Best Platform Tennis Shoes: Find Your Perfect Platform Sneakers

Platform tennis is a popular winter activity in the northeastern United States. You dress warmly and go outdoors to your local raised and heated courts for some friendly competition.

But are you making the same shoe-related blunders that I did? When it comes to the best platform tennis shoes, you can’t just throw on your old running shoes or cross trainers and go to play. Heck, you might not even want to wear your favorite pair of court shoes. This is why.

Platform tennis shoes must have a sturdy outsole made to survive the rough surface on which the sport is played. More precisely, they must be outdoor court shoes capable of withstanding the rough, gritty surface of a platform tennis court.

We’re going to provide you a comprehensive list of the top platform tennis shoes on the market right now. So, take a deep breath and stick with me till the end.

Best Platform Tennis Shoes

In my opinion, the top 7 court shoes listed below are the greatest choices for anyone searching for footwear specifically designed for the rough conditions of platform tennis. Let us take a closer look at the top shoes for platform tennis, including women’s platform tennis shoes.

1. The K-Swiss Ultra Shot 3

Based on my conversations with experts from several platform tennis businesses, the Ultra Shot 3 from K-Swiss is the ideal shoe for platform tennis.

K-Swiss is rapidly establishing a brand name to remember in the world of platform tennis, thanks in large part to the company’s efforts toward becoming a household name in regular tennis.

The Ultra Shot 3 has a molded rubber outsole with a partial herringbone tread pattern for added durability and court movement. Additionally, the upper is made of synthetic leather.

This offers it the solidity you would expect from a leather material (as opposed to pure mesh) and a pleasant level of comfort inside. K-Swiss has updated the Ultra Shot, giving it the name Ultrashot “3.” This second generation improves on the first by adding a new tongue design for comfort while also making it lighter.

So, K-Swiss has made an investment to improve an already excellent shoe. However, the increased comfort and decreased weight do not come at a cost. The K-Swiss Ultra Shot 3 is as tough as it has always been, and it comes with an industry-leading 6-month outsole warranty.

Furthermore, it is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as a variety of fashionable color selections to suit your demands. So if you are looking for platform tennis shoes for women, you may also go with this.

Pros

• 6-month warranty on the outsole.
• The toe box adds comfort.
• Upgrades to the tongue: synthetic leather for robust, long-lasting protection.
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Less breathable than other court shoes.
• It can take some time to dry out.

2. Wilson Rush Pro “Ace”

The Rush Pro Ace is one of Wilson’s distinctive outdoor court shoes, and it has a popularity among tennis players. This means that many people have purchased and worn numerous pairs and keep returning to them.

So, what exactly does the Rush Pro Ace offer, and why did it enter my list of the best platform tennis shoes?

For starters, this shoe provides excellent comfort while maintaining the Pro Rush line’s signature “low to the ground” sensation. The Ace features an aggressive, learn-forward stance that makes you feel low to the court and prepared to jump like a cat because of the way the outsole and midsole are positioned beneath the top.

Wilson has struck a good middle ground in which your feet still feel like they’re in assault mode but aren’t too uncomfortable. Wilson calls this their unique Pro Torque Chassis.

The airy synthetic mesh upper, which incorporates Wilson’s Sensifeel technology, is extremely durable and strong while also providing increased comfort and breathability. Just something that other shoes don’t have.

The Rush Pro Ace, like previous generations, has great durability thanks to its Duralast rubber outsole with a modified herringbone tread pattern. This shoe provides excellent push-off traction at launch, as well as stopping power.

In reality, given how low these shoes feel on the court, the race car analogy is appropriate. The lateral stability and traction control feel more “sticky,” which is a good thing. All of this, plus a rather short break-in period depending on your foot shape and a 6-month outsole guarantee.

My favorite feature of this shoe is that, despite having a mesh upper that allows for some breathability, it is still highly robust and would function great outside on a platform tennis court.

Pros

• Despite being robust, the slightly lighter mesh upper offers excellent support and comfort.
• Lateral stability and sticky traction
• Very reasonably priced
• Aggressive posture, low to the court

Cons

• Players with small feet might require two pairs of socks.
• Players with small feet may have toe jams.
• More arch support may be desired by those who have flat feet.

