Best Tennis Shoes for Kids 2026: Sizing by Age

Buying tennis shoes for kids can be overwhelming. For parents dedicated to their kids' athletic education, the right apparel is requisite so that your kid can have the best chance of success in and outside the tennis court. But that begs the question: Which tennis shoes among the thousands of brands will truly give you the best bang for your buck?

If you're hoping to cut through the noise and receive expert advice on tennis apparel and equipment, you have come to the right place. Our handy guide will not only give you access to high-end apparel but also help you choose the right shoes for your growing kid and their ever-changing needs.

Why Opt for Tennis Shoes?

Since tennis shoes can get pricey fast, you may be wondering if it would be worth it to opt for a good brand instead of regular shoes or sneakers. The truth is that tennis shoes have many advantages over other athletic shoes.

For one thing, they are specifically designed for competitive athletic performance. The most common tennis courts have hard surfaces, which can erode regular shoes to scraps of fabric in no time at all. Tennis shoes are specifically designed for these surfaces, so they can withstand a lot more wear and tear than regular shoes.

Moreover, tennis shoes are designed for lateral movement. In tennis, which often requires the player to move side to side and up and down, having shoes designed to keep up with these quick maneuvers is desirable. By contrast, shoes like running shoes are designed for forward movements and tend to be lighter.

Using running shoes for tennis instead of tennis ones can lead to the shoe breaking down midsole. Moreover, the risk of injury increases, most particularly rolled ankles. We recommend, thus, opting for actual tennis shoes for athletic needs.

What to Look for in a Tennis Shoe

Good tennis shoes should be comfortable and durable, with inside cushioning that absorbs impact from running and jumping. This cushioning also lessens stress on the feet and ankles, which in turn lessens injury. The rubber soles at the bottom provide grip and lessen slippage, and the ridge pattern is made to adapt to different tennis court surfaces easily, whether hard, grass, or clay courts. The outsole pattern matters as well. Tennis shoes are made with herringbone patterns which are optimized for tennis courts, although they can work for all surfaces.

For kids in general, it's important that their shoes fit just right—not too loose but not too tight, either. Taking a moment to ensure good sizing will prevent unnecessary accidents and even injuries down the road. The laces on the upper part of the shoe ensure stability and comfort. And as kids tend to be very rough with their shoes and clothes in general, features such as durable midsoles and reinforced toe caps will help improve durability. It is also recommended that your kids' tennis shoes have a soft rubber compound and full herringbone pattern if your child plays heavily.

For most age groups, comfort and durability are the most important qualities in a good shoe; once kids grow into intermediate or advanced players, more lightweight shoes that help with one's speed and agility may be more suitable.

Size Categories for Children

There are three size categories for children, including both boys and girls:

For reference, a man's size 6 is equivalent to an older kids' size 6 while woman's size 5 is the equivalent to an older kids' size 3.5 and a woman's size 7.5. Factors that go into sizes include foot length, width, and shape, and the size number differs depending on the location.

Measuring Your Kids' Feet

If you're unsure about your child's size, measuring their feet is a quick and simple process. You will need a blank piece of paper longer than your child's foot, a pencil or pen, or some measuring tape.

1. First, put one edge of the piece of paper up against the wall.
2. Make your child step one foot onto the piece of paper, with their heel light against the wall. It is recommended that they wear socks.
3. Mark the end of their longest toe and take note of the inches with the measuring tape. Measure the width as well.
4. Do the same with the other foot.
5. Reduce the length by 1/5^th inches or around 5 mm.

Compare your children's measurements with the standard sizes. If your child is between sizes, then choose the closest largest size. Kids grow very rapidly, so it's recommended that their shoes be a little larger than their current size so they can grow into them. Larger size shoes are also more comfortable than shoes that just barely fit. Once your kids' sizes reach 6.5 and beyond, they are ready for adult-sized tennis shoes.

Explore Our Top Picks

For the best and most ideal tennis shoes for children in their athletic endeavors or simply day-to-day life, there are many excellent options to consider. Whatever your child's specific needs, these tennis shoes will ensure that they are set up for the best possible success on the tennis courts.

Best for Agility: Babolat Jet Mach III Junior

The Jet Mach catalogue is known for its lightness and flexibility. The junior version is no slouch, either, allowing for ultimate speed and agility. The Jet Mach III Junior also comes with reinforced toe caps to prevent massive wear and tear. As they run a little short, it's recommended to size up, especially for bigger kids.

Shop the Jet Mach III Junior

Most Comfortable: K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 3 Junior

If your primary concern is your child's comfort, then we highly recommend the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 3 Junior. This junior version of the adult shoe is also highly comfortable, lightweight, and low to the ground. With a plush midsole that absorbs even the hardest of landings and a breathable mesh upper sole, the K-Swiss Hypercourt is the best for comfort.

Shop the Hypercourt Express 3 Junior

Most Professional: ASICS Gel Resolution X GS Junior

For parents who are serious about competitive tennis for their child, the ASICS Gel Resolution X is the way to go. This shoe prioritizes stability with advanced cushioning to soften hard landings. Its wide outsole flex grooves allow for quick changes in direction and transitions. For junior players who spend a lot of time at the tennis court, the ASICS can help them go far.

Shop the Gel Resolution X GS Junior

Transitioning to Adult Shoes: Nike Vapor Pro 3

If you have an older child transitioning to an adult shoe, from age 10 to 13 years of age, then the Nike Vapor Pro 3 may be a good choice. This Nike comes down to a woman's size 5, which is a 3.5 for older kids, and for men it's a size 6, which is the equivalent of a junior size 6. It comes with Air Zoom cushioning and a new rubber outsole with midsole foam, making this a good choice for hard tennis courts. Its mesh upper is breathable, providing long-lasting comfort. These types of shoes will last through a full tournament season; to learn more, read our comparison review here.

Shop the Nike Vapor Pro 3

Best All Around: New Balance Coco CG2 Junior

For those who wish to have both ultimate performance and style, then the New Balance Coco CG2 Junior is the right shoe for your needs. Named after American tennis star Coco Gauff, these shoes come with NDure upper for durability and support, as well as FuelCell foam for comfort and stability. With their colorful logo and thick rubber soles, these shoes are perfectly crafted for high-energy play and long-running, consistent performance. Feel free to browse our Coco Gauff collection here.

Shop the Coco CG2 Junior

Budget-Friendly Option: Adidas CourtFlash Tennis Shoes

You don't have to break the bank to discover a tennis shoe fit for your needs. The Adidas CourtFlash Tennis Shoes is a good budget-friendly option that still comes with a breathable upper mesh, excellent airflow, and textured heel. They are lightweight and secure, with a cushioned but still secure midsole, and they come with a rubber outsole that helps protect the shoe against hard tennis court surfaces. The CourtFlash is especially fitting for improving speed and mobility, allowing you to make fast directional changes without putting more stress on your joints or the shoes. 

When Do You Need to Replace Your Shoes?

We all know children play and work hard, and they grow up and out of their clothes very quickly. Knowing the signs of when to replace your kids' shoes will allow you to identify problems before they become complications and even lower the risk of injury to your child. Some common signs include:

If you notice these signs, it may be time to lay your children's tennis shoes to rest and opt for new ones that will give you that long-lasting performance your child needs.