Comments: Great combination of support, stability, and traction for the aggressive player. Allows you to slide a little on hard stops to soften impact on joints, but offers enough traction to recover quickly and change direction. This shoe runs a half-size bigger, so order accordingly for a true fit. Break-in time is about 2-3 hours, or a couple times out on the court. A bit stiff at first, but after the break-in period, they will mold to your feet and accommodate high performance. Feels low to the ground and sure-footed. I would rate these as the best performing shoes for the aggressive player, over Asics Gel Resolution 2, Asics Gel Game 2, Nike Breathe Cage series, and the Nike Vapor series. Some of those other shoes may be lighter in weight or more comfortable, but do not perform as well during aggressive play. These absorb the high impact, and the stiff chassis works well to provide stability.
From: Ben, 10/11

Comments: I found that BLB is totally right. You need to swap out the insole with Superfeet or something similar. These shoes are great.
From: JF, 8/11

Comments: This is a fantastic shoes, probably the best Nike shoe I've had in the past decade. I find these way more comfortable than the newer versions of the model, as well.I would advise swapping out the rather underwhelming inner-sole with something along the lines of a Super-Foot inner-sole. It makes a world of difference from a support (and comfort) standpoint.
From: BLB, 7/11

Comments: These shoes are real durable. If you're younger, buy them; they will last. At 40 they are painful. Arch hurt so bad I I thought I had a serious problem. Just gets worse and worse after months. One day in my old shoes playing my foot already feels better. Well made but I might as well burn mine.
From: Jeff. 7/11

Comments: Tried on the Ballistec 3.3 at a local store and it was a painful experience although I loved the colors. I went by the reviews here and took a chance on buying last years model. Saved my self $40 and got a great shoe, very comfortable and fits true to size. Highly recommended.
From: Tom. 6/11

Comments: This is a great shoe. They needed a little breaking in; my toes felt pinched for the first couple of days. After the break-in, they are phenomenal. I would highly recommend this shoe to just about anyone. That was just the performance. The cosmetics on this shoe are amazing! From what I heard it is a much better shoe than the 3.3s.
From: Anon. 06/11

Comments: I normally wear a D/medium but this shoe was much to narrow for my feet and had to return them. Nike shoes run narrow; sorry about the pun.
From: David. 6/11

Comments: I love this shoe! If you're deciding between the CB 2.3 and the CB 3.3 definitely chose this one. 10x more comfortable and much lighter on the court.
From: Steve Jordan. 5/11

Comments: Comfortable, but I wore the forefoot outsole completely flat in two months. I only play 1.5 hours a day five days a week, and in two weeks there was noticeable flattening. Maybe a bad batch of rubber?
From: Cole. 5/11

Comments: I absolutely hated this shoe. The footbed is so hard it made my feet and ankles hurt for days afterward. I tried thick Thorlos and 2 pairs of socks, nothing helped. I wound up donating them to a tsunami collection box at the club. Back to adidas for me.
From: Gary K. 5/11

Comments: I absolutely hated this shoe. The footbed is so hard it made my feet and ankles hurt for days afterward. I tried thick Thorlos and 2 pairs of socks, nothing helped. I wound up donating them to a tsunami collection box at the club. Back to adidas for me.
From: Gary K. 5/11

Comments: For me they fit a little big. I would suggest get a half size smaller, but other than that they are really good shoes.
From: Anon, MD. 5/11

Comments: I played with these shoes before and really liked them. I then recently got the Court Ballistec 3.3, however, those felt totally different. They were very stiff and narrow so I returned them for a pair of these. The 2.3s are just so much better. More comfortable, supportive, and durable. Also, they are low to the ground and not too heavy. One of Nike's best shoes I have worn.
From: Anon. 5/11

Comments: The Drag-on material is weak. I only wore them for 2 months, and part of the Drag-on material in the upper part broke. But I have to say, the shoe feels right for me.
From: Alex, Syracuse, NY, USA. 4/11

Comments: Phenomenal shoes. The CB 2.3s are the best shoes Nike has ever put out, in my opinion. They need very little time to break them in also.
From: Bradley, Huntsville, AL, USA. 4/11

Comments: Great shoe! It took me about a week for these shoes to break in. My only complaint is that I got two big blisters on the insides of my feet when using them the first few days. After that the shoe was softer and was very comfortable.
From: Jack, San Diego, CA, USA, 03/11

Comments: I found these OK at the beginning but then my right foot started hurting under my right toe, creating a blister. Needs a little bigger toe box.
From: Tony, San Jose, CA, USA, 03/11

Comments: These are some great kicks. I play 3-4 times a week on hard courts and have been very pleased with how these hold up. I wish they would just wear out more easily because I want a new pair of these great shoes for free!
From: Alan, Indian Wells, CA, USA, 03/11

Comments: This shoe fits really tight because I have wide feet, and I just got blisters on the inside of my foot when I wear them. But after while hopefully these shoes will loosen up and be more comfy for me, but other than that this shoe is great, the durability is excellent, and the shoe looks amazing. Overall this shoe is a great shoe.
From: Kyle, New City, NY, 3/11

Comments: Very nice right out of the box. I have wider feet and it's a little tight at the tip, but they WILL loosen up after you play in them for an hour or so. Nice price for what you get.
From: Adam T., KS, USA, 03/11

Comments: Really good shoe overall, at first had some blisters but after a couple more sessions of playing they got much more comfortable, they adjust to your feet to give you a better feel:)
From: Aadil, 03/11

Comments: Overall not a bad shoe. Nice feel and good fit. I've had the shoe for 3 weeks and play 4 hours a week. Now the white threading lining the drag-on x has started to tear. It's not a big deal but I wish it was slightly more durable. Great shoe nevertheless, recommend it.
From: Frankie, Columbus, OH, USA, 02/11

