Can I wear my tennis shoes for running?
It depends on the type of your running gait. Tennis and running shoes might look the same to you, but there are some variations in their outsoles.
Maybe you already have tennis shoes and, instead of buying new footwear for running, you are wondering, are these shoes good for runners?
Tennis shoes are great for running short distances but not for passing through trails and rough paths. The structure of this footwear is also different, so it’s not an appropriate option for professional runners.
In this post, I will explain, “is it possible to run wearing tennis shoes?”. Keep reading this article if you want to know more about it.
Can You Use Tennis Shoes for Running?
Running shoes are constructed with a little elevation under the heels that help to move forward. Not only this, but they are also flexible and light in weight.
The surface of tennis shoes is flat and has no heel elevation. These shoes’ less flexibility and bulky design protect your feet while doing a lateral movement. The less cushioning of tennis footwear is not suitable for runners.
If you have to run to catch the train, then tennis court shoes are good. But it is not recommended to wear them for real running. Furthermore, these sneakers will not disappoint you for covering shorter distances.
Are Tennis Shoes Good for Running?
Running is an intense exercise, making you move faster and injury free. Your running shoes must enable you to move in any direction and position.
Court shoes are not good for professional runners because of their structure and design. Their upper is built with thick and long-lasting rubber or leather which does not allow side-to-side foot movement.
Lower cushioning, stiffness and higher weight is not good for running and make you uncomfortable. Hip and knee joints in tennis shoes absorb more load while landing.
Such differences are not prominent in short-distance runs. You might tire while running in tennis shoes for a couple of hours.
Another thing is that the sole of this footwear is flat, which affects the balance in trail running.
Difference Between Tennis and Running Shoes
Running and tennis shoes are two kinds of shoes that have their purpose. I consider both of them different, and it is better not to mix their purpose. You should use them for what they made. You can wear tennis shoes for short runs but do not use the frequently.
Keep in mind that not all running shoes are the same, and have slight differences in their features. Here are the most common differences between tennis and running shoes.
- Cushioning
- Support and stability
- Flexibility
- Outsole
- Durability
- Weight
- Design
Cushioning
Cushioning feature is beneficial in absorbing the impacts of force and preventing severe injuries. It is also effective in absorbing shocks.
Tennis Shoe Cushioning
They provide less cushioning than trail shoes, so they absorb minimum shocks. The body’s weight is mostly on the toes of the shoes, so it is better to purchase extra cushioning sneakers for playing matches on rough surfaces.
My Experience: I started to feel ankle pain after running 2km in my tennis shoes. The pain was worse after running the second time. I will not recommend you to wear tennis shoes to run even if it is last minute invite.
Running Shoe Cushioning
Running requires a good amount of cushioning in shoes. That’s why running shoes are designed with adequate cushioning in the toe and heel area. A lot of strength is needed for running, so professional runners need more cushioning for a better experience.
My Experience: I felt very comfortable after wearing running shoes because there was a lot of cushioning in them.
Support and Stability
Support and stability do not restrict the extra motion of the feet and ankles while playing tennis or running.
Tennis Shoe Support and Stability
Tennis shoes prefer stability over cushioning because players must move more right and left. Lateral support is crucial to protect feet from injuries. Stability increases when the feet are closer to the surface.
My Experience: I realized my ankles twisting for few times. it was difficult to move faster in tennis shoes.
Running Shoe Support and Stability
The priority of running shoes is cushioning, not stability, because most runners have to move in one direction.
My Experience: Since I am a neutral runner so stability is not my priority because I feel uncomfortable in tennis shoes. This feature was preventing me from moving forward. It was a good experience to wear running shoes.
Flexibility
Flexibility helps the feet to move forwardly. It avoids extra stress on joints and feet and protects from injuries.
Tennis Shoe Flexibility
Tennis shoes are more rigid and less flexible because they have to provide more stability and support. Stiffer shoes are suggested for tennis players and are less prone to injury.
My Experience: The flexibility of running shoes is more admirable than tennis. I was bothered by the less flexible features while running.
Running Shoe Flexibility
If you don’t flex enough while running, it can lead to an injury. The stiff soles of shoes do not allow the feet to move freely. To avoid such pain, flexibility is an important factor in running shoes.
