SHOE TYPES BY COURT SURFACE
Since courts change the gameplay so much, different shoes should be used so that you can get the most out of your skillset each time.
Grass
Slippery surface. Quick movement. Quick gameplay.
Outsole
The speedy changes in direction require good grip, however grass is delicate and easily damaged. The tread on these resemble the cleats on a football shoe, these are often called "nubs" and are made very lightweight and flexible to allow for easy mobility. These shoes cannot be used on any other courts as they would not provide a good enough grip.
A grass court shoe's upper uses synthetic leather and mesh to secure the foot for stability. The mesh provides a breathable, lightweight feel, and is treated to be water repellent to prevent morning dew from entering the shoe; while the leather adds lateral reinforcement. This design ensures the shoe remains flexible and water-repellent without adding unnecessary bulk to the shoe.
Upper
Clay
Long, demanding rallies. Elegant shots.
The upper on a clay court shoe is made of tightly woven mesh so that the loose clay particles do not get into the shoe. The mesh also holds the foot tightly in place and has lots of support to improve stability and mobility. Repeated heat and humidity can make the mesh weaken faster so it is very durable as well as thicker on the sides since sliding needs lots of lateral support.
Upper
Outsole
The loose surface of this court means that it is both slippery and can get caught in shoes, to fix this there's a full herringbone pattern on the tread so that clay can glide through the shoe without getting stuck, all the while maintaining very good grip on the court for quick directional changes. These shoes can be used on and will work well enough on other courts but not grass as it would damage it.
Hard
All-round court. Suitable for every player.
Outsole
This court permits the ball to bounce highest and travel faster than clay but slower than grass, making it great for everyone. However, it is an unforgiving, hard surface and therefore the sole is thick and cushioned to reduce impact on joints. Along with this, the tread is a modified herringbone pattern so it works on other courts but provides best grip on this one.
The upper of this shoe does not have anything in particular compared to the other shoes; it consists of very tough materials to put up with the harsh footing while still being durable and providing support to the foot. This material also has minimum breathability as there are no natural conditions for it to withstand such as humidity and debris, hard courts and dry and relatively smooth.