Can I wear cross training shoes for tennis AND running?

Question

I run track for my high school. Can I use cross training shoes for practicing? BTW, I have a flat foot and I overpronate.

Can I also use these shoes for tennis? I've never played it before, but I'm joining my school's team. Practice starts in a week and a half. And I tend to get shin splints often because I never get the right shoes for my foot type. The guys at the chain sporting goods stores don't really know anything. I don't want to get the shoes online. Help.

Answer 1

You have never played tennis before, but you are joining the school's tennis team? lol  Anyways, I think cross training shoes should be good for all those things.  That is why they are called cross training.  Try and find some nice light ones, so they don't slow you down and tire you out.

Answer 2

YES

Answer 3

Well the short answer is yes, you can wear any athletic shoe and play tennis.

The only difference is that actual tennis shoes have more ankle stability for side-to-side movement (that's basically all you do in tennis). But you'll be ok.

If you are having problems with shin splints you probably need to warm up better and introduce intensity more gradually into your workouts. Additionally if you have fallen arches you might consider an orthopedic insert.

Answer 4

Yes.  Don't have any second thoughts about it either.  They will work perfectly fine for you.  That's what I used for years, until I got to where I tore holes in the toes from dragging my feet.  But, since you're a beginner, you aren't going to be too hard on your shoes.

As for the stability, you'll be fine.  Sure, you'll run around a lot, but again, being a beginner, you aren't going to be doing some of the moving that really requires the extra lateral support.

I would suggest going into a good shoe store that knows what will work well for your foot type.  Let them know that you'll be doing physical activity in them, too.  They'll be more help than a sporting goods store.  They don't really know what they are doing.  Just make sure they have non-marking outsoles and you should be fine.

Answer 5

sure. do they feel good? do they have decent lateral stability?

i've played tennis in jeans and topsiders. it's kind of a trip when i pull out a single racket at some local courts, approach someone hitting serves and ask them if they'd like to hit. they take a look at me with my jeans and topsiders and think "what the h**l, i'll humor the hack and hit with him". it doesn't take them very long to figure out that i would clean their clocks in tennis...topsiders or no shoes at all.

Answer 6

Well, there are two things you want to consider: the durability of your cross training shoes and your medical/physical condition.

I don't think that you'll have much trouble with shin splints. I also tend to overpronate. Your shins should hold up fine, since most running will occur in short spurts and will be multidirectional, giving your legs some time to rest and allowing your muscles to both lengthen and contract.

Do not get light shoes(thin soles) for tennis...moving horizontally(laterally as someone has mentioned) is very important and tends to scuff and wear down the sole quickly(by 3 months, intermediate players will have worn down nearly half an inch).

You need ankle support and heavier shoes to plant firmly before shots. Most tennis shoes are ~16 ounces and up. Depending on where you shop, they can even be less expensive than typical cross training shoes.

Assuming that your cross training shoes are durable and given the fact that you are new to tennis, I would say that you are fine for now, but when you get serious, buy better equipment, namely rackets and shoes.

Gluck, hit some winners!!!