on November 27, 2025
Should Kids Play Tennis in Running Shoes?
Choosing the right footwear is one of the most important steps in keeping young athletes safe, confident, and moving properly on the court. At Racquet Vault, we often hear the question:
“Can my child just play tennis in their running shoes?”
No. Tennis demands completely different movement, support, and traction compared to running shoes.
Here’s why choosing proper junior tennis shoes matters.
Tennis Requires Lateral Support That Running Shoes Don’t Have
Running shoes are designed for straight-line, forward motion. Tennis involves constant multi-directional movement such as:
- Sudden stops
- Side-to-side movement
- Quick pivots
- Explosive lateral acceleration
Without lateral stability, kids are more likely to:
- Roll an ankle
- Slide too much on hard courts
- Lose traction when changing direction
- Develop knee or foot pain
Junior tennis shoes are built with stronger sidewalls and more stable midsoles so young players can move confidently and safely.
Tennis Shoes Use Non-Marking Soles
Most indoor tennis clubs require non-marking soles to protect the court surface. Running shoes often leave marks and can damage the surface.
Every junior tennis shoe sold at Racquet Vault features a court-safe, non-marking outsole.
Durability Designed for Tennis Movement
Kids drag toes, slide, shuffle, and change direction constantly. Tennis shoes include:
- Toe guards for toe-dragging
- High-abrasion outsoles for hard courts
- Reinforced uppers for side-to-side wear
Running shoes wear out quickly under tennis movement, providing less protection and needing more frequent replacement.
Designed for Court Surfaces (Hard vs. Clay)
Choosing the correct outsole improves traction and prevents slipping:
- Hard Court Shoes: Durable rubber, reinforced toe, tacky outsole pattern.
- Clay Court Shoes: Full herringbone pattern for clay grip without clogging.
Racquet Vault carries both options so your child can play comfortably on any court.
Read our full court-surface shoe guide here:
Choosing the Right Tennis Shoes for Your Court Surface
Better Stability = Better Confidence
Proper tennis footwear helps kids:
- Shuffle with correct footwork
- Stay balanced when planting their feet
- Move explosively without slipping
- Develop strong athletic habits early
Good shoes support proper form and long-term skill development.
Recommended Junior Tennis Shoes
Bottom Line: Running Shoes Aren’t Built for Tennis
For safety, traction, support, and durability, junior players need shoes made specifically for tennis.
If you’re unsure which pair is best for your child, visit us in-store or contact our team — we’re here to help.
