What makes a kids' tennis shoe different?

Tennis asks for quick side steps, stops and sprints, and the kids' tennis shoes here are built for that. They come from Wilson, adidas, Nike, ASICS and Reebok, and each brand puts its effort in a different place.

• Wilson Rush Pro Jr: an all-court shoe with a grippy outsole that Wilson says grips on clay, grass and hard courts. A synthetic layer guards the toes against drag, and a TPU medial drag pad adds wear protection in side-to-side moves. One Rush Pro Jr listing adds a Die Cut EVA insole and R-DST+ midsole foam.
• adidas Courtflash: lightweight, with a mesh upper and a durable Adiwear outsole for quick cuts and fast footwork. It is made in part with recycled materials, and one listing adds an abrasion-resistant Adituff toe against foot drag.
• Nike Court Jr. Vapor X: breathable mesh, a Dynamic Fit system that hugs the foot and a Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning.
• ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 GS: a baseline tennis shoe for entry-level young players, with a Trusstic unit for stability during changes of direction.

Laces or hook-and-loop straps?

For younger players, the closure matters as much as the sole. The adidas Courtflash Hook-and-Loop combines laces with a hook-and-loop strap, and the Reebok Royal Prime 2.0 has two hook-and-loop straps for quick, secure fastening. The other listings do not mention hook-and-loop straps.

How should a kids' tennis shoe fit?

The listings describe fit in different ways. Wilson lists one Rush Pro Jr L as a traditional fit, and its Rush Pro Jr listings describe a 9 mm drop for a stance closer to the ground. adidas lists the Courtflash Hook-and-Loop as a supportive regular fit. Nike's Dynamic Fit system wraps the foot for a secure, glove-like feel. One adidas Courtflash listing adds a sizing tip: buy one size bigger. Sizes on this page run from 27 to 40, depending on the model, so check each product page before you order.

A court look for every day

Not every pair here is for matches. The Reebok Court Clean brings a minimalist tennis-court look to everyday kids' shoes, with a soft, smooth upper and a durable cupsole.

If your child is starting tennis lessons, start with the adidas Courtflash or the ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 GS. See more in kids' tennis gear, tennis shoes or Wilson tennis.