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Fall’s Biggest Sneaker Trends Were Born on the Tennis Court
From classic white to bow-bedecked styles.
@naomiosaka/Instagram
When Lorde invited us down to the tennis court back in 2013, she made the whole thing sound so easy. But nothing is ever as simple as arriving somewhere and talking it up like “yeah.” That’s mostly because the question of “what should I wear” is always hanging pre get-together.
There can be a simple answer to that question, though: the humble tennis shoe (and a tennis skirt, honestly—they’re so cute). Though there are plenty of sneakers out there, designed for plenty of sports, this one is so prolific that many people use “tennis shoe” as a catch-all name. Ever heard of “tennies?” I have, and I have a pair in my car at all times in case someone is in the mood to run around.
By definition, a tennis shoe is a lace-up sneaker with a fabric top (for breathability, I suppose) and rubber sole (for great traction on the court; there’s a lot of fancy footwork involved in the game). They’re lighter than other sneakers and also a bit more rigid for solid ankle support.
Ahead, discover our favorite tennis-inspired sneakers—no promises they’ll be orthopedically perfect for your game, but we took inspo from some of the most stylish players!—for your trips down to the court and beyond.
Classic White
@venuswilliams/Instagram
To this day, Wimbledon players have to be “dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white” when they step on the court. While many players show up to less strictly dress-coded tournaments kitted out in brilliant colors, there’s something undeniably classic about a clean white tennis outfit.
No matter what brand a star is signed with, I’m sure they have their favorite shoes in at least a couple plain white options. They go with everything!
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Rothy’s The Court Sneaker
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Tretorn Nylite Plus Canvas Sneaker
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Adidas Grand Court 2.0 Shoes
Zig and Zag
@emmaradacanu/Instagram
UK-based tennis pro Emma Raducanu has had a favorite pair of sneakers this year: the Nike Vapor Pro 3. And there’s some lore involved. After she wore the brand’s Vapor NXT shoe for the first time, the internet surged with search queries for the design.
She’s been wearing Nike shoes ever since, and the zig-zaggy design she had going on this year was especially cute. I’m not telling you to wear chevron, but you could definitely make a jumbled little line work.
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Nike Vapor Pro 3
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Missoni Leather Sneakers
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Reebok Women’s Zig Dynamica STR Shoes
Coocoo for Coco
@cocogauff/Instagram
Naturally, Coco Gauff has her own namesake sneakers: any of New Balance’s “Coco” shoes pay tribute to her. “Coco Gauff’s signature shoe is an expression of style that is completely, and unmistakably, her own,” explains the brand. “The Coco CG2 features elements inspired by one of Coco’s favorite New Balance models, the 550, along with a selection of visual easter eggs connected to her favorite city, Paris.”
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New Balance Coco CG2
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New Balance Coco Delray
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New Balance Coco Delray
Bow Tied
@naomiosaka/Instagram
Last year, showstopper Naomi Osaka came cute to the US Open court with multiple pairs of tennis shoes with bow detailing attached to the heel. Hers were custom Nike, but you can definitely get the look with some bow-bedecked tennis shoes of your own. (Or grab your favorite sneakers and use ribbon as laces for the perfect DIY accessory.)
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Converse Chuck 70 Bows
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Puma Easy Rider Glam Sneakers
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Viktor & Rolf Superga Satin Bow Sneakers
Blossoming Tennis Star
@naomiosaka/Instagram
Another Naomi special: her cherry blossom-season inspired tennies. This time, Nike actually made the pair for the masses (“spring is sakura season. The girlies are gonna love this one.” Osaka wrote when announcing the namesake design via Instagram). A light pink shoe of your choice will also do the trick.
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Nike GP Challenge 1 “Naomi Osaka”
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Alohas Tb.490 Club Suede Pink Leather Sneakers
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On Cloudtilt 1 Sneakers
Having a Ball
@serenawilliams/Instagram
If you (like me at one point) are wondering why tennis players are so into highlighter yellow-green detailing… let me tell you what I realized. I think it’s because… they match the ball?! While this style was more convenient recommendation-wise during Brat summer, you can still enjoy the stylings of a classic tennis ball with your tennis ball-shaded sneakers. Just look at Serena Williams’ cute pair above.
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Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
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Coolway Goal Light Leo Shoe
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Wilson Intrigue Tour Women’s Tennis Shoe
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/tennis-inspired-sneaker-trends-11784428