My Experience: My feet started to move inside the running shoes while playing tennis. So you need a rigid sole for tennis and flexible soles for running.
Outsole
The outsole of shoes is crucial because it gives traction and protection to your feet. The shoes’ outsole is built with different materials, but most manufacturers have used rubber and EVA.
Tennis Shoe Outsole
Tennis shoes protect the players from slipping due to the firm grip that enables them to move faster during the match. The soles are made with different types of materials, and usually, people play tennis on a hard surface. It wears out the soles quickly.
My Experience: I felt resistance on the ground while wearing tennis shoes for running.
Running Shoe Outsole
These shoes provide less traction than tennis shoes and are constructed with different outsoles. Players are more likely to slip wearing running shoes.
My Experience: My feet started slipping in running shoes when I played tennis. I will not recommend wearing these shoes for running because it can lead to an accident.
Durability
The durability of shoes is dependent on many factors. The answer depends on how you use your footwear.
Tennis Shoe Durability
The average durability of tennis shoes is almost one year because it depends on your playing style, climate region, and the ground on which you play.
My Experience: My tennis shoes are still in good condition even after ten months.
Running Shoe Durability
Many well-known shoe brands suggest swapping running shoes every 300 to 550 miles. Adidas recommends it after every 300 to 500 miles, and Asics advises swapping it after 450 to 500 miles. Weather, running style, and body weight also affect shoes’ durability.
My Experience: I frequently run, so I change my shoes every 450 miles, and no doubt they are long-lasting.
Weight
The weight of shoes is also a necessary factor while running.
Tennis Shoe Weight
The weight of tennis shoes is 310 to 450 grams for men and 230 to 300 grams for women. These shoes are heavier than running shoes and help to shift the feet easily.
My Experience: The weight difference between tennis and running is not noticeable. You will feel it by wearing both shoes at the same time.
Running Shoe Weight
The weight of running shoes is 200 to 380 grams for men and 160 to 280 grams for women. Heavy shoes can decrease the speed, so the manufacturer has used light material in their construction.
My Experience: When I wore running shoes for a tennis match, it didn’t affect my match.
Design
The design of both shoes is different because both were made for specific functions.
Tennis Shoe Design
Tennis shoes are mostly available in neutral colors like grey and white and give stability and lateral support. These are also helpful in side-to-side movement.
Running Shoe Design
Running shoes come in bright and neutral colors, are lightweight, and are fully cushioned. These are made in one direction forward motion.
Pros & Cons of Tennis Shoes for Running
It’s time to discuss the pros of tennis shoes for running:
Pros
- If you have stability problems, running tennis shoes add some extra support, especially for those suffering from ankle spraining and knee tweaking.
- People who walk a lot benefit from tennis shoes because they add stability and offer lateral support.
Cons
- People who run in tennis shoes can face plantar fasciitis due to less shock-absorbing features and the thin soles of tennis footwear.
- These shoes are a little bulky and are less flexible
- Less cushioning is not suitable for running and is more likely to injure the feet
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tennis Shoes Good for Walking?
Tennis shoes are good for walking because they offer amazing stability and support to your feet. The soles are rigid, which helps in walking.
Can You Wear Tennis Shoes as Regular Shoes?
You can wear tennis shoes regularly if they are made of comfortable material and are durable. Remember that not all tennis shoes are good for daily use.
Which Type of Shoes is Best for Running?
Neutral running shoes are ideal for offering comfort and are made to correct overpronation. They have extra cushioning and flexibility.
What’s the Point of Tennis Shoes?
Tennis shoes are crucial for providing lateral support and are long-lasting. They are great for keeping players comfortable and avoiding injury.
When Should You Wear Tennis Shoes?
Tennis shoes are specially made for tennis players, but you can also wear them for a casual walk. These shoes are also good for short-distance running.
Final Thoughts
Tennis sports shoes are versatile and also great for basketball and gym. Only some people wear them casually because these shoes have some limitations. Top shoe brands are trying to decrease their weight by keeping their performance high.
If you take running as a hobby, you can wear these tennis athletic shoes for the short run. You should invest in real running shoes for high performance if you are a serious runner.