Platform Tennis Shoes

Fashion – Best Women’s Platform Tennis Sneakers

The platform tennis shoe is a girl’s answer to footwear when comfort is required without sacrificing style.  If the feet just can’t take any more hard-bottom sandals with sole-crushing footbeds that have no cushion, what would feel better than walking on a few inches of nice thick rubber platform?

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Why Wear Platform Tennis Shoes?

One of the reasons people wear just plain ol’ sneakers so often is that they are soft, so they conform to the foot and provide pillow-ey soft cushioning with every step.  Almost everyone owns a pair of sneakers for this reason.

But in a world where girls want to stand out and present their own style, who would want to wear sneakers just like everyone else?  And how can one look stylish and sexy while wearing sneakers?

Well there’s the short-shorts option, where you counter low flat ugly sneakers by showing  lots of leg.  You can also wear the tightest jeans on earth, distracting the public’s eye from your boring ugly flat sneakers by showing off your curves.  And of course, you can go all the way to counteract the frump levels by wearing Daisy Dukes, push-up bra, and cropped shirt.  Viola, nobody notices your boring sneakers.

What if those sexy skin-baring and form-showing options are not your style?  You’re stuck looking like one of the boys.  Well, not if you have the platform tennis shoe that solves your  dilemma.  You can enjoy the comfort of a sneaker while showing your style, looking taller, or just standing out in a crowd.

Fashion – Best Men’s Platform Tennis Sneakers

Talking of boys, why should the girls have all the fun!  Looking for a little height boost or are you wanting to go Old Skool and get back into the skater vibe?  Whatever you are looking for, there is lots to choose from, and something for everyone.  Below is our top picks for 2020.

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Sport – Best Women’s Platform Tennis Shoes

If you are playing tennis, you need to find a balance between comfort, support and durability.  They need to be as light as possible, but also provide you with great ankle support, grip and manoeuvrability.

So which brands are the best?  Which shoe is best for your game?  To help, we have narrowed down the search to these 10 excellent tennis shoes.

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Sport – Best Men’s Platform Tennis Shoes

Men’s feet are just the same as womens, so you should be looking for tennis shoes which give you good grip on court, stability and support around your ankles, light weight materials and a good cushion to soften the impact from jumps.

All of the below shoes are simply excellent, so your choice might come down to personal preference for color or design.  However, our choice right now is the ASICS Men’s GEL Rocket 9, they are outstanding for the price.

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Platform Tennis Shoes Buying Guide

Before you buy any shoes, we would recommend you read through our buyers guide.  Your feet are important, sore feet are not fun and can really ruin your day and your game.  So do yourself a favour, spend a few minutes looking through this guide so you can make sure that you buy a perfectly fitting pair of sneakers.

Your feet will thank you for it!

Finding the Best Fitting Shoe in the Proper Size

Feet change sizes as the ligaments relax and stretch over the years. Ill-fitting shoes have the potential to create many health problems, including blisters, calluses, hammertoes, bunions, corns, and even permanent disfigurement. Wearing shoes that are the right size will prevent these problems.

Common Shoe Buying Mistakes

A mistake many people make is purchasing shoes that are too small. Signs include cramping and blisters between the toes. Feet should never be forced to fit the inside of a shoe. There should be ample room to allow toes to wiggle. Shoes that are too large create other problems. When the foot slides forward while stepping, toenails can turn black or even fall off. Extra friction causes blisters and calluses. Shoes that gap at the sides while walking are too wide.

Standard Shoe Width – The Best Time to Measure Your Feet

The standard width for men’s shoes is “D”. The standard width for women’s shoes is “B”. These widths are acceptable if shoes currently worn are an excellent fit. If most shoes tend to be loose on the sides, a narrower width should be tried. A wider width is a better choice if the majority of shoes are tight and feet feel squeezed.

