Can Tennis Shoes Be Used For Running? (4 Factors To Consider)
You can use the clothing for other activities when it comes to tennis gear, but what about the shoes? Tennis shoes are specifically designed for tennis courts, so that raises the question, can tennis shoes be used for running?
In this article, I will explain to you whether tennis shoes are great for walking and running, the differences between tennis and runningshoes and whether they can be worn casually. Before I get ahead of myself, can tennis shoes be used for running?
Tennis shoes can be used for runningbut only if the shoe is made for clay or hard courts. Grass court shoes should never be used for running because they have spikes that provide grip on the grass. Thus, grass court shoes would get broken if used elsewhere than on grass.
That being said, ensure that the sole is the right kind if you want to go running or walking in tennis shoes. Also, if you aren’t forced to walk in tennis shoes, then I would wear other shoes because, after all, tennis shoes are made for tennis.
Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at what features are great to find in a tennis shoe if you want them to be great for running.
Learn more: Are Tennis Shoes Worth It? (Helpful Guide & Answers)
Contents
What Kind Of Tennis Shoes Can Be Used For Running?
1. Shoe’s sole
As previously mentioned, it is essential that you don’t use grass-court shoes for running elsewhere than on grass because they have sensitive spikes for traction, so if you use them on hard surfaces, the spikes will get bent and broken. Thus, making the shoes unusable in your tennis sessions.
If you want to wear tennis shoes for running, the first thing to check is that the outer sole fits hard surfaces. Hardcourt and clay court shoes are great for that!
2. Breathability
When you are running, your feet will generate heat and sweat, and if the shoe doesn’t breathe well, your walks won’t be comfortable, and it can form blisters, especially on long walks. This is why it is essential to have a pair of shoes that will breathe well, but luckily tennis requires breathability as well, so most shoes do have it.
You can easily spot a pair of shoes with good breathability if it has a thin netlike material over the shoe. This is often made from cotton because it is highly breathable.
3. Proper cushioning
Nothing is more important than comfort when it comes to wearing a pair of shoes. This is why a properly cushioned insole and cushioning for the toes are highly important for shock absorption.
Luckily tennis requires a great deal of cushioning, so it’s a good chance that your shoes are equipped with that so you can take long walks with them.
4. Durability
Whether you choose to walk on hard asphalt, run track fields, or take peaceful nature walks, the time will come when your shoes will get damaged and torn. So when tennis shoes are made for tennis courts, it’s important to have shoes durable enough to withstand the surroundings you are about to take walks on.
Durable shoes often aren’t from the most lightweight end of shoes; they have reinforced toe panels and have a durability guarantee.
Read also: Should Tennis Shoes Be Tight? (Avoid These Mistakes)
What’s the Difference Between Tennis Shoes and Running Shoes?
The main difference between tennis and running shoes Is that tennis has lateral support. Due to the reason that tennis requires front and back and side to side movement, it requires good support on the ankles, whereas running is done only in a singular plane.
In addition to the main difference, tennis shoes often have less cushioning than running shoes, and the insoles are flatter than in running shoes because tennis courts are even. In contrast, you could be running above rocks and uneven surfaces.
Finally, tennis shoes need so much more support than the weight is often heavier than it is in running shoes. Running shoes strive to be as lightweight as possible, and they often are due to the absence of heavy support. Tennis shoes also strive to be lightweight, but the support that brings in weight is more important.
Can Tennis Shoes Be Worn Casually?
In short, tennis shoes can be worn casually if the sole is made for clay or hardcourt. Grass court shoes are meant only for grass, so they shouldn’t be used elsewhere. Also, if the shoe is comfortable enough for a day’s casual use, then, by all means, wear them.
For example, Jax Teller wears white tennis shoes throughout the Sons of Anarchy series. So, you can wear them casually if they are meant for hard surfaces.
My Favorite Tennis Equipment
Thanks for reading this article. I hope it brought you great value that you can implement into your own life! Below you’ll find my top tennis equipment recommendations would like.
- Racket: My preferred tennis racket is the Wilson Ultra 100 V3. This racket is made from graphite and carbon fiber, making it durable, firm, and easy to swing. The racket weighs 300g, making it lightweight yet not too lightweight to generate power. The racket’s main benefit is power. I like to add multifilament strings to the racket, such as Wilson NXT Soft 16 (recommended tension 52lb/23.5kg), because they are comfortable and soft on the arm with a great feel to the game.
- Tennis balls: Best tennis balls are always pressurized, and I like them having extra-duty felt, which is fit for hard court play. I like Penn Championship Tennis Balls, and so does the ITF because these balls are approved for competitive play. So yes, these are the real deal.
- Tennis shoes: I can’t stress enough the importance of comfortable and supporting shoes. ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 tennis shoes are unique because the balance between durability and support mixed with comfort is something out of the ordinary.
- Fan Equipment: If you’re a fan more than a player, you don’t want to miss Fan Equipment by Fanatics. You can find items from various sports that bear your favorite team’s logo, such as jerseys, gift ideas, or other surprising things.
Conclusion
That being said, be at peace that you can walk in your tennis shoes if the outer sole fits it. I know many tennis players who use their shoes for many other things than tennis, so it is safe to do so. I hope that this article was helpful to you and you can confidently take walks in your tennis shoes from now on!
