Category: Gear

Does this sound familiar? You’re on court playing your first game of the day and serving beautifully. You’ve won the first couple of games, but now you’ve been playing for a while and you’re all warmed up. Your palms start sweating a little, maybe the racket is a little small in your hand, and the racket begins to slip or rotate a little in your hand. All of a sudden you’re dumping balls into the net. If that’s ever happened to you, you should consider a Tennis Overgrip.

Why You Need a Tennis Overgrip

Any tennis racket that you care to pick up will have a grip of its own to cover the handle, but an overgrip is a piece of specially designed, padded tape that wraps around your standard racket grip to protect it and improve performance. Most overgrips are made from materials that combine the following features:

• Absorbency – so that sweat doesn’t make your racket slip
• Texturing – so there’s a firmer surface for you to hold
• Cushioning – so that the racket is comfortable to hold
• Tackiness – so that the racket is super-secure in your hand

All these features improve how solidly the racket sits in the hand, and because a new overgrip comes in at a fraction of the cost needed to replace a racket’s grip entirely, they can be tinkered with and changed regularly. That way your racket looks fresh and can work perfectly for you every single time.

As well as improving the feel of the racket in your hand, an overgrip will also protect the existing grip from damage. If you’re worried that your beloved racket – with its expensive padded grip – is getting a little worn out, then adding an overgrip will help maintain its condition for longer. Additionally, if your racket is a little small for you, an overgrip can pad it out so that it sits better in your palm. This prevents your racket from being able to rotate slightly in your fist, a problem that will hamper your shot accuracy.

Players suffering from elbow conditions, such as tennis elbow, should also try combining an overgrip with a padded racket grip. This both increases the size of the handle, making it easier to hold if you suffer from some form of tendonitis, as well as absorbing some of the forces that would otherwise be transferred straight through the handle into your arm whenever a ball strikes the racket.

Best Tennis Overgrips

A quick search will show you that dozens of brands out there are making dozens of different sorts of overgrip. They all promise exceptional grip performance, but we have some thoughts on which of them will be best for you:

Best All Around Overgrip: Wilson Pro Tennis Racquet Over Grip

Suppose you only play tennis from time to time and just want a simple overgrip that improves your game? Well, no one will argue if you show up on court with a Wilson Pro Tennis Racquet Over Grip. Wilson is a world-known Tennis brand, and these are one of the bestselling grips on the market and for good reason. They’re Roger Federer’s preferred brand too.

Features:

• Super-thin polyurethane with a felt surface
• Pack of three

Wilson Pro Tennis Racquet Over Grip’s balance absorption, comfort and grip extremely well, and are beloved by pros and amateurs alike. If you’re not quite sure yet what you need then this is a great all-rounder to use as a starting point. However, being partly aimed at the pro market, these are grips that are designed to be changed more regularly and they may not last as long as some others.

Best for Advanced Players: Tourna Tennis Over Grip, XL

Tourna’s Tennis OverGrip is the original overgrip product and is omnipresent in the Tennis world, used by many in the ATP 100. It comes in value-sized packs of ten and is only available in its trademarked shade of light blue. Tourna’s grip is designed to excel in wet conditions, keeping your racket extra dry and super soft. Many professional tennis players consider this the gold standard in racket comfort, and the extra-long tape is great for players who make use of a two-handed backhand.

Features:

• Extra-dry grip
• Distinctive light blue
• Pack of ten

Tourna provides excellent value and is perfect for pros. However, being aimed at the professional market, the design is aimed at maximum comfort and sweat absorbency for those who will be playing a lot. If you need to pad-out an undersized handle, or really need some extra texture on the surface to keep your grip firm, there will be better options.

You also need to buy a lot of them and can expect to change them over frequently as they wear out. If you’re still working out what sort of overgrip you need or want to use, it may be best to play around with some other brands before you buy enough Over Grips from Tourna to see you through to the end of the year. As a smaller disadvantage, most brands of overgrip come in a rainbow of colors to add a bit of personality to your racket, but if you buy Tourna you’re going light blue all the way.

Best Tennis Overgrip for Beginners: Senston Anti-Slip Overgrip

Unlike more traditional overgrips, Senston focuses on texture and gentle cushioning. If you’re new to tennis and the handle of your racket is perhaps little small, or just not quite gripping the way you want it, then Senston is a great option. They rely on ultra-textured material, rather than any tackiness, so if you really dislike the feel of a tacky racket then this will be perfect. Their affordable multi-colour packs come with a tonne of personality too.

