Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe

Parts of a Tennis Shoe

1. Lining – The fabric inside of a shoe. Very soft and meant to improve comfort
2. Eyelets – Holes near the top of the upper guides shoelaces in place
3. Lacing – Traditional shoelaces allow for the most adjustment in fit
4. Ventilation holes – Helps to add breathability to a shoe
5. Toe cap – Often reinforced for improved durability
6. Toe guard – Protects the toe from abrasion to increase durability. Also helps your form when keeping on your toes
7. Upper – Often made of leather, synthetic, or mesh that will allow full freedom of movement
8. Heel panel – The piece of fabric covering the heel portion of the shoe
9. Tongue – A lightweight, padded tongue helps to increase comfort and fit
10. Insole – The footbed for your feet. Some can be removed to add your own orthotic insole
11. Midsole – The cushioning in-between the insole and outsole. Often foam-based and thicker in the heel for optimal running
12. Heel counter – A tough plastic insert in the back of the shoe that helps to support the heel
13. Collar – A padded collar helps to improve comfort and fit
14. Non-marking outsole – The bottom of the shoe that provides traction. A special non-marking rubber keeps courts streak-free
15. Heel traction – Some tennis shoes have additional traction in the heel area for braking
16. Arch – The middle area of a tennis shoe, could have arch support depending on model and insole type
17. Flex grooves – Helps to increase the flexibility of the overall shoe when bending the forefoot
18. Toe traction – Some tennis shoes have additional traction in the toe area for better grip when pivoting and staying on your toes

Learn how to choose tennis shoes here