Comments: Great shoe overall. I have the neon green ones that Rafa wore in the US Open and they are so comfortable. The durability is good, and they look great. I like how they don't have a huge tongue like other shoes. They form to your feet and help you feel the court. I will always buy these shoes.
From: T.J., MO, USA, 02/11

Comments: The best shoe overall at the beginning the break in take a LOT to fit but after that they feel so comfy and the durability and cushioning is amazing great shoe for all court.
From: Sebastian, 02/11

Comments: These shoes are good for the first two months, after that, they get used up. I've had them for 3.5 months and already bought some barricades because I couldn't play anymore with these.
From: Fernando, San Antonio, TX, USA, 02/11

Comments: I have had these shoes for three months now and are just starting to wear through. I went through a pair of Nike vapors in about two weeks. These are very durable, and for those who say these shoes are too heavy...train harder.
From: Grant, FL, USA, 02/11

Comments: I bought these shoes back in October in the Lime and White color combo; I was greatly disappointed with this shoe. It was a great shoe for about a weeks worth of play and then it lost all of its padding in the shoe and my foot began to move around a lot in it. After a month, the bottom of the left shoe began to wear unevenly giving a round surface that I was running on, this was aggravating. After a month and a half the so-called "Drag-on 2X" was in a self-destruct mode. The drag-on protecting the mesh was slowly chipping away just from the bending of the toe of the shoe, this left the mesh unprotected and it began to rip while doing a "Monfils" slide on the hard courts. They are heavier than the 1.3s and in my opinion an over-all disappointment from Nike. I now see why Nadal has his custom made, because the factory made ones are cheap and not sturdy at all. Worst of all, the "6 month durability guarantee" only covers the rubber on the bottom. Just save your self some grief and money and stick with the Barricade. I will never purchase another pair of Nike tennis shoes; I will wear the Barricades from here on out.
From: Matt, VA, USA, 02/11

Comments: These shoes are great! It provides a lot of stability. It also has a lot of ventilation. It takes about 2 hours to break into thee shoes. The first half hour they're a bit stiff. The next half hour it hurts. By the next half hour it hurt so much that I wanted to throw them off a cliff. But, on the two-hour mark they were great! My feet still hurt from breaking them in though. Overall, great shoe.
From: Charley, New York, NY, USA, 02/11

Comments: First Week: Stiff shoes it should be better in a couple of day.
Second Week: My feet were getting a little sore.
Third Week: Take off my shoes blisters everywhere!
Fourth Week: BOOM!!!! The shoes were just too perfect, everything was better. It was fit and comfortable just amazing on the court. Just give it some time to get use to; I have wide feet so it took some time! It is a bit heavy but I got used to it.
From: Kiran, Chicago, IL, USA, 01/11

Comments: Great shoe; very comfy nice work with the max air unit. I tend to injure my heels when I play so this CB and the vapors 6 and 7 work just fine if you have the same problem in the heels, downsides: they are heavy but you can handle it. I bought all CB and cages but what I found out is the following; Zoom unit works better in the forefoot than lunarlon, but the max air unit is way more forgiving in the CB than the cages, bottom-line they work just fine. I would suggest that the next max air unit should be way softer for people with weak heels or try to recommend which shoes work better. ps: lunarlon soles tend to lose comfort when they get wet or moist and it feels like playing with cowboy boots.
From: Ricky, 01/11

Comments: I absolutely love these shoes. Nike did an amazing job with them. They are super comfortable and they fit amazingly. They are breathable and flexible, but they offer all of the support I need. I cannot say enough good things about this shoe!
From: Nick, Allegany, NY, USA, 01/11

Comments: These shoes are too darn heavy and bulky! I had to return them, they were like ski boots; hard to get on your feet! I am ordering a much lighter Nike instead! These shoes are almost 17 oz, I am going for a shoe in the 13 or 14 oz range! Sorry Rafa!
From: Brad P, Cleveland, OH, USA, 01/11

Comments: I've got these shoes recently and had one play with them. I first had pain with the tightness but I'm used to it now. The only issue was pain in the arch of my foot and therefore producing blisters on the arch of my foot. What I found out was that the ortholite insoles were digging in the arch and what I had to do was cut the side of the ortholite, which was sticking out at my arch. Hope this helps to those who have blisters. Other than that it is a great shoe if you're used to the weight.
From: John, 01/11

Comments: Definitely worth the buy! Very good ankle support, with plenty of comfort. They are very durable and will last a long time, but if a shoe for performance is needed, this may not be the shoe for you. Also I advise to buy half a size smaller than usual as I found my pair a bit big, but nothing you can't get used to.
From: Mark, 01/11

Comments: These are the most durable shoes out on the market. The tread will wear out like most and you will lose traction within a few months. But it is very, very difficult to wear down the soles within 6 months. This is from experience playing 15+ hours a week on hard surfaces with a 190lbs frame. Extremely stable, flat to the ground, snug to the fit, and solid. The shoes are very stiff and does not flex at the arch when you bend it in half, which I assume is to protect your plantar from overstretching too much. If durability is the key, this shoe is it. But for traction and better maneuverability on the courts, the Barricade6.0 has the edge.
From: D., Irvine, CA, USA, 12/10

Comments: I love these shoes. They are comfortable and durable. I have stuck with this brand of shoes for the past 4 years and I haven't had any problems
From: Ashley, VA, USA, 12/10

Comments:AMAZING SHOE! Very comfortable great design and very roomy, took only about 15 minutes and it kicked in I would definitely advise anyone to buy this shoe, but you should probably wait for the new Court Ballistec 3.3 shoes.
From: Mohammed, 12/10

Comments: Bought a white Wimbledon color and tried it today. It was so comfortable from start. I have been using Barricade 5 and my knee, toe, and especially heel were always hurt. But it seemed to be no problems at all with the CB today. Materials used on toe box and inner sole are much softer than the B5. Anyway will rotate both of them regularly.
From: Anon, 12/10

