Tennis Shoes Make The Game
By Candice Sabrina
It can be easy to pick out equipment for playing tennis, but the most important item you may buy are tennis shoes. Selecting the right shoe can be vital in preventing injury, as well as having a great performance on the court.
Tennis involves a lot of running and side-to-side movement, which can put stress on ankles, calves and knees. Since there is so much motion in the game of tennis, it is very important to buy tennis shoes that are sturdy and allow for sudden movement without compromising safety. Shoes that are made particularly for tennis are really the best option, but the second safest choice is a basketball type shoe.
Running shoes are not a good choice, since they are made for a forward running motion. They are unstable for the ankle and wearing them can risk injury. Most running shoes are also well padded in the heel, but the game of tennis sometime requires the use of the toes for easy movement, so the heel can be dangerous in the cross movements of the game. Deck shoes, or shoes with a unpadded flat sole, are sturdy, but the lack of padding in the sole can be hard on the joints and shin bones.
The best type of upper material for tennis shoes is canvas, since it allows the foot to breathe and stay cool, and contains the least amount of chemicals. Leather is also a good choice, because it provides more support and keeps feet drier in wet conditions. Vinyl provides support and keeps moisture out, but this material is the worst because it gets the hottest and prohibits the feet from breathing. Finding a shoe that is durable based on the upper material is almost pointless, since the soles are the main part of shoes that takes a beating!
The way your feet are shaped can also play a part when shopping for tennis shoes. Majorities of people have pronated feet, which means that the foot has a low arch and the feet roll inward. People with this type of foot need a tennis shoe that is sturdy enough to support the ankle and prevent the foot from rolling over.
Another shape, called supinated feet, belongs to people who have a high arch and feet turn inward. Having supinated feet can often wear down shoes on the outer edges of the heel and forefoot, and when buying a pair of tennis shoes, it is more important to have stable cushioning. A small percentage of the population has neutral feet, and wear shoes out evenly across the sole. The best type of shoe for this foot type is balanced between ample cushioning and sturdy protection to prevent rollovers.
When shopping for tennis shoes, it is really important to look for shoes that provide great protection for feet and joints, as well as provide comfort. By determining what type of foot shape you have, you are ensuring a fun and safe game of tennis with a reduced risk of injury.
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