Best Lightweight Tennis Shoes
Players who put court speed and a lightweight feel as a priority will want to check out our picks for the fastest feeling tennis shoes. (Updated September 2025)
Now more than ever, the margins between winning and losing are very narrow. Players are always looking to get that little edge on court, and footwear is integral in contributing to the success of players at all levels. When searching for the right lightweight shoe, we suggest taking into account shoes with:
- A low static weight
- A speed-oriented design
- Stability built into the materials of the shoe
- A low-to-the-ground, responsive midsole
We offer a variety of shoes that blend these attributes together to create individual styles and preferences, and no matter which one you choose, we know it’s going to add that extra speed to get you to the top of your game!
Our Picks for Best Lightweight Tennis Shoes
Nike Zoom Vapor 12
What we love: With the release of the Vapor 12 in 2025, Nike went back to what the line became known for: lightweight speed and comfort. Coming on the heels of the more stable (and heavier), the Vapor 12 gets back to what Vapor fans know and love: lightweight speed and comfort. For reference, our measurements put the Vapor 12s about an ounce lighter than the previous version. And an ounce on the tennis court can mean a lot! The return of the finger lacing system also means players can get a secure fit in these Vapor 12s.
Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6
What we love: Light, fast and with a durability guarantee? It's not a common combination, but you get that plus some nice underfoot cushioning with the Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6. We're just wrapping up our reviews of this sixth edition, which released in 2024. We loved the blend of features in the previous version and found a lot of our favorite aspects were still present in the Wave Exceed Tour 6.
Babolat Jet Mach III
What we love: This latest Jet Mach III has been our playtesters' favorite version yet. They loved it for its lightweight feel, comfort and impressive durability for a speed shoe. Players who are looking for a slightly narrow-fitting option that feels fast should check out the Mach III. Read our full review for more information.
Asics Solution Speed FF 3
What we love: The Solution Speed series is the lightest and fastest in the Asics tennis shoe lineup. We're just wrapping up our review of the Solution Speed FF 3. The reviewers praised these shoes for being just as light and fast as previous versions while offering a pretty stable feel for such a lightweight model.
Honorable Mention: adidas Defiant Speed 2
What we love: Released in 2024, the Defiant Speed 2 captured our playtesters' attention for its mix of lightweight on-court performance and off-court style. This shoe also gets pro player approval and is worn on tour by Alexander Zverev. With its speedy feel, comfort and price, the Defiant Speed 2 is an excellent all-court option.
How We Pick
Wonder how we choose best gear recommendations? We gather from our playtesters' firsthand experiences reviewing and playing with all the tennis gear. We form our lists based on their reviews and feedback. You can find all of our product reviews here.
