New Balance Coco CG2
Pros
- Super propulsive take-offs (carbon plate)
- Excellent impact protection
- Secure containment with the mid-cut collar
- High-class lateral stability
- Great mix of grip and give
- Surprisingly breathable
- Exceptionally durable toebox protection
- 6-month outsole durability warranty
Cons
- Exposed foam is easily destroyed by toe drags
- Translucent rubber lacks abrasion resistance
Key Features
- NDure upper technology for superior durability
- Energy Arc technology pairs sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids
- FuelCell foam provides a propulsive feel to drive you forward
- NDurance rubber outsole technology ensures durability in high-wear areas
- Designed with inspiration from tennis phenom Coco Gauff
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The New Balance Coco CG2 is designed specifically for women seeking a tennis shoe that delivers notable energy return on the court. This model features advanced technologies such as the Energy Arc carbon plate and FuelCell foam, which lab tests confirm provide exceptional rigidity and responsiveness.
The midsole consists of two distinct layers: a plush 17.1 HA core cushion and a firmer 29.5 HA carrier foam, working in tandem with the carbon plate to enhance stability and responsiveness. The combination of these elements results in a dynamic ride, evident during hard dashes and quick movements.
Weighing in at 12.6 oz (356g), the shoe feels light and agile, providing a weightless sensation enhanced by significant propulsion. Lab tests reveal that it is 66.1% stiffer than average, contributing to its energetic performance with each step.
Throughout our testing, we felt secure and in control, thanks to the outsole's effective balance of grip and flexibility, along with a supportive mid-cut design. However, it is important to note that the exposed foam on the inner side may be susceptible to damage, making this shoe less suitable for aggressive sliders.
Adidas Barricade 13
Pros
- Exceptional stability and arch support
- Wide and steady platform
- Hard-wearing outsole with a 6-month guarantee
- Fantastic outsole grip
- Sufficient impact protection
- Great court feel
- Highly secure foothold and lockdown
Cons
- Upper is not the most durable
- Cushioning lacks bounce and responsiveness
Key Features
- Men's mesh tennis shoes designed with Torsion System support to enhance your stability during play.
- GEOFIT SENSEPODS: Foam Sensepods in the heel create a snug fit, filling gaps and making you feel at one with your shoes.
- ENERGETIC FEEL: The lightweight foam REPETITOR midsole provides a responsive and energetic experience.
- ADIWEAR OUTSOLE: This outsole offers exceptional traction and durability for intensive court use.
- MADE IN PART WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: At least 20% of the materials used are recycled, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Barricade 13 is designed for women seeking stability on the court. During our playtests, it inspired confidence and ensured surefootedness. Our lab confirms its stable feel, achieved through rigid elements, a low profile, and a wide base.
The outsole effectively balances braking and sliding power, enhancing control during footwork. The Torsion System utilizes a stiff TPU in the midfoot, demonstrating significant resistance to twisting with a rigidity score of 4/5. Additionally, the firm heel, rated at 5/5, secures the foot without discomfort, aided by pillowy Geofit Sensepods that minimize heel slippage.
With a spacious base measuring 115.4/95.3 mm, the Barricade 13 provides a naturally secure feel. The cushioning is set low at 28.4/17.1 mm, appealing to those who prefer a good connection with the court. Its robust Adiwear outsole incorporates a sharp herringbone pattern, facilitating effective sliding and braking.
This design allows for quick movements without hesitation, enabling full-throttle sprints when pursuing the ball. However, the midsole may not offer the playful and responsive feel some players desire. Women looking for a more energetic ride should consider alternative options.
ASICS Gel Resolution 9
Pros
- Immensely stable and supportive
- Highly secure foothold
- Unbeatable durability
- Solid impact protection
- Incredible in-shoe comfort
- Provides arch support
- Great grip but can slide as well
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- A little break-in needed
Key Features
- DYNAWALL Technology: Extends stability support to the heel for improved lateral movement.
- DYNAWRAP Technology: Designed in the reinforcement eyelet to provide additional support when needed.
- PGUARD Technology: Enhances durability in the toe and heel areas of the sole.
- DYNAFIT Upper: Promotes flexibility for better foot mobility.
- Outsole: Specifically engineered for clay courts.
The ASICS Gel Resolution 9 is a notable choice for women seeking a tennis shoe that excels in traction and stability. It features an exceptional outsole that balances sliding and stopping, making it ideal for those who play aggressively and move explosively.