Comments: First try: blister on the inner part of my left foot. Second try: pain on the outer part of my left foot also. Thinking about giving these shoes up, then the third try: EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE! I'm one of the lucky ones who broke it early and I have a 3E wide feet. It may look ugly on the bird's eye view if you have wide feet, but the style and color schemes attract all people to stare to your shoes. Recommended for everybody, but patience is needed for breaking these in.
From: Anon, 12/10

Comments: Don't waste your money getting these shoes. I agree with all the other comments saying what a useless shoe it is. Nike is using their hyped up brand name to sell us cheap china junk! Don't fall for it.
From: Fan, 12/10

Comments: In my opinion this shoes is very uncomfortable. Extremely stiff sole, and when I wear this shoes I feel sore and pressure on many places on my feet. I had to use Barricade V, and I have to say that Adidas is definitely better shoes for me.
From: Tom, 12/10

Comments: The shoe is great and gives me confidence and support. However, the sole has a monumental problem with Clay Courts because it slides so much that you lose your balance.
From: Carlos, Miami, FL, USA, 12/10

Comments: I've had this shoe for a month now, and I really like them. They are very sturdy and supportive. I highly recommend them, especially if you have knee problems and need your foot to be as stable as possible. I've had the previous version of this shoe and it is the most durable shoe I've owned. I play 3-4x/wk.
From: Michael, Lewiston, ID, USA, 12/10

Comments: After receiving these, went straight to the courts for some singles. My feet ending up with blisters on the left inside by my arch and the right foot got blisters on the outside. I hope this is just the 'break-in' period and will resolve itself. It's pricey but one thing is for certain; it's a high durability shoe with a glove like fit. The insole is just awful so replace it. I will give these another week or two and if not improved, will go back to the Barricades.
From: Johnny, Coldwater, MI, USA, 11/10

Comments: These shoes are awful!!! They are killing my ankles and Achilles! I have to admit they don't wear out very fast though but that doesn't matter because you will be in major pain
From: Jim, Houston, TX, USA, 11/10

Comments: My regular shoe used to be Barricade V, but they seem too heavy and clunky when compared to CB 2.3
Sure the CB 2.3 are a bit narrower in the front (and at some point over the summer, when I was hiking a lot they didn't seem to fit me for a while, but now they do again...), but they are much more comfortable and faster.
I don't agree with this comment "I would say the Barricade is a faster and more responsive shoe despite being heavier on paper".
I've used Adidas CC before and although light they wear off too soon and didn't have any traction, wheres the CB 2.3 has good traction (maybe not as great as the Barricades though).
Overall I would say that these are the best tennis shoes ever...
Had them for about month now, playing daily and aggressively for a heavy guy (6'2" and 220 LB or 1,88 m and 99 kg).
From: Marian, 11/10

Comments: I'm 14, and I got these shoes about a month ago. I play about 8 hours a week, on hard court. These shoes have great traction. I recently had the Babolat Propulse. I like these better. They hurt for the first two days, but they weren't yet broken in. One of the best-looking shoes, and great traction. It doesn't have much arch support, but I don't really feel it. If you needed to, just put a gel insert it. Some people think they are heavy, but I think they are perfect. And my feet don't get hot at all! Overall, Great Shoes!
From: Scott, Kerrville, TX, USA, 11/10

Comments: I have always had issues with my feet (extremely high arches, and usually get blisters) I am also a BIG guy (former college football player) I play about 3 to 4 days per week and got these shoes about a month ago. It always takes a while for me to break in shoes so I thought that this one was just like my other shoes. I am still in a lot of discomfort (on the outside of my arches) and have noticed some traction issues as well, which I have never had before. I have had Barricades before and although it took my a couple weeks to break them in they were create in comfort and durability and I will go and buy Barricades again as this shoe does not work with my feet. Durability so far has been great though.
From: Malik, San Jose, CA, USA, 11/10

Comments: I've had my pair for about 3 months now. I play about 8~ hours a week, most of it on hard and pretty much all the rubber's still there! I have realized that I am sliding about a bit now... Though on a more important note, I live in sunny and HOT conditions. I constantly play in 95+ degrees fahrenheit conditions and these shoes do NOT cut it. My feet feel like they're baking! It's SOOO HOT! Sure, these shoes are comfy and stable... but any Aussies, or people from anywhere where it gets hot, watch out guys, these things are crazy.
From: Mitch, 11/10

Comments: I am updating my review of this shoe. I received my half size larger pair, and it was still stiff!! They actually hurt!! I am a faithful Nike wearer and all my tennis sneakers are Nike, but I don't know what happened to this shoe! I really, really wanted to love it. I am so disappointed and now have to continue my never-ending quest for a pair of COMFORTABLE, white tennis sneakers.
From: Anon. 10/10

Comments: These are superb shoes. They have a good grip on hard court, good support, fast break-in about 1 hour. They are worth it for the price you pay. However, a wide foot is not recommended.
From: Anon, 10/10

Comments: These shoes look cool but that's about it with Nikes. I've spent lots of money on trying them all. These hurt my feet so bad. I experienced pains in my feet that I didn't think were even possible! Has no arch support either. Hurt the outer part of my feet also. I am going back to Adidas Barricade 5.
From: Jeff, Chicago, IL. 10/10

Comments: I bought a pair of these and another of the Adidas Barricade 6. Instead, I should have bought two pairs of the Adidas; these Nike's lack arch support, and no gel inserts will help either. I have never experienced this level of extreme discomfort. So be warned, if you want to develop plantar fasciitis or have struggled with it in the past, skip these and give the Barricades a try.
From: Ani, Athens, Ohio, USA, 10/10

Comments: I'm a collegiate player and have used Adidas Barricades for the past 3 years, I've only had minor issues with the barricades. Just this year I decided to change it up and try out a new shoe, the choice was the new Nikes. The first day using the shoe I experienced major aching and pain on both sides on the metacarpals of the fifth toe. After 2 weeks of play more pain racked up, I am now experiencing major pain on the ball of my big toe. It hurts just putting slight pressure, causing me to walk on the outside edge of my right foot, which two days ago I just sprained my ankle from doing so. I wish Nike would do a better job on comfort rather than looks.
From: Milo, CA, USA, 10/10

