The Best Nike Shoes to Play Tennis on a Hard Court

Tennis is often said to be a lifelong sport: it's played at the highest levels of competition while also being a social, recreational sport for athletes of any level. Whatever type of tennis player you are, tennis shoes go a long way in helping provide players with grip, cushioning and stability on the court—especially hard courts.

Because hard courts may be a bit tougher on the joints and feet, it's important to wear a high-quality pair of tennis shoes that will help absorb impact on the body and provide ample durability and cushioning. Here's what to look for when shopping for tennis shoes to wear on a hard court.

Find a shoe with varied traction patterns on the sole to support movement with stability and confidence. The bottom of a good tennis shoe should feature a multi-directional traction pattern to support all the movement on the court—from sliding and jumping to moving laterally and planting the feet firmly.

When it comes to underfoot cushioning, look for ample padding towards the front of the foot, which can help add a springy responsiveness, especially as you push off to serve. In certain Nike tennis shoes, a forefoot Zoom Air unit helps achieve this level of bouncy cushioning. Nike React technology is another cushioning innovation that can create a smooth feel, with soft foam placed near the arch of the foot and a firm foam along the outside of the foot to feel closer to the ground. This alignment is designed to help players push off during fast movements.

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Check out the top men's and women's Nike tennis shoes to wear when playing on a hard court.

On the men's side, NikeCourt Zoom Vapor Cage 4 Rafa is made from flexible, durable materials, including a unique lacing system that covers the foot for support and an outsole material that wraps over the midsole for added durability. Signature Rafael Nadal details let players of all levels channel the style of the tennis legend on the court.

Meanwhile, the NikeCourt Zoom NXT is designed with a large forefoot Zoom Air unit that's curved to bend in multiple directions to respond to every step, while a stiff-yet-flexible plate adds stability. This shoe is also designed to be extremely lightweight and breathable, keeping air flowing throughout play.

Words by: Lesly Gregory