Professional tennis coach Gareth Richman has tested and reviewed the best men's tennis shoes for 2026, evaluating each pair on hard, clay, and grass courts for comfort, support, durability, and performance.
How the tennis shoes were tested
Each pair of tennis trainers received a thorough run-out of at least 24 hours on specific court types or a mix of surfaces, including hard court, clay, and grass (including artificial versions). Key factors under scrutiny included durability, support, weight, foot type and fit, airflow, traction, and cost. A breaking-in period of two hours was incorporated into the testing process.
Best overall: K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2
Rated five stars, the K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2 is an extremely popular choice for club and competitive players, from juniors to adults. Ready for the first point straight out of the box, these shoes are solid, fast, and aggressive, featuring a herringbone wraparound tread that performs particularly well on wet clay. Air filtration is decent thanks to the mesh-constructed toe box and feather-light, extended padded tongue. A small niggle of heat underfoot was noted but not to the point of discomfort. The extra stabilising lace straps provide added security, while the dual-density midsole with K-Swiss Surgelite technology boosts ground connection and responsiveness. Shock spring foam aids quicker reactions, and the wave-like contour-lined upper makes the shoe strong and flexible. The sturdy double-lock construction with textile lining minimises heel movement. Preferred fit is medium-wide (true to size), surface sole is all court/clay, weight is 474g (UK size 11), and there is no pro player endorsement.
Best budget: Adidas Ubersonic 5
Rated four stars, the Adidas Ubersonic 5 is a speed shoe launched by Adidas ambassador Grigor Dimitrov. The mesh material is super light, breezy, and flexible, while the Lightstrike midsole keeps you low and connected to the court with lightweight, responsive cushioning. The Speedframe is a supportive exoskeleton that supports under the arch and around the heel. The boost of reactive cushioning takes care of jump shots and hard landings. Though thinning the forefoot, it suits players who are either light in frame or fast on their feet. Extra ventilation runs through the shank. Adituff protection in high wear areas ensures durability, notably around the toe box and within the three stripes logo. The two-piece Adiwear outsole provides excellent grip and go. Preferred fit is medium (true to size), surface sole is hard court/clay, weight is 423g (UK size 11.5), and pro player endorsement is Grigor Dimitrov.
Best for aggressive baseline action: Asics Gel Resolution X
Rated four stars, the Asics Gel Resolution X delivers optimal support, grip, and durability. These trainers look stunning and offer comfortable, sturdy drive. Dynawall technology extends from the exterior wall and wraps around the heel, acting as a responsive rebound element. Some stiffness was evident during the first few hours of breaking in, but the shoes mould to your foot over time. Minor gripes include weight and limited air escape. The Dynalacing system locks you in perfectly, and the raised ankle cuff on the medial side enhances ankle collar protection when sliding. Preferred fit is medium-wide (true to size), surface sole is all court/clay, weight is 484g (UK size 11.5), and pro player endorsement is Lorenzo Musetti.
Best for moving from defence to attack: NikeCourt Zoom Vapor 12
Rated four stars, the NikeCourt Zoom Vapor 12 is based on the iconic Vapor 9 series worn by Roger Federer. The upper is lighter and more reactive, with a curved and contoured traction pattern. The lacing system provides a snug lock-in with no gripes or stress on the bridge. Comfort, security, and durability are strong, with no break-in needed. Cushioning bounces you from defence to attack mode quickly. A support structure around the mid-foot holds your foot in place, though slight instability was noted when racing from corner to corner. A new lighter rubber compound on the two-piece curved herringbone grip gives top-performing traction. Playtester James Williams praised the comfort, stability, quickness, and breathability on artificial grass. Preferred fit is medium (true to size), surface sole is hard court/clay, weight is 460g (UK size 11), and pro player endorsement is Carlos Alcaraz (though he wears a hybrid model).
Best for covering every angle: Asics Court FF3 Novak
Rated four stars, the Asics Court FF3 Novak features FlyteFoam cushioning and an inner sock component for exceptional comfort. The three-section sole system helps players brake and rebound, while the improved two-piece TwissTruss technology enables the shoe to twist, bend, and rebound energy upon impact. Textured uppers double as a durable protective barrier and ventilate feet effectively. The shoe is almost identical to the one Novak Djokovic wears on tour, with only minor customisation differences. Slipping into the sockliner takes getting used to, and the lacing system may require fiddling, but the shoe provides total connection. Preferred fit is medium (true to size), surface sole is hard court/clay, weight is 470g (UK size 11), and pro player endorsement is Novak Djokovic.
Best for grip and go: Babolat Propulse Fury 3
Rated four stars, the Babolat Propulse Fury 3 provides a great foothold thanks to its unique power belt system. The uppers create an excellent balance of airflow and protection. Big hitters who drag around the court at breakneck speed will appreciate the raised side that safeguards against wear and tear. The padded tongue is a highlight, though some testers requested more length. The shoe sizes up snug, so opting for a half-size up is recommended. The souped-up heel area with Babolat's KPRSX 2 EVA gives ultimate shock absorption. The duo-direction all-court Michelin tread drives like a dream on hard surfaces. One playtester remarked, "These shoes just kept growing on me. From the off-set laces which hugged my feet with a perfect fit to the beastly and durable tread, there is basically nothing stopping me from going for broke on every point." Preferred fit is medium (true to size), surface sole is hard court/clay, weight is 420g (UK size 10), and there is no pro player endorsement.
Best for flexibility and speed: Asics Solution Speed FF4v26
Rated four stars, the Asics Solution Speed FF4v26 is the brand's quick-as-lightning top-performance tennis shoe, reimagined for nimble, speed-driven players. The upper is an impressively airy, strong, and flexible mesh material, with rubber removed from the sole to keep weight low. Some rubbing on the right toe was experienced, but the shoe wraps around the foot securely. Performance-wise, they are unbelievably zippy off the front foot, encouraging players to propel themselves forward. The re-engineered Speed Truss chassis elevates flexibility and responsiveness. Despite softened FlyteFoam midsole cushioning, a firmness developed towards the forefoot during long sessions. The multi-surface court version has a three-section sole with a multi-angled cross-hatch pattern and three air channels, assisting with changing direction at will. Preferred fit is narrow-medium (true to size), surface sole is all court/clay, weight is 399g (UK size 11), and there is no pro player endorsement.
What are the best men's tennis shoes?
According to Gareth Richman, the best choice depends on individual foot shape, fit, level, and surface. For a light shoe to race between the lines, the Adidas Ubersonic 5 is a top choice. Players seeking the best all-rounder should look no further than the K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2. Hitters who require superior durability from the baseline may find the Asics Gel Resolution X the perfect fit.
