Comments: These shoes wear quickly. If you're a big toe dragger, DO NOT GET THEM. The stitching in the toe area will rip and they will get a hole in them. I had such an experience within a month of buying the shoes. I also thought they were too stiff and too heavy.
From: Davis, 2/12

Comments: I just replaced my last year CT 1004 which I liked a lot. The new model is so much different that I don't like it at all.
From: Nicky, 12/11

Comments: I bought these shoes back in June of 2010 right before our USTA State Tournament. I took them right out of the box to our matches and had no problems. Also, the toe had some wear but is just now unusable (18 months later), so I was very satisfied with the durability. I am a 4.0 player that plays 1-2 times per week on hard courts. I've always been very rough on shoes as I tend to drag my toe on defensive points where I'm having to do a lot of retrieving. I am very satisfied with this shoe and am planning on upgrading to the 1187 to see if New Balance can continue the good work. The 1 year outsole guarantee is an awesome thing to offer. Combine that with the comfort and performance of the New Balance shoes (and Tennis Warehouse's awesome pricing) and you've got a win-win situation. Keep it up Tennis Warehouse.
From: Gerry, 11/11

Comments: These are very comfortable shoes right out of the box with no break-in period. I have a tendency to get heel pain and I have been playing pain free for a month. They are stable with nice cushion. I highly recommend these shoes. No problems with wear.
From: Roy, 11/11

Comments: This is one of the best shoes out there. It is so comfortable, stable, and really protects your ankle and feet from injuries.
From: Sid, 8/11

Comments: I have always used New Balance because of my foot problems. Like any other of NB they don't last long. However, they are very comfy. This shoe in particular has cloth material on the top and mine ended up with holes. The cushioning in the sole is nice but wears out very quickly.
From: Winst. 5/11

Comments: I love New Balance tennis shoes because of the fit. But, these shoes have horrible durability. They tore after less than two months. I feel cheated. Unfortunately, I did not save the receipt otherwise I would ask for my money back. I am very disappointed. I do not recommend these shoes.
From: Steve. 5/11
(Steve, we would have your invoice on record. Please contact our customer service department for help. 800-883-6647. -- TW Staff)

Comments: Very comfortable shoe. Good cushioning. Truly no break-in required. If you're a toe dragger playing 3 to 4 times a week, don't count on more than a month before the toe area is worn through. Non-toe draggers can plan on about 4 to 5 months. Come on, New Balance, you can do better.
From: Mark. 5/11

Comments: I am on my second pair of 1004's. Got about 4 months out of my first pair at about 8 hours on court singles per week -- but I am not a big toe dragger. They are amazingly comfortable right out of the box. With the inner support liner they are very stable. Zero blisters or hot spots! They size a little big -- I usually wear a 12 and wear an 11 in these -- mostly because of a nice roomy toe box. The big sizing includes room for my custom insoles. The shoes breathe well and dry quickly. And the black are as quick as the white -- and match my BLX! Have not tried the NDurance guarantee yet. Hoping to get another pair before NB changes the style.
From: Kurt, Ridgecrest, CA, USA, 03/11
NTRP rating: 4.0

Comments: I really enjoy these shoes. I play two to three times per week. I must say, that as comfortable as these shoes are, they wear out very fast! The toe area shows significant wear and the stitching is coming undone after just a few weeks of play. I must say for an expensive shoe I would expect them to have better durability.
From: Chuck, Miami, FL, USA, 01/11

Comments: Great shoes. They would be perfect if they were made a bit more narrow. I have to wear thick socks and to lace them very tight to keep them on. The cushion and comfort are EPIC. You can play 5-6 hours of serious tournament level singles tennis or 10 hours of doubles tennis and your feet still feel pretty good compared to other shoes.
From: Pat, San Francisco, California, USA. 12/10

Comments: Great shoes! I agree with other reviews in that the CT 1004W wear out fast. However, they are very comfortable, and provides good grip. At first I thought the plastic support in the sides were just to make it look cool, but it actually helps holding your feet and preventing from jamming a nail in a hard brake. I am a heavy player and the cushion in this shoe is awesome. I am about to order my third pair of CT 1004W. Before this I used another NB model I can not remember now, and the comfort and cushion difference was huge.
From: JC, Republic of Panama. 10/10

Comments: Not long lasting but the best. I've tried different shoes but even if this doesn't last long, it pays off with the comfort and perfection. I learned my lesson hard way by trying Head Radical Pro by which I ended up having quarter of my toe nail removed. Though not perfectly durable, I won't try anything else. This NB is the best.
From: Obaid, Marlboro, NJ, USA, 10/10

Comments: NB are the only tennis shoes that fit my feet (which are 9EEE in a dress shoe). So I'm stuck with them. I like the way they feel on the court--they provide more than adequate support and the toe-box is large enough that I never feel constrained. My only complaint is that the cushioning seems to wear out relatively fast (for an expensive shoe) and the look is pretty weak.
From: John, Boston, MA, USA, 09/10

Comments: The best tennis shoe I have ever worn. Even after 8 months (average 3 days per week), they are still very comfortable. The heel cushioning is remarkable. The soles did seem to wear down somewhat, but even so, the grip on the court is unchanged. It is very lightweight and easy to maintain. I just dumped them in the washing machine after accidentally getting them covered with mud, and they came out looking and feeling like new. A 10+ rating from me.
From: Jim, Lake Forest, CA, USA, 08/10

Comments: I found 1003 to be much more comfortable and durable than 1004. My pair wore out after 4.5 months of playing and I clock'ed ~4 to 6 hours per week. Overall, I was happier with 1003. And would not recommend this shoe given its price point and performance.
From: Steven, Renton, WA, USA, 06/10

Comments: These shoes were comfortable right out of the box, and they offered a great low-to-the-ground feel. The black/red was a sexy time aesthetic, and the ventilation was above average. The cushioning wore out pretty quickly, which was disappointing, especially since I'm not a fattie. It was painfully disappointing as my knees were on fire after every practice and each match. The support wasn't impressive, but my ankle braces gave me the peace of mind to grind. I can't comment on outsole durability since I stopped wearing these 1 month after buying them. I wouldn't recommend these to anyone I cared about, but I would recommend them to an enemy.
From: Emile, Seattle, WA, USA. 6/10

Comments: Great shoes with excellent cushioning and stability! These shoes are wonderful if you practice a lot and play to win. Other shoes maybe better for 1.5-2 hours of match play but for my money these are the shoes I want to practice in for 10 hours on the week ends and 10 hours during the week after work. They are much more comfortable and I would rather wear out some shoes than my body. You can even wear them around town without looking like a circus clown.
From: Nice guy who loves tennis, San Francisco, California. USA. 5/10

Comments: I've been using New Balance tennis shoes for almost 10 years now. I loved the CT 1001s and 1002s. I typically bought 4 pairs each year as I play 6 to 7 days a week. Playing on Clay - the outer body rarely shows any wear. However, the inner sole can and will wear out. This year, I bought two pairs of 1003s (all I could find) and 1 pair of 1004s. I noticed that I has shin pain when wearing the 1004s. I suspect they are not as supportive as previous models. Got to protect the wheels so I'll be looking for a replacement and soon.
From: John, Longboat Key, FL, USA 12/09

Comments: I agree with Terry from 7/09 - my shoes didn't last a month. The toe dragging I do wore these down in just a few weeks. While they were quite comfortable, I was disappointed by the durability.
From: Jake, Western Springs, IL, USA 12/09

Comments: I have been using NB shoes for many years. The 1003 model was one of my favorites tennis shoes. The 1004 model does not even come close in matching the comfort, fit, and style of the 1003. I think that NB took several steps back with the 1004. I noticed that they changed the pattern of the holes from the previous models (1003 and back), which makes it impossible for me to lace them up in a way that gives me better support. If the 1004 is a sign of where NB is going, I will be looking elsewhere next time.
From: Koff,Richmond, VA, USA, 11/09

Comments: These shoes wore out very quickly. The stitching came loose from the toe area. There is not enough padding for anyone with knee problems. They become very dirty very quickly and are hard to clean. I normally love New Balance Shoes, but these have really been a disappointment. Dealing with the guarantees is a pain, I would rather they just last at least 4 months.
From: John, Atlanta, GA USA 11/09

Comments: I wear a size 10.5 Medium D and these shoes fit perfectly and are very comfortable. Better than the NB 803 shoes that I also own. I'm not sure why people are complaining about needing to wear a thicker sock. I wear a thin ankle sock and the fit is snug. Love the support the shoe gives on either side of my foot and have had no problems with blisters. There is plenty of room for my toes although I'm not a toe dragger so I can't comment on that aspect. This is a lightweight shoe that is broken in right out of the box and that does well on clay and hardcourts. I intend to buy another pair before NB discontinues them.
From: Stefan, Plymouth, MA, USA, 10/09

Comments: This shoe is very comfortable, but it doesn't last long. First pair lasted me only 4 months and the second pair for only 3 months. I play about 10 hours per week. If you want durability and a bit less comfort, try Adidas Barricade V.
From: Fong, Los Angels, CA USA. 10/09

Comments: I played in these right out of the box and found the cushioning really excellent.I have slightly wide feet but the normal width is more than ample, probably also for an EE fit. I think some of the material need to be beefed up. I loved my old Prince Titanium quick track but you cannot get. These feel almost like them..!
From: Graham, Toronto, Canada eh! 09/09

Comments: I rate them A + I finally found the perfect pair of tennis shoes. I am a perfect size 10-M and they're a perfect fit. I've been wearing them for 3-months playing for several hours, 3-4 times a week. They are the best shoes I've ever played with. No break in needed, they have special sleeve for comfort, and the mesh top make them easy on the feet especially on the toes when running and sudden stops. They wear like any other tennis shoes. I plan on buying a second pair just in case N B makes a mistake and stops making them.
From: Joe, Allentown, PA, USA, 09/09

Comments: Wore this shoe twice...on the 3rd time, I laced up and one of the lace loops (one of the two that anchors on the side near the "N") tears right off! Then I notice the "N" on 2 sides of each shoe are just starting peal off as if the adhesive is already worn out. I've been a New Balance fan for years and their tennis shoes have been no exception but - beware - most New Balance are now Made in China (including these) and that might have something to do with it.
From: anon. 08/09

Comments: My favorite NB tennis shoe so far. I loved the extra support given by the 803 but found it unforgiving on my heels and had to change. This model has better cushioning and stays cooler. Better ventilation than any other shoe I have tried. Grips well on clay. I agree the shoe does seem to be slightly wider than other NB models and a thicker sock solves that problem.
From: Marc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 8/09

Comments: While I found this shoe very comfortable and supportive right out of the box, I have a concern with the durability. As an admitted toe dragger, I went through the right toe within 5-6 uses (approx 2+ hrs/use). Fortunately, New Balance replaced the pair under warranty, but the new pair likewise lasted approx 2 mos. Again, I cannot fault the style and/or comfort, but toe draggers beware...
From: Vik, Granite Bay, CA, USA. 08/09

Comments: My son, 16, has used New Balance shoes for almost 10 years and never had a problem. The 1004 didn't last event month and caused blisters. Looks like NB losing the quality.
From: Terry. Canada. 7/09

Comments: I agree with the other comments about the shoes being roomy. The first time I used them I stepped right out of a shoe. After using my thick socks and the upper eyelet, they started to shine. Very mobile with lots and lots of comfort. Very easy on the knees and great for big guys. Great ventilation too.
From: John, Atlanta, GA USA 06/09

Comments: The most comfortable shoe I have worn. The only downfall is the price. Too expensive. Then again comfort is a beautiful thing.
From: Jojo, Plainfield, IL., USA. 6/09

Comments: Great comfort! Similar to the Asics GR2's, but with way better durability. Player's with wide feet will enjoy these. The support is sufficient, but not glove like. 2 pairs of socks prevents my feet from any sliding around in the shoe. I've enjoyed the inner sock liner helps with lateral support. This was my first experience with NB and I'm very satisfied. Great for the hard courts, awesome cushioning, plus ventilation. NB built a solid shoe with great durability with these 1004's. I'll recommend them!
From: Darrell, Toronto Ont. 05/09

Comments: I received these as a replacement for an older pair of 1003's under the Ndurance durability warranty. I've had 3 pairs of the 1003's and I was eager to try these. I have to say they are quite a bit more stable/structured than the 1003's, but the comfort and softness isn't quite there. The fit is great as always with New Balance, no complaints there. I've had them since mid February and am using them in rotation with another pair of 1003's. I play at least 5 times a week for at least 1.5 hours and these are holding up very well. Solid shoes, but I think I'm going to stick with the 1003's for the comfort and now the price. :)
From: Alex, TN, USA. 04/09

Comments: Love these for wide feet, great cushion. Seem to be cut just right for support vs freedom of movement.
From: Kevin, Arizona, USA. 04/09

Comments: I am a 55+ 3.0 player. Have been wearing New Balance 1001 and 1002 for the past 2 years and never had any problems. The CT1004 I just received are different. The toe box is more narrow causing blisters on both outside toes.
From: Thom, Lady Lake, FL, USA 4/09

Comments: I love the way New Balance shoes fit my feet. They are the only brand of shoe that I am willing to purchase without first trying on. I've owned the CT1004Ws for about a month and once again the fit is like an old glove. I do, however, have a major complaint with New Balance. I HATE the extremely limited color selection for this shoe and most of their other shoe lines as well. I strongly prefer shoes that are predominately blue or ones that have some grey in them. The CT1004s only come in black/red....no thanks....or polar white. I very, very reluctantly went with the white simply because I couldn't find a better fit in another brand. The shoes feel great but I loathe the way they look on my feet. I know everyone has their own opinion but I personally think they look extremely dorky and I hate being seen in them. I owned the CT1000NVs and the CT1002NVs, skipped the CT1003s because of color choice and now feel pressured into buying and wearing a shoe that I can't stand to look at. Bottom line: Great fitting shoe. Horrendous color choices.
From: Matt (4.0 player), Raleigh, NC, USA. 3/09

Comments: I must say they are very comfortable. I have played on clay and hard courts with no problems of comfort, direction change or stability.
From: Mike, Huntersville, NC, USA. 2/09