If you are a regular grass court tennis player, you probably have your shoes sorted for the surface. But for those looking for that rare outing on grass or just starting out, here’s our guide on the best tennis shoes for grass.
Grass is the most traditional tennis surface. However, it isn’t a popularly used court like hard or clay courts because of its high maintenance costs.
Because of this rare usage, it may be harder getting shoes for grass courts than for any other courts, and at times players are often forced to choose between all-court options or have to settle for less than ideal shoes.
However, as discussed in our article debating whether a player should wear different shoes on different courts, it is always important to wear shoes that meet the demands of the surface, especially for grass courts. This is why the focus of this article will be five tennis shoes best for grass courts in 2021.
Before we focus on that, we will first outline the key features of grass courts and see what types of shoes are best for the surface.
Surface Features of Grass Courts
Many players enjoy playing on grass courts because it’s the fastest of all the surfaces. The softness of grass also makes it easier on the body’s joints.
However, even though balls may move quicker on grass than on all the other surfaces, the surface is notorious for producing unpredictable bounces and being slippery. This could make things difficult for a tennis player, with sliding and falling being a realistic chance if they have shoes with no grip.
Also Read:
Best Shoe Types for Grass Courts
To deal with the aforementioned slipperiness of the court other than to make sure one can match up to the rapid-paced and slightly difficult predict requirements of a grass court, try to search for shoes with the following qualities:
- The ideal shoes for grass courts should give players a great, solid grip and be comfortable enough to move quickly in.
- The outsoles of grass-specific shoes often have protruding nubs, somewhat similar to cleats, which help to provide a great grip on an often slippery surface. Conversely, you may wear flat shoes with herringbone patterns on the shoe’s sole. These herringbone patterns also offer a great match to the requirements of the surface.
- Grass courts rarely wear out soles like hard courts; hence, durability won’t be much of an issue when buying shoes specifically meant to be used on this surface. However, if you do choose an all-court option that you want to use on other surfaces, do keep durability in mind.
Best Tennis Shoes for Grass Courts in 2021
With all that in mind, these are some of the best tennis shoes for grass surfaces that our experts strongly recommended:
1. Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 Tennis Shoe
Often rated as one of the best shoes of the year, this all-court shoe is an excellent one for aggressive players seeking a fast court shoe that is light in weight, cushioned, and durable.
The shoe’s midsole, one of the shoe’s highlights, gives great underfoot cushioning, has a great response, and aids in efficient energy distribution.
This updated version comes with a wider toe box. Its outsole is also updated with DuRubber, a persistent type of rubber, which is placed in areas that are prone to high abrasion.
All this culminates in a lightweight shoe that gives great support and offers a great grip on all types of courts.
Key Advantages
- Plush underfoot cushioning, especially around the heel.
- Its outsole comes with a six-month durability guarantee.
- Suitable for all courts.
- It is remarkably light in weight.
Minor Disadvantages
- Has a short pair of laces.
- For some users, the shoe rubs on their insteps.
For accurate pricing, check Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 on local Mizuno and Amazon listings.
2. 2020 Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Tennis Shoe
This multi-surface shoe perfectly combines support and speed, which is why many players adore it.
Babolat teamed up with Michelin to create the shoe’s outsole, which comes with an abrasion-control setup. Using Michelin’s ultra-powered tire expertise, the employed DIN 20 rubber compound is made to outlast the harshest conditions on all types of courts.
Its tread composition is intentionally crafted to always give the player maximum traction even as they maneuver the court at high levels of speed. Additionally, its sole also comes with a six-month warranty.
The company’s patented Active Flexion technology also ensures great underfoot protection at all times. This technology is placed across various parts of the shoes to gift the nine main pressure points of the feet ample cushioning.
Key Advantages
- The shoe has a stable build.
- Highly durable rubber outsole which comes with a six-month guarantee.
- The shoe is highly flexible.
- Suitable for all courts.
Minor Disadvantages
- For some wearers, the shoe may rub against a player’s toes and ankles.
For accurate pricing, check 2020 Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Tennis Shoe on local Babolat and Amazon listings.
