9 Best Kids’ Tennis Shoes For Comfort, Style, and Performance

As a parent, when buying kids tennis shoes comfort and reliability are typically the most important. You want your child to be as comfortable as possible when playing tennis and you want the shoe to hold up and keep your child safe while playing.

For many younger kids, style is probably more for their parents to choose from. But when they get a little older they will want to choose based on looks many times.

But for a sport like tennis that requires agility, speed, and endurance, picking the right kids tennis shoes are essential for young players.

Best Kids Tennis Shoes

1) Nike Omni Multi-Court (Best Indoor)

Why We Like It:

• Versatile Traction: Offering excellent grip and stability for diverse indoor activities.
• Comfortable Fit: Designed with a cushioned insole and supportive fit.
• Lightweight Design: Aids in quick movements and reduces fatigue along with durable construction.
• Breathable Materials: Keeps your child’s feet cool and dry.

2) Adidas Barricade (Best Overall)

Why We Like It:

• Exceptional Support and Stability: Known for its excellent support and stability.
• Comfortable Fit: Have a cushioned midsole and a comfortable insole, which help in absorbing impact and reducing strain on the feet during long hours of play.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adidas is known for its stylish designs, and the Barricade line often comes in various colors and patterns that appeal to kids.

3) K-Swiss Speedtrac (Overall Runner Up)

Why We Like It:

• Superior Traction: The outsole of the Speedtrac is designed for optimal grip on court surfaces.
• Lightweight Construction: It allows for greater agility and speed on the court without sacrificing foot protection and support.
• Advanced Cushioning Technology: Incorporate advanced cushioning systems, which provide excellent shock absorption for kids.
• Breathability: Keeping feet cool and dry is crucial for comfort and hygiene, especially for kids. The Speedtrac design usually includes breathable materials that facilitate air flow, making these shoes more comfortable during long play sessions than some alternatives.
• Foot Support: These shoes are engineered to offer balanced support to the feet, which is essential for the dynamic movements in tennis. Proper foot support is critical in reducing the risk of injuries and in providing a stable base for movement.

4) New Balance Kids CoCo (Best Retro Look)

Why We Like It:

• Specialized Design: Named after and inspired by professional tennis player Coco Gauff, these shoes are designed with insights from a tennis prodigy. Inspired by 1990s basketball shoes, giving it a cool mix of old and new.
• Advanced Cushioning and Comfort: New Balance is known for its emphasis on comfort, and the Coco shoes are no exception. They feature advanced cushioning technologies that provide excellent shock absorption and foot comfort for kids who play alot.
• Durability: These shoes are constructed with high-quality materials and reinforced in critical areas to withstand the demands of tennis. This durability can make them a more long-lasting option compared to other junior tennis shoes.

5) Wilson Kids’ Rush Pro Jr. (Best Fit)

Why We Like It:

• Optimal Fit: The Rush Pro Jr. features Wilson’s Sensifeel technology, which creates a snug fit that cradles the foot like a glove. Helps keep kids’ feet in place, reducing movement and friction to help prevent injuries.
• Sturdy Design: The Duralast outsole is a sturdy construction that provides excellent traction on court surfaces. It is also durable and resistant to wear, contributing to the shoe’s longevity.
• Great Support: The Rush Pro Jr. features a medium arch support that provides balanced stability for young players’ feet.

6) Babolat Jet Mach 3 All Court Junior (Best For Competitive Kids)

Why We Like It:

• Superior Agility: The Jet Mach 3 is designed for quick movements, allowing kids to stay light on their feet while maintaining stability.
• Breathable Design:: Known for its ventilation system, the Jet Mach 3 keeps feet cool even during intense gameplay.
• Innovative Technology: Babolat incorporates advanced technology in its shoes that provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption.
• Stylish Design: The Jet Mach 3 features a sleek and modern design, with multiple color options available. Kids are sure to love the look.

7) Asics Kai Gel-Revolution 9

Why We Like It:

• Gel Cushioning System: As the name suggests, the Gel-Revolution 7 incorporates Asics’ signature gel cushioning system. This system provides excellent shock absorption and helps reduce impact on the feet during high-intensity movements.
• Lightweight and Flexible: These shoes are designed to be lightweight, allowing for greater agility on the court. They also offer good flexibility, making it easier for kids to move naturally while playing.
• Durable Outsole: The outsole of the Gel-Revolution 7 is made of durable rubber, ensuring longevity even with frequent use.

8) K-Swiss HyperCourt Junior (Most Popular)

Why We Like It:

• Sleek Design: The HyperCourt features a sleek all-white design with pops of color, giving it a modern and stylish look. This design is sure to appeal to kids who want to look their best on the court.
• Optimal Fit: These shoes use K-Swiss’ Heel Grip Lining technology, which provides a snug and comfortable fit while keeping the foot in place. The result is increased stability and reduced risk of injury for your kids.
• Durable Construction: These shoes are made with high-quality materials and reinforced in critical areas to withstand the demands of tennis.
• Versatile Traction: The outsole of the HyperCourt offers versatile traction, making it suitable for various surfaces.

9) New Balance Unisex-Child Fresh Foam Arishi V4 (Most Affordable)

Why We Like It:

• Comfortable Fit: The Arishi V4 features a breathable upper and cushioned heel for added comfort. This design helps prevent blisters and discomfort, making it an excellent choice for young players.
• Fresh Foam Cushioning: The Fresh Foam midsole technology offers a soft and responsive feel, absorbing impact and providing a comfortable ride on the court.
• Lightweight Design: New Balance designed the Arishi V4 to be lightweight, allowing kids to move quickly and comfortably during play.
• Affordable Option: The Arishi V4 is one of the most affordable options on this list, making it a great choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising quality.

For Parents – What To Look For When Buying Kids Tennis Shoes?

1. Correct Sizing: Ensure the shoes fit properly. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe. However, avoid shoes that are too large, as they can cause slipping and lack of support.
2. Foot Support and Comfort: Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning. This is crucial for comfort, especially during long training sessions or matches.
3. Durability: Kids can be tough on shoes, so durability is key. Look for shoes with a sturdy outsole and reinforced toe areas, as these are the parts that tend to wear out the fastest, especially in tennis with its quick lateral movements.
4. Surface Appropriate: Choose shoes suitable for the type of court surface your child frequently plays on. Different shoes are designed for hard courts, clay courts, or grass courts, and they have varying tread patterns and outsole materials.
5. Breathability: Shoes with good ventilation keep feet cooler and reduce sweat, which can be crucial during long matches and in hot weather.
6. Ankle Support: Especially important for tennis, where lateral movements are common. Look for shoes that provide adequate ankle support to prevent injuries.
7. Flexibility: While support is essential, the shoe should also allow for natural foot movement. A good tennis shoe will balance flexibility and stability.
8. Non-Marking Soles: Many tennis courts require non-marking soles to prevent damage to the court surface.
9. Consider the Child’s Preferences: Style and color can be important to kids. While not as crucial as the functional aspects, a shoe that the child likes and feels confident wearing can positively impact their enjoyment of the game.
10. Regular Replacement: Kids’ feet grow quickly, and their shoes can wear out fast, especially with regular play. Regularly check the fit and condition of their shoes and be prepared to buy new ones as needed.

Remember, the best tennis shoe for one child might not be the best for another. It’s important to consider individual needs, including foot shape, playing style, and any specific recommendations from a coach or podiatric specialist.

How Fast Do Kids Feet Grow?

The rate at which children’s feet grow and thus outgrow their shoes can vary significantly based on their age, genetic factors, and individual growth patterns. However, there are some general guidelines to consider:

1. Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0-3): At this stage, children’s feet grow very fast. On average, they may need new shoes every 2 to 3 months.
2. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5): During these years, children’s feet grow approximately one size every 4 months.
3. School-age Children (Ages 6-12): As children get older, the rate of foot growth slows down a bit. They might need new shoes approximately every 6 months to 1 year. However, growth spurts can occur, requiring more frequent changes.
4. Teenagers: By the time children reach their teenage years, their feet grow at a slower rate, and they may not need new shoes as often. However, some teenagers may continue to experience growth spurts.

It’s important for parents to regularly check the fit of their kids tennis shoes. Signs that shoes are becoming too small include marks on the feet, complaints of discomfort, toes pressing against the front of the shoes, and visible wear and tear. A good practice is to measure a child’s feet every few months to ensure their shoes are still fitting correctly, especially during periods of rapid growth.

Conclusion

Choosing the right kids tennis shoes are crucial for young players’ performance and foot health. The options listed offer a range of features to suit different preferences and playing styles. When selecting kids tennis shoes, consider your child’s foot type, playing style, and the shoe’s specific features to ensure the best fit and performance.