Features:

• Raised bevels
• Cushioning
• Variety of colours

Being good for cushioning and increasing grip size of course means that anyone searching for an ultra-thin overgrip should look elsewhere. The main disadvantage of Senston is that their focus on textured material and cushioning sacrifices the excellent absorbency of other brands. With slightly poorer absorbency and an absence of tack, anyone who has issues with perspiration may find their racket slipping a little in warm conditions.

Best Tennis Overgrip for Intermediate Players: Head XtremeSoft Overgrip

Head Xtreme soft Overgrips focus on providing excellent gripping performance in as thin a package as possible, whilst also giving solid sweat absorption. Head’s thin elastomer tape is extremely tacky to the touch and has extra-large perforations in the material to make the surface more textured and absorbent. It’s also very durable, so you won’t need to change it constantly.

Features:

• Super-tacky material
• Microfiber felt
• Durable
• Variety of colors
• Pack of three

The thinness of Head XtremeSoft is really its selling point. If you have a racket and current grip that work brilliantly for you, then XtremeSoft can make your grip even firmer without really changing the underlying feel of the handle in your hand. This, of course, makes it unsuitable for anyone who wants to bulk out an undersized grip or just make their racket more comfortable. Similarly, players who have real problems with perspiration may want to look to a brand like Tourna (see above), which focuses on keeping your grip as dry as possible.

In Summary

Tennis overgrips are an ideal way to improve the grip size of an undersized racket and customize the feel of a racket to your personal playing style. They also look great and let you add a sense of personal style to your equipment, with all kinds of fun designs out there. Plus, they’re affordable enough that you can play around with the benefits of an overgrip, without the sort shelling out for the more significant expense of changing the grip on your racket completely.

You won’t find a professional player on the circuit not using an overgrip, so why not have a go and see what all the fuss is about. Enjoy the feel of playing with a brand new racket, without having to shell out for the privilege.

How to Choose a Tennis Overgrip

Once you have selected a tennis racquet there are five major factors that should impact on your choice of grip:

• Absorbency
• Texturing
• Cushioning
• Tackiness
• Durability

A lot of what makes an overgrip right for you will come down to how you play and your personal preferences. If your palms get a little sweatier than most, then an extra dry grip will be key to a good brand. If you just hate the feel of a tacky overgrip, then you’ll need a design that uses a lot of texturing instead. If you’re recovering from a condition like tennis elbow and want some cushioning to make the handle of your racket a little larger, a pro-grade ultra-thin overgrip won’t do you much good at all. It’s best to work out want you need from an overgrip before you start wading through all the different brands.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that some of these brands are aimed at amateurs and some at professionals. Pro tennis players can expect ultimate performance but won’t mind having to change their overgrip frequently. If you’re a hobbyist only on the court once or twice a month, changing your overgrip after every couple of matches may be more hassle than you feel its worth.

Given how much personal preference is involved, it will be worth experimenting with a few different types of Tennis Overgrip so that you can narrow the dizzying array of choices down to something manageable.

How to Apply a Tennis Overgrip

Applying your overgrip properly is extremely important because a poorly wrapped handle will be uncomfortable to hold, or begin to unravel during a match. Thankfully, overgrips are affordable pieces of kit, so even if your first attempt goes horribly wrong you can always have another go. After your first couple of times, you will start to get much more comfortable with the process.

1. First things first, you need to clean the existing grip on your racket before adding anything over the top. Some soap and water are generally all that’s required here, but if you’re replacing an old overgrip, you want to get rid of any old adhesive that may remain.
2. Wipe the handle down with a damp cloth and then wait for it to dry.
3. Once that preparation is done, take your overgrip and peel off the long strip down one side that covers the adhesive required to attach it to your racket.
4. Place the tapered end of the overgrip as close to the bevel at the base your racket handle as you can get and hold it there with your thumb (or get a friend to help).
5. After that, begin wrapping.

Wrapping the grip around the handle is straightforward once you get the hang of it, but you’ll want to pay attention until you’ve done it a few times. A right-handed player should hold their tennis racket upside down, then rotate the racket clockwise whilst pulling the slack end of the grip to the right, keeping the overgrip under tension as it’s applied (this prevents wrinkles from appearing). If you’re left-handed, hold your racket upside down once again, but rotate your racket anticlockwise, and pull the slack end of the grip towards your left.

Either way, keep wrapping up along the handle, allowing each turn of the overgrip to overlap the previous layer by roughly a quarter of an inch. Once you’ve gone all the way down the handle, secure the overgrip at the top with some tape.

Plantar Fasciitis can be a real pain in the foot. The Plantar Fascia is the ligament that connects your heel bone with your toes and supports your foot arch.

