How to choose table tennis shoes?

Table tennis is a popular game that develops arm muscles, dexterity, and quick reactions. In addition, it is an excellent psychological release that will allow you to cheer up after a hard day. Not everyone knows that special items of equipment have been developed for this sport, and the specifics of shoes are of great importance in the game. In special sneakers for table tennis, the player feels more flexible and agile, he gets less tired and feels comfortable during the whole match.

A feature of tennis sneakers is the presence of a soft middle, which protects the feet and lower legs from impacts that occur during sudden movements. This pad is located between the heel and the foot. It is produced from raw materials of different density. The outer part of the sneakers is made of natural or artificial leather, and in order to reduce weight, manufacturers sometimes decorate items with different inserts.

Sneakers made of leather or other natural materials are considered the most preferred option, since such shoes outperform their synthetic competitors in both aesthetic and performance qualities.

The insole in special tennis shoes serves to cushion the impact of the foot on the floor; more often it is made of gels, for example, PU or EVA. The density of the insole may be uneven along its length.

Tennis shoes can be classified according to the type of sole, which in turn is determined by the type of surface of the playing hall or court. Accordingly, the sole can be divided into the following types.

• Hard. This variety is more suitable for lawn tennis than table tennis. The outsole has a medium herringbone tread.
• Priming. In this case, the sole is 70-100% covered with a deep tread in the form of a small herringbone.
• Grass. The surface is covered with miniature spines.
• Carpet. Sneakers with a perfectly smooth sole.

Table tennis sneakers can be divided into options made of genuine leather and artificial fabric. In this case, buyers should rely on the budget and on the condition of the feet, however, leather samples have a much longer service life and, in fact, with their durability, turn out to be almost equal in price to synthetic shoes.

You can also find tennis shoes for men and women on sale. First of all, these models differ in design. Women's options are made in delicate pastel colors, they can have a floral print, while men's sneakers are made in more classic shades: black, blue, white, red, gray.

When shopping for special table tennis shoes, try the following guidelines.

Choose the type of shoe according to the type of foot. There are the following types.

• Supinated. In this case, the foot usually steps on the outside of the shoe.
• Pronated. The opposite type, when the foot often steps on the inner side. The most traumatic type.
• Ideal. With such a foot, the athlete steps on the central part.

Determining your type is easy. To do this, step with a wet foot on a piece of paper. If the footprint is larger on the outside, then the foot corresponds to the Supinated type. If there is a pronounced trail that deviates to the inside and resembles a rectangle with a slight curve, you should choose tennis shoes for the Pronated type. If the print is even on all sides, buy shoes for the Ideal type.

Pay special attention to the size of your shoes. The tennis player's fingers should not bend during the game, therefore the length should be 1-1.5 cm longer than the length of the foot.

• The main criterion when choosing a sneaker is comfort. Be sure to try on both shoes carefully, try to imitate the movements you make during a tennis match. If it doesn't rub anywhere, your toes don't bend, and the sole doesn't slip, then these sneakers will suit your feet.
• Sometimes sneakers feel heavy when purchased, although for table tennis it should be a lightweight option. This feeling can arise if a tennis player has decided to switch from special tennis slippers to sneakers. At first, this type of shoe does seem to be bulky, tall, and heavy compared to low soft sneakers, but this does not mean that the buyer has chosen the wrong model of sneaker.

Choosing the right model of table tennis shoes, pay attention to the products of the following manufacturers.

• Butterfly. For example, the Rifones was developed in collaboration with Japanese table tennis star Mizutani, so every tennis player's needs were taken into account when creating it. Owners appreciate the quality and durability of the sneaker, as well as the striking design. The presented model combines good grip of the sole with the floor surface, high-quality breathability, stable cushioning, and comfortable operation.

• Asics. The popular model of this manufacturer is the GEL-Resolution 7 sneakers.This is the men's version with a highly flexible AHAR outsole. High protection is provided by the SpEVA midsole and Asics GE gel cushioning. This is a special tennis shoe with a wide range of technical specifications.

• Adidas. This company offers a wide range of both female and male models. The well-deserved bestsellers include the TTennium series. These sneakers are of a very high quality. According to the owners, the model is practically indestructible and allows you to enjoy reliability and comfort for many years.

• Li-Ning... Sneakers from China are more budget options and are suitable for amateurs or beginners in the field of table tennis. The shoes are made of fabric and artificial leather. According to buyers, these are quite comfortable and comfortable sneakers, however, their order is possible almost only through Chinese online stores. However, according to user reviews, delivery is carried out quite quickly.

• Mizuno... In this case, the company produces footwear for professional table tennis. For example, the Wave Medal Z2 model is the best option for men. Crafted from synthetic materials in a masculine blue. The popularity of these products is due to the trust that a Japanese manufacturer with extensive experience of work inspires among buyers. Sneakers are lightweight, soft and reliable.

How to choose table tennis shoes, see below.