3 Best New Balance Tennis Shoes in 2024
Like other sports performance shoes produced by New Balance, its tennis shoes are the go-to option for players with broad feet. And though New Balance tennis shoes are pretty underrated compared to other big labels like Nike, ASICS, and Adidas, some of these kicks excel on the court.
We took time to scrutinise and actually playtest heaps of NB court shoes meant for rocking it on the hardcourt and multiple tennis surfaces. We spent no less than 16 hours a week finding out which NB shoes landed among our top picks. From the two-week drill test, we had the chance to sift out which tennis shoes are superbly cushioned, light and agile, and the cheapest. Check out our verdict below.
How we test tennis shoes
Coming up with unbiased reviews takes effort. Here is the procedure we follow before providing our top picks:
- New Balance didn't supply us with the shoes. We buy ALL the shoes from our funds; we examine and playtest them objectively.
- We assess them based on performance, playability, comfort, durability, and traction. We consolidate the results of our two-week wear test and we produce a detailed review out of them.
- We take the shoes to our lab and we find evidence for the things we felt and experienced during the play test. We quantify their parameters and compare the values to the mean to extract more meaningful data. Also, we cut the shoes in half to obtain a comprehensive view of their techs and deets.
Best New Balance tennis shoes for recreational players
What makes it the best?
Non-professional players still deserve an incredible shoe that can meet the requirements of the sport and boy do we have the greatest pair from New Balance. We vouch for the Chaussures NEW BALANCE M520RB7 Bleu marine for people who play tennis for enjoyment because it is a very easygoing and fun shoe to sport despite its competitive features.
We discovered that this shoe has a shank-free construction, which we found to be generally good news for recreational players for two main reasons: it’s less intimidating and it makes the shoe more flexible, which allows for more natural foot movements. Even though 796 v3 doesn’t employ a shank, the good news is we still felt well-supported and balanced in the shoe during our side-to-side and forward motions.
Also, the low price point of this shoe is ideal for leisure players because, at £100, it’s much cheaper than the average walking shoe by 25.5%. However, checking on its padding and cushioning, we discovered that there isn’t much. If you prioritize plushness all over your feet, we recommend trying out other extra padded and cushioned pairs.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- New Balance 530 SMD
- Very sensitive court feel
- Decent support given the shoe's design
- Allows trouble-free movement changes
- Grips well when you need it
- Super affordable price
- Zero break-in
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Thin and firm cushioning
- New Balance in August 2019
Best New Balance tennis shoes overall
What makes it the best?
The pinnacle of New Balance tennis shoes, the New Balance 806, defined eminence in the sport with its unmatched functionality inside the court. Needless to say, it elevated our gameplay with its amazing combination of stability and traction, blended with sensational cushioning.
Even during our vigorous court battles and exertive maneuvers, we didn’t encounter any foot rotating and twisting with the New Balance 806. We stayed steady on our feet, and we avoided the risks of injuries. Also, executing precise movements was the total opposite of challenging, because of the super grippy outsole. We also didn’t mind the repetitive toe scuffing, as we discovered that the New Balance 806 is exceptionally hardwearing.
The cushioning of this shoe is also heaven-sent as we felt so at ease playing in the pair. We found that all the impact from our foot strikes is muted by the midsole, thus offering us even more comfort. However, the catch is that the New Balance 806 is heavy. If you prioritize a lightweight feel for a shoe, we suggest exploring other NB tennis pairs.
Pros
- Exceptionally stable
- New Balance 327 MS327WN1
- Excellent court grip
- Adorable classic design
- Long-lasting outsole
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- New Balance FuelCell 996 v4.5 WCH996B4
- Too narrow
Best New Balance tennis shoes for speed
What makes it the best?
For lightning-fast performance, the only New Balance tennis shoe we trust is the New Balance Coco CG1. Our footwork and defensive plays are at their peak, thanks to the ultra-light framework of the shoe that made it seem like it’s one with our feet. Additionally, despite our rapid direction changes, we remained firmly planted on the court.
Because of its featherweight build, we enjoyed fast-paced mobility in Coco CG1. While we were liberated from weight, our movements were not left unsupported. In fact, the sidewalls and the mid-top collar of the shoe took care of our unhampered stability in the court.
The lightness of the shoe also didn’t lead to the shoe flying off our feet. It was actually firmly affixed to our feet, eliminating all the chances of us slowing down. However, we noticed that even though we were zooming in on the courts, we didn’t feel any air rushing through our toes. Therefore, if you value breathability, we advise considering other shoes that have superior ventilation.
Pros
- Superior comfort
- New Balance 990 v4 Pink Ribbon M990KM4
- Enhances speed
- Highly stable and supportive
- Lightweight
- Available in Wide
- Astonishing design
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks breathability
Born in the heart of Boston, New Balance is a quality brand that is both underrated and understated, and especially so with its tennis range.