Swelling increases the size of feet during the day. The best time to have them measured is at the end of the day. Most feet are not identical. Usually one foot is larger. Choose the size of shoes that fit the larger foot. Do not focus on the size of the shoe. Many brands do not run true to size. What matters is how the shoe fits the contours of the foot.

Breaking In Shoes

Another mistake people make is expecting to break in the shoes. Shoes should provide a comfortable fit in the store. Wear the appropriate socks when trying on a shoe. Running shoes should be tried on with thick socks. Stilettos should be tried on with nylons. Expecting a shoe to fit within a few days means it is the wrong size.

It is crucial to wear shoes that are the correct size. Feet should be measured annually. A professional will assist with measurements and recommend shoes that will ensure the perfect fit.

Shoe Anatomy – Everything you Need to Know

It is not always easy to find a shoe that fits, from the huge selection at your local sports store.  You need to find a shoe that feels comfortable and fits your foot perfectly if you are going to walk out a happy customer.

The problem you have, is you will not have enough time to try on every model in the store, you will only have time to test a few shoes.  Don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect fit quickly.

There are a few things you need to consider to ensure you get the perfect fit, and to help, we have put together a list of shoe fitting features that will help you keep smashing those balls hour after hour.

The first things you need to know before buying any shoes, is what are the main parts of a platform tennis shoe, and how do they change the way I play, reduce injuries and keep my feet comfortable?

Upper

The part of the shoe which is above the sole.  Often made from leather, or single piece uppers made from man made fabrics and mesh which are printed or knitted together to ensure they stretch and support your feet.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for an upper which does not rub your foot, but is secure without being too tight that cause chafing.

Ankle Collar

The ankle collar is the binding at the top of the shoe which your heels slides into.  This can be made from a padded material which holds your heel firmly as you walk and run.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for support of your heel, without sacrificing comfort.  So check to see if the padding is comfortable against your ankle bones and that the back does not rub your Achilles and cause discomfort.

Heel Counter

The heel counter is located at the back of the shoe and is a cup that provides support for your heel. Some shoes do not have a heel counter, which allows your heel to move freely, whilst others use a heel wrap which is like the heel counter.  It should be noted that whilst heel counters do keep your heel centered which helps for firm landings when running, research tells us that they do not help with motion control.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for heal support which ensures your ankle is comfortable and allows a good range of movement.

Heel Cushioning

The heel can take a lot of impact when running, so the heel cushion is designed to provide additional comfort.

What you need

• Again, ideally you are looking for a balance between comfort, performance and weight.
• Be sure to check the roll when you land each stride, to ensure it matches your running style.

Heel-Toe Drop

The heel toe drop is measured when standing in your shoe and is the variance in height the ball of your foot and heel.  Although different heel toe drop heights can alter your stride, there is no firm evidence that it contributes to related injuries.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a shoe that provides a comfortable stride and minimizes stresses to any weaknesses you have in your foot.

Toebox

The toebox is the part of the upper which starts at the eyelets and runs to the toe end of the shoe.  A toe bumper is common and keeps your toes protected, stopping them from getting bumped.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a toebox that does not restrict your foot from flexing or spreading as you walk and run.
• You will also want to make sure it is not too tight, causing your toes to get sore from rubbing against the fabrics.

Saddle

The saddle is the area around your instep which connects to the shoe laces and keeps your shoe on your foot. Modern shoes have an assortment of lacing systems, overlays and eyelets that are designed to keep the saddle securely attached to your foot, regardless of shape.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a secure fit, with no slipping as you walk or run.

Outsole

The outsole is the bottom of the shoe, useually made of rubber or hard foam to increase comfort whilst also providing flexibility and durability.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for an outsole which is comfortable, can grip well, is not too heavy but at the same time provides you with stability as you run and walk and is durable.

Midsole

Located between the upper and outsole, the midsole provides a cushion from impacts when walking and running.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a balance between weight and comfort from a midsole.
• It needs to soften impacts but not add too much weight.