Swelling in the Plantar Fascia that runs from the heel to the sole of your foot leads to a stabbing pain in the heel, and anyone who has felt it knows just how much Plantar Fasciitis can affect your ability to move.

Tennis players are particularly at risk because of the biomechanical impacts that the game can have on your feet. Lack of stretching, poor stretching and an uneven court can all be aggravating factors in developing Plantar Fasciitis.

How you deal with (or avoid a recurrence) of the condition will always depend on the advice of your doctor, but a key factor will always be this: the shoes that you’re wearing when you play.

Treatment may well include physiotherapy, splints or insoles, but it will also be essential that your shoes provide appropriate arch and heel support. This is particularly true if you intend to stress the heel further by performing a high impact activity like tennis.

To help out we have put together this list of the best tennis shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.

Why You Need Specialist Tennis Shoes

Some people will talk about tennis shoes, gym shoes and trainers as if they’re all pretty much the same thing, but that’s very much not the case. Different types are all designed for distinct purposes, and when we’re considering a temperamental condition like Plantar Fasciitis, those small design changes can make all the difference.

Tennis players need to be able to sprint like runners, as well as jump and make sudden turns at speed. They’ll also be doing all of this on the hard surface of a tennis court. As a result, you need to wear a shoe that will not only keep your Plantar Fasciitis in check, but that will also prevent any pain from hampering your game as you play.

Our Picks For The Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis 2020

There are an awful lot of shoe manufacturers out there and they bring out new designs every year it’s hard to know which ones to wear. In an attempt to make things a little simpler, here is our guide to tennis shoes for Plantar Fasciitis whether you need them for tennis, running, walking or just to look cool, there should be something here for you.

Best For Men

New Balance 990v3 Stability

They may not be the cheapest on the market, but they certainly have a lot to say for comfort. New Balance’s 990v3 Stability Running Shoes, despite their title, are a fantastic choice for tennis players looking to up their game; they may not be ideal for professionals, but certainly, have the edge on entry-level tennis shoes.

With the Stability style, comfort is King or Queen. What these shoes lack in technical design they make up for in cushioning, featuring a chunky sole that reviews boast you can ‘slip on and play in from day one’ which is unusual for sports shoes, and especially tennis shoes which you often must break in for a week or two. They have lightweight inner soles that your feet will sink into, but don’t fret about sweat; they are ventilated with mesh panels to keep your feet cool and dry.

Features:

• Chunky soles for excellent shock absorption, especially around the midsole and heel
• Considerable cushioning that permits athletic play from day one without breaking in
• Balanced design that provides exceptional balance on the court
• True-to-size width so you know what you’re getting
• Durable design crafted from materials manufactured in the USA

The considerable cushioning provides exceptional shock absorption, especially for the mid-sole and heel, which will drastically reduce the effects of plantar fasciitis both during and after play.

If you’re seeking a new pair of tennis shoes that you can put on, lace up and play in from the get-go, you needn’t look any further.

Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.0

Wilson are not always revered for their affordability. However, the Men’s Rush Pro 2.0 are some of the cheapest on the market, especially considering the mark of quality that comes with the Wilson label. These are perfect if you suffer from plantar fasciitis; they’re not only lightweight, coming in at just 370g, but they also include an Endofit Sock-liner that provides comfort and exceptional shock absorption, reducing the effects of plantar fasciitis on the court.

Something Wilson guarantee is style, and these tennis shoes do not disappoint. The Rush Pro 2.0’s are crafted from mesh, boosting ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry during and post-play, and are emblazoned with the brand’s iconic logo, so your fellow players can see that you’re wearing a quality brand. Better still, the construction is wider than a typical sports shoe, which reduces pressure at the side of your foot which may otherwise cause discomfort.

Features:

• Lightweight for effortless movement on the course
• Endofit technology and medium width on the back for a comfortable fit
• Innovative Pro Torque Chassis Arch Technology for torsion control and stability
• Lower profile than similar tennis shoes with a balanced sole
• Some of the most affordable on the market for the quality
• A timeless design that’s signature to the Wilson brand

An excellent feature of the Rush Pro’s is their reduced profile or lower sole. Most tennis shoes for plantar have chunky soles that look unfashionable and draws attention while offering no more absorption that your standard runners, but these shoes go above and beyond and offer all the comfort you need without compromising on appearance. While the cushions looks reduced, it’s still there but hidden in the midsole and heel rather than in a single spot.

If you frequent the court and need a pair of tennis shoes that will last, without overspending, the Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.0, an upgrade on the original design and a vast improvement, are for you. No matter how often you hit the court, they’ll provide all the comfort you need for painless play so that you can focus on the game. These are without a doubt the best tennis shoes for Plantar Fasciitis if you are a man.

