FOR A BETTER "UNDERSTANDING" OF TENNIS {2000}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

We go on and on about racquets, balls, and strings, but may be neglecting one of the most important items of tennis equipment--what we wear on our feet. Athletic shoes are designed and constructed very specifically for different sports.

Running shoes are generally lightweight with most of the support in the heel area where the impact is concentrated. Tennis shoes are made to support the foot for the twisting and side to side motion experienced during a match. There is a style of athletic shoe known as cross trainers that can be used for a number of different sports. Beware of this kind of shoe when playing tennis. Why? Well, in the first place, there are two types of cross trainers. One type is created for forward motion, like running or walking, and they have very little support where it's needed for playing tennis. Another type is called a court cross trainer. Although they are not specially made for tennis, they do support the foot for the types of movement used in tennis and other sports like basketball.

If you choose a court cross trainer do so with caution. If you play only on hard courts, they should be fine. But if you sometimes play on soft courts, stick with shoes made specifically for tennis. This is because cross trainers have rough soles for good traction on hard surfaces, but these soles are damaging to soft surfaces. Most tennis-specific shoes have relatively smooth soles with very small and close tread. This makes them acceptable for soft surfaces while providing good traction on both surfaces. In general, any current style of tennis-specific shoe should do well on either surface--you don't need to get 'soft-court-only' shoes. Just check the sole to make sure it doesn't have protruding bumps or cleats or wide and deep tread.

Equally important to the type of shoe is the fit. Here is where you may have to depart from your favorite logo. The three main things you should look for in any shoe are (in order) comfort, comfort and comfort. If it doesn't feel right, don't buy it! With shoes you must be sure to get both the right size and the right width. Unfortunately, most brands make either medium width only, or medium and wide for men and medium and narrow for women. If you aren't "average," you have to take special care to get a good fit.

When you go to buy shoes, explain your problem to the clerk, including other concerns such as fallen arches. This is one purchase where you need to rely on the knowledge of store personnel to find the right shoe for your needs. Finally, don't purchase shoes strictly by price. You can sometimes get a bargain on discontinued models, but make your number one priority how well your shoes fit. You can look forward to a much more enjoyable and safe time on the courts.

Copyright 2000 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Dec., 2000)
By Vince Chiarelli, USPTR, Owner of String Along With Vince