Zero Drop Tennis Shoes: Our Top 5

Are you looking for the best zero drop tennis shoes? 

1. Are you thinking of taking up tennis, and don’t know which shoes to buy?
2. Maybe you have been using your regular trainers and wondering about which type of shoes are best for tennis
3. Or you may just want to replace your current pair that has seen  better days

Zero Drop Tennis Shoes

Tennis is one of those sports that gives you an all-round body work out. It involves a lot of running, stopping and starting again. It can be pretty rough on the body but it is also amazing fun and can be very fulfilling.

Your body will also thank you for all the benefits it gets. The game of tennis was first developed in the 12th century and it was developed from a game called jeu de paume, meaning game of the palm. 

This was a handball game that later evolved to using racquets in the game we know and love today as tennis. At its inception, it was created for the entertainment of monks during ceremonies.

It has since taken on a more developed outlook and today people play tennis for various reasons, from leisure to competitive levels. Tennis games involve countries across the globe that are played and enjoyed by many.

The game of tennis is played on different types of surfaces which include clay, lawn, and artificial surface. The surface that the game will be played on determines what type of shoes you wear. The shoes and the kit you wear can greatly influence how well you play.

In this article, we take a look at some of the best tennis shoes on the market today, that have zero drop elevation. Various features make certain shoes good buys and make others an absolute bad buy. We explore the pros and cons involved.

In a Hurry

Are you looking for a quick guide to buying the best zero drop tennis shoes? There are a few factors that you will need to consider. One of those being where you will be playing. The surface determines the amount of traction that you will need on the shoes that you get.

This also means that you need to check on the sole of the shoe and make sure that it offers the traction that you need. 

You also want to make sure that the sole of the shoe has zero elevation. This is keeping to the true form of a zero drop shoe, which means that you have the same elevation in the heel as in the midfoot and the forefoot. Also, check on how comfortable the shoes are.

You want to make sure that they fit you well all round. This means looking at how wide they are as well. If you generally have narrow feet you want to make sure that the shoes are not too wide, and vice versa.

Our Top Pick

Vivobarefoot Women’s Primus Lite

Round Up & Product Reviews of Zero Drop Tennis Shoes

Vivobarefoot Women’s Primus Lite

Vivobarefoot is a brand that is rebounding for making high-quality footwear. The primus lite trainer stays true to this reputation. These trainers are reasonably priced because most trainers are a bit pricey. First, what separates these trainers from other brands is the intense feeling of value for money.

For starters, the rubber sole is suitably bouncy. When running or being active, you can feel a substantial amount of response from the ground that can heighten your performance. The sole is also puncture resistant which gives you added confidence on multiple terrains.

The upper half of the shoes consist of a breather 3M mesh laminated with PU overlay to translate these specifications. The shoes allow you to be activated without your feet getting clammy. The mesh material makes the trainers ultra-lightweight, which adds to the practicality of the shoes.

Beyond being flexible, the shoes possess an enticing amount of flexibility, and the shoes bend well to match your feet which elevates performance. The trainers’ performance quality is apparent; however, the trainers’ styling quality lacks lackluster. The design is a bit plain and oddly shaped; if performance is your main concern, this should not be an issue.

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Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 Sneaker 

Merrel is a famous shoe brand known for making high-quality products.‌ ‌This ‌shoe‌ ‌is‌ very reasonably priced when you consider its versatility and depth.‌ A ‌ satisfying aspect of this shoe is its unique multi-color mesh fabric design. The intricate stitch work adds to the shoe’s sense of style.‌

The mesh fabric looks and feels soft, and it is designed to maximize performance.‌ The mesh fabric is fragile and lightweight. When wearing the shoes, you can barely feel the weight allowing you to run faster and jump higher.‌ The insoles ‌are made from a soft foam-like material that feels very comfortable when walking or running.

The foam has an incredible ability to absorb shock. ‌The‌ ‌shape‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌shoe‌ ‌is‌ ‌unique;‌ some people have trouble embracing the unique appearance.‌ ‌A given is that the design ‌will‌ ‌stand‌ ‌out‌, ‌so you probably can’t wear them with your casual wear.‌ I‌ ‌love‌ ‌these‌ ‌shoes‌ ‌for‌ ‌how‌ ‌well‌ ‌they‌ ‌work‌ ‌with‌ track pants.

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Astral Loyak Barefoot Shoes

You will fall in love with the subtle yet classy design of the shoes. Immediately you will be captured by the two-tone color design that provides sensual contrast between the top half of the shoes and the soles. These shoes are a perfect example of what tennis shoes should look and feel like; low profile and stylish.

