Game, Set, Match: The Ultimate Guide to Tennis Shoes

With Wimbledon in full swing and the US Open around the corner, tennis is once again at the forefront of summer fashion. Think preppy sweaters, all-white sportswear, and sleek court-ready trainers – whether you’re hitting the courts yourself, sitting courtside, or just loving the tennis look, tennis-inspired style is both timeless and trending.

Of course, you can’t build a court-ready wardrobe without the perfect pair of shoes. Tap into the tennis aesthetic with the help of classic brands like adidas, Reebok, and Lacoste, and opt for a stylish pair to accompany your courtside look or enhance your performance. Whatever your vibe, schuh’s tennis core collection is bound to have your perfect match!

Court-Ready Inspiration

When it comes to tennis style, sources of inspiration are endless. Take notes from tennis icons themselves like Serena Williams and her high fashion-influenced twists on classic court outfits, or Roger Federer with his classic all-white tennis looks that are truly timeless. Alternatively, look to courtside style icons like Alexa Chung for refined, preppy style that fits right in at Wimbledon Centre Court.

The tennis core trend heated up again in 2024 with Luca Guadagnino’s hit film Challengers: a pop culture sensation that put the tennis aesthetic firmly on the map amongst Gen Z and beyond. Lead star Zendaya’s press tour looks featured a host of luxurious designer pieces from the likes of Loewe and Louis Vuitton, while the film showcased a range of designs from Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson. These looks blended sports logos and athleisure with quiet luxury, featuring track shorts and loose-fitting graphic tees alongside preppy polos and button-downs – perfect inspiration for off-the-court looks.

What should I wear to play tennis?

Planning to see how you fare on the courts? In order to plan your tennis outfits, where you’re playing is key. You’re free to keep it as casual and comfy as you like at open tennis courts, while tennis clubs may have more rules, so be sure to check in advance in case of any requirements for specific colours or recognised tennis attire.

Of course, your outfit needs to be practical – luckily, tennis clothing is both stylish and sporty. Opt for purpose-made tennis wear with performance fabrics and sweat-wicking materials to ensure breathability, freedom of movement, and even tennis-specific features like ball pockets. Tennis shorts, lightweight tops and polos, tennis skorts, and tennis dresses are all ideal pieces for creating a winning combo on the court. Keep it classic by choosing your outfit in a crisp white colourway, perfect for playing in hot summer months!

Shoes are central to a game-ready fit – cushioning, breathability, and grip are all essential to allow you to move with speed and finesse on the court. You can’t go wrong with ASICS, a favourite amongst tennis players. The ASICS GEL-1130 blends chic 90s style with signature GEL lightweight cushioning to be a perfect court companion – opt for a classic white and silver colourway to perfectly pair with your tennis whites.

Another performance shoe that guarantees responsive cushioning and a lightweight feel is the adidas Adizero Evo SL, while the New Balance Fresh Foam is also a fantastic court-ready option that promises elite cushioning, stability, and protection for high impact exercise.

Be sure to complete your fit with some crisp white crew socks, and accessorise with a visor or workout headband for a classic look.

What should I wear to watch a tennis match?

Prefer to keep it courtside? Whether you’re planning on being a spectator or just tapping into the tennis aesthetic, reach for preppy staples, tennis whites, and pieces that exude quiet luxury. Think preppy stripes for your shirts and polos, luxury materials for your knitwear, and sleek silhouettes for your footwear. Classic colours like white and navy keep your look timeless.

Tap into the quiet luxury aesthetic with a knitted cardigan, crisp-white shirt, and fitted jeans, paired perfectly with a pair of classic tennis trainers like the Lacoste Powercourt, from the brand that is perhaps most synonymous with tennis. Lacoste’s tennis styles boast durable leather construction and iconic green crocodile branding, giving them an utterly timeless look. Of course, a tennis bracelet or necklace is the perfect way to round off your fit in true luxe style.

Other classic styles include the New Balance T500, Reebok Club C, and adidas VL Court. The New Balance T500 was designed in the 80s, and its modern model combines on-court design with effortless style. Reebok is another of the most iconic brands in professional tennis, and the iconic Reebok Club C is another ‘80s classic. For a style that can take you from the court to the city streets, the adidas VL Court is an iconic silhouette crafted with signature three stripe sidewalls and a classic gum outsole.

It’s the perfect time to embrace the Wimbledon spirit or revisit the Challengers hype – discover each of these court-ready trainers and many more in our exclusive tennis shoes edit at schuh!