3. Asics Gel Resolution 8

The Gel Resolution 8 is among the most technologically advanced shoes available, which is why it made my “best of” list. And it’s by far the most sophisticated item on my list.

In fact, Asics’ Gel Resolution line is widely regarded as the most advanced court shoe series from any major tennis brand. Always.

So, why did I pick the Gel Resolution 8? Well, it’s a touch more durable than prior Gel versions. That’s exactly what I mean.

Let’s begin with the outsole. It’s one of the most competitive in the court shoe industry due to the Trusstic System, which Asics puts into all of their shoes.

It gives the shoe a robust, durable finish that prevents it from breaking down while maintaining its lightweight nature. It is incredibly durable without being too heavy.

The next step is the AHAR Plus Outsole Technology. This is the real substance that hits the court surface, in this case the rubber that makes up the outsole. It’s a 50% more durable outsole material than Asics’ previous model, and it’s positioned where the foot is known to sustain the greatest wear and strain.

Asics is precise not only in their design aspects but also in where they place them. The outsole structure and use of Trusstic and AHAR technology is an excellent illustration of this.

These include the Personal Heel Fit System. I believe it was a stroke of genius on the part of Asics to add memory foam into the upper to produce a unique and snug fit. The two layers of memory foam conform to and cuddle your foot’s contour.

The amazing thing is that the shoe conforms and forms to you rather than you having to pick a shoe that suits the contour of your foot. My only warning about this shoe is that it is best suited to persons with tiny feet. If your feet are extremely broad, you might want to search elsewhere or change the size to get the right fit.

They do, however, produce a “W” or wide variant. So, if you need tennis shoes for wide feet, you may check out this guide.

Pros

• Incredibly robust and long-lasting
• A memory foam top for a customized fit
• Heel-to-Toe take-off guiding system
• Guard abrasion protection
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• It might not be the best shoe for people with wide feet.

4. Prince T22 Court Shoes

Prince is one of the most well-known figures in tennis at the moment. Although there isn’t a shoe specifically made for platform tennis, this one would be the closest.

Prince has a lengthy history in tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball; thus their court equipment is highly dependable.

The T22 is available in two striking color patterns for men: a striking blue and white combination. The women’s version comes in a classic white and gray color scheme that is not showy or flashy. It has a plain appearance.

However, I did not include it on my list due to its color scheme. Its impact absorption technology and improved forefoot support make it an excellent choice for platform tennis shoes.

The shoe’s absorption technology is provided by two basic inserts. One is the ShockEraser located in the shoe’s heel, while the other is the SoftSpring pad located beneath the forefoot and midfoot.

These two cushioning pads are intended to work together to create a shock dispersion system that decreases impact on the heel (where the most force is found) and redirects it over the bottom of the shoe to the forefoot.

As a result, even after intense pounding, the shoe remains comfortable and soft.

The T22 shoe features a synthetic/leather mesh textile with TPU straps across the forefoot. The TPU straps are two strips of reinforcement that extend up to the lace eyelets.

Pros:

• Made by Prince, a dedicated tennis brand. 
• TPU straps provide advanced forefoot support in the medial and lateral sections.
• Forefoot and heel shock absorption systems are positioned to distribute impact.

Cons:

• The outsole is not covered by any  warranty.

5. New Balance 574+

This is the ideal option for you if you’re looking for the best platform tennis shoes for women. The New Balance 574+ sneakers, which are popular among fashionistas like Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber, have a higher silhouette in this platform version. Their typical top features a blend of suede overlays and flexible mesh, which results in a comfortable and spacious fit. 

With a slightly rockered heel and an expanded 1.5-inch EVA foam rubber midsole, these platforms move smoothly during soft strides. The 574+ shoes are a beautiful and comfy option that you can wear for a long day at the office or doing errands. They come in a range of subtle colors, including soft green, mild gray, beige, black, and more.

