Comments: I have the New Balance 1187 and have had various New Balance 2E shoes in the past. The 1187, although wide "feeling" and generally comfortable, feels much heavier and less conducive to running on the court. The 851 is lightweight yet relatively stable, and has more of a glove-like feel. The sole durability is okay on hardcourts, but I question whether you'd get more than a few months out of it before wearing out the grooves on the sole. If you're doing lots of running, split stepping, stopping, starting, etc. (i.e. the moves you'd expect to be doing playing singles or high-level doubles), I think that's pretty much to be expected. I have not had any problems with materials or seams ripping, and that's with several months use. So, overall, I'm happy with the shoes. There are few options in 2E, other than some bland offerings by other brands, so I was happy to see these come out, and don't have any regrets in buying them.
From: Dean, 4/12

Comments: I progressed through the New Balance 544, and 1002 Tennis shoes. I am a 220 pound 5' 10" tennis player with a fullback/linebacker body type. Been playing very competitive singles and doubles tennis for 10+ years. Usually play 2 to 3 hours at a session on Saturday and Sunday and weather permitting 2 days during the week. Purchased 2 pairs of NB 851 Black/Yellow from TennisWarehouse. Have worn the shoes numerous times for 2 to 3 hour stretches and they are comfortable, lightweight and durable. They have improved my footspeed and consequently endurance on the hard court. I am extremely hard on shoes, and completely ground down the soles on the NB 544 and 1002 (2 pairs). The NB 851 although lightweight shows very little wear and its construction with the rounded soles prevents one from tripping and grinding down the sides of the soles. I've ordered 2 more pairs and give my highest recommendation to the New Balance 851 for comfort, durability, breathability and styling.
From: Pete, 3/12

Comments: Great light-weight comfortable and responsive tennis shoes! One of my favorites ever. I play 2 - 3 times per week and most shoes wear thru in a few months. It looks like these will be about the same...2 months of play and may make it to 3 so a new pair will soon be on the way!
From: Steve, 2/12

Comments: These shoes are very narrow. I've been wearing NB 2E shoes for 20 years. These are much narrower than any others I've had. Not even close to fitting.
From: P, 11/11

Comments: Great looking shoe but unfortunately, they did not work out for me because I have very low arch and a fairly wide foot. I tried all the big brand shoes with the durability guarantee but the only shoes that have work for me are the New Balance MC 1187 in 2E, which has completely relieved me of my chronic knee pains. Although the MC 1187 were the best tennis shoes, I wanted to give the MC 851 2E a try because of how sharped they looked. These MC 851 2E do not compare in width to the MC 1187 2E. The arch is lower than others, but the forefoot is not as wide as the MC 1187 and a part of my forefoot hung over the edge unlike the MC 1187 which was a perfect fit out of the box. The MC 851 has a great finish and the 2E fit similar to Nike's CB 2.3 but they are extremely light and comfortable. I'm very disappointed that these awesome looking shoes didn't work out for me.
From: Dennis, 8/11

Comments: The shoe is very light but supportive. I don't have a wide foot but the 2E shoe gave me more room in the forefoot. They fit true to size. The forefoot cushioning felt a little on the thinner. The Barricade/BreatheFree-like rubber on the top of the shoes appears to be a better application than on both the Adidas and Nike offerings
From: J, 7/11