Many tennis players feel comfortable playing in running or other athletic shoes, which is alright if that is your choice.
However, for the vast majority that plays on a tennis court, especially in different court types, you will need a proper tennis shoe suitable for the court and your playing style.
Thus, for playing Tennis on specific courts, you can use some of the best New Balance shoes for tennis courts, as they are specifically designed shoes that offer support and durability features for playing on a tennis court.
We have added a few New Balance Multi-Sport and running shoe options that are very comfortable and ideal for playing tennis on certain court types.
Tennis Shoes and Specific Courts
When it comes to Tennis court shoes, two features of the shoe are the most important, and they are the outsole and the midsole.
The outsole is the bottom or outer part of the sole, and the midsole is the area between the outsole and the insole of the tennis court shoe.
The Outsole provides stability and traction while on the court to prevent slips and help keep you from twisting your ankle. At the same time, the midsole provides shock-absorbing cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and supported.
Different tennis shoes are suited to different tennis courts. Hard Courts are ideal for weather and have a paved asphalt design with layers of color coating. Clay courts are made up of softer clay material. Then there are Grass courts that are just on the grass with painted lines.
For each of these courts, you need specific features from your tennis shoes;
- Grass Courts – Most Grass Court Tennis shoes will have little rubbery nubs or cleats on the soles for grip. You can only use grass Court shoes on grass, not hard or clay courts. So, we will not be concentrating on them too much.
- Clay Courts – The Pattern is called a herringbone patterns. Most Clay Court shoes will have a pattern across the outsole that helps you grip n to the clay without the tread retaining the clay. You will need much more lateral support and a very snug fit from a shoe for clay courts because the court is more slippery.[1]
- Hard Courts – Firstly, most hard court shoes can be worn on grass or clay courts, though they are not the best option. Hard Court shoes will have more patterns along with the herringbone pattern on the sole. They will have a much more cushioned midsole and a much more durable design.
Running Shoes for Tennis Courts
Many people ask why they cannot wear running shoes on the tennis court. Well, generally, they are acceptable for beginners and recreational tennis.
However, it would be best if you remembered that Running shoes are aimed at forward moving only and thus are typically quite flexible. Whereas tennis includes short forward, backward, side-to-side movements, and lateral movements, for which you need some unique features.
Tennis shoes offer excellent lateral support, have toe guards as you get plenty of damage to the toes of your shoes, and have flatter and thicker outsoles for firmer support, shock absorbency, and durability.
Many tennis shoes have an outrigger placed on the outside of the shoe for better lateral support and faster lateral movements.
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe Tennis Court Shoes
So in terms of features needed in a good Tennis shoe, we have Chosen shoes from New Balance that have these features;
- Fit – Firstly, we need a good comfortable fit that is not t lose but allows you enough toe room. New Balance shoes do offer wider width options should you need them.
- Support – New Balance shoe models offer a structural fit with Molded heels and firmer soles for support. Some models have an internal shank for stability and Support.
- Midsole – I have chosen New Balance shoes with firmer and more shock-absorbing midsoles, such as the ABZORB and ENCAP midsoles, as well as IMEVA and Revlite midsole that is more lightweight.
- Outsole – The Outsoles will be rubber or Ndurance rubber for high abrasion resistance.
- Uppers – We have choices of mesh or leather and textile, with a moisture-wicking lining for the uppers.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance 1006 V1 | Court Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Non-marking rubber |
| 2 | New Balance 840 V5 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 3 | New Balance 608V5 | Training Shoe | Suede | Lace-up | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 4 | New Balance 806 V1 | Court Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | ABZORB | Not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 6 | New Balance Fresh Foam x | Running Shoe | Knit | Not stated | Fresh Foam x | Rubber |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best New Balance Shoes Tennis Court Shoes
We have gathered and listed some of the best available shoe models from New Balance that you can use on various tennis courts.
We hope you love the products we recommend! So that you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Cushioned Lightweight Court Shoe for Court Play
- REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning, a useful trait in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Toe drag tip provides exceptional durability in high-wear areas.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
2
Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- These running shoes have a ABZORB midsole which absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, which helps keep long stretches of court play comfortable.
- The brand’s Synthetic and mesh upper running shoes have a stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit, worth noting if fit is a priority for New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Adjustable lace closure for customized fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for court play.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 12 mm drop are approximate.
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, which helps keep long stretches of court play comfortable.
- Synthetic and mesh upper has stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit.
3
Tennis Training Shoe
- The 608 Cross trainer is likewise a good option as a tennis court shoe for clay and hard courts.
- It has leather uppers and an ABZORB midsole for shock-absorbing cushioning.
- There is an IMEVA firm, flexible midsole and cushioned interior with a seamless phantom liner.
- The outsole is a durable rubber.
4
Supportive Cushioned Court Shoe for Court Play
- For tennis players looking for superior stability and support, New Balance serves up the New Balance MC806, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- For the ultimate in on-court stability and support, the New Balance 806 delivers, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Full grain leather upper.
- Herringbone-pattern outsole for added traction during lateral movements, a practical detail for court play.
- LIGHTNING DRY® wicks moisture away to help keep your feet dry and comfortable, so the shoe does not feel heavy during court play.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
5
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, which helps keep long stretches of court play comfortable.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, a practical detail for court play.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, a useful trait in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
6
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- These womens running shoes feature Fresh Foam X midsole technology for premium cushioning every stride, a useful trait in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Breathable knit upper provides superior comfort in these New Balance running shoes women love for daily runs, which helps feet stay comfortable through court play.
- Durable rubber outsole ensures lasting performance in these Fresh Foam running shoes mile after mile, a useful trait in New Balance tennis court shoes.
- Lightweight construction reduces fatigue in these comfortable running shoes women rely on for every workout, so the shoe does not feel heavy during court play.
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort.
- Structured yet breathable upper.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 6 mm drop are approximate.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes Tennis Court Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Lightweight Court Shoe for Court Play |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Cushioned Breathable Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Tennis Training Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Court Shoe for Court Play |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Athletic Shoes
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1006V1 to New Balance 1006 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 990V5 to New Balance 840 V5
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 696V4 to New Balance 806 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 520V7 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 623V3 to New Balance Fresh Foam x
- Jul 2022: First published
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