Comments: This is the first pair of Nike tennis shoes I've owned in awhile, I previously used Adidas and the Asics Gel Resolution 2s. These shoes out of the box are very comfortable and for me didn't require much break-in at all. I wasn't a fan of the colors but ended up with the white and grey ones, I wish they would have had the black/grey/orange ones out at the time I bought mine. My only complaint thus far is the lack of cushioning or movement in the toe/forefoot area is definitely causing some issues. My outer toe has developed some pain/callouses and my forefoot developed a blister after playing a 2.5-hour singles match. I do like how stable the shoes are and the grip is very good.
From: Phil, Atlanta, GA, USA, 10/10

Comments: My shoes are done. I've had them for like 8 months now, and they're finally worn down. There was great durability for me. However, I got my regular size and had to get insoles to help with the sizing to make the shoe fit more snug.
From: Anon, 10/10

Comments: I loved the look of the shoe but the traction of the shoe wasn't what I wanted them to be. I have been sliding around on a hard court like I'm playing on clay. Other than that great shoe.
From: Anon. 10/10

Comments: Hey guys, these shoes run big! I normally wear a size 11.5 and had to get an 11. They are also very big in the heel area and my heel kept slipping out no matter how tight I strung my laces. These are a big disappointment to say the least. Hardly any arch support either. So yes they will hurt your feet in the long run and because you to be more tired..ie if your feet hurt you feel more tired. I've had many surgeries on my feet and believe me I take shoes seriously. I'm going back to my reliable Barricades 6, which fit like a glove and provide the arch support you must have.
From: Craig, NY, USA, 09/10

Comments: I play at least 20 hours a week, and these shoes are KILLING me feet, slowly but surely. I've had calluses in places I never had calluses before. Like the top of the first joint of my middle toes, and the outside of my big toe! The forefoot padding is not as great as it could be, and the insoles wear out too fast! I tired to give Nike a chance, but this is a big disappointment. I think many people buy them for the looks, BUT there are many better shoes. I'll be buying another pair of Lottos, even though I have to ship them in from Europe!
From: Figjam, Denver, CO, USA, 09/10
4.0 baseline/all-court

Comments: I love these shoes. In fact, I'd argue they are the best tennis shoe I've ever worn. I am a former high school and college player and now play in adult USTA leagues. I'm 33 years old. Obviously everybody has very different feet, but these feel amazing. There is no pinching, and I don't feel areas of friction that might lead to blisters. They also look great. I had been using Adidas Barricade Vs, but the complete lack of arch support (and not much in the way of padding) gave me chronic shin splints on hard courts. Thus far, I've had zero pain with these shoes. They are like comfortable slippers to me.
From: Jason, Warsaw, IN, U.S.A. 09/10

Comments: Sole broke down for me within the first month of play. I cannot recommend purchasing these shoes again.
From: Mike, Castle Rock, CO, USA, 09/10 (Mike, these shoes do come with a 6-month outsole guarantee so if you wore through them, you should qualify for another pair if these are your originally purchased shoe. Guarantees are not valid on replacement pairs. If you have questions about the process, please check our Customer Service link or give us a call at 800-883-6647. -- TW Staff)

Comments: Hate it, Hate it, Hate it! I have used it a few times and can't return them anymore. Main issue is despite fixed tongue, and tightening the shoe lace as tight as I can without cutting blood supply off, my foot moves slightly in the shoes and causes a lot of pain after 3 hours of play. In addition, the back of the shoe doesn't have adequate curvature and length (perhaps they kept it short as the tongue and in effect the opening is fixed?) so the back of the foot keeps pulling out.
From: Subbu, Palo Alto, CA 09/10

Comments: Let me say this first, what happened to NIKE? Back in the day, in the '90s, they made the best. The build quality, design, consistent fit, and durable shoe. Now, they just make junk. I bought a pair of 15's and one was so much tighter than the other, very disappointing. Bought a second pair and both shoes were tight in different areas. What happened to consistency? They make the shoe not for the normal person with normal feet, but for the pointed toe elves that help Santa make his gifts. What happened to Nike? Thanks but no thanks. NEW BALANCE for life!!!!!
From: Neil, Surprise, AZ. 09/10

Comments: This is a great shoe, definitely lighter than 1.3, more comfy as it flexes better with its softer, thinner, and lighter uppers. For sure this pair feels a tad faster than the previous model. Grip has always been excellent and I have always been impressed with them, and the max air and lunarlon gives just enough cushioning while riding low to the ground. My previous pair of 1.3 wore out in half a year, lasted much longer than my Vapors. Vapors are great shoes, but just doesn't last for me, hence the switch to CB. I still think that these 2.3 can still be improved. Firstly, I only wear them on court and the stern of the sole where the Max Air is placed is worn all the way to the sponge part. Once you reach the sponge, you will wear quickly to the Max Air. The sole at the ball of my feet wore through, exposing the sponge about the same time as the rear. But the rear has obviously thinner XDR could be improved. Another issue I have is whenever I played more than 4 hrs a day. The Lunarlon and Max Air will feel dead after that. The cushioning will no longer be there, as it seems to have collapsed. But after a day's rest, it revived and the cushioning came back to life again. Really hope the cushioning will last longer. I believe Nike is really doing its best to create an appealing shoe on the outside and inside. Seriously great job as I am gonna get another pair soon, and there are few tennis shoes in the market currently to rival this. Lets hope that Nike reads our reviews and work on them and bring an improved CB 3.3 to stay ahead of the competition.
From: Bryan, 09/10

Comments: Every thing said below goes for me. I bought these shoes after I explained to Mark at TW my problem with my heel. Today I played 4 sets pain free. Plus the CB 2.3s fit really snug and supportive...thanks.
From: Jim, Oak Ridge North, TX, USA, 09/10

