No, you generally do not have to wear white sole shoes for tennis.
Tennis Shoe Sole Colors Explained
Based on the provided information, the requirement for white-soled tennis shoes is not a standard rule across all tennis playing environments.
- General Rule: You can wear any color of tennis shoes you like.
- The Exception: The primary exception mentioned is competing at Wimbledon, which enforces a strict all-white dress code, including footwear.
Historical Context
In the past, many tennis clubs prohibited black-soled shoes. This rule was in place because older shoe soles, particularly black ones, were known to mark up and scuff the court surface.
However, this is less of a concern with modern tennis footwear. Most contemporary tennis shoes are designed with non-marking soles, regardless of their color. This means that whether the sole is white, black, or any other color, it is unlikely to leave marks on the court.
Therefore, unless you are specifically playing at a venue with a strict dress code like Wimbledon, the color of your tennis shoe soles is not typically restricted. The focus has shifted from sole color to the sole's non-marking property.
