How Long Do Tennis Shoes Last?
Playing tennis is a sport that can really take a toll on your feet. There’s a lot of foot movement, and your tennis shoes, no matter the price, will certainly get worn down over time. Once your tennis shoes start fading it can start to affect your game. So, when should you replace your tennis shoes? What are the signs your tennis shoes are degrading? Overall how long do tennis shoes last?
The general rule with tennis shoes is that they last anywhere from 45-60 hours before getting too worn down. So, if you play two hours once a week, consider replacing your shoes twice a year. Is this rule of thumb actually worth following? Not necessarily. There are many other factors to consider. How long are you playing each time? How many hours a week do you play? What surface are you playing on? What is your play style? Do you find yourself sliding into position abruptly? Running and planting for volleys frequently?
You should also consider how you take care of your tennis shoes. Do you wear them off the tennis court, around the house or for other athletic activities? This can affect the shoes’ lifespan. Also, if you’re storing your shoes in your car or garage, or somewhere too warm, this can kill your shoes!
Signs You Should Replace Your Tennis Shoes
1. Shoe damage
Notice that the sole of your shoes looks super worn? Is the stitching coming out near the laces? Is the tread pattern less and less visible? Shoe damage is not about aesthetics. If you can see visible wear on your shoes, this means that the shoes are not performing as well as they should be. In order to avoid shoe damage, always take your shoes off properly and store them in a cool, dry place. Overall damage is the best visible indication that it may be time to buy new ones.
2. Discomfort on the court
This is a huge indicator that your shoes need to be replaced. If you feel discomfort in your feet while on the court you don’t usually, then that is a bad sign for your shoes. Discomfort at the heels or toes, or all around with a shoe, means that your shoes are not giving you the support you need. If you try to play with discomfort in your shoes, your likelihood for fractures and injuries skyrockets. So, as soon as your shoes stop feeling comfortable, consider this a sign.
3. Soreness or pain in feet or legs
Some players make the mistake of thinking that their soreness and pain is attributing to the workout and not the equipment. If a player doesn’t feel discomfort or pain while playing, they may make the mistake of thinking that the pain after playing is caused by hours of tennis. However, if you notice that you have sore feet or legs after playing, be cautious. This could be your body telling you that your shoes are on their way out. If stretching, ice, or rest doesn’t make a difference, consider investing in new tennis shoes.
4. Stinky shoes
This sign might sound silly, but stinky shoes are actually pretty good indicators of shoes-gone-bad. Consider the time that it takes for shoes to become smelly. You have to be working out hard for quite a while. Once you pass this mark and your shoes start to smell they could be telling you it’s time for them to be replaced!
The bottom line is that there’s no straightforward way to tell it’s time for new shoes. There’s no magic number. When thinking about how long tennis shoes last, consider the previously mentioned factors. Hard surface, there’s a chance your shoes will get worn quicker. Tennis shoes you wear off the court won’t last as long. Shoes stored not inside will degrade faster. All-action players will go through more shoes than a big hitter. All of these factors play a role. If you’re not sure whether your tennis shoes are still good, go through the 4-step signs listed above!
Tennis Shoe FAQ’s
What’s important when buying a new pair of tennis shoes?
Comfort. Comfort is the most important thing when buying a pair of tennis shoes. Investing in your feet goes a long way with tennis because there are so many quick movements in the sport. Try and get something that’s comfortable so that you feel like you can move easily. Many athletes complain about bulky tennis shoes that feel like they’re being weighed down. If you can try on shoes in person, imagine yourself having to jump or move from side-to-side quickly. Ensure that the shoes are not only comfortable, but also lightweight.
Should I buy tennis shoes online or in-person?
If you’re worried about your shoes being uncomfortable or fitting wrongly, try to buy them in-person! If you are insistent on buying tennis shoes online, be sure to get a pair with free-returns so that you can try them on and see how they feel. Never buy a pair of tennis shoes that you can’t try on.