Comments: I play on clay courts; these are the perfect shoes, very comfortable, the perfect ones for an aggressive players. They do not need period of adjustment. The best Nike shoes in the world.
From: Kevin, 08/10

Comments: I LOVE this shoe. I have the same one in Blue (Rome version) and I think it looks pretty sick. Very aesthetically pleasing. I find the feel to be very similar to that of the Breathe Cage II, except the cushioning is far better, it looks better and the laces are longer (With the Breathe Cage when you laced up to the top eyelet the laces were far too short). I also find them to extremely durable. I played a tennis camp for about 7 hours a day and the only part that was worn was the front inner part a bit (smooth). So If I had kept playing them I probably would've used the warranty. But even if you do break through the rubber Nike is very good about the 6-month replacement. They take NO time to break in although after some play you feel a bit more comfy. Unless they can beat this with the Courtballistec 3.3 (doubt it) I'm gonna get some more pairs :)
From: Johnny, Hong Kong, 08/10

Comments: Great shoe, I was a longtime adidas Barricade user, tried these, and got hooked on them. They are very comfortable, and don't feel very heavy. Disappointed in the new colors though, the neon yellow and white yellow shoes look plain ugly in person, and don't really match with anything.
From: Matt, Chicago, IL, USA. 08/10

Comments: Amazing shoe. I have the all black version but it's the same shoe. Excellent cushioning, stability and durability. I've had it for 3-4 months and the sole is holding up extremely well. I play several times a week, drag my toe and these can handle the abuse. Probably, no, definitely, the best shoe I've ever owned.
From: Dan, Wichita, KS, USA, 08/10

Comments: Although all the great comments about this shoe, I will not buy or recommend this shoe to anyone. Good looks, love the way to I put my foot in because of the tongue-less feeling, but this shoe is completely flat and heavy, it is 16+ ounces, way too heavy to play in them.
From: Luis, Topeka, KS, USA, 08/10

Comments: The ankle support, heel padding and lateral move support make these shoes stand out. They're not necessarily better than the Barricades but they're different. Yes, there's less room in the toe box, but the shoe stretches. Otherwise, I'm not tempted to wear them off the court because they're ugly-ish (in a special, futuristic way)... The weird thing is that I haven't found the size marked anywhere on or inside the shoe. Post a comment if you found it. Thanks!
Ramon, there should be a sizing tag on the side of the inner part of the shoe on the inside (medial) ankle part of the heel cup--TW Staff
From: Ramon, 07/10

Comments: This is an update to my earlier review (Alex from usa.) I forgot to say that the little square things on the outsole tend to break where the toe starts to roll over. Also it starts to wear in that same exact area.
From: alex, USA. 7/10

Comments: Size 9 Medium-wide foot with medium arch, play singles 3-4 times a week at ~4.5 level. I've been a long time Barricade user and have a pair of Barricade 6 as well, but 2.3s are the best in my book. Barricades have a stiffer construction, which makes them less comfortable but it doesn't translate into more stability compared to 2.3s, which I actually like to wear when not playing tennis because they are so plush. 2.3 wear a lot more evenly compared to my adidas shoes that get heavy wear on the toe, but slightly faster - so durability is a wash. Nothing is perfect though (yet?) - like someone else mentioned the front of the shoe is a little pointy in shape, which takes a bit of time to get used to - reminded me of Vapor IVs.
From: Anton V, Staten Island, NY, USA. 07/10

Comments: These are awesome shoes! After I play tennis my heel usually hurts but I didn't find that with these. Usually when companies come out with a new technology its just for looks, but the max air technology in the heel really helps. Rafa's French Open colorway is the best!
From: alex. 6/10

Comments: Beware the toe box is kind of narrow on these. I have medium width feet and the Barricades fit me perfectly but these seem to have too pointy of a shape for my feet. They did feel a lot more cushiony compared to the Barricades, however.
From: Anon. 6/10

Comments: I just got these shoes today and I love them they are very comfortable and are a major upgrade from the last version. The design is also a big reason why I and all my friends love these shoes. I played in these shoes for about 3.5 hours and my feet felt fine after. I let my friend try them out and now he has his own pair. I mostly play on clay and I feel a lot more stable on the surface and I'm able to slide twice as long as before. These are the first Nike's I have had I have always had adidas but I'll never go back these are lot more comfortable than my Barricades. I was tossing up between these and the new Barricades but in the end it was a very easy decision. I am a big fan of Rafa Nadal and that is the first time I saw them and the way he played in them was amazing. I highly recommend these shoes they are the most stable shoes I have ever worn. GO RAFA!
From: matt. 6/10

Comments: After a little break in, these shoes felt amazing. My heel stayed in place without any slippage. Great support as well. I feel like I can really move in any direction without any problems. Traction on the great is good too! This blue/green color way looks even better in person IMO. Have gotten a lot of compliments from it.
From: Anon. DFW, TEXAS. 6/10

Comments: These shoes eat my big toe! Where the shoe flexes the plastic pinched/rubbed the outside of my big toe. I even tried a seconds pair of socks. I will not be getting this shoe again.
From: Scott, Knoxville, TN, USA. 06/10

Comments: High quality shoes but I am going back to Nike Breathe Cage II once I run these through. This new model does not provide as snug a fit as Cage II, and the way these shoes are sown together dramatically increases your chances of developing blisters. I cannot play with these shoes on two consecutive days.
From: Martin, Chevy Chase, MD. 6/10