3. Nike Air Zoom Vapor X
Worn by Roger Federer, the stalwart of Wimbledon himself, this shoe is a really popular option from Nike, and it’s no wonder why many users are switching and opting for them.
The shoe is a justified step up in Nike’s responsive and lightweight series, often with different editions like the Wimbledon version that is meant for grass courts.
This upgraded version has great benefits that make it stand out. These are things like its marvelous support for player’s ankles, its improved stability, and some great control features that Nike has technologically employed on the shoe.
The Vapor X’s upper comes in a dynamically fitted structure that seamlessly integrates with different lightweight textures; the result of this is an upper with no disturbances.
Players have highly praised the Phylon midsole which provides a snappy reaction. Additionally, the inside of the shoe combines comfort-centric features that end up generating a wonderful sensation, one that players with sensitive feel will especially applaud.
The shoe’s outsole is designed in a herringbone pattern, assuring players an excellent grip—however, the grass-court Wimbledon version often has cleat-like nubs that make it perfect for grass courts.
Key Advantages
- Tough and durable sole.
- There are several beautiful and unique designs of the shoe.
- Grants optimal stability.
- The midsole comes with an integrated section in the heel dubbed as the zoom air which gifts wonderful cushioning and responsiveness.
Minor Disadvantages
- Accurate sizing will be an issue for many players. Try looking for a 1/2 size larger so that you can get an ideal fit.
For accurate pricing, check Nike Air Zoom Vapor X on local Nike and Amazon listings.
4. Nike Women’s Flare 2 Tennis Shoe
Moving from one Wimbledon stalwart’s favored shoe to another, next up we have Serena William’s shoe of choice: The Nike Women’s Flare 2.
This lightweight shoe, with an all-court option, is made with a widespread mesh opening that promotes breathability and ventilation. Nike used specifically fused synthetics in the upper to accomplish this while still ensuring that the shoe retains its lightweight label.
The outsole is made from Nike’s trademark extra-durable rubber that guarantees some great enduring traction. And despite its lack of a warranty, the outsole’s rubber durability will guarantee a long playing time on multiple surfaces.
Lastly, the midsole’s soft foam will take on heavy landings apart from giving players some added comfort.
Key Advantages
- The shoes’ fabric lining grants comfort.
- Great ventilation from the wide mesh upper.
- The shoe is associated with durability.
Minor Disadvantages
- Collar occasionally rubs against the ankle.
- The shoe has a tight opening.
For accurate pricing, check Nike Women’s Flare 2 on local Nike and Amazon listings.
Also Read:
5. Babolat Jet Mach II Tennis Shoe
Another pick in this list from Babolat, this model shines in several categories. The shoe is quick, stable, light, and will guarantee a long lifespan.
Michelin also teamed up with Babolat in making this shoe to give its outsole the required durability. Just like the Babolat Propulse Fury, the sole is made from first-class DIN 20 rubber, a polymer that perfectly resists abrasion.
Additionally, its grip is not only perfect for grass courts, which require shoes with great grip, but it is a perfect all-courter.
Key Advantages
- The Michelin outsole doesn’t wear out quickly.
- Great stability.
- The shoe’s Kevlar upper offers some great support.
- Suitable for all courts.
Minor Disadvantages
- Some players have complained about the shoe’s thin forefoot cushioning.
- The shoe may get warm when worn for a couple of hours.
For accurate pricing, check Babolat Jet Mach II Tennis Shoe on local Babolat and Amazon listings.
Final Thoughts on Best Grass Court Shoes
Even though grass-court shoes are harder to find, all-court options are the perfect substitutes, which is why some of the shoes in this list are all-court variations. Such shoes come with great perks, such as durability, and will last longer if used solely on grass courts because grass doesn’t wear out shoes like hard courts.
However, for specifically listed grass-court shoes, such as the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wimbledon edition, their cleat-like nubs mean that they are only to be used on grass courts.
So the next time that you’re headed out on a grass court and need a pair of shoes, you can grab one of the shoes listed here.
Alternatively, you can find a shoe with all the above qualities that will help you glide on the grass and dominate your opponents on the court.