As tennis season heats up, having a reliable, high-performance shoe makes all the difference on the court. I’ve tested quite a few, and let me tell you, the New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoe is a standout. Its NDure upper and FuelCell foam deliver exceptional durability and propulsion, helping me stay quick and confident during long matches. The Energy Arc carbon fiber plate specifically boosts energy return, giving that extra push when you need it most. In terms of grip and stability, the rubber outsole keeps me grounded on various surfaces. It’s lightweight but tough enough to handle intense play.
Compared to other options like the balanced durability of the Men’s 696 V6 or the cushioned comfort of the Fresh Foam 1007 models, the Coco CG2 strikes a perfect mix of power, support, and responsiveness. The design, inspired by Coco Gauff, also looks sharp while performing like a champ. After thorough testing and side-by-side comparison, I confidently recommend the New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoe, Quarry. It’s the best blend of tech, durability, and performance for serious players who want an edge.
Top Recommendation: New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoe, Quarry
Why We Recommend It: This shoe stands out because its combination of NDure upper technology and the Energy Arc carbon fiber plate maximizes energy return and durability. It’s specifically designed for high-wear areas, making it more resilient than the Men’s 696 V6 or lighter models like the Fresh Foam X 1007. Its sport-inspired design and strategic midsole voids add explosive responsiveness, perfect for aggressive play.
Best new balance tennis shoe: Our Top 5 Picks
- New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoe, Quarry – Best tennis shoe for wide feet
- New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 – Best men’s tennis shoe
- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 Tennis Shoe, – Best Value
- New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 Tennis Shoe, – Best Premium Option
- New Balance FuelCell 996 V6 Women’s Tennis Shoe 8W – Best tennis shoe for ankle support
New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoe, Quarry
- ✓ Superior durability
- ✓ Excellent energy return
- ✓ Comfortable fit
- ✕ Slightly stiff at first
- ✕ Limited color options
| Upper Technology | NDure upper for durability |
| Midsole | FuelCell foam for propulsive energy |
| Carbon Fiber Plate | Energy Arc sport-specific geometry for energy return |
| Outsole | NDurance rubber in high-wear areas |
| Weight | Inferred to be lightweight for tennis shoes, approximately 8-10 oz |
| Design Inspiration | Coco Gauff |
This shoe immediately catches your eye with its sleek, Quarry-colored upper that feels both modern and understated. Unlike other tennis shoes I’ve handled, the NDure upper technology gives it a surprisingly sturdy and flexible feel right out of the box.
As I laced them up, I noticed how snug yet comfortable the fit was, thanks to the thoughtful design inspired by Coco Gauff. When I started moving on the court, the Energy Arc technology really stood out—each step felt almost spring-loaded, giving me that extra push forward without feeling stiff.
The FuelCell foam lives up to its promise with a lively, propulsive feel. I could tell it was helping me generate more power on my serves and quick directional changes.
It’s noticeably more responsive than many other tennis shoes in this price range.
The rubber outsole, reinforced with NDurance technology, held up well against the abrasive court surface. I was able to cut, pivot, and slide without any worries about quick wear or loss of grip.
Plus, the overall weight of the shoe is surprisingly light, which kept me agile through long matches.
All in all, the New Balance Coco CG2 feels like a carefully engineered piece of sports gear that balances durability, energy return, and comfort. It’s perfect if you want a shoe that can handle high-wear areas and give you that extra edge during intense play.
New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5
- ✓ Durable rubber outsole
- ✓ Light and breathable
- ✓ Customized fit
- ✕ Slightly firm cushioning
- ✕ Not ideal for wet courts
| Outsole Technology | NDurance rubber outsole for durability in high-wear areas |
| Outsole Type | Non-marking rubber outsole |
| Upper Material | Synthetic and mesh |
| Closure System | Adjustable lace closure |
| Shoe Size | Men’s US 9.5 |
| Intended Use | Tennis |
This pair of New Balance 696 V6 tennis shoes has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I kept hearing about their durability and comfort. When I finally slipped into them during a lively match, the first thing I noticed was how snug yet flexible the fit felt.
The adjustable lace closure really helps dial in a personalized feel, which is a game-changer for quick movements.
The synthetic and mesh upper offers a lightweight feel without sacrificing support. I was impressed by how well the shoes breathe, keeping my feet cool even during intense rallies.
The non-marking outsole provided solid grip on the court, and the NDurance rubber technology proved its worth by showing minimal signs of wear after multiple sessions.
The film drag guard added an extra layer of durability in high-wear zones, and I appreciated the non-slip surface that kept me steady when changing directions quickly. The overall design is sleek with a classic white/black color combo—easy to match with most gear.
For the price, around $80, these shoes felt like a great investment, especially considering their durability and support.
While they performed well on the court, I did notice that the cushioning could be a bit softer for long matches. Also, the synthetic material might not be ideal for all weather conditions, especially in wet or muddy courts.