New Balance Men’s 806 Motion Control

If you’re seeking a mid-range, no-nonsense design that promises comfort and longevity, the Men’s 806 Motion Control from New Balance are an excellent choice. Their classic, no-fuss style won’t attract attention on the court, and laces mean you can tailor the tightness to your feet to improve comfort.

This shoes’ upper is crafted mostly from leather, which is supported by a thick, multi-layered rubber and foam sole that provides maximum shock absorption on landing. Better still, the toe of the shoe is reinforced and isn’t too thin, which means, as well as experiencing comfort in your heel and arch, you won’t experience any pain in your toes – a common complaint from tennis players suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Features:

• Multi-layered rubber sole for maximum shock absorbing
• Reinforced toe box that’s wide and comfortable (perfect for wide feet)
• Lace-up for a versatile fit and comfort
• Perforated side panels to boost ventilation
• Available in numerous colorways

This pair of shoes is supported by Balance’s innovative ABZROB cushioning technology, which is specifically designed to absorb kinetic energy when your feet hit the floor. This cushion technology works like memory foam; on landing, the shoe absorbs the shock, which allows minimal energy to reach your pain areas, such as your heel to toe and arch. The perforated leather panel at the side of the shoe allows your feet to breathe, too, so you’ll be left dry and comfortable throughout play.

If you’re unsure of the white leather finish, know that you can choose from numerous colorways and select one that reflects your personality on the court.

New Balance’s 806 Motion Control provide superb support, comfort and ventilation, supporting your arch and reducing the effects of plantar fasciitis. If you’re seeking a cool, comfortable pair of tennis shoes and don’t want to break the bank, they’re the shoes for you.

Best For Women

Prince Women’s T22 Lite

An upgrade on the T22 Tennis Shoe, Prince’s Women’s T22 Lite not only boasts a competitive price tag but also an air-like quality on the court. They’re incredibly lightweight, which is not the case for many tennis shoes suitable for those suffering from plantar fasciitis due to the need for additional cushioning for shock absorption. However, these shoes have it all.

Prince’s T22 Lite’s are lace-up for a flexible fit and boast TPU foot straps at the arch, which provides stability and comfort both during and post-play. They have a cushioned rubber sole that absorbs shock on landing, such as when serving. The synthetic material the shoe is made from is also cushioned, which means your feet are not only supported at the sole but all-around, including at the heel, the side of your feet and the upper.

Features:

• Upgraded design for a lightweight finish
• Cushioned sole with multi-layer support for comfort
• TPU straps at the arch for great support
• Mesh tongue to boost ventilation and keep your feet dry
• Lace-up style for a flexible fit
• Durable design that’s proven to last; a customer favorite

The length of the tongue of these shoes is made from mesh, which boosts ventilation not only at the side of your foot but also the top, which also reduces rubbing.

When you purchase Prince’s T22 Lite, you can rest assured that your feet are protected at all angles, reducing both the short and long-term effects of your plantar fasciitis when on the court and otherwise. These are our pick for the best Plantar Fasciitis tennis shoes if you are a woman.

Asics Gel-Dedicate 5

Asics is another label generally associated with a high price tag, but that’s not true of the Gel-Dedicate 5 . These shoes are ideal for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, most notably due to their innovative forefoot gel cushioning system, which reduces shock during impact and toe-off phases, such as when serving.

These shoes also include a PGuard toe protector to reduce impact to your toes while on the court, making up part of the multi-layered design that boosts support. This is accentuated by the synthetic overlays across the body of the shoe, which adds stability and consequently reduces impact to your arch. Similarly, the 9mm rubber heel supports the back of your foot and eradicates the possibility of pain in the heel post-play.

Features:

• Affordable design from a high-end brand
• An innovative forefoot gel cushioning system to reduce shock
• PGuard toe protector to minimize impact
• Synthetic overlays on the shoe upper to boost stability
• 9mm rubber heel to prevent heel pain
• Mesh upper to keep your feet cool and dry
• Anti-gravel tongue to prevent debris from entering the shoe during play
• Lace-up design for a customized fit

As well as the technical benefits, the Gel-Dedicate 5 include a mesh upper that supports ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry during play. If you play on an outside court, you’ll be pleased to know that the shoe includes an anti-gravel tongue, which prevents debris from entering the shoe and causing you additional discomfort.

Seeking a stylish shoe that will effectively reduce the effects of your plantar fasciitis while playing tennis? The Asics Gel-Dedicate 5’s are the shoes for you.