Comments: Great update by Nike! Owned a pair of the 1.3s and am working on my second pair 2.3s. Like many others, found the 1.3 a bit heavy and the ventilation was poor which added even more weight during long matches. With the 2.3, there's a bit of break in time (approx 2-5 hours) but that's to be expected with any support-oriented shoe. It's the lightest, most flexible support shoe I've ever played with. I've worn support shoes for the past 7-8 years, bouncing between the Adidas Barricade and Nike offerings (there was even a short stint with a pair of the Vapor line), and after playing with the Adidas shoe for 3 years leading up to the 1.3, I say Nike has taken performance tennis shoes to a new level with the new line. Throw in a variety of color schemes; Nike has created a work of art, if not a true masterpiece.
From: Matt, Syracuse, NY, USA. 06/10

Comments: I've not had a good experience with these shoes unfortunately!! Had two pairs of 1.3s, which were very comfy, if a little heavy and not very breathable. Decided to go for these but found I was getting pain in the side of my foot round my little toe. I happened to see my physio one day and was telling him about them, so we compared the 'new and old' and found the new one's to be somewhat narrower, thus the cause of my aches and pains :( I have not read of anyone else having the same problems, just a shame as these look great!! Just got some Fed Vapors, but not played in them yet, so we'll have to see!!
From: John, 05/10

Comments: Love the look of this shoe (blue color). Unlike some here, I like the fixed tongue; I hate having a tongue slide around to the side of a shoe. Good stability, and they really hug your foot. On the downside, NARROW toebox!! I had to use some old fashioned shoe stretching contraption to spread the toebox (worked pretty well) & got blisters before I did that. I don't understand why Nike would make the toe area so narrow, it even looks a little weird. These 2.3's still feel a little heavy (similar to a barricade), but overall I like this model (after I spread the toebox; recommend it.) & have received many compliments on the looks.
From: David, BR,GA. US. 5/10

Comments: Ok, I recently had the adidas CC Genius (Verdasco shoe), and felt that they weren't supportive. I've just bought this shoes and they are amazing! The support and comfort is unbelievable! It's like wearing a really thick sock that's breathable. The only downside is that after about 30min of playing you start to feel the weight of these shoes. Nerveless, the best shoes ever!
From: Marcel, 05/10

Comments: I bought these shoes 3 months ago and they have held up very well. They are comfortable and provide good stroke support for tennis as they are wide and give you a bit more balance. The biggest drawback is not having the tongue attached to the shoe, it makes it harder to put on your foot. Overall, they are very good shoes, and people have told me they like the way the look.
From: Mike, Phoenix, AZ, USA. 5/10

Comments: This is the greatest shoe of all time. Very comfortable and durable. I have never played with better shoes. I am on my third pair, and each one is better than the other. In addition, the looks are also amazing. I can easily move around the court, and I will buy more of these shoes in the future.
From: Aron, 05/10

Comments: I tried these after wearing Barricade Vs for two years. The main difference to me the unexpectedly soft upper. I switched to the CB's hoping for more cushioning in the heel and they seem to transfer less shock through my leg, but feel maybe a bit less connected to the court than the Barricades, although they still move VERY well in all directions. I would say the Barricade is a faster and more responsive shoe despite being heavier on paper, this might be in part because it rides closer to the ground, while the CB's are a bit higher up and feel more angled forward. I'm sure the difference in tread pattern and outsole material leads to some differences in traction, but I can't really tell. The fit is a tad bit more narrow in the forefoot, but with its flexible upper it still feels great on my foot (narrow, underpronated, and medium arch). I would give the performance edge to the barricade, but the comfort edge to the CB.
From: Al, San Diego, CA. 5/10

Comments: I love my pair. They might be the most comfy tennis shoe I've ever had. They require almost no break in. They don't wear down easily, and I don't think I'm going to be able to wear them down before the 6 month warranty. The only downside to this shoe is that it is rather heavy, but you get used to that the more you wear them. Overall its a great shoe.
From: Alex, Texas. 5/10

Comments: I love them! They're so comfy. They're still a little stiff though, not as bad as the 1.3's so I won't complain. I'm glad they dropped the weight a little, all that galvanized rubber definitely wasn't needed, breathability is definitely better than my 1.3's. I hope they last as long as long though.
From: Anon. 05/10

Comments: My current pair of Head Extremes was dying and would not last me through the upcoming tourney this weekend, so on Friday I snatched the a pair of black 2.3s here on TW. I received them yesterday, put them on, and went to play a league match. Not counting walking from the car to the court, the only break-in they received was during the 10-minute warm-up before the match. After playing that match all I can say is, these shoes are outstanding. Lately, I played in Barricades, various Vapors, and most recently Head Extremes (the latter are very decent shoes and a tremendous bargain BTW). Ballistec 2.3 is way better than any of these other shoes in all categories that matter: stability, performance, comfort. I have medium-narrow feet and medium-high arch. The shoes fit a like a glove (more like a sock, literally, with the 'built-in' tongue), feel fast, changing direction is uncannily easy, and I'm getting warmed up to the looks. The only reason I'm not buying a second pair immediately is that the shoes have 6 month warranty. For me, these are the best tennis shoes ever, period.
From: Ian, Boulder, CO, USA. 05/10

Comments: The cushioning is definitely not any better. From about 2 days of hitting, I already have blisters on both my feet.
From: eric, Arlington (a town), TX, USA. 5/10

Comments: Doubtful mesh material, cracks appeared on the mesh just 4 weeks I bought them. Better breathability than the previous model, good cushion. Just the material of this mesh is really bad. Does Nike test their products before putting them in the market?. I was expecting something more durable given what I paid for them.
From: Mauricio, 4/10

Comments: These had to be one of the worst shoes I have ever purchased. These shoes are so bulky and heavy. I play about 3 to 4 hours of tennis a day and I hated playing with these shoes. The traction on these shoes was so bad that twisted my ankle running for an out wide shot. I'd strongly recommend not getting these shoes if you are looking for performance and durability. If you are more interested in looking good than performance than you can waste your money here. I should of waited for the new Barricade 6 to come out.
From: George, New Branfeuls, TX. 4/10

