7 Best Cheap Tennis Shoes
Tennis is a costly sport. When a person factors in all the expenses that go with the racquet, strings, balls, court fees, clothing, and more, it gets to be quite a bit. There are always people trying to save money, and there are discounts out there for particular items.
Fortunately, there are enough tennis shoe options out there for people to count on that are pretty inexpensive. Some of the best cheap tennis shoes still work very well, and are durable enough to last a decent amount of time as well.
It is important to note that in this article, the focus is on cheap tennis shoes at retail price. For even better value, always shop the clearance section of tennis websites. It is relatively easy to find some great prices in that section if a person searches long enough. The discounted shoes in this article might be even cheaper as well.
Every shoe comes in at $100 or below in price right now. Performance model tennis shoes range in the $130-$160 range so a person can save a considerable amount of money with cheaper options if they feel like they don’t need the best of the best.
1. Nike Air Zoom Prestige
Players who enjoyed wearing the Nike Vapor line in the past really should look into the Nike Air Zoom Prestige. Although it doesn’t have quite the same technology as the previous model worn by Roger Federer, it does an excellent impression of it.
With technology like Zoom Air and a Dynamic Fit System, it’s impressive that the shoe is significantly cheaper than the performance line. These are great for any type of player, and can hold up well thanks to the XDR rubber outsole.
For those who care about style, Nike seems to focus on not cutting corners in that department as well. When a new season comes out, there is a new version of the Nike Air Zoom Prestige. It really is a Vapor shoe that isn’t nearly as expensive, and has a classic blend of new technology and older, classic appeal.
Pros
- Fits and performs much like the old Nike Vapor tennis shoes
- Dynamic Fit System allows any foot shape to benefit
- Zoom Air is very responsive in the heel
Cons
- It could be a bit more durable
- Pretty low arch overall
2. Nike Air Max Wildcard
This is another relatively new discounted tennis shoe that is great for occasional players. It provides a tremendous amount of comfort, and the foot stays very secure once locked into the shoe.
It has a mix of technology from several different tennis shoes in the past and present, making this a truly unique option that still looks great as well.
The upper most closely resembles the new Zoom Zero, but the exposed air unit in the heel brings that ’90s look back as well. Many love just how great the cushioning is with an Air unit. With all the other technology out there, this is something that is time-tested from Nike.
Durability is also very strong for a cheaper shoe like this. Even though it won’t last as long as some of the top tennis shoe models out there, Nike has strategically placed protection in all the right areas. There are even crash pads in the shoe that help players move around while staying safe on the court.
Sizing is a little tricky with this shoe, as it’s recommended to go up half a size in the beginning. It’s tough to make the final decision if they can’t be tried on in person, so don’t be surprised if there is an initial return.
Just don’t give up on this shoe because it fits weird, once a person gets the size that they need, it is an excellent shoe for the price.
Pros
- Air Max technology provides excellent cushioning
- Great durability for a recreational shoe
- Provides a secure fit to aid stability
Cons
- Hard to find the proper size initially
- Feels a little too bulky for some players at 15.2 ounces
3. Adidas Defiant Bounce 2
This latest release from Adidas builds off of the original Defiant Bounce. They have made some minor adjustments to the shoe to make it even better, while still keeping it at a very affordable price point. It’s a great option for players in need of a shoe capable of handling hard courts or clay courts.
As the name suggests, Adidas uses their Bounce technology for the cushioning in this shoe. Many people feel like this is the best type of cushioning Adidas has for tennis. It is very responsive, can hold up under long hours of play, and even boosts a person’s energy with each step.
The upper is something most players will like, even if it takes some getting used to. It is a seamless booty construction, and as long as the right size is purchased, it provides excellent lockdown and support.
It is tough to tell the difference between the Defiant Bounce 2 and the more premium options from Adidas such as the Ubersonic 3 or the SoleCourt.
With the sole, some people will like the flat, herringbone pattern, while others might want something that feels a little different. This makes it a great clay court shoe in particular, but it might not be the best for hard courts.
Most hard court shoes have a break in the middle to reduce the weight and add for more flexibility, but Adidas seems to be shy away with it with the Defiant Bounce 2.
Pros
- Bounce cushioning provides excellent value
- Works on hard courts or clay courts
- Very durable outsole
Cons
- Runs pretty snug on the top of the foot
- Seamless booty construction takes time to get used to
4. Adidas Game Court
For years, Adidas put out the Barricade line of tennis shoes. The cheaper version was the Barricade Court, but that went away over the last year or so. In steps the Adidas Game Court, which is the more inexpensive version of the Sole Court.
As far as value is concerned, there are not a lot of better options out there than this one. It is one of the cheapest tennis-specific shoes from any brand out there, and it still has a decent amount of technology behind it.
It’s not going to last as long as some of the other options out there, but the cushioning is solid, the also has a decent amount of durability, and it looks stylish as well.