These boots will have you look smart with jeans or khakis. That does not, however, take anything away from their functionality of the shoes. The first thing I like about these shoes is how sticky the rubber sole is. The level of confidence you will have when walking in these shoes is incredible. You could never slip, not even on a wet surface.

The top half has two tones; dark grey and brown colors that give the shoe an overall ergonomic look. The fabric feels soft to the touch. The only drawback of the material is that it catches dust and debris quickly. It’s also not very easy to clean, so think twice before hitting a dusty road with these on. Overall these shoes are gorgeous and very comfortable. I highly recommend them for casual wear.

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INOV-8 Barefoot Bare-Xf 210 V2 Shoes 

Let’s immediately address the elephant in the room, and these shoes do not look stylish. You won’t be winning any fashion awards. They have a generally awkward color combination of blue, brown, and black. Overall the appearance of these trainers makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.

However, there is light at the end of this unattractive tunnel that these trainers lack in appearance they more than make up for in performance. These trainers are ideal for sporting activities. If you want to jog, take long walks, go to the gym, anything that keeps you active, then these ugly ducklings will keep you satisfied.

The zero-drop soles allow for excellent stability and stable footing. The wide toe box provides plenty of space for your feet to prevent them from feeling stiff or cramped during physical activity. The rubber sole supplies incredible grip on multiple surfaces. Overall this shoe is exceptional for busybodies. It’s a great relief that these shoes are very affordable, cheap actually. It can help you look past the underwhelming style.

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Cole Haan Grandpro Tennis Fashion Sneaker 

I am a massive fan of this gorgeous pair of shoes for how well it embodies the fundamentals of a good pair of tennis shoes. These fundamentals include being lightweight, being simple yet elegant as well as looking fashionable. On the outside, you can appreciate gorgeous, clean white leather.

The shape of the shoe is duly satisfying. My favorite feature of this pair is how comfortable they are. The insole feels like it’s covered in a layer of marshmallows. It absorbs your foot and makes it feel like it’s become one with your feet. When you tie the laces, you do not feel like a python is constricting your veins.

The tongue provides an extraordinary cushioning effect. The only drawback that comes to mind is how challenging it is to clean. They are not ideal for outdoor areas and dusty areas. Keeping the shoes in perfect condition requires some care and conditioning. The outer material provides water resistance, although the level of water resistance is not absolute. The rubber sole makes good friction with the ground to prevent you from slipping. 

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Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to comfort and fit, it is subjective however your feet will let you know when you have hit the right spot or if you are on a tangent. The way the shoes fasten also has a lot to do with how well they fit you. Settle on a pair that will keep your foot sturdy as you run.

Because tennis involves a lot of stopping and starting abruptly you have to make sure that your shoes complement this activity and allow you to do so without any injuries. You may also want to check on the material the shoe is made of and how easily you can clean them.

Are zero drop shoes good for your feet?

When it comes to how comfortable shoes are or can be, it can be hard to tell. Sometimes it’s all in the way the shoes are elevated or the amount of cushioning they have. However, as just the wearer and the manufacturer of the shoe, it is easy to not know what you are uncomfortable.

Zero drop shoes are shoes that have no heel elevation whatsoever. They have the same height in the heel as in the forefoot. 

Your foot will be on a flat surface just like what happens when you walk barefoot. It also means that this allows your foot to move in the same way as when you are walking barefoot. 

You can find zero drop shoes with the least amount of material between your foot and the ground or a version with some cushioning/ This means that whatever your foot needs are, you can still get a zero drop shoe and be comfortable in them. 

What is the difference between zero drop shoes and regular training shoes?

The major difference between regular training shoes and zero drop shoes is the way that they are made. This, in turn, has a say on how your feet strike the ground. Zero drop shoes help to relieve the pain and strain by diverting it away from the knee and directing it to the calf muscles.

Zero drop shoes encourage you to strike the ground with your forefoot and also get your feet to absorb more of the shock. You will find that shoes that have some sort of elevation in them, may get you running faster,  but in time, they will affect your posture as they continue to push your feet forward. 

Another difference between zero drop shoes and regular trainers is that they allow your feet to move more freely.  regular training shoes are usually designed with a particular structure and they are made to correct the foot and offer extra support and stability.

One of the most obvious differences is that zero drop shoes have less material which also makes them lightweight in comparison to regular trainers. 

Why should I get zero drop shoes?

They give you a running experience that simulates walking barefoot. Zero drop shoes also reduce the risk of injury. They are lighter as they are made with less material and they also offer better stability.

Conclusion

Whatever your reason is for looking for zero drop tennis shoes, it is important to make sure that you get the shoes that have the features you need. Tennis can be quite taxing on the feet and as such you will need to make sure that you have the right shoes that will keep you stable on the court and help you play an excellent game.