Comments: I've been a fan of the Vapor line (Vapor Speed & Vapor Vs were best IMO), I liked the Breathe-Free & Oscillates before that - I didn't buy the CB 1.3s and I was skeptical about the CB 2.3s - I ordered the Black/Grey ones. Straight out of the box these shoes were comfortable, no break-in required. The cushioning is ABSOLUTELY amazing. I play 5 days a week and I really needed some comfortable shoes. These are perfect, light, very good breathability, and they just feel right. I'll probably stick with the CB line from now on.
From: Tarik, 04/10

Comments: I personally believe this is the worst tennis shoe ever. I am a junior and I play tennis about 5 times a week vigorously. For the past 2 years I have worn Barricades, and thought I would look for a change. With this shoe, my feet felt like bricks (even compared to the Barricades) and I had the wort experience moving and doing fitness on the court ever. Right after using these shoes for a good hour, I put my Barricades on and they felt like Feathers.
From: Anon, New York. 4/10

Comments: I have 2 pairs of these shoes, both got cracks in the mesh where the shoe bends after 10 hours of play. Comfortable shoe, but AWFUL durability, can't recommend. As soon as I'm done with these shoes going back to Breathe Cage 2.
From: Kirill, 4/10

Comments: I switched to the Court Ballistic 2.3 from the Nike Air Max Breathe Cage II (just like Nadal). I've gone through about a dozen pairs of Nikes since they introduced the great Breathe line with excellent ventilation and cushioning. Here are some of the differences with the Cage II: Heel cushioning is better. This is most important to me after fit. Fit is slightly larger, with more room in toe box and a front bumper that makes the shoe feel longer and takes some getting used to. Some people may find they can go down a half size. Uni-tongue design is better with more elasticity so they are easier to get on. Noticeably heavier. Ventilation is adequate, but not as good, which is a step backward for Nike. Some break-in required. My arches got sore the first day I wore these. In short: better cushioning, worse ventilation, and not as snug a fit for narrow feet and high arches, like mine.
From: Victor, Oregon. 4/10

Comments: Great shoe and they so far feel great. They're perfect for my feet, although I have somewhat narrow feet. They play a lot lighter than they look. Ok arch support, minimal break in time and awesome cushion and comfort.
From: Dallas, Petaluma, CA. 4/10

Comments: Perfect shoes for me, I have been wearing them for almost a month and they feel awesome and are very durable. I play seven days a week and the shoes hold up very well. I'm still using the same pair and they show very little wear, and they still have the great smell of out of the box new. Because of the great ventilation, I would recommend these sneakers to any tennis player who is looking for a great durable shoe.
From: Ashton, Mays Landing, NJ. 4/10

Comments: I remember when I was in 7th grade and I had my first pair of Nike Challenge Court tennis shoes, and now this new Nike Air CourtBallistec 2.3 reminds me those good old times, with a lot of upgrades. These Nike tennis shoes are like an extension of your body. They really feel like you are wearing a shoe that was made especially for you, they are really comfortable and light weight I really believe Nike did a great job with this tennis shoes and let me went back to those old times......
From: Jake. 4/10

Comments: These shoes were comfortable right out of the box and were broken in almost immediately. The stability is great and they have remained comfortable throughout the time that I've had them. Unfortunately, that's about the only upside to these. I switched from the Breathe Cage 2s to these, and I feel much faster in the Cages. Also, the Cages lasted me about twice as long as these in both the outsole and the upper part of the shoes, which is already tearing on the 2.3, and I've only had these for about 4-5 weeks. The traction has been gone since week 2, but I'm just starting to wear completely through the outsole now. Overall, not worth the money.
From: Chris, North Carolina 04/10

Comments: These shoes are great! They are comfortable and cozy. The only thing I can hit on them is that they wear out on the toes real quickly. I play 7 days a week, and after the first week, the toes already showed wear.
From: Jack, IL USA 03/10

Comments: Having previously owned the 1.3 ACB, I found that these ones are even better. The light-weight design is much more comfortable and less stressful on the foot. I highly recommend this pair.
From: F.Deza, Los Angeles, CA 03/10

Comments: I like these shoes a lot. But the insoles keep bunching up at my toes, even when I have the shoe as tight as it can go cutting off my circulation. I also had this trouble with the 1.3's. I still like these shoes but I need to get different insoles. Again.
From: Joe, OH 03/10

Comments: I highly recommend this shoe, a great update from the 1.3s which I also loved. Looks super sick, and I'm hyped.
From: Ace, 5.0 junior, Sactown, CA 03/10

Comments: Nike did an amazing job with these. I have worn the vapor VI, which were the most comfy shoes after the long break in period. I switched to these since the vapors were not durable at all. The 2.3's are simply amazing. I had them broken in after two hours of hitting. The durability is great especially since I run a lot on the court. They are comfy and are so stable. I will definitely get more.
From: George, Naperville, IL 03/10

Comments: WOW! What an amazing shoe! In short, these have to be the most comfortable, low-to-ground, best feeling shoe I have tried so far. Coming from the Vapor VI (originally worn by Federer) this 2.3 CourtBallistec seemed to be a major change for me, at first. It felt heavier and denser than the Fed shoe, but as I began to break into it, it was became more STABLE than dense. However, it still maintains an excellent sense of comfort while having a great sense of stability to it. I think this a great shoe for basically anybody who could use a soft and comfortable ride and everybody that wants to unleash that "RAAAAFA" inside of them.
From: Eli, Los Angeles, CA 03/10

Comments: I'm a convert from the Barricade. Used to love everything about the Barricade V. I still think that adidas makes a great high quality durable shoe. Upon seeing the 2.3's, I was drawn to them. Bought them last week in black and am an immediate fan of this amazing shoe. I generally wear through a top of the line tennis shoe in about two to three months. This shoe seems to be a bit more durable than the barricade. The fit is amazing and the Nike cushioning and fit is the best I have ever had. This shoe is not only good looking, but light weight, durable, has great traction, and requires very little break in vs the Barricade. I'm a true convert and I fully believe that Nike has hit it out of the park on this one. They tell you if you find a shoe that works, buy ten pair of 'em because they will change next year. Well, I'm going to buy the lot of these in different colors and also hope that Nike sticks to this winning design. Truly great work.
From: Guy, San Francisco 03/10