The 574+ was designed to be a versatile shoe that could do a wide range of tasks effectively. The 574’s distinct yet wearable features rapidly established it as a wardrobe standard around the world. The 574+ is an eye-catching, modern take on the traditional 574 style. The use of a stacked, two-piece EVA midsole with a scaled-down ENCAP piece adds a sophisticated feeling of exhilaration. 

The midsole proportions are enhanced with a ripple outsole inspired by the original Trackster. The well-known 574+ upper design is executed in a premium way with pigskin suede overlays.

Pros

• Classic design with modern touches
• Excellent comfort and cushioning
• Versatile style
• Wide range of colors

Cons

• Price is higher due to modern updates

6. New Balance 996v4

The New Balance 996v4’s features, traction, durability, and lightweight support make it a good fit for platform tennis. 

The Ndurance rubber outsole of the 996v4 is specifically designed to provide the best traction possible on smears, making it perfect for platform tennis. This grip makes it nearly impossible for the clutch to slip during court intervals requiring abrupt lateral movement. 

Platform tennis players also need shoes that mix protection and mobility. The 996v4 has New Balance’s Hypoknit upper, which reduces weight without sacrificing fit. Thus, having enough support and high mobility is also beneficial. 

The 996v4’s upper is constructed from a blend of mesh and malleable, breathable synthetic materials. The malleable quality of the footwear facilitates simpler breaking in, and it helps to keep the feet cooler and more comfortable during extended bouts. 

The 996v4 features improved side sections to help “reinforce” and lessen the chance of ankle twisting or losing balance because platform tennis involves frequent lateral (side-to-side) movements.

Pros

• Super easy to move quickly.
• Provide strong grip and stability on court surfaces.
• Keep feet cool and comfortable during longer matches.

Cons

• Not the best option for wide feet.

7. Yonex Power Cushion Ad-Accel Women’s

Many platform tennis players are familiar with Yonex’s Power Cushion Ad-Accel because it is lightweight, stable, shock-absorbing, and offers a lot of high performance. The most significant feature of these shoes is Yonex’s Power Cushion technology, which helps with energy return and impact absorption with every stride. In platform tennis, where rapid foot spins and foot strikes are frequent occurrences, this is especially helpful.  

A fast player is an excellent player. In platform tennis, it’s that easy. Because of its lightweight design, the Ad-Accel gives zone players plenty of agility, which substantially increases speed.  

When performing rapid lateral motions, the shoe’s outsole improves surface grip, reducing the possibility of slipping. The tread pattern’s multidirectional technology, which is comfortably suited for court surfaces, guarantees their stability and security during sprints and pivots.   

These shoes are guaranteed to be durable, so in addition to regular match play, they can withstand a lot of practice. They are a good investment for any dedicated platform tennis player because of their durability.

Pros

• Exceptional cushioning with power cushion technology
• Exclusive design
• Supportive and stable structure
• Durable rubber outsole

Cons

• Relatively high in price

What to Look for When Choosing Platform Tennis Shoes?

When studying platform tennis shoes, I quickly discovered that you need to look for an outdoor court shoe. A softer rubber outsole is employed in indoor court shoes, so stay away from these.

You should also avoid wearing extremely lightweight court shoes. Lightweight court shoes are ideal for tennis and indoor pickleball, but they will not survive long on an outdoor platform tennis court.

Therefore, wearing lighter court shoes reduces their durability. 

When it comes to platform tennis shoes, search for an outside court shoe that has the following five crucial features:

• A sturdy upper, 
• A tough outsole,
• Affordability,
• A Pattern of Partial Herringbone Tread,
• At least 6 month outsole warranty.

Final Words

I hope this post has given you some insight into what to look for in platform tennis shoes, whether you’re searching for a new pair or perhaps a custom set.

My top option is the K-Swiss Ultra Shot, based on consistent feedback from platform tennis professionals. Wherever I went to get solid suggestions, the Ultra Shot was consistently listed as a great choice. So, it’s at the top of my list.

Remember that the most crucial factor to consider when selecting the best pair of court shoes for platform tennis is durability. And all seven of my top picks have this, so you can’t go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions