Tennis Questions

Not all Tennis Shoes are for Tennis





Tennis shoes are synonymous with the generic, universal term, athletic shoes.  Tennis shoes are designated for sporting activies and give added support for the jerky movements, swift pivots, and unusual twists and turns inherent to fast-paced sports.  In Britain they're called trainers and in Australia they're called sandshoes.  Common colloquial synonyms in the United States are gym shoes, running shoes, and sneakers.  Common brands include Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Converse, Etnies Fila, New Balance, Nike, PUMA, Reebok, and Shaq.  According to the Sporting Goods Marketing Association, sneakers accounted for 1/3 of all shoes sold in 1996.

Shoes designed specifically for tennis include Wilson's new brand that incorporates the patented Independent Traction Control Technology that make it so unique.  Spokespersons for the brand explain that the innovation inhibits loss of footing.  Tennis shoes need to be able to withstand several obstacles to smooth play.  For instance, if the outsole is too rigid, then the shifty pivots, corning, and stopping cause you to lose contact with the surface.  Shock absorption and moisture reduction are tackled with a heel pad and midsole and non-stick linings. 

Sporting goods outlets, department stores, malls, and other mass merchandisers carry this and other brands.  Check ahead of time by searching for tennis shoes in local search results.  It's not advisable to wear running or cross-training shoes for tennis.  Ankle sprain and strain can ensue.  Look at how comfortable, durable, and tailored the shoe is to both you and the sport.  Try on the tennis shoes after a run or workout because your feet enlarge, make sure you're wearing the socks you'll be playing in, and jump or pivot a little to assure that they're a good fit.  You should be able to wiggle each toe, and the shoe should give you a firm grip.  You may be prone to high arches, flat feet, or weak ankles.  It's important that your tennis shoes give you the support you need to move quickly and adeptly on all kinds of courts.  Another popular and upcoming model is the Adidas Barricade.  Most users report favorably on their stylish designs and tennis specificity.  They're tailored to the professional tennis player.

The first sneaker was invented in 1893 for sailors that didn't want to wear dress shoes on deck surfaces.  Eventually, they were adapted for lawn tennis, cricket, and croquet in Britain.  At the beginning of the 20th century, football players and basketball players wore the same kind of shoes, and there was no distinction between boots or cleats and tennis shoes.  The Converse All-Star premiered in 1917, and steady, successive improvements appeared year after year.  Tennis shoes traverse 521 miles in their lifetime, on average.

Tennis shoes are infilitrating charitable events and good causes too.  Chris Heimerdinger, author of the the "Tennis Shoes" adventure series, has worked extensively with his publisher and Hearts and Hands for Humanity to give tennis shoes to children between 5 and 12 years old.  Another charity, Tennis for Africa, collects and sells autographed versions of professional players' tennis shoes.


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