Sole Support: how the right outsole makes all the difference on clay 

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Competing on a clay court tests players in ways not found on a hard surface. The longer points demand more patience and the trickier bounces require frequent technical adjustments, but perhaps the greatest demand is the uncertain footing. The uneven, slippery nature of a clay court puts a premium on balance and assured movement, emphasizing the need for proper footwork. Players who know how to time their slides into their shots, not after they hit the ball, make clay coverage look like an artform; players who treat the surface like it’s a hard court—to paraphrase Maria Sharapova—can look like a cow on ice.

In addition to acclimating your game to the surface, fine-tuning your gear is critical to help maximize performance as well. And the most vital piece is a shoe with a clay-court specific outsole. Wear an ill-suited outsole and changing directions on a slick clay court feels like you’re playing in a pair of skates.

What makes a clay outsole advantageous is it typically has the classic tight, herringbone tread that digs in and grips the surface. A hard, or all-court, outsole generally has thicker areas to weather abrasion for increased durability, and less grooves to make it easier to slide. Neither feature is particularly beneficial on clay.

Having less material on the outsole often means clay shoes are also lighter, a bonus during the lengthier and demanding points. Some uppers of clay-court shoes may also have additional material or barriers to prevent the granules from getting inside the shoe, staining socks and potentially irritating the foot. But it’s the superior traction that’s the primary selling point.

If spring tennis means more time on clay, trying to make do with a hard court outsole is a big mistake. Having a pair of shoes devoted to playing on the dirt is a worthwhile investment. These three models found at Tennis-Point are sure to get you on the right foot:

Adidas Barricade Clay ($150)

For the 12th iteration of the iconic shoe, Adidas gave the Barricade an overhaul. Still one of the most stable shoes around, a more adaptive fit, additional cushioning features and less weight make it a more streamlined and comfortable ride.

Asics Gel-Resolution 9 Clay ($145)

The Gel-Resolution franchise has been the epitome of rock-solid stability and support. This latest model has improvements to the fit in the upper, support in lateral movement and a segmented outsole to encourage smoother court landings.

Nike Vapor Pro 2 Clay ($120)

Lightweight and breathable, the Vapor Pro 2 is built low to the ground for maximum responsiveness and court connection. The brand’s famed Air Zoom unit resides in the forefoot and midfoot to provide shock absorption and energy return into each stride.