Not everybody can serve like Roger Federer or play backhand like Rafael Nadal. But almost everybody can try the same footwear as they wear. Tens of professional players are wearing different models of tennis shoes manufactured by Nike Inc. We did our job and picked the ten best Nike tennis shoes (five for men and five for women) worn by top players and also available to recreational players. Check our top picks below.
Five Best Men’s Nike Tennis Shoes
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X
Shoes that were good for years for Roger Federer (he is currently working with ON shoe company) have to be good for anybody. There are plenty of other players enjoying the comfort of Nike Air Zoom Vapor X among the professionals (just to name a few: Kei Nishikori, Denis Shapovalov, or rising Russian star Daniil Medvedev).
The headline introducing these shoes claims Lightweight, Stability, and Responsiveness. I am not the only one who will agree with that. Dynamic Fit system for feet support and stability during slides plus air zoom for heel cushioning is embedded in Vapor X shoes. Moreover, the shoes are very breathable, and the outsole is very durable and suitable for use on hard courts.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X is sold in eight different colored designs and is also available in the knit version at the Nike store.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4
The combination of the best features from NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor and NikeCourt Cage creates a brand new NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4. This model was introduced in December 2019 and is now used by many tennis players on the pro circuit. The most prominent one is Rafael Nadal.
The favorable reviews did not come just from the professional players but also from the general public. Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 became a bestseller immediately after its introduction. Shoes offer a lot of features for a better feel and play. Just to mention a few of them: lacing systems with hidden laces, exceptional durable material, and an Air Zoom unit for better cushioning.
The NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 is available in six different color variations at Nike Store here.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Prestige
NikeCourt Air Zoom Prestige does not have such visibility on courts like Vapor X or Vapor Cage 4, but they offer exceptional quality at a low price.
Air Zoom Prestige is using the same Air Zoom system for heel cushioning as the shoes described above. It also has a Dynamic Fit system for a glove-like fit and a padded collar for better comfort.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Prestige is a neglected hero between Nike tennis shoes. I would take them anytime (two pairs of Prestige for the price of one Vapor Cage 4), anywhere.
Check the availability of three different color designs at Nike store here.
NikeCourt Lite 2
NikeCourt Lite 2 is specially designed for hard courts. Its outsole has 5 distinctive patterns for better traction in every possible movement.
Lite 2 is the ideal option for keen players who spend hours on courts. NikeCourt Lite 2 is an exceptionally durable tennis shoe for intense playing at a special price deep below $100.
Check the availability of NikeCourt Lite 2 on Amazon here or at the official Nike Store here.
NikeCourt Tech Challenge 20
On the 30th anniversary of great Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 worn by famous Andre Agassi, Nike came with a revival version of its popular tennis shoes. NikeCourt Tech Challenge 20 is a new model for summer 2020.
NikeCourt Tech Challenge 20 has the Max Air Unit technology for heel cushioning, a new grip for reliable traction, Flywire cables integrated with the laces at the forefront, and a collar that supports your ankle. The design of the shoes refers to the former Air Tech Challenge 2.
I expect this model will become a hit during autumn and you will see many top players using it in 2021. It is available in two color alternatives and the price is just slightly over $100.
Check the price of NikeCourt Tech Challenge 20 at NikeStore here.
Not sure how to choose the right shoes for different surfaces? Check our guide to the best tennis shoes for every surface here.
Five Best Women’s Nike Tennis Shoes
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X
Men’s version of Vapor X will always be connected with Roger Federer. Women’s NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor X has several popular tennis ladies connected with it. Simona Halep, Bianca Andreescu, Maria Sharapova, Madison Keys, and Sloane Stephens are just a tiny sample of players who wear and enjoy Vapor X.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor is very supportive and comfortable. They secure your feet in any movement you need to make but also provide breathability and soft cushioning for them.
Excellent but decent design easily matches any tennis outfit you wear. Vapor X is available in nine different color options at NikeStore here, or you can check Amazon for the type shown in the picture above here.
NikeCourt Flare 2
NikeCourt Flare 2 are hard-court tennis shoes inspired by Serena Williams’s footwear. They are lightweight with impressive female-specific design. Not everybody can play like Serena Williams, but now everybody can have the same comfort and style as her on the court.
Flare 2 has extra-durable outsole for better traction and a longer lifespan. The inner sleeve provides a sock-like feel and foam padding adds support and comfort for your heel.
NikeCourt Flare 2 is sold in three different colors at a very reasonable price. Check the prices at the Nike Store here or directly at Amazon.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Prestige
NikeCourt Air Zoom Prestige has a decent but timeless design. Air Zoom system for heel cushioning and Dynamic Fit for comfort and support on the court are two things you get with these shoes.
Air Zoom Prestige is not as famous as Vapor X tennis shoes but provides excellent quality (and features) at very reasonable pricing. Moreover, you will find hundreds of positive reviews of Prestige from satisfied customers.
Check the exact price and availability at Amazon here or at the Nike store here.
NikeCourt Air Zoom Zero
You definitely have to know these shoes. NikeCourt Air Zoom Zero tennis shoes are worn by Naomi Osaka. The biggest star of women’s professional tennis at the moment.
However, Naomi Osaka is not the only thing you should know about Air Zoom Zero shoes. These shoes are the first shoes that use the Air Zoom system for full-length shoes. That means that cushion and comfort usually provided just to your heel is now available for the full length of your foot. Overall, this invention provides a smooth heel to toe transition during your play and extended comfort to your feet.
The price of the shoes is appropriate to the revolutionary system it uses. Check the price and availability of NikeCourt Zoom Zero at Nike Shop or at Amazon.
NikeCourt Air Max Vapor Wing
NikeCourt Air Max Vapor Wing are extremely breathable tennis shoes with a visible Air Max heel cushioning system.
These shoes offer stylish designs in five different color variations (three are currently available in the Nike Store here). Except for the stylishness, these are also very solid and durable tennis shoes for hard courts. Comfort and support for your feet are the two things you should have in mind when choosing tennis shoes. The design and style are just a cherry at the top.
Check the Nike Store for pricing and free shipping here.