Last Updated on December 30, 2021
Tennis finally starts again and it’s time to get a new wardrobe…starting with shoes! We’ve selected the five best clay court shoes of the year according to our team of experts and the international tennis community. We’ll be updating this list throughout the year with the newest and best-performing models. Happy reading and happy researching!
To maintain optimal footwork on clay courts, it’s important to use a specific shoe. Here are the main features of clay court shoes:
- The sole generally has a herringbone (zigzag) design. This allows the clay to not stick to the sole and therefore provides better traction on sprints, stops or changes of direction. If some of the clay does stick to the sole, just give it a couple of taps with the racquet frame and it will come off. Herringbone design gives you peace of mind on side-to-side glides and optimal traction on vertical moves.
- The knit fabric upper of the clay-court shoes improves stability and prevents the clay from getting inside the shoe.
Best Clay Court Tennis Shoes
- Beautiful design
- Especially for clay court
- Very good cushioning
- Comfortable
- Comfortable to wear
- Stabilizing support on clay courts
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good price-performance ratio
HEAD Men’s Revolt Pro 3.0
Fit Details:
- Length: True
- Width: Medium
- Arch: Medium
The third version of Head’s clay court shoe doesn’t offer much that’s new compared to its predecessor – that’s not a disadvantage, because you’ll basically find a strong tennis shoe here. Visually, however, something has changed in the model, which now looks a touch slimmer and, according to some testers, also a bit more chic. Otherwise, the shoe gets praise for its good cushioning that still allows for quick movements, as well as for the firm and stabilizing heel. If the shoe adopts the positive features of its predecessor, such as good ventilation and good durability, this model is also a recommendable clay court shoe.
- Chic look
- Good cushioning
- Stabilizing heel
- None known yet
Adidas SoleCourt Boost Clay
Fit Details:
- Length: True
- Width: Medium
- Arch: Medium
Black or blue? You can choose between these colors for the “Solecourt Boost Clay” tennis shoe from Adidas. The shoe is designed for clay court use and is well received by both buyers and in the comparison test: They describe the model as comfortable, high-quality, stable and very well cushioned. However, when it comes to the energy-returning cushioning, the pro testers note that it could slow down very fast movements. The extended toe box fits wider feet well, but overall the shoe falls a bit wider according to customers – anyone with narrower feet is at a disadvantage here. Some athletes found it a bit heavy, all in all Adidas convinces with the model.
- Beautiful design
- Especially for clay court
- Comfortable
- Very good cushioning
- Too wide for narrow and medium feet
Asics Gel-Challenger 12 Clay
Fit Details:
- Length: True
- Width: Medium
- Arch: Medium
If you are just starting out with tennis, would describe yourself as a recreational player, and play mainly on clay courts, you may want to consider the Gel-Challenger 12 Clay from Asics. Testers as well as buyers praise the tennis shoe especially for its high wearing comfort, which is probably mainly ensured by the proven Gel technology of the Japanese manufacturer. Both under the forefoot and under the heel are the cushioning pads made of gel, which provide good shock absorption. Reviewers also attest to the shoe’s durability and stabilizing fit. The sole offers good grip on ash courts (clay). The shoe is comparatively affordable and has a fairly low weight for this price range – the women’s shoe weighs only 315 grams. The predecessor is also still available at a reasonable price.
- Comfortable to wear
- Stabilizing support on clay courts
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good price-performance ratio
- None known yet
Wilson Rush Pro 3.0 Clay
Fit Details:
- Length: True
- Width: Medium
- Arch: Medium
Wilson has given the Rush Pro 2.5 a thorough overhaul and made some improvements. In the 3.0 version, the shoe now weighs a little less. According to the manufacturer, the outer material is supposed to be more breathable, but testers do not think that this has been achieved as well. On the other hand, there seems to be nothing to complain about in terms of the promised stability and heel support thanks to a so-called 4D support chassis. Since the shoe will primarily be used on clay courts, it is equipped with an outsole made of Duralast. This is a special rubber compound that, in conjunction with the herringbone-like tread pattern, is supposed to provide excellent traction on this playing surface.
- Good feel
- Good traction
- Stable shaft
- Breathability of the upper could be better
ASICS Women’s Solution Speed FF 2
Fit Details:
- Length: True
- Width: Medium
- Arch: Medium
Customers praise the stability of the Asics Solution Speed FF 2 and its good support function. However, since the upper is low, the ankles are hardly supported according to reviewers. The FF in the name could stand for almost forward, because the shoe is supposed to promote fast sprints. The outsole has a good grip and the midsole cushions the step to protect the joints. Some reviewers criticize the laces, which they find too thin and too short. In addition, the ventilation is said to be insufficient, so that you quickly run hot feet. Tennis players with wider feet praise the fit. The shoe does not seem well suited for very narrow feet.
- Good cushioning
- Good grip
- Comfortable fit for wide feet
- Low own weight
- Not suitable for very narrow feet