The AHAR outsole utilizes a herringbone pattern to provide excellent grip during court movements. Lab tests indicated a significant 0.75 traction score, confirming the shoe’s effective on-court control, allowing confident execution of hard dashes and split steps.
After extensive use, the outsole showed minimal wear, with only a 0.4 mm dent noted in our Dremel test, compared to the average of 0.8 mm. The upper also performed well, receiving a perfect durability rating due to its hard-shell cover, which offers reliable foot containment. Additionally, the shoe comes with a 6-month warranty, making it suitable for frequent players.
The shoe's rigid construction contributes to a secure feel, aided by the robust DYNAWALL exoskeleton, which provides high torsional stability, earning a 5/5 rigidity rating. This feature enhances support during explosive movements.
However, one drawback is that the shoe's added bulk results in it being 8.6% heavier than average, which can impact agility on the court.
K-Swiss Ultrashot 3
Pros
- Abundant shock absorption
- Great lateral stability and support
- Superb outsole traction
- Highly durable outsole
- Secure lockdown
Cons
- Static unresponsive ride
- Upper could be more durable
- Lacks breathability
Key Features
- SURGE 7.0 MIDSOLE: A lightweight premium cushioning system that offers maximum energy return, ensuring that every step you take is cushioned and responsive.
- 360 PSC PLANTAR: This feature includes a 360-degree thermal plastic Plantar Support Chassis, enhancing stability in the mid-foot and heel areas, which is crucial for quick lateral movements.
- DRAGGUARD 7.0: Strategically placed in high-wear areas of the toe and heel, this material significantly elevates the outsole's durability, making it ideal for intense gameplay.
- ORTHOLITE SOCK LINER: Designed to keep your feet cool and reduce the impact of perspiration, this sock liner adds an extra layer of comfort during long matches.
- OUTSOLE: Features a herringbone bottom specifically tailored for clay court performance, offering excellent traction and grip.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Faux Leather
- Inner Material: Ortholite
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 is designed for women seeking enhanced stability and impact protection on the tennis court. It provides exceptional control, which supports precise footwork during matches. The notable cushioning contributes to a pain-free experience, earning it recognition as the women’s tennis shoe with the best shock absorption.
Our lab tests confirmed its effective impact protection, reflected in a high **109 SA** score in the heel. This allows players to endure hard landings, enhancing overall comfort for extended periods on the court. The forefoot delivers an average performance with a **64 SA** score, achieving a balance between court connection and protection.
Players can move laterally with confidence due to the secure fit of the shoe, making it suitable for those requiring extra support. The **360 Plantar Chassis** enhances structure while the midsole resists twisting effectively, resulting in a high **4/5** torsional rigidity score. This design feature helps maintain stability during aggressive movements.
In our traction assessment, the Ultrashot 3 achieved a high **0.86** friction coefficient, facilitating precise and confident movement on the court. This grip aids in maintaining control while allowing for necessary slides. However, it is important to note that the Ultrashot 3 has narrow dimensions, which may lead to discomfort for women with wider feet.
Asics Solution Speed FF 3
Pros
- One of the lightest tennis shoes on the market
- Fantastic wear resistance and durability
- Exceptionally breathable for a tennis shoe
- Grounded platform with a great court feel
- Rockered heel makes transitions faster and smoother
- Solid stability for a speed-oriented shoe
- Perfect grip with enough give
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Not very stable for baseline players
Key Features
- SPEEDTRUSS™ technology enhances flexibility and speed, giving you a competitive edge.
- The PRECISION SOLE design ensures an optimal balance of grip and flexibility for smooth movement across various surfaces.
- Flytefoam technology in the midsole contributes to the shoe's lightweight nature, allowing for swift movements on the court.
- Engineered mesh and film upper for breathability and durability.
- Algorithmically generated outsole provides excellent traction and stability.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle Strap
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Inner material: Synthetic
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 3 is an ultralight tennis shoe designed for women who prioritize speed and agility on the court. It offers remarkable responsiveness during playtests, demonstrating low weight and excellent traction.
With a weight of just 10.9 oz (309g), this shoe is 15.1% lighter than average, allowing for effortless adjustments in footwork. Our bend test confirmed its flexibility, registering at 17.9% more flexible than average.
The connection to the court is enhanced by cushioning that is 10.9% firmer than average, which aids both stability and energy return in conjunction with the stiff Speedtruss shank in the midfoot. This design fosters confidence for aggressive movements.