The booty construction comes over from other tennis shoes produced by Adidas. It comes in handy for a lot of people who want to make sure that they have a fit that works for them.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Cloudfoam in the midsole provides endless comfort
- Constructed to fit snugly in the upper
Cons
- Stability isn’t the best
- Outsole feels a little cheaply made
5. Asics Gel Game 7
Asics always offers a few tennis shoes that are right in the range below top performers. The best overall value is the Asics Gel Game 7, as it is still solid enough to compete against performance shoes, while staying significantly cheaper.
The Gel cushioning is still there, so people automatically feel very comfortable wearing it on the court and even in the gym. It’s also very comfortable in other areas of the shoe, specifically the upper. It feels a lot like the brand’s top shoes from that perspective.
Another great thing about the shoe is that stability and support don’t take any type of hit. A player can have outstanding movement around the court, and they don’t have to worry about anything whatsoever. As long as the right size is purchased, everything will work out just fine and feel comfortable during the entire match.
The only real difference between this shoe and a top option is that the breathability is slightly less, it feels just a bit clunkier, and the outsole won’t last as long.
The gap isn’t huge, but there is a difference. It’s designed for the recreational player, but it’s such a solid shoe that top tennis players could still technically wear these and get something out of them. As one of the best overall values in the game right now, the Asics Gel Game 7 is worth checking out.
Pros
- Gel cushioning is top-notch for an inexpensive shoe
- Outstanding stability and support
- Lockdown feel available
Cons
- Breathability could use work
- Feels just a little clunky to some players
6. New Balance MC 796v2
New Balance has always been a company that provides some affordable options for any type of tennis player. While they have top-of-the-line models that cause it is an amount of money, their knockdown versions are worth investing in as well.
The best value right now is the New Balance MC 796v2. It’s a bit of a mouthful as far as the name goes, but part of the reason why is because New Balance wants people to know that this is a valuable shoe choice.
It’s as comfortable as any model of this shoe has been in the past, but what takes it to another level is just how lightweight it is on foot. Many players feel like they can move around the court and have success in ways they never thought possible with a club-level shoe. It’s a surprising feel for a lot of people who didn’t know this was possible.
New Balance offers enough colors to keep things looking fresh as well. This is a shoe that does not look like a cheaper model of a tennis shoe, and he performs well above its price as well.
Elite movers might find the shoe to lack enough stability to play in all the time, but it’s a crossover option for people who just want to save money. Without question, some higher-level players still use these shoes and enjoy playing in them due to the field.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Cushioning is soft and lasts
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Entire shoe lacks durability
- Not particularly friendly for anyone with narrow feet
7. Wilson Rush Pro 2.5
Wilson is one of the few tennis brands out there that does not care about maximizing price to the fullest extent. That is why a person is fully capable of finding a cheap tennis shoe without feeling like it won’t last. The Wilson Rush Pro 2.5 is designed for any type of player, including those who play at high levels.
It’s not going to directly compete with any of the top models from major brands, but it’s just a very small step below. The comfort of the shoe from the very beginning is outstanding.
Compared to the old model of the shoe, Wilson focused a lot on adding more breathability. This helps during the latter stages of a match, as the foot can breathe and perform at a high level.
The Duralast outsole isn’t capable of lasting quite as long as those with six-month durability guarantees, but it isn’t far off. People are very surprised to see that the shoe has the durability that makes it worth the investment.
Too often, that’s one sacrifice many companies make with their cheaper versions, but Wilson doesn’t cut any corners there.
The only main difference with the shoe is that the upper seems slightly bulkier to most players. The materials just aren’t as streamlined, and therefore, it has just a bit of added weight. It isn’t anything that should get in the way of casual tennis players, but it is one of the few negatives one can find.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Improved breathability
- Adaptive fit
Cons
- Color choices are pretty limited
- Upper is a little bulkier than someone hope for
What Is The Best Cheap Tennis Shoe Overall?
All the options above are great, but the Asics Gel Game 7 takes things to another level as far as the value was concerned. It looks and feels like a shoe that should cost a lot more, making it one of the best values in the industry right now. You can check the current price on Amazon here.
One of the drawbacks of the shoe right now is that some people are hesitant to give Asics a try. It’s a brand that is still growing across all sports, but people are finding that they get a lot of little things right. It’s something that is encouraging for players who might not particularly enjoy the fit of giants like Nike and Adidas.
Whenever shopping for a cheaper pair of tennis shoes, don’t overlook Asics as a brand. If the Game 7 doesn’t work, they have a few other shoes that are following in the cheaper category.
Here is the full list of the best cheap tennis shoes
- Nike Air Zoom Prestige
- Nike Air Max Wildcard
- Adidas Defiant Bounce 2
- Adidas GameCourt
- Asics Gel Game 7 (Editor’s Choice)
- New Balance MC 796v2
- Wilson Rush Pro 2.5
