Tennis Shoes-Fad or Functional?
When it comes to sports performance, functional footwear is crucial. Wearing the right shoes can give you stability, absorption, and the proper grip depending on the surface. Tennis requires a ton of lateral movement and change of direction so the shoe needs to give the necessary support and stability to withstand these movements. Pickleball players are constantly taking small and quick steps, thus needing a shoe with proper cushion and impact absorption. For tennis and other racket sport players, the shoe of choice can make or break your experience on the court.
Good tennis shoes can provide lateral stability to help prevent common injuries such as ankle sprains. Proper cushion in the right areas for the foot can lessen impact and help prevent injuries such as stress fractures and tendonitis in the lower body. It is essential to pick a shoe to match the type of court you play on, whether its grass, clay, or even concrete at the park. Being able to slide, drag, and perform sudden stops and change of direction can decrease the chance of season ending injuries such as plantar fasciitis or the dreaded achilles rupture.
Additionally, there are actions you can take off court to further prevent common tennis injuries. Working with a tennis specific physical therapist (like myself) can give you the tools for a healthy lower body and improve overall longevity and performance. A qualified PT can evaluate your body’s response with the footwear to make sure it gives you the appropriate support specific to you. Mobility, strength, and coordination will ultimately give your body the essential internal framework. The addition of a good shoe gives you the essential external framework which combines for a longer and more comfortable time on the court.
Regardless of where you play - outdoor tennis court, grass court, court tennis or squash club, or even a local Boston pickleball summer league- feel free to contact me about tennis and racket sport performance. I am here to help you move better and play for life.