Forefoot Cushioning

Like heel cushioning, forefoot cushioning reduces the impact from each stride and assists your push off via special energy return materials.  Research has shown that the body is designed to naturally reduce impacts above the ankle, but forefoot cushioning will help in protecting the frame of your foot.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a good push off, with plenty of spring and comfort from the landing.

Sockliner

The sockliner provides comfort and support to the arch of your foot and is the removable foam inside of the shoe.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a sockliner which molds to the bottom of your foot.
• It should provide comfort and support but not be too soft to run on and help in your spring to the next step.

Shoe Geometry, Varus Wedge, Dual Density, Guide Rails & Medial Post

These are all terms used by shoe manufacturers to describe the features built into their shoes to control over pronation and rolling. Most people do not have issues with over pronation, but these features do control excessive movement of the foot in the shoe and can help a runner maintain a good stride.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for shoes that feel natural to walk and run in.
• You are not looking for shoes which force you to walk or run in a certain way.

Flex Grooves & Toe Spring

Your foot bends naturally as you walk.  As you run, you will find that your foot bends more, when compared to walking.  To make your shoe fit the natural bend of your foot, flex grooves and toe springs are added to the sole of your shoe.  Essentially, these groves allow your shoes to bend with your feet.  The location and angle of these grooves depends on the model and manufacturer of the shoe, but they can play a huge part in how they feel and perform.

What you need

• Ideally you are looking for a shoe that bends as naturally as your foot.  This is different for everyone, which is why you need to try several types of shoe to find the best fit for you.
• Remember, your foot bends more when you are running, so you need to test the shoe at a run, so you can see how it really feels.

Choosing a sport shoe style

As the weather warms and swimsuit season approaches, many women embark on new or heightened fitness routines. A key element to any exercise program is proper attire, especially shoes, but you might be surprised to learn that not all athletic shoes are cr eated equal.

Many people buy running shoes even though they never jog. Instead, you should consider the type of exercise you’ll be performing most often and choose a type of shoe that will provide the most benefits.

• Running shoes are flexible and light, featuring cushioning that absorbs shock as your foot hits the ground and helps reduce blisters. They are designed for forward motion, and don’t provide as much support when you’re moving other directions (such as in sports or aerobics).
• Trail shoes are similar to running shoes, but with increased traction to allow for movement on grass, trails, or other rough surfaces.
• Walking shoes are generally stiffer and somewhat heavier than running shoes, because they provide more support. It’s important because your foot rolls more slowly from heel to toe when you’re walking.
• Crosstraining shoes are the most versatile and therefore economical for people with varied workouts. They’re designed to support your foot during changes in impact and direction, so they can be a good choice for those who played a variety of sports.
• Specialty shoes are also available for specific sports. If you prefer one specific sport, such as cycling, soccer or hiking, and intend to participate in the activity several times a week, you probably want a shoe designed specially for that sport.
• Finally, lifestyle shoes often look similar to sport shoes … they could even be made by the same companies … but they aren’t truly made for athletic use. They don’t provide the same support and cushioning, and should not be worn for workouts.

Lacing guide

Sometimes in order to get a proper fit you must lace your shoes a certain way. Many people suffer from foot problems which means that the typical lacing of the shoe may not benefit them as much as one of the solutions below.

Heel Slip

• Use two short sets of laces to get a snug fit along the length of your foot.
• The first lace runs through the middle eyelets where you tie them off, and the second continues through the last
  pair of eyelets.

Toe Problems

• Threading one end of the lace diagonally lifts the toe box up to help relieve problems like hammer toes, toe corns, bleeding toes and toe nail problems.

High Arches

• The splay lacing technique removes the pressure points created when laces cross over each other on the center of the shoe tongue.

Wide Forefoot and Narrow Heel

• Use two short sets of laces to get a snug fit along the length of your foot.
• The first lace runs through the middle eyelets where you tie them off, and the second continues through the last pair of eyelets.

Top-of-foot pain

• Skip a set of eyelets in your lacing pattern to relieve pressure on points along the top of your foot.