important in tennis shoes

Shock absorption refers to the shoe’s ability to absorb and distribute impact forces, preventing them from being fully transferred to the player’s body. In other words, it’s the shoe’s impact protection.

It differs from energy return, which reflects the amount of energy stored in the shoe’s foam and then released during the toe-off. The higher the shoe’s energy return, the bouncier the ride.

In a high-impact activity like running, the peak ground reaction forces reach 2-2.9 times the body weight per step, but in tennis, these forces can be anywhere from 2 times the body weight (side shuffling) up to 4 times the body weight (hard forehand stop), and even higher (serves and overhead smashes)!

It doesn’t seem like much, but repeat these moves several hundred times a week, and you will understand why so many studies associate frequent repetition of high-impact forces with a higher risk of injury.

Shock absorption becomes increasingly important on hard courts, whose unforgiving nature absorbs roughly 10% less force compared to softer clay and grass courts.

Testing shock absorption and energy return in our lab

It is important to consider shock absorption in both the heel and forefoot of tennis shoes. That’s because the biomechanics of tennis are not as straightforward as those of running, and peak pressure varies depending on the type of movement.

Flat-foot landing, hard plant stops, and deceleration put more initial impact on the heel area, while ball-of-foot landing, lateral cuts, shuffles, and sprints to the net load the forefoot more.

And just because the initial force peak falls on one side of the shoe, it doesn’t mean that the subsequent load doesn’t go to the other side as well. For example, during hard stops, the first braking shock hits the heel, but then the player’s weight shifts forward, and the forefoot also absorbs some of the forces.

Choosing tennis shoes with high shock absorption will benefit both beginner and seasoned tennis players who want to reduce stress on their bones and joints and feel more comfortable on the court.

However, it becomes a MUST for athletes who:

• play tennis 3+ times a week or play long matches, particularly on a hard court
• have a history of injuries, joint pain, or back pain
• heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis (higher heel SA is recommended)
• metatarsalgia, toe joint arthritis, Morton’s neuroma (higher forefoot SA is advised)
• are of a heavier body weight
• are senior players

Stack height and shock absorption in tennis shoes

It is true that a low-stack, minimalist tennis shoe can’t provide much cushioning because it simply lacks the material to do so.

But after measuring stack height and shock absorption in dozens of tennis shoes, we found that an extra millimeter of foam does NOT necessarily translate into more impact protection.

Although some brands can increase shock absorption by adding more foam, the quality of that foam matters a lot as well. More advanced compounds can provide better protection without being overly thick.

Unlike running shoes, tennis footwear can’t afford to pack an unlimited amount of underfoot foam to exponentially increase shock absorption. There can never be a court shoe with a staggering heel stack of 40-50 mm!

Powerful lateral moves and dynamic, nonstop side-to-side shuffles in this court sport make it impossible to exceed the 33-mm heel stack without compromising stability. That’s why the average SA numbers for tennis shoes are also well below those of running shoes.

Does more shock absorption mean a softer midsole?

No, both soft and firm tennis shoe midsoles can provide high shock absorption, according to our extensive data.

As you can see, even midsoles as firm as 30 HA have shown great results in our shock absorption tests.

Are tennis shoes with high shock absorption heavy?

Not necessarily! Our data showed that there is no direct correlation between a shoe’s weight and its ability to protect a player from harsh impacts.

In fact, the weight of shoes with very similar SA readings can still differ by 2-3 ounces!

Price: Do we pay more for high shock absorption?

The quality of cushioning, and consequently shock absorption, is not the factor that influences the retail price of a pair of tennis shoes.

But there is a clear tendency for cheaper shoes to provide less impact protection, given the lack of more advanced cushioning materials and technologies. And yet, tennis shoes with the highest SA readings are not necessarily the most expensive ones either.

Other features to consider in tennis shoes

Undoubtedly, the right amount of shock absorption is essential to staying comfortable and protected on the court. However, other features should also be considered if you want to find a pair of tennis shoes that matches perfectly.

A high level of outsole traction and durability for your court type, a roomier fit for wide feet, a more breathable upper…You can filter shoes by these and other parameters in our tennis shoe catalog.