Best for Players with High Arches:

Nike Zoom Vapor Tour 9.5

Nike’s Zoom Vapor Tour 9.5’s can help to provide a professional level on-court performance. That’s not a surprise when you consider that Roger Federer helped to design them.

Thankfully, they’re not only a great tennis shoe for pro tennis stars, but a great shoe for suffers of Plantar Fasciitis too.

Their Adaptive Fit technology maps the contours of your foot, wrapping from the bottom upward, providing excellent support and moving with your feet as you play. They also have excellent heel cushioning to handle the heavy impacts of a hard court and are particularly well suited to people with high arches.

Features:

• Adaptive Fit system
• Zoom Air unit in the heel
• TPU midfoot shank for lateral support and stability
• Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning
• Rubber outsole with XDR compound on the heel for improved traction

With built-in support and superb cushioning, the Nike Zoom Vapor Tour 9.5 is a great shoe for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers, but it does come with an appropriately high price tag. Also, if you have low arches, you may want to consider the Adidas Barricade (below).

Best for Players with Medium-Low Arches:

Adidas Barricade 2018

Improving on a former favorite, the Adidas Barricade 2016, the Barricade 2018 once again provides a supportive lower chassis, topped with adjustable mesh, meaning that wearers get a fantastic mix of close comfortable fit and firm support. Reviewers say that the Barricade series is particularly good for wearers with low to medium arches.

Features:

• Barricade chassis
• Seamless Forgedmesh upper
• Geofit construction
• Durable Adiwear 6 outsole
• Ghillie at top of lacing
• Responsive Boost midsole

Unlike the Barricade 2016, which was released in a men’s version only, the Barricade 2018 is happily available for both men and women. Given that it is well suited for those with low arches, it will be less ideal for anyone with particularly high arches.

Best Professionals and Chronic Sufferers:

Z-CoiL Freedom Slip Resistant

Unlike the other shoes on this list, the Z-Coil Freedom isn’t specifically a tennis shoe, just a fantastic shoe built from the ground up for people with Plantar Fasciitis, or other foot pain, who still want to exercise. Every pair comes with an exclusive Z-Orthotic insole, which will protect the wearer’s plantar ligaments. The Z-Coil Freedom provides exceptional support and cushioning to keep your heel well protected, whilst also being breathable and slip-resistant.

Features:

• Slip-resistant outsole
• Replaceable coils
• Built-in Z-Orthotic® (protects plantar ligaments)
• Thick Forefoot cushions
• Felt lined removable insole
• Breathable mesh
• 3mm foam insert
• 30-day trial

The Z-Coil Freedom Slip Resistant Shoe is one of the best available for anyone dealing with Plantar Fasciitis, whether they play tennis or not. They were designed specifically to aid foot pain, and as a result don’t come cheap. However, the reviews all say that they’re worth it, and if you don’t get on with them then Z-Coil will accept a return after 30 days of use, no matter the condition of the shoe.

If your Plantar Fasciitis is being treated and the resulting foot pain is only moderate, then you can probably manage with a very supportive shoe, and can buy something built specifically for that activity, but if your Plantar Fasciitis is causing you real problems, then the Z-Coil Freedom could be what you need to get you back on the court again.

Best for Hobbyists and Beginners:

Adidas CC Rally Comp

Designed for maximum support with minimum weight, these tennis shoes are intended to protect even those feet that have very high arches. The internal support grants a lot of stability to the foot, whilst the extra cushioning will help to absorb shocks that would otherwise stress the heel further ( an absolute must for anyone playing on a hard surface like a tennis court).

They’re also very well ventilated, keeping your feet cool during a long match, and can be bought in an array of stylish colors.

Features:

• Torsion System for midfoot integrity
• Lightweight mono-mesh upper construction for maximum breathability
• Climacool 360-degree cooling
• Internal web skeleton construction for stability during extreme movements
• EVA midsole for excellent forefoot propulsion

Light and comfortable from the off, without a need to break them in, Adidas CC Rally Comps are a great choice of tennis shoe with an affordable price tag. Their main disadvantage is that, due to their minimal design, there’s not much space inside them for custom insoles or braces, often an additional component of Plantar Fasciitis treatment.

What about orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis?

If you’re a regular on the court, it can’t be denied that getting a good pair of tennis shoes will take you far and can be much more convenient than buying insoles for your shoes. However, for those with severe plantar fasciitis that struggle to find comfortable tennis shoes, orthotic insoles may be the answer.