Despite this, those who are familiar with the brand know that their commitment to comfort, performance, and innovative technology is highly regarded. In this Stefoy-les-lyonShops exclusive guide we'll delve into the essential characteristics and cutting-edge technology that define New Balance tennis shoes.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to up your game, understanding what to look for (and what to avoid) in tennis footwear can make or break your game. So buckle in - or should that be lace up - and get straight into it.
How to identify a pair of New Balance shoes
New Balance shoes are easily identified by their oversized “N” logo on the outward facing side of each shoe, which is sometimes mistaken for a “Z”. Elsewhere on the shoe you’ll see the official New Balance logo which is characterised by the letters “N” and “B,” representing the brand’s name. Modern versions will see four slashes across the “N” in the logo, demonstrating speed, although earlier versions may have several more slashes.
Understanding the New Balance model numbers and letters system
You may notice that New Balance uses a unique model number system for the majority of their shoes rather than model names like most of their competitors. The theory behind this is that it helps customers see each model as being equal, but designed for different purposes.
The number defines the type of shoe, the activity it was designed for and whether the shoe was built for stability, speed and so on. Here’s a basic summary that makes it relatively easy to understand:
Gender
- The letter ‘M’ means they are men’s specific shoes.
- The letter ‘W’ means they are women’s specific shoes.
- The letter ‘U’ represents unisex, meaning they are a gender neutral model.
Kid's specific identifiers
- G = grade school
- P = preschool
- I = infant
- Y = youth (preschool and grade school)
Activity
Tennis is normally represented by the letter ‘C’, which is more generally representative of court (hence ‘C’) shoes - which includes pickleball and squash.
Other activities have their own letters associated, for example the letter ‘T’ represents trail shoes.
- By now you should know that the letters “WC” stands for “Womens Court” (ie. womens tennis shoes).
Place of manufacture
If you see the letters ‘US’ that’s an indication that model is made in the United States
- Continuing our example, “WCUS” represents a model of womens tennis shoes which are made in the US.
First one or two numbers
The model numbers in New Balance's naming convention play a significant role in conveying key information about their footwear styles. These numbers are typically divided into two distinct components. Firstly, the initial one or two digits serve as an indicator of the level of technology incorporated into the shoes.
As a general guideline, higher numbers signify a greater degree of technological advancement and overall quality. For instance, among the currently most sought-after models, you'll find numbers ranging from 3 to 19. However, it's important to note that comfort is not solely determined by these numbers. Some of the most comfortable sneakers, such as the 530 or New Balance's iconic 574, belong to the 5-series, defying conventional wisdom. Your choice ultimately hinges on personal preference.
Next two numbers
Conversely, the last two digits of the model number signify the style series. For instance, consider the 574 and 577, both of which incorporate similar technology. However, the higher number (77) indicates a newer style series within the range.
Colours
The letters after the numbers generally represent the shoe’s primary colours.
- For example, ‘WB’ indicates white and blue, while ‘BK’ indicates black.
- Do not mistake these letters for width indicators. Width is normally printed next to the size of the shoe, on the outside of the box or on the inside of the tongue.
Version control
Finally, the model number is sometimes completed with a “v” number. "The "v" indicates the version number of your shoes. For example, the New Balance Fuel Cell 996v5 has received multiple updates (v2, v3, v4…) since its first release, and the “v5” means it’s up to the fifth version.
This is handy to know if you’re seeking a bargain (look for earlier versions) or the latest iteration (look for the highest ‘v’ number).
Endorsed by no one… until now
In the late 1980s New Balance made a business move that can only be described as being the opposite of the direction that their competitors took, in that they adopted an "Endorsed by No One" Жіночі демісезонні спортивні кросівки золоті new balance 574.
This allowed them to focus on their resources in research, design and domestic US manufacturing rather than paying celebrities to wear their product. They eventually went to the lengths of legally protecting that phrase, a trademark they retain today
Outsole
- To source 100% preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester, and
- New Balance 996 MRL996NB
- Зимние кроссовки на овчине new balance 574 mid
- To achieve zero waste to landfill in their footwear factories, and
- To cut emissions in half.
Additionally, New Balance is a member of RE100 and a signatory to the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero.
zapatillas de running New Balance ultra trail talla 38.5 entre 60 y 100 | References
- 2002, United States Patent and Trademark Office: Trademark Registration Number 2605355, Serial Number 75881697, Word mark "ENDORSED BY NO ONE" - New Balance Athletics, INC.
- New Balance: Sustainability commitments 2023 (https://www.newbalance.com/sustainability/)
