Adidas tennis shoes

Adidas has been one of the go-to tennis shoe brands for both pro athletes and beginners for many generations. Like the other leading players in the industry such as Nike, Asics, Babolat, New Balance, and Wilson, Adidas continuously improves its entry-level and high-performance tennis shoe profiles. It puts value on durability, stability, and comfort to help players perform stronger, faster, and better.

This page gives you an overview of the features and technologies typically found in Adidas tennis shoes and how they perform on specific or multi-court surfaces. The goal here is to help you find your next pair of Adidas tennis shoes tailored to how you play.

Why tennis players purchase Adidas tennis shoes?

Tennis shoes from Adidas are among the most preferred match-day and training footwear by both the elite players and the entry-level ones. We have summarized and listed below the strings of reasons why Adidas tennis shoes are among the top picks by players worldwide.

Stability

Since multidirectional movements are common in tennis, brands incorporate midfoot bridges to prevent the foot from twisting towards the wrong angle. Adidas came up with midfoot technologies to keep the rear side of the foot in place, especially when sliding or taking quick cuts. These added features allow the foot to remain stable during lateral movements and landings.

Durability

Adidas offers a six-month durability warranty for some of its specialized tennis shoe lineups. This one-time outsole guarantee means that players are eligible to have their shoe replaced if it sustains a considerable degree of wear in the outsole within six months from the time of purchase.

Other Adidas tennis shoes that don’t fall under the durability warranty umbrella are made with a high-grade rubber compound to resist immediate wear.

Toe reinforcement

Foot dragging during serves and volleys is common among tennis athletes. This frequent movement can damage the tip of the shoe instantly. Adidas took note of this by placing an added layer of protection on the toe bumper and around the forefoot to prevent the shoe from tearing apart too soon.

Comfort

Tennis matches on average run from three to five hours, while the typical duration of pro games are from one hour to one and a half hours. Pushing for scores can put tons of challenge and impact on the foot, thus having cushioned underfoot pads becomes essential.

Elastic and shock-absorbing ones are found in Adidas tennis shoes to help the players take flight towards the next shot or land gracefully after leaping to hit the ball. Some Adidas court shoes have moisture-wicking pads to keep the foot dry and fresh even during long and heated matches.

Breathability

Practice sessions and long matches can make the foot sweaty. Adidas uses upper materials like mesh in varying gauges to help promote airflow in and out of the shoe. It also equips some of their footgear with moisture-wicking sockliners to allow sweat to evaporate.

Adidas tennis shoes based on court surfaces

Before picking your next pair of Adidas tennis shoes, you need to understand that the composition of footgear for clay, grass, carpet, and hard court differ among each other. It is best to get tennis shoes that specifically cater to the surface type you’re most comfortable playing on.

Adidas optimizes the design, materials, and technologies of its tennis footgear based on the characteristics of the said playing surfaces. Their tennis shoes are categorized into hard court (HC), clay court, all-court, and carpet court. Below are the typical attributes of these court layouts and the notable features of Adidas tennis shoes designed for them.

Hard Court tennis shoes

Hard courts are technically quicker to play on versus the softer clay courts. However, it is more challenging to propel fast on this type of ground than on grass or lawn. This rigid court surface tends to put a lot of toll on hard court tennis shoes; thus, Adidas trainers for hard court are generally designed with the following:

• hard-wearing, non-marking outsoles that can handle the demands of rigid court surfaces
• reinforced uppers that can endure the abrasive concrete surface
• cushioned midsole that helps absorb impact since the concrete court can cause strain to the foot and legs

Clay Court tennis shoes

Unlike grass and hard courts, clay courts tend to decelerate the ball and produce a high bounce. Despite such ball trajectory, this type of court tends to slow down the game while requiring players to move with better agility.

Clay courts favor the baseline players who have the best chance to react quickly towards the arriving ball. Since those who play at the farthest end of the court tend to make lateral movements, tennis shoes for this type of soft court should be able to provide stability. Below are the typical components found in Adidas clay court shoes:

• stable midfoot support that prevents the ankles from rolling inward
• toughened medial and lateral sides to delay damage to the footwear when sliding for a shot
• close-fitting upper that offers a lockdown feel and prevents the foot from sliding inside
• non-marking outsoles that don’t keep dirt in the grooves and grant excellent grip on dusty clay

All-Court tennis shoes

Beginners who want to get a feel of the different court setups may opt for all-around tennis shoes. This type of footwear won’t limit or tie you up to a specific kind of court since it is made to adapt to soft and hard outdoor courts. The brand’s all-court shoes are favored by recreational and club players since these are mainly made up of: 

• lightweight and breathable uppers that allow the foot to move with ease
• cushioned and responsive midsole that buffers the foot on the unforgiving court surfaces
• long-lasting outsole with the ability to cope with the rigid surface while offering grip

