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

Wimbledon’s right around the corner, the US Open is just weeks away, and tennis style is warming up to having another main character summer. From crisp white trainers and preppy polos to pleated skirts, rugby stripes, and “I definitely know my way around Centre Court” knitwear, court-inspired looks are officially back in play.

The data’s serving, too: with search interest for “tennis shoes” jumping 190% over the last year and “ladies tennis outfits” climbing 130%, tennis core is showing no signs of sitting out summer 2026. The best bit? You don’t even need a killer backhand to wear it well. Whether you’re watching from the stands, building a tennis-coded off-duty ‘fit, or actually serving on court, the right pair of shoes does all the heavy lifting.

Ready to find your perfect match? Check out our  tennis core edit at schuh and meet the court-coded icons worth adding to your rotation – and read on to discover our top tennis-inspired picks for summer 2026.

What is Tennis Core?

Tennis core is the clean, preppy, sport-inspired aesthetic built around classic tennis style. Think white trainers, pleated skirts, polo shirts, cable knits, striped socks, and sleek silhouettes that look polished without trying too hard.

This is a trend that’s been bubbling for years, but it went full viral in 2024 thanks to the ongoing love for quiet luxury, retro sportswear, and, yes, the Challengers effect. Zendaya’s tennis-coded press tour gave us luxe athleisure, bold styling, and enough courtside ‘fit inspo to fuel a thousand Pinterest boards.

Add Wimbledon whites, summer city dressing, and the return of sporty minimalism – helped along this year by football fever and the ’90s-to-’00s activewear revival – and tennis core is firmly back in play for summer 2026.

The Tennis Shoes You Need to Know in 2026

The best tennis shoes depend on your vibe. Want a clean everyday trainer? Keep it classic. Want something sportier? Look for cushioning, breathable details, and court-ready silhouettes. Want the full tennis core aesthetic? White, cream, navy, green, and gum-sole styles are your best match.

The adidas VL Court is an easy everyday option with a retro court feel, signature 3-Stripes, and a low-profile shape that works with jeans, jorts, and tennis skirts alike. It’s understated, wearable, and very much “threw this on and still nailed it” – opt for the clean white and black colourway for an effortless wardrobe staple you’ll reach for on repeat.

For a bolder retro vibe, the adidas Gazelle brings suede texture, heritage energy, and classic colourways. Bonus points for the sleek Lo Pro silhouette in a chic off-white finish – the perfect match for crisp white socks, wide-leg denim, and a cropped knit. Off-duty champion energy? Sorted.

The Reebok Club C is another certified tennis icon. Born from court culture and loved for its clean leather look, it’s the trainer equivalent of a perfect white tee – simple, sharp, and ultra-wearable. Pair yours with relaxed tailoring, denim, or sporty layers and let the silhouette do the talking.

What Shoes Should I Wear to Play Tennis?

Hitting the courts? Start by checking the rules of your tennis club or court, then choose footwear designed for the surface you’re playing on. Tennis involves quick side-to-side movement, sudden stops, and fast changes of direction, so grip, lateral support, cushioning, and stability are non-negotiables.

For casual warm-ups, gym days, or sporty styling around the court, performance-led trainers bring the energy. The ASICS GEL-1130 blends retro runner styling with signature GEL cushioning, making it the perfect pick for all-day comfort and that techy, Y2K-coded look that works on and off court. And with searches up 49% over the last year, there’s no denying this pair is seriously hot right now.

The adidas Adizero is another court-ready choice having a major 2026 moment, with searches growing by 83%. Lightweight, streamlined, and built with that race-ready adidas energy, it’s your cheat code to a sporty summer ‘fit that still feels polished and practical. Wear yours with tennis shorts, a breathable tee, and crew socks for coffee runs, training days, and weekend plans alike.

What Shoes Should I Wear to Watch Tennis?

Watching tennis is where the fashion fun really begins. Spectator style is less about performance and more about polish: think tennis whites, navy accents, knitted layers, linen shirts, relaxed trousers, pleated skirts, and a trainer that keeps the look crisp without feeling too formal.

The Nike Tennis Classic is made for this moment – minimal, clean, and easy to wear, it taps into that classic tennis shoe look without making your ‘fit feel like fancy dress. First released in 1975, this iconic trainer brings its serious court credentials back in the spotlight for 2026 with an ultra-clean remastered version – and we’re obsessed. Team yours with a white mini skirt and oversized sweatshirt, or keep it low-key with straight-leg jeans and a striped polo.

For full-out preppy vibes, the Lacoste Lerond is the perfect choice. Lacoste is practically tennis royalty, and the Lerond keeps things sleek with a simple profile and that iconic crocodile branding. Add linen trousers and sunglasses for a courtside look that’s giving Centre Court invite (even if you’re watching from the local beer garden).

Shop Tennis Shoes at schuh

Tennis core isn’t going anywhere for summer 2026. With Wimbledon serving peak ‘fit inspo and the US Open keeping the momentum going into late summer, now’s the time to lock in your court-coded rotation.

From the adidas Gazelle to the Reebok Club C, the ASICS GEL-1130 to the Lacoste Lerond, our tennis core edit has the perfect pair for every summer plan – whether you’re hitting the courts, styling an off-duty ‘fit, or watching the Wimbledon final with a Pimm’s in hand. Summer looks? Officially served.