If the shoes you are wearing are not considered appropriate by the club on whose courts you are attending, then you are deemed to be not ready to commence play as per all by-laws across all Tennis Associations.

Correct footwear has a tread pattern giving reasonable grip but does not damage the playing surface. As well as or the upkeep of court maintenance, correct footwear is vital for player safety.

• Shoe soles must not have a raised pattern of any kind.
• Any pattern variation must not exceed 4mm.
• Soles must be flat (no raised heel) with soft edges.
• Herringbone pattern is the best sole to provide good grip on all court surfaces which is found on tennis specific shoes and selected cross trainers.
• Any shoe outersole which has a lugged pattern is unacceptable as it will chew up and leave marks across the surface, damaging their condition.