New Balance continues to be seen a lot on the tennis courts with its blend of heritage-inspired design and innovative technology. But which are the best tennis shoes from New Balance? And which model suits my style of play?
New Balance has roots in orthopedic innovation dating back to 1906, but its tennis shoes truly hit their stride in the 1980s with models like the original T500. Fast-forward to 2025, and the brand’s Fresh Foam X technology, a midsole that provides plush, responsive cushioning that absorbs up to 20% more impact than competitors, according to recent lab metrics. Paired with NDurance rubber outsoles for grip on hard courts and herringbone patterns for clay, these shoes are truly built for endurance and is trusted by several ATP and WTA pro’s.
Let’s look at their latest models and what sets them apart.
Best tennis footwear from New Balance
Here are some models you might consider, depending on your priorities:
New Balance FuelCell 996v5 (or newer v6)
- Focus: Speed and agility.
- Highlights: Generally praised for being lightweight and providing a quick, fast feel on the court. Reviewers often note good out-of-the-box comfort and a responsive feel, especially in the forefoot.
- Good for: Players who prioritize feeling fast and close to the ground, and those with aggressive, quick movements.
Check availability of all these models at our partners below:
- Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
- Tennis Only (AU)
- Tennis Point (Europe/UK): (Specific country sites: Germany, Spain, Italy, France)
- Racketspecialisten (Sweden)
New Balance CT-Rally (often featuring Fresh Foam X)
- Focus: Support, stability and durability.
- Highlights: The New Balance CT-Rally are known for offering excellent support and stability, making players feel secure during lateral movements. They are also highlighted as being very durable, often coming with a six-month outsole durability guarantee.
- Good for: Players who need maximum stability and support, and those who are hard on their shoes and need a durable option.
- Note: They can be on the heavier side due to the high level of support and durability, and some found them a bit warm.
New Balance Coco CG Models (e.g., Coco CG2)
- Focus: A high-performance, signature shoe.
- Highlights: These are often considered a top-tier performance shoe within the New Balance line, designed in collaboration with Coco Gauff. They typically feature premium cushioning (like FuelCell or Fresh Foam X) for comfort and responsiveness.
- Good for: Serious players looking for New Balance’s latest technologies, responsive cushioning, and high-performance feel.
Key Features to Consider
- Cushioning: New Balance primarily uses two types of cushioning in their performance shoes:
- Fresh Foam X: Generally offers a softer, more cushioned and comfortable feel.
- FuelCell: Often described as more responsive, bouncy and energetic, aimed at speed.
- Durability: The CT-Rally and 996 models often come with a six-month outsole durability guarantee, which is a great feature for frequent players.
- Fit/Width: New Balance is known for offering some of their models in wide (D or 2E) sizes, which is an advantage for players who need a wider fit.
New Balance is surely an option if you’re looking for a new option among the best tennis shoes. The FuelCell 996v5/v6 is a solid choice for a lightweight, fast performance shoe, while the CT-Rally is better if your priority is stability and durability. If you want the most cutting-edge performance, look at the Coco CG line.
So, which are the best tennis shoes from New Balance? That will depend on your playing style, foot shape and what you value most. Make sure to try them for your own game, preferably on the court!
Check also our list of the top Babolat shoes.