The reliable Precision Sole enhances grip, making the Solution Speed FF 3 ideal for agile play, whether it involves rapid directional changes or sudden stops. The rubber outsole ensured secure footing throughout our tests.
However, the shoe features a streamlined fit that may not accommodate all foot types. Women with wider feet are advised to consider alternative options.
ASICS Gel Challenger 15
Pros
- Uncanny value for money
- Unbelievably stable ride
- Much wider and steadier base
- Great outsole grip and give
- Fantastic durability for the price
- Accommodating fit
- Generously padded interiors
Cons
- Massive weight gain
- Minimal shock absorption
- Not very breathable
Key Features
- PGuard technology: Enhances durability, ensuring your shoes withstand the rigors of intense play.
- OrthoLite sockliner: Offers cushioning performance and moisture management, creating a cooler and drier environment for your feet.
- WINGWALL technology: Improves stability during lateral movements, allowing you to change direction swiftly without compromising support.
- AHARPLUS outsole: Made from ASICS' high abrasion resistant rubber, this feature is approximately three times more durable than standard outsole rubbers, particularly in the heel area.
- Rearfoot GEL technology: This shock-absorbing material in the midsole provides enhanced cushioning and reduces impact during gameplay.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber, providing traction and durability.
- Outer material: Faux Leather, offering a sleek appearance.
- Inner material: Polyester, ensuring breathability and comfort.
The ASICS Gel Challenger 15 is a suitable option for women beginning their tennis journey. Priced at $110, lab assessments confirm it provides notable stability and a durable construction. Its high support level makes it an excellent choice for entry-level players.
Our evaluation found that the rigid structure and firm heel counter delivered significant support to the arches and ankles, achieving a maximum stiffness score of 5/5. The WINGWALL design firmly holds the feet in place, contributing to its maximum torsional rigidity score of 5/5, which is beneficial for those seeking added reinforcement against twisting.
The outsole of the Gel Challenger 15 balances grip and flexibility, demonstrated by a friction coefficient of 0.58. The AHARPLUS rubber performed well in our durability tests, sustaining only 0.6 mm damage. Furthermore, the toebox scored 4/5 and the PGuard toe drag received a 5/5, confirming the shoe's robust construction.
However, a drawback of the Gel Challenger 15 is its lack of joint protection. Women experiencing plantar fasciitis, knee pain, or other foot conditions may need to consider a shoe with more effective shock absorption.
Wilson Rush Pro Ace
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Solid lateral support and stability
- Good impact protection
- Very durable rubber for the price
- Balanced outsole grip and give
- Accommodating toebox
- Comfortable padded interiors
Cons
- Not so breathable
- Frail upper materials and laces
Key Features
- Wider Fit: The 2E construction offers a more comfortable fit for players with wider feet.
- 4D Support Chassis: This technology limits supination and torsion, enhancing stability during pivot movements.
- Sensifeel Upper: Minimally layered for breathability without sacrificing support.
- DF2 Cushioning: A balanced drop of 9 mm delivers both comfort and quick responsiveness.
- R-DST+ Technology: Combines cushioning with rebound for an energetic performance.
- Duralast Sole: Ensures maximum traction and durability, suitable for various surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Best For: Performance on clay court surfaces
The Wilson Rush Pro Ace is best suited for women seeking a comfortable, stable, and protective tennis shoe. Priced at $100, it provides notable durability for extensive toe drags, making it our top budget pick. At 26.5% lower than the average lab-tested tennis shoe, it offers significant value.
Our assessments revealed ample space in the toebox, with all five toes fitting comfortably even after multiple matches. The big toe area measures 72.7 mm, surpassing the 69.3 mm average, while the vertical room for those with pointy toes is also generous at 27.6 mm.
The secure feel of the Rush Pro Ace enhances confidence during split steps and charges from baseline to net. It features a 4D Chassis in the midsole that effectively prevents ankle twists and excessive movements due to its high torsional rigidity. Our manual assessment confirmed this with a stiffness rating of 4/5.
The Duralast outsole extends upwards to protect against abrasion in high-wear areas. The Medial Rubber Drag Pad, specifically designed for toe drag resistance, received a score of 4/5 in our Dremel test, indicating its capacity to withstand numerous abrasions.
However, the upper material does not exhibit the same level of durability. Women who frequently wear through toeboxes may want to consider alternatives for enhanced longevity.