Insoles come in all shapes and sizes, but Pro 11 Wellbeing’s orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis are some of the best reviewed on the market, and they cost next to nothing, so are a well worth giving a go. You simply slip them into the tennis shoes you already own and love, and they’ll provide additional cushioning, particularly around your arch and heel. Better still, Pro 11 Wellbeing’s collection includes a slim-fit style, so that you don’t have to compromise if you have small feet.

If you’re taking up tennis for the first time, you may also find inserts useful if your gym shoes, for example, lack a prominent arch, which over time can cause plantar fasciitis. Using orthotic insoles are an excellent first step; however, we recommend investing in good shoes if you plan to continue playing tennis long-term.

How to Choose Tennis Shoes If You Have Plantar Fasciitis

So, you’re recovering from plantar fasciitis, but you don’t want it to keep you off the court. What do you need to look for when you’re standing in the shop staring at a wall of tennis shoes? Here are some clear specifics to keep your eye on:

Cushioned Heel

Strain to the heel through repetitive motion is a significant cause of plantar fasciitis, and the hard impacts of jumping and running on a tennis court are exactly the sort of strain that we want to avoid. As such, the ideal tennis shoe will have extra cushioning around the heel. This cushioning should absorb some of the impact as you run and jump so that your shoes bear the brunt of the forces coming at you, rather than your poor feet.

Stability

Anybody playing tennis needs a stable shoe (who wants a twisted ankle, after all?), but it’s of particular concern to Plantar Fasciitis suffers. If a shoe doesn’t fit well then it could rub or slip, leading to further strains or injuries down the line as you dash about the tennis court. All of this could make plantar fasciitis significantly worse. As such, it’s imperative that your tennis shoe fits closely around the contours of your foot and provides great support to avoid further injury.

Comfort

Although Plantar Fasciitis sufferers have all sorts of extra things to look out for when they buy footwear, you should always keep in mind that the most important thing about any shoe – for tennis or other purposes – is that it is comfortable. If you think you’ve found a pair of tennis shoes that you like, try them on and have a walk around to make sure that they fit the way you want them too.

Shoes that aren’t comfortable will be horrible to play in, and you can easily find yourself changing your body mechanics to account for that discomfort. That’s an easy way to cause new joint strains or exacerbate existing problems, by encouraging your body to move in unnatural ways. You want shoes that feel absolutely natural on your feet, whilst ideally being to light that you barely notice them.

Arch Support

Plantar Fasciitis can also result from flat or dropped arches on your feet. When the natural arch of the foot isn’t there, your feet essentially lose their ability to act as shock absorbers, or have to overexert themselves in order to perform that function. Every time you take a step, the whole sole of your foot impacts straight down, making full contact with the ground and transferring all of that jarring force directly into your heels and ankles. Shoes with proper support keep your foot in the right position with a natural arch in place, adding that extra protection back.

What Arch Do You Have?

The arch of the foot is the portion of the sole that runs from your toes up to your heel. For most people, the whole of your foot is not usually in contact with the ground when you stand, instead, there is a gentle arch that lifts a portion of your inner sole off the ground.

If you have a low arch or flat arch known as flat feet, then (as described above) all of your foot tries to come into contact with the ground at once when you take a step. This massively increases the stress that your foot and heel will need to absorb every time that you take a step. Combining a flat foot with a high impact sport like tennis can be one of the fastest ways to bring on plantar fasciitis.

People with high arches have an arch that is more elevated that normal. High arches often lead to leg pain due to added stress on the foot, between the ankle and the toes. It can be tough to fit a shoe that provides adequate support for an activity like tennis if you have high arches, so it’s important to look carefully.

Just because you have Plantar Fasciitis doesn’t mean that you have high, low or flat arches, but if you do, it will be an essential factor in identifying the correct tennis shoe for you to play in.

The Last Word on Finding Your Perfect Sneakers

Plantar Fasciitis shouldn’t stop you from enjoying playing tennis. We’ve made some helpful recommendations here, but it’s important to remember that your feet and your gait are individual to you, and what works for one person may not work for someone else. Get to know your feet and your condition. Are high or low arches a problem? Have you been playing tennis in gym shoes without any cushioning in the heel? Think about the particular stresses that tennis will put your feet under (high impact, running, sharp turns) and shop appropriately.

Most importantly, always make sure that you try shoes on and give them a good go before you commit to buy. And even if, from time to time, your Plantar Fasciitis stops you from getting out on court, it shouldn’t stop you for long. In the meantime, there are plenty of other uses for tennis balls.

Once you have picked a good tennis racquet, the next step is to make sure you have something decent to hold your trusty steed. Something that will protect it from damage and let you carry it around with ease.