Carpet Court tennis shoes

Carpet court is considered one of the fastest tennis playing surfaces. This indoor type of court composition requires the use of tennis shoes with a smooth outsole. Adidas has a limited selection of tennis footgear for carpeted courts, unlike other brands such as Asics, Nike, K-Swiss, and Head. Nonetheless, the Adidas tennis shoes for carpet court are equipped with the essential elements to keep you ready for rounds of indoor matches. These trainers are built with the following:

• non-marking outsoles, which are smoother than the rubber soles of clay court tennis shoes
• ventilated covers that permit air to circulate in and out of the shoe
• adaptive midfoot support for stability during directional changes

Stability vs. Speed tennis shoes by Adidas

Quick pivots, sprints, spins, lateral cuts, lunging, and jumping are some of the standard footwork techniques involved in tennis. It is essential to purchase the right tennis shoe for your preferred playing style to perform your best, at the level of agility that suits you.

The construction of Adidas tennis trainers is classified into stability and speed categories with the former fitted for baseline movers while the latter for serve-and-volley players. We’ve enumerated the purposes and characteristics of these shoes to help you find the type of trainer that’s apt for your kind of game and movement style.

Stability tennis shoes

Generally, the stability tennis shoes are appropriate for the movement style of baseline players or those who stay at the extreme end of the court when taking shots. The Adidas Barricade series is the most popular line of Adidas stability shoes, which has gone through modifications since 2000.

Notable characteristics:

• Built with lateral or midfoot support to hold the foot securely since baseline players are accustomed to moving side to side
• Engineered with a stable shank or platform that prevents the foot from rotating wrongly
• Made of a supportive upper to facilitate steady foot movements
• Crafted with a heavy and durable rubber outsole with an outrigger that provides firm footing
• Some stability tennis shoes by Adidas have a six-month outsole durability warranty

Speed tennis shoes

On the other hand, speed tennis shoes are designed for the aggressive court movers who slide a lot and change directions rapidly. They are the serve-and-volley athletes who habitually dash towards the net after taking serves. In the list of speed tennis shoes in the market, trainers from the Adidas Adizero family are some of the most favored by athletes.

Distinct features:

• Constructed with a lightweight upper that allows the player to sprint and slide easily
• Shaped with a low-to-the-ground profile for a better feel of the court
• Made with a lighter outsole than the stability tennis shoes
• Has stable lateral support that permits the forefoot to flex especially on the clay surface

What makes Adidas tennis shoes different from other brands?

Innovation is the core of every tennis shoe produced by Adidas. Their products are assembled with state-of-the-art technologies and specialized materials that offer support, stability, and cushioning. These boosters help athletes achieve the right mix of speed and strength to tackle the demands of such complex sport.

Below are some of the technologies incorporated in the tennis shoes supplied by Adidas. These signature components are the reasons why their trainers are well sought after in a pool of tennis shoes in the market.

Outsole

Adiwear.  Made of a rubber compound that can significantly withstand the abrasiveness of soft and hard tennis courts. It reduces the degree of wear under the heel and ball of the foot, which are the areas of the outsole that’re prone to immediate damage. Apart from abrasion-resistance, this material offers traction and flexibility.

Adiwear 6. Like its simpler sibling Adiwear, the Adiwear 6 is made of wear-resistant rubber too. This material is commonly used in high-performance Adidas tennis footwear lines. Shoes with this type of outsoles are typically marked with a six-month durability warranty.

Midsole cushioning

Adiprene. An elastic material that contours to the shape of the heel and buffers this area from impact.

Adiprene+. A highly responsive cushioning located under the ball of the foot that allows for high energy return during quick movements on the court.

Boost. Boost foam, which is way softer than the standard EVA, is made of thousands of energy capsules that absorb and release force with each step. BASF (Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik), a world-renowned Germany-based chemical manufacturer, was tapped by Adidas to create this revolutionized Boost cushioning technology for them.

Bounce. A bouncy type of foam but firmer than Boost. It absorbs the energy generated when pounding on the court; thus, it helps reduce stress on the foot.

Cloudfoam. A modified EVA compound that’s springy. It offers support on the arch and heel.

Midsole support

Torsion System. A lightweight support system placed between the forefoot and rearfoot that fights improper flexing of the arch.

Sprintframe. It’s a lightweight midfoot chassis that keeps the foot from twisting unwantedly during directional changes. This support system under the arch offers a close-to-the-ground feel which players need when making quick cuts, slides, and sprints.

Upper

Adituff. An abrasion-resistant material used on the toe area and/or inner side of the upper for protection from excessive wear. During tennis, players tend to drag their forefoot across the abrasive surfaces. This is where Adidas Adituff comes in and puts more life to the shoe.

Climacool. This covering is made of a combination of open mesh and fabrics that actively expel heat and sweat from the foot because of its moisture-wicking capabilities.

