Best Shoes for Kids Who Play Tennis – Lateral Support, Stability, and Good Traction!

Most parents make the common mistake of letting their children wear their everyday sneakers when playing tennis. I strongly suggest that if your child is somewhat serious about playing tennis to find a pair of actual tennis shoes, as they are designed with enhanced lateral stability and support that far exceed the capabilities of running shoes. I am going to show you a list of tennis shoes that are specifically designed to handle the lateral movements and sudden stops required in tennis, which can prevent injuries and support your child’s foot health.

Is it Worth it for Families to Invest in Tennis Shoes?

Shoes that are specifically designed for playing tennis won’t make your child a better tennis player, but they sure will maximize performance. The main reason why I suggest parents buy shoes designed for tennis is safety. There are a lot of quick lateral movements in tennis, and tennis shoes are designed to prevent rolled ankles during these movements. Tennis shoes are also better built than sneakers, so you can rest assured that your child will outgrow the shoes before they get destroyed.

Key Features of Tennis Shoes for Kids

The tennis shoes that I recommend provide these three essential features:

1. Firm Heel Counters: A firm heel counter is crucial in tennis shoes as it provides additional support to the heel, which is vital during quick movements on the court. A robust heel counter helps maintain the alignment of the heel and reduces the risk of injuries.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
The difference between a shoe with a firm heel counter and a shoe with a soft heel counter.

2. Cushioning for Impact Absorption: Tennis involves a lot of jumping and sudden stops, making impact absorption crucial. Shoes with adequate padding in the midsole and heel area help absorb shock, reducing the strain on your child’s feet and joints. This cushioning not only enhances comfort but also protects against injuries caused by repeated impacts.

An image of a pair of white tennis shoes with a supportive midsole.

3. Excellent Traction: Good traction is another critical feature. Tennis courts can be slippery, and shoes with excellent grip will help your child maintain balance and agility. This reduces the risk of slips and falls, allowing your child to play confidently.

An image of a pair of kids’ tennis shoes with good grip and traction.

Are Shoes with Laces Better than Velcro for Playing Tennis?

Shoelaces will help secure your child’s feet and provide better support and stability than shoes with velcro closure. The issue with allowing your child to play tennis in shoes that come with velcro closure is that the velcro straps won’t hold your child’s feet in place as effectively as shoelaces.

Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order Online

Ordering shoes online can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With my virtual shoe fitting service, you can ensure that you order the correct size for your child. In that resource, I help families determine whether their children have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I don’t want you to waste time and money ordering shoes that won’t fit the shape of your child’s feet.

Based on my experience and expertise, here are some top recommendations for kids’ tennis shoes that provide the necessary support, comfort, and durability. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Best Shoes for Kids Who Play Tennis with Good Lateral Support and Traction

The tennis shoes I recommend below can fit different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, and wide feet. Just look at the description below each shoe to figure out what foot shape that specific shoe is capable of fitting. All of the tennis shoes below can be used on hard and clay courts.

996v5 by New Balance

These New Balance kids’ tennis shoes are renowned for their lightweight design and durable construction. The shoes feature a reinforced toe cap for added protection and a herringbone outsole pattern for improved traction on various court surfaces. 

Wide New Balance tennis shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe style 996v6 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • The rubber outsole delivers great grip
  • Lace-Up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

Courtflash Tennis by Adidas

These Adidas tennis shoes for kids are designed for young players seeking both style and performance. With a breathable mesh upper, these shoes ensure comfort during long matches. The Adiwear outsole offers durability and grip, making it ideal for hard court play.

Adidas tennis shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe style Courtflash by Adidas on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Grippy Adiwear outsole delivers lightning-fast acceleration across a range of surfaces
  • Abrasion-resistant Adituff bolsters their defences against foot drag so they can slide with confidence
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

ASICS Boy’s Gel-Game 9 Gs

These Asics tennis shoes for kids incorporate Gel technology in the forefoot for shock absorption, providing a comfortable playing experience. 

Asics tennis shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe style KC996v5 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Forefoot GEL technology provides extra cushion for excellent shock absorption
  • Non-marking outsole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

Coco CG2 by New Balance

These New Balance tennis shoes for kids feature a cushioned midsole for comfort and a durable outsole for traction.

New Balance tennis shoes for kids with wide feet.
  • Order the shoe style Coco by New Balance on Zappos or the New Balance website
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Outsole material designed specifically for hard court play
  • Outsole features ultra-durable non-marking NDurance rubber compound 
  • Lace-Up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

Tennis Shoe by Wilson

These Wilson court shoes tennis kids feature advanced materials that enhance performance while maintaining a lightweight feel, crucial for young players who value speed and agility.

Wilson tennis shoes for kids.
  • Order the tennis shoe style by Wilson on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Cushioned foam midsoles
  • Non-marking outsole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

996v5 by New Balance

These kids’ tennis court shoes are renowned for their lightweight design and durable construction. The shoes feature a reinforced toe cap for added protection and a herringbone outsole pattern for improved traction on various court surfaces. 

Wide New Balance tennis shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe style 996v6 on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • The rubber outsole delivers great grip
  • Lace-Up closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size

Remember that some places may not allow your child on the court unless their tennis shoes are at least 90% white.

Contact Me for Additional Recommendations

If you are unsure about the right size or shoe type, feel free to contact me for personalized recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. Offering a personalized consultation can help address specific concerns, such as wide feet or high arches, ensuring you choose shoes that cater to your child’s unique needs. This tailored approach increases the likelihood of a perfect fit.

My coworker who has over 20 years of shoe fitting experience taught me a specific shoe lacing technique that works wonders for children who play sports, specifically for children who play tennis.

What Are Good Socks for Playing Tennis?

Pairing your child’s tennis shoes with comfortable socks that have extra padding can offer additional support to certain areas of the foot and help reduce pressure points. It’s also important for your kids’ socks to be breathable to prevent your child’s skin from getting soft and more prone to breakdown.

Socks that provide good padding help protect your kids’ feet as they quickly pivot and come to sudden stops on the tennis court. Choosing the right tennis socks for your kids will help them feel more comfortable, avoid blisters, and have more fun playing tennis.

Make sure that you provide your child with the correct sock size as socks that are too small will cramp your child’s toes together while socks that are too big will bunch up below your kids’ feet and create discomfort.

Remember that tennis is a sport where footwork is very important and foot injuries can happen. The correct type of tennis shoes can prevent unwanted slips, falls, and injuries.

When selecting tennis shoes for your child, consider their unique foot shape and any specific conditions they might have. It’s essential to ensure a proper fit to avoid discomfort or potential injuries.