Clay Court Shoes: Providing more Stability

Once tennis moves outside, clay is mostly the surface of choice. Almost every club plays on clay, and even many of the pro tour's tournaments take place on that sandy surface. However, clay has certain specific characteristics you need to consider when shopping for a new pair of tennis shoes. 

At Tennis-Point, you will find clay court shoes that carry you through the season comfortably and successfully. You can pick from a wide range of high-quality materials that provide comfort, no matter the situation. Some specifics even improve your footwork, and thereby your whole game. However, your choice won't come easy because, in the end, you have to identify your favourite pair among great looking shoes made by premium brands like Asics, Nike, K-Swiss, Babolat, and many more.

Three Factors Determine a Clay Court Shoe's Quality

When playing on clay, tennis players particularly need to rely on their footwork to master unexpected moves. Clay court shoes are designed accordingly, supporting those moves due to their setup. You may know it from your own experience: slipping on sand happens quickly, which is why the red surface demands a lot from players and shoes alike – with the latter providing grip on the otherwise slippery sand grains. Hence, three features matter particularly: the sole, the shoe's setup, and the upper.

1. Tennis shoes for clay courts are equipped with a resilient, intensely profiled outsole. It digs deeper into the ground and thereby provides the grip you need for long rallies. Generally, the game slows down on clay compared to grass or hard courts. The surface gives in more, the ball sinks in deeper and therefore takes more time to bounce back up.
2. Due to the slowed-down rallies, baseline tennis gains value – and just as much does your shoe's setup. When playing baseline tennis, you most likely will run from one side to the other. To get there on time, anytime, you need to be able to move laterally quickly. Hence, to provide support, clay court shoes need to offer enhanced stability on the inside and the outside. If everything works together just fine, this lays the groundwork for solid and accurate strokes.
3. Like a clay court's characteristics, the weather conditions demand another set of features from the upper. Many brands use different materials that make sure the shoe remains flexible while offering durability. For improved breathability, many uppers consist of mesh-inserts or have perforations. Since clay court matches may very well drag on for hours, the inner shoe must offer breathability and comfort as well.

Discover a Wide Range of Clay Court Shoes at Tennis-Point

When it comes to clay court shoes, their herringbone outsole probably stands out most. The pattern digs deep into the sand, providing as much grip as possible. Thanks to this setup, you are more likely to return that forehand cross that barely touched the baseline without losing your footing. Especially advanced players like to slide into the corners to reach for well-placed hits. To protect your feet and work against ankle rolls, clay court shoes are often cut slightly higher, while the dense upper prevents sand grains from entering the shoe, thereby keeping a certain amount of comfort even during long matches.

Beginners and pros can benefit from the wide range of clay court tennis shoes at Tennis-Point. Here, you will find brand new models, which will keep surprising you with new features and technology. However, clay court shoes are designed particularly for that red surface and therefore do not work as an all court alternative. For, when you play indoors on granule, the sole will hinder you from sliding and, in the worst case, will lead to tripping and rolling your ankle. Hence, all court, or even carpet court shoes are the better option. Grass court shoes, on the other hand, are built similarly to clay models; however, they carry a few unique features. Whatever you are looking for, at Tennis-Point, you will find your next tennis shoe.