ASISCS Brand Trainer Marc Sieber - "The shoe must be chosen to match the style of play"
The hobby players are slowly starting to play on the outdoor courts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We asked Marc Sieber, ASICS brand trainer, what is important when choosing a shoe for the clay court season.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 05, 2022, 08:35 am
tennisnet: Aren't tennis shoes the same as tennis shoes? To put it another way: Why should I have a separate shoe for each surface?
Marc Sieber: You should have a specific shoe for each surface, because on the one hand you don't damage the surface and on the other hand you can perform as best as possible with the shoe and be as well adjusted to the surface as possible. There are 3 known sole shapes for the respective surface: herringbone for the clay court, all-court for the hard court, "smooth" for carpet/hall.
Just as important as having the right outsole is making sure the shoefits the player'splaying style . That's why we at ASICS distinguish between 3 different types of players.
- Baselines:
For players who mainly move along the baseline and are characterized by a defensive playing style. - All Court:
For players who move back and forth across the field (surf & volley) and are characterized by an offensive style of play. - Best of Both:
Combines the advantages of the two previously mentioned playstyles. The model from this category is both stable and dynamic.
tennisnet : What is the fundamental difference between a clay court shoe and a hard court shoe?
Sieber: The clay court shoe has the so-called herringbone outsole, which enables good grip and optimizes lateral movement/sliding. The hard court shoe has the all-court sole. The all-court sole is more like an indoor shoe sole - pivot point & flex grooves.
tennisnet : What role does weight play?
Sieber: Due to the fact that the shoe has to be more stable, it is heavier than a classic running shoe. Nevertheless, we also use light materials in our tennis shoes, such as. FlyteFoam to enable players to act dynamically and comfortably.
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tennisnet : Following on from this, what particularly characterizes the clay court shoes from ASICS?
Sieber: ASICS differs primarily in the style of play from the respective player, the underground is of secondary importance. We distinguish between the three player types mentioned above, for which there are clay courts, hard courts and indoor shoes. Therefore, only the sole differs from the hard court shoe.
Baseline:For players who mainly move along the baseline and are characterized by a defensive playing style. As a result, these shoes are particularly characterized by their stability. A continuous outsole and stabilizing elements laterally and medially of the shoe are important.
All-Court:For players who move back and forth across the entire field (serve & volley) and are characterized by an offensive style of play.These shoes are characterized above all by their dynamics. A two-piece outsole and greater flexibility in the midfoot and forefoot help you move faster.
tennisnet : What fundamental innovations have there been in recent years, for example with regard to the materials?
Sieber: A fundamental innovation is the categorization of playing styles, but there have also been developments in the materials:
- FlyteFoam & FlyteFoam Propel - lightweight, comfortable and dynamic midsole material
- Dynawall - lateral stability element
- Twistruss midfoot bridge (flexible and stable at the same time)
- Flexion Fit - robust upper material, at the same time allows the necessary freedom of movement
tennisnet : What are the sure signs that new clay court shoes are being purchased?
Sieber: When the outsole hardly has any profile, it's time to buy new shoes.
tennisnet: What should I look out for when buying? Half a size bigger? skin tight?
Sieber: The shoe must first be chosen to match the style of play, and the next step is to consider the surface. After considering these two factors, it's time to try them on. The new shoes should fit in such a way that you have a thumb's width of space on your toes (approx. 1 size larger, 1cm larger), otherwise bloody toes and similar after-effects can occur.
It is important to decide on fit and comfort and, if possible, seek advice. If you can't make it to a specialist shop, you can use the Tennis Shoe Finderon ASICS.comto find the right tennis shoe!
tennisnet : To what extent can the shoes be adapted to the needs of top players like Novak Djokovic?
Sieber: It works very well because top athletes like Novak Djokovic are involved in the creation of the new models: He works closely with our ISS (Institute of Sport Science) in Kobe, Japan and is in constant contact with the experts * inside on site.