If you’re in the market for a tennis racquet bag you’ll be spoiled for choice. There is a bag to suit every player’s needs, whether you take lessons a few times a week, play a couple of social games on the weekend or are a serious pro, and a bag for multiple racquets.  A well-designed tennis bag should also have space for everything else you need for a day out on the court.

Never before has there been such a range of tennis bags available, from practical to stylish to stylish and practical; it needs to be functional and while all your tennis gear should fit in so too should the bag fit your budget!

Here are our best bag options for your tennis racquet, including the best single racquet bag as well as tennis bags for 3 and 6 racquets.

Our Top Bag Picks

Best Single Racquet Tennis Bag / Backpack: Nike Court Tech 2.0

Nike is a name synonymous with sporting apparel and equipment and even with newer brands popping up and older names getting a bit of a revival, the famous Swoosh still holds its own when it comes to durability, quality, value for money and style.

The Nike Court Tech 2.0 Tennis Backpack is perfect for players wanting to travel light with one or two racquets. The backpack is made from a densely woven polyester and has a separate carrying compartment for your racquet. It comfortably fits, but you can carry two without the backpack feeling bulky. For the rest of your gear – shoes, change of clothes, shower items – there is another section and there are two smaller front pockets for your wallet, mobile phone, keys, etc. While a water bottle or tennis balls can be kept in the side mesh pockets.

The simple but stylish design is made for comfort, with the backpack well-padded and the Max Air straps ensuring you don’t start the game off with aching shoulders or a sore back. Whether it’s for a quick workout at the gym, a casual day on the courts or for college or school, the Nike Court Tech 2.0 tennis racquet bag is well-made and affordable, which is why it’s on our list as one of the best tennis bag options.

Best 3 Racquet Tennis Bag: Wilson Advantage II Triple Bag

The Wilson Advantage II Triple Bag has space for up to three tennis racquets and players rate it for its durability, quality, and convenience. The different compartments are zippered so none of the contents can fall out and there is extra space for personal items like your wallet, phone, and keys.

Wilson is a name known for its quality products and the Advantage II Triple bag only adds to that reputation. There is a top handle if you want to carry the tennis bag ‘suitcase’ style and it has an adjustable shoulder strap with extra comfortable padding.

Even with three racquets, the bag isn’t cumbersome and in terms of looks, it is true to Wilson’s simple but elegant design. The Advantage II Triple Bag makes our best tennis bag list because of its price and if you’re not into all the bells and whistles, it does the job it was intended for very well.

Best 6 Racquet Tennis Bag: Adidas Barricade IV Tour 6 Racquet Bag

Now this is a tennis bag! The Adidas Barricade IV Tour 6 Racquet bag comfortably holds six racquets and there is even a shoe compartment for your tennis shoes. Adidas has been around since 1924 when the company was called Dassler Schuhfabrik. In 1949 the name changed to Adidas and an iconic brand was born.

The Barricade IV Tour bag has two main compartments that can take three racquets in each. One of the main compartments has a mesh pocket to keep your smaller items from moving around, which means they’ll be easy to find. There are also several smaller pockets, including a felt-lined pocket for more fragile items like jewelry or sunglasses.

The shoe tunnel feeds into one of the compartment and when you don’t have your sneakers or shoes in it, it can be used for your smelly or wet clothes; opposite this storage space is a Climachill compartment that will keep water bottles or lunch cool.  This bag can hold six racquets and be carried in three different ways: there are two grab handles on top of the bag, a removable shoulder strap, and non-removable backpack straps and there’s even a handle to hang it on the fence at the court.

To sum it up the Adidas Barricade 6 racquet tennis bag is an excellent choice: it’s well-made with a lot of attention to detail and given all its feature, it’s very well-priced. Without a doubt, it belongs on our best tennis bag list for 2019.

What to Look for When Buying a Tennis Racquet Bag

There are a few things to consider when buying a tennis bag, and while some are more important than others it’s a good idea to find one that meets at least half of the criteria. A good tennis bag should offer you:

• Ample storage
• Compact design
• Portability
• Comfort
• Versatility
• Affordability
• Style

Storage

When deciding on a tennis bag storage is important. If you’re a casual player then a single or dual racquet bag will be more than enough. If you’re actually a casual player but consider yourself to be a pro then a bag that holds three or four will serve its purpose and boost the ego. But for serious players who have a lot of racquets, you would do better to get a bag that can hold 6, 9, 12 and even 15.

Of course, storage is more than just how many racquets you want, or need to, carry around with you. You need to consider how much storage space is left for clothes, shoes, showering items, keys, wallet, phone and whatever else you might need. Some bags claim to hold 6 racquets, but they’re better suited to 3 or 4 and others boast about having ample space for everything including the kitchen sink, but once it’s got a racquet inside, that’s all it can handle.

Compact Design

A well-made tennis bag that has been designed will be able to hold tennis racquets, clothes, drinks, balls, as well as other personal items, while still being compact. They often have Thermal Guard Technology and a waterproof sack or compartment for wet or smelly clothes, while dry and clean clothes can be kept in another compartment. A lot of the bigger bags will have a storage space for tennis shoes too, and of course, there should also be space for water bottles, lunch, snacks,

Portability

This might sound like a strange one if you consider that all tennis racquet bags are made to travel and would, therefore, be portable, but what we mean is the ease and convenience when on the move with your bag. Most bags have padded backpack straps for travel, keeping the player’s hands free; while a carry handle is fine if you’re walking from the change room to the court. Senior players might prefer a tennis bag with wheels if they’re walking long distances. Whichever one you choose make sure the straps and handles are padded and that everything inside the bag will travel well.

Lightweight

A lightweight bag will ensure you don’t waste energy before you’ve even gotten on the court. The weight of the bag has nothing to do with the size; bags that can accommodate 9 or 12 racquets can weigh less than a bag for one. It comes down to the materials used, whether there’s a frame of some sort and the design. Don’t forget to keep this in mind when choosing a bag – look at what it weighs with tennis gear, as well as when it’s empty.

Comfort

The comfort of a bag is a big deal, especially if you’re a pro who plays often or travels internationally for games. Buying a larger bag that will comfortably hold everything makes more sense than choosing a compact one which holds the least amount, which will more than likely mean traveling with additional bags. Also, make sure backpack straps are well-padded, and if it’s a carry handle you want it to fit comfortably in your hand.

Versatility

You want a bag that offers some versatility, from the shape and the size, to how everything fits and how you can carry it. A backpack probably provides the least carrying capacity but is perfect for tennis practice once or twice a week or a weekend game every now and then. Shoulder bags can be more stylish, hold more and your items stay in their place – think about storage capacity, design, and comfort when you’re considering the bag’s versatility.

Sturdy

When we talk about sturdy we mean how well the bag holds up with regular use but also if all the parts of the whole are durable too. A lot of tennis bags today have all sorts of technology to keep things cold, some things dry while others are wet and odorless from shoes and damp clothes being in the bag. There are moisture protective compartments to store wet items and thermal guard technology to keep tennis racquet strings dry and undamaged. You want a bag that offers all these things including a solid frame that won’t fall apart within a month or two.

Shoulder Straps

Talking about technology, this is even used with the shoulder straps of a backpack. The straps need to be padded for additional comfort, preventing shoulder, back, and even hand pain and the padded foam provides ventilation to keep the excess heat off so to minimize sweating. The technology used is called “climacool” and is used especially with backpacks or tote bags that have a carry handle and backpack straps.

Carry Handle

A carry handle is key to a comfortable tennis racquet bag. There are some styles of tennis bags, like the tournament bag, that don’t have straps but have a carry handle instead. Although logic tells you this can’t be more comfortable than a backpack, it actually is. The handle is usually well-padded and with larger bags, there is a normally a carry handle and wheels. You need to decide of the two bags which would be more suited to you.

Affordability

Always a determining factor is price. A tennis bag doesn’t have to equal the winnings of the US Open to be a good one. There are some well-priced, well-made bags that ooze style and comfort and come in under $50. Tennis bags that serve their purpose range between $20 and $150, with the most expensive ones usually being bags that can hold 6, 12 or 15 racquets.

Style

Style is the name of the fame when it comes to tennis bags and you won’t battle with the choice available. There are tote and duffle bags, backpacks and carry bags. Some high profile tennis players have signature bags that you can buy and other tennis bags have limited branding and logos. Color-wise there are bags that stick to the classic combinations, while others are multicolored and bright. Some bags have loads of compartments and pockets while others only have space for a racquet.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best tennis bag for you, it comes down to your personal taste – from the style, color, and what it’s made of, it’s completely up to you. There are so many to choose from, and if you’re in a position to have more than one, then all the better.

Serious tennis players need seriously cool tennis bags; not only do they offer comfort, functionality, and style, they’re also an extension of your personality. The top rated tennis bags all share the same things in common – they’re made from durable materials, they have ample space for racquets and other gear, and they’re names you can trust. Our top 3 bags are fairly conservative in terms of color and design but there are so many more to choose from, from vintage styles to anniversary and limited editions as well as bags endorsed by some of the top tennis players in the world.

A bag must be functional but with the wide range available,  they can be stylish too.

Choose a tennis racquet for your bag with this guide.