Geofit. An internal memory-foam material placed around the collar. It works as an added protection around the ankle. It provides an anatomical fit, which makes foot rotation feel natural yet supported.

Interesting snippets...

• What do Stan Smith, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Robert Haillet, and Novak Djokovic have in common aside from being tennis stars then and now? All of them became the iconic faces of Adidas. 
• Serbian player Novak Djokovic popularized several Adidas Barricade shoes, including the Barricade 4.0, Barricade 7, and Barricade Novak Pro. It took place way before he transferred to Asics and became its endorser.
• Adidas creates apparel together with Stella McCartney for clay-court prowess Garbine Muguruza.
• Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki called up Adidas as young as 10 and got her first sports apparel endorsement deal from the brand.
• Other professional tennis players that turned out to be endorsers of Adidas tennis shoes and apparel are Sascha Zverev, Angelique Kerber, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Dominic Thiem.
• A growing selection of tennis-inspired Adidas sneakers influenced by the classic styles that go as far back as the 1960s is still available today. But these can no longer be used on the court.
• The brand’s highly sought-after tennis shoe of all time is the Adidas Stan Smith which has migrated into mainstream fashion.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the price range of Adidas speed tennis shoes?

Because of the lightweight and more minimalistic approach on Adidas speed tennis shoes, these turn out to be relatively cheaper than the brand’s stability line. The range of prices can go below $100 and up to around $170.

Adidas speed tennis shoes, mainly the Adidas Adizero collection are more budget-friendly than the reasonably-priced speed shoe options from Asics such as the Solution Speeds and Gel Resolutions.

Are Adidas' stability shoes expensive?

Generally, stability tennis shoes don’t come cheap since these are enhanced with support technologies in the midfoot and upper. The prices of stability shoes by Adidas run from $120 to around $160. These prices are slightly more expensive than their speed shoe collection but way more affordable than those from the Swoosh brand.

Where do I purchase Adidas tennis shoes?

Adidas tennis shoes are obtainable from Adidas outlets worldwide and through the Three Stripes’ partner retailers online. RunRepeat, a comprehensive shoe review site, makes the selection easier for you. It features a broad listing and detailed specs of Adidas tennis shoes for different court surfaces.

You don’t need to click to another page to purchase your next pair of tennis footgear as this site automatically connects you to an extensive number of retailers. The web page also offers price comparisons so you can get the best deal out of your next tennis shoe purchase.

Does Adidas offer indoor tennis shoes?

Yes. Adidas offers carpet court shoes, which are indoor tennis footgear with non-marking and smooth soles. However, the brand offers fewer choices than other manufacturers like K-Swiss and Nike.

Are all knit-made Adidas tennis trainers breathable?

Not all Adidas tennis shoes with knit uppers are as breathable as those with open mesh covers. Some of these less ventilated trainers are constructed with tightly woven knit in strategic sections of the upper. The purpose of this is to enhance stability and promote better lockdown feel. However, there are specific profiles built of Primeknit that are breathable. An example is the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3.

How do I know which Adidas tennis shoe is durable?

Toe dragging is one of the culprits of having busted tennis shoes. Brands like Adidas are putting an additional layer of protection around the forefoot to make the upper more durable. The Adituff labeling around the perimeter of the forefoot indicates that the shoe is made with wear-resistant rubber to add more life to it.

Another indication that you’re getting a long-lasting Adidas tennis shoe is when the outsole is backed up by a 6-month durability warranty. This means that you can have your trainer replaced within the warranty period if it sustains considerable damage in the outsole.

Can I use my Adidas running shoes for tennis?

Adidas running shoes are designed for forward motion, whereas tennis shoes from the brand are made with side reinforcements. No one’s stopping you from using running shoes on hard or soft courts when playing tennis. And though these are cushioned, some may have raised arch and heel that can affect your movement on the court. 

Also, Adidas running shoes are not fully equipped with features that will give you balance and stability when you drive and slide for shots and make quick lateral stops. Plus, most of these running shoes are made with a thinner toe which could wear quickly with frequent toe dragging motion.

What’s the most popular collection of Adidas tennis trainers? 

The Adidas Barricade is the most sought-after line of tennis shoes by the leading Germany-based sports brand. The first generation of the Barricade surfaced in 2000. Since then, the brand has been modifying this profile with better specs to adapt to the changing needs of athletes.

What are the differences between the Adidas Barricades and the Asics Gel Resolutions?

Both are famous tennis shoe lines from the said brands. The Adidas Barricades are built for stability, while the Asics Gel Resolutions are intended for speed. Though both offer midfoot support for lateral movements, the Gel Resolutions are more cushioned. These shoes have silicone-based Gel pads embedded in the midsole as a cushioning proponent.  

Does Adidas offer other tennis-related items?

Aside from tennis footwear for men and women, Adidas offers a wide range of tennis apparel, accessories, and gears, including headbands, wristbands, crew socks, hats, visors, and tennis racquets.