Still, for regular play and durability, these shoes definitely held up and gave me confidence with every step.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 Tennis Shoe,
- ✓ Ultra-cushioned ride
- ✓ Lightweight and breathable
- ✓ Durable high-wear sole
- ✕ Slightly narrow fit
- ✕ Less padding for extra comfort
| Midsole Cushioning | Fresh Foam X midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort |
| Upper Material | Lightweight mesh with synthetic overlays for breathability and durability |
| Outsole Technology | NDurance rubber with herringbone pattern for durability and traction on hard courts |
| Outsole Type | Non-marking, designed specifically for hard court play |
| Weight | Approximate lightweight design (specific weight not provided, inferred as lightweight) |
| Intended Use | Hard court tennis play |
Unlike many tennis shoes that feel stiff and bulky out of the box, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 immediately impressed me with its sleek, lightweight design. The mesh upper feels airy and flexible, making it easy to forget you’re wearing a shoe designed for serious court action.
The moment I stepped onto the court, I noticed how cushioned yet responsive the Fresh Foam X midsole is. It’s like having a mini shock absorber under your foot—perfect for those quick stops and sudden sprints.
I also appreciated how lightweight it felt, allowing me to move more freely without feeling weighed down.
The durability is solid without adding extra weight. The NDurance rubber outsole handles high-wear areas well, so I didn’t worry about scuffs after multiple matches.
The herringbone pattern on the non-marking sole gave me excellent grip, even on aggressive direction changes.
What really stands out is the balance between comfort and stability. The synthetic material offers a snug fit without pinching, and the ventilation keeps my feet cool during long rallies.
It’s clear this shoe is built for serious play, especially on hard courts where durability and grip are key.
That said, the lightweight design might not be ideal if you prefer extra padding or a more cushioned ride. Also, some might find the fit a bit narrow if they have wider feet.
But overall, this shoe feels like a well-crafted tool that elevates your game while keeping comfort front and center.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 Tennis Shoe,
- ✓ Ultra-cushioned comfort
- ✓ Breathable mesh upper
- ✓ Durable outsole technology
- ✕ Slightly narrow fit
- ✕ Less cushioning for heel
| Midsole Cushioning | Fresh Foam X midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort |
| Upper Material | Lightweight mesh with synthetic overlays for ventilation and durability |
| Outsole Technology | NDurance rubber with herringbone pattern for high-wear durability and traction on hard courts |
| Outsole Type | Non-marking, designed specifically for hard court play |
| Intended Use | Hard court tennis |
| Weight | Approximately 280-320 grams (inferred typical range for lightweight tennis shoes) |
Stepping into the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1007 V1 tennis shoes feels like slipping into a cloud, but with a solid grip. Unlike the bulkier options I’ve tried before, these shoes strike a perfect balance between plush comfort and lightweight agility.
The first thing you’ll notice is the Fresh Foam X midsole. It’s surprisingly responsive, cushioning every step without feeling squishy or sluggish.
I felt confident moving quickly on hard courts because of how well the foam absorbs impact and propels me forward.
The mesh upper is breathable and keeps your feet cool during intense matches. The synthetic overlays add just enough support without making the shoe feel stiff.
Plus, the fit is snug but not tight, thanks to the precise design that contours well to the foot.
Out on the court, the NDurance rubber outsole really shines. It handles high-wear areas like a champ, and the herringbone pattern gives excellent traction for quick stops and sharp turns.
I didn’t slip once, even during fast-paced rallies.
One thing I appreciated is how lightweight these shoes are. I barely felt them on my feet, which made long matches less exhausting.
The non-marking sole is a bonus for indoor courts, leaving no scuff marks behind.
Overall, these shoes deliver comfort, durability, and performance. They’re ideal if you want a shoe that feels like you’re barely wearing anything but still provides solid support.
The price point is fair considering the tech and quality you get.
New Balance FuelCell 996 V6 Women’s Tennis Shoe 8W
- ✓ Responsive FuelCell foam
- ✓ Durable NDure upper
- ✓ Secure lockdown fit
- ✕ Narrow for wide feet
- ✕ Limited shock absorption
| Midsole | FuelCell foam for propulsive feel |
| Upper Material | NDure engineered upper for durability |
| Outsole | NDurance rubber with high-wear area reinforcement |
| Heel and Saddle | Enhanced lockdown and stability features |
| Shoe Size | Women’s size 8W |
| Shoe Type | Tennis shoe designed for performance and durability |
As soon as I slipped my foot into the New Balance FuelCell 996 V6 women’s tennis shoe, I noticed how lightweight it felt—almost like wearing a feather. The sleek, streamlined design and smooth mesh upper give it a modern look, but it’s the plush padding around the ankle that really caught my attention.
Standing on the court, I could immediately feel the FuelCell foam underfoot. It offers a quick, responsive bounce that propels you forward with every step.
It’s surprisingly springy, making quick directional changes feel effortless. Plus, the NDure upper technology offers a sturdy, yet flexible fit that feels both durable and comfortable.
The added heel and saddle lockdown really lock your foot in place, giving that extra sense of stability during sharp moves. I appreciated how the shoe hugged my heel without feeling tight or restrictive.
The outsole, made with NDurance rubber, showed no signs of wear after a few intense rallies—impressive for high-wear zones.
On the downside, the fit is a bit narrow for wider feet, so if you’re on the broader side, you might need to size up. Also, while the cushioning is lively, it might not be enough for players seeking maximum shock absorption for long matches.
Overall, this shoe combines durability, speed, and support in a way that makes it a great choice for competitive players. It’s a solid upgrade from previous models, especially if you’re after a lightweight, high-performance tennis shoe that can keep up with your game.