Tennis shoes are often overlooked during gear care discussions but they are one of the most important aspects of the game. If you don’t have comfortable, clean, well-cared-for shoes, you aren’t going to have a good game. Make sure yours tennis shoes keep you on your toes this summer by doing these simple things:
• Air your shoes out as soon as possible after every game in order to decrease odor.
• At home, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into the shoe’s insole. Baking soda gets rid of scent and will help your shoes feel fresh and clean. Dump excess baking soda out before you put the shoes on again.
• If your shoes are excessively sweaty or have gotten wet, take them off and pack them with newspaper to absorb moisture. Doing this will prevent them from warping and wearing prematurely.
Pros recommend replacing tennis shoes after approximately 45-60 hours of on-court time or when the shoes have begun failing to provide adequate shock absorption or prevent excess foot movement in the shoe. Summer is peak tennis season so in addition to caring for the shoes you currently have, don’t hesitate to replace them when they begin to wear badly. Failure to replace worn tennis shoes can result in preventable injury or poor performance.
As the old saying goes, “you’ve got to have the right gear for the game.” High-quality tennis gear and apparel is expensive but is a worthwhile, long-term investment if properly cared for. The peak summer season provides a series of unique stressors to gear and can severely damage gear that is not properly cared for. Fortunately, you can ensure that your gear and apparel will go the distance when you follow these easy care tips and tricks. By taking great care of your tennis apparel and gear, you ensure that your summer is spent in gear that feels great and preforms even better.