Comments: The Adidas Barricade V were my favorite tennis shoes until trying the Nike Ballistec 2.3s. I have a wide foot and it's hard to find the right pair of shoes for my feet without experiencing some discomfort. The Nikes fit like a glove right out of the box. The shoes size fits true, no worries about getting a half size smaller or bigger. They don't feel as heavy or clunky as the Barricades. If I were to complain about one aspect of the shoes, the fit around the ankles feels a bit low.
From: Nick, Mililani HI 03/10

Comments: These shoes are really comfortable and are holding up very well. Great traction. Great Job Nike!
From: Brian, Bellevue, Ohio, USA 03/10

Comments: Awesome. Right out of the box. Support of Barricades with cushioning of Max Air. Forefoot well cushioned with the Lunarlite, too. No real break-in period to speak of, aside from the normal breaking in of the cushioning where it molds to the shape of your foot. Fits true. Previously, my favorites have been Barricade V, Vapor IV, Propulse 2, even Breathe Cage II was pretty good. This one is as good or better than all. Most of the good attributes from all of them, and haven't found any negatives yet. Oh...and the black/gray pair looks sweet. Best looking shoe I've had. BTW...4.5 all court, singles and doubles, play 4-5 times/week. Hit hard, run hard, play hard.
From: Danny, Arkansas. 3/10

Comments: Just received these 2.3's after my New Balance 900's wore out in about 8 weeks. The 2.3's are constructed really well, fit really well right out of the box, and provide great stability on court. I will definitely make these my shoe of choice for as long as they make them. Totally satisfied with these shoes.
From: Michael, VT, USA 02/10

Comments: These are so much better than last year's 1.3s I don't know where to start...and the 1.3s weren't bad after a few matches. The 2.3s where very comfortable right out of the box (played 3 sets on hard court right out of the box) and look pretty good to boot. I really like the extra breath ability. I picked up the white and gray color combo and the only thing I would change is the fake suede zig zag stripe on the side...it looks good but I am sure that it won't for long. That being said, these are some of the best Nike tennis shoes I have ever played in.
From: Chad, Roanoke, VA USA 02/10

Comments: After destroying the Vapor VI Tours in a short 3 months, I needed a new durability guaranteed shoe but was worried about whether or not these shoes would be comfortable enough after seeing the old 1.3s. I was very surprised when I received these shoes. They are incredibly comfortable and really require zero break in. I was quite surprised at the new feel and make of the shoe. If you are looking for a new tennis shoe and burn through Vapors, I would definitely suggest these as your alternative.
From: Foxsky, Fremont, CA, USA 02/10

Comments: The item that I replaced the most in tennis are tennis balls. But ball's technology didn't change much for the last I don't know how many years, so I simply replaced them with the same model. Shoes comes 2nd when you play many times a week, running and braking and sliding around increases loads of wear. Improvements are a must in almost every way possible, durability, stability, traction, style, comfort, etc. Court Ballistic 2.3 did just that. But tennis is about performance, and since I only wear them on the court, that where it only matters. When you actually think about the mesh, it all makes sense as it allows you to breathe while retaining the shape of the shoe, which will reduce enlargements. Almost no break in required, makes it one of the most comfy shoe you can find. The lighter weight allows you to glide around the court with much ease. With its forefoot lunar technology, it gives a plush feel and quick response. AirMax was surprisingly low riding and that gives huge stability and support where you needed the most. Uppers are great, much more airy than the previous, which is important in places that burns. Overall, I would say, Well done. And if I were to find fault, its probably its looks, which is actually not bad at all. There are various shapes and sizes of feet, and if this fits you, then its destined.
From: anon. 02/10

Comments: The shoe is excellent. Easy on the feet. Not too heavy not too light. Excellent for players with advanced strokes because the shoe allows good traction to prepare for your shots. Lateral stability is excellent. All around great shoe. Best aspect of this shoe is its aeration ability. Great shoe that breathes real well.
From: Vinny, California 01/10

Comments: The shoe is great. the only downside is the tongue is connected to the shoe. Otherwise the shoe is awesome. It looks great and is worth it.
From: Gopher, Dallas, Texas, USA 01/10

Comments: Great pair of shoes. I moved from the New Balance CT 1004, and I have not looked back since. Great traction, and stability. takes only one hitting session to break them in. It is also a little wider than the 1.3s and fits my feet perfectly. I am so happy that Nike made them wider, as I have size E feet. Will continue using them for as long as they are in production.
From: William, Los Angeles, CA, USA 01/10

Comments: A major upgrade from the 1.3! Either they listened to our feedback or they figured it out themselves, but they got rid of some minor complaints of the 1.3's. They removed the "dots" that covered almost the entire shoe on the 1.3's and made it "cage"-like just like on the Breathe Cage's. This means the shoe is more lighter, more breathability and those "dots" won't come off, like they did on my 1.3's after a while. Also the Nike logo is on the inside, instead printed on the "dots", so the logo won't come off either! Best tennis shoe to date! It's a perfect mix between the Breathe Cage and the Courtballistec 1.3!
From: Ed, USA 01/10

Comments: Stop research and development right now! Make these forever. These are the best tennis shoes I've ever had. I'm strictly a Nike guy, so that's all I have for comparison, but lately I've had the Breathe Cage II, Vapor IV and V, Ballistic 1.3, and now the 2.3. I am very OCD when it comes to my shoes. I'll check them from every angle, check the fit over and over, look for wear and tear spots, ect. The 2.3's have them same tank-like attitude towards wear and tear, but with a lot of mesh now (covered by the DragOn-X) so they breathe and flex in all the right places. On the inside they have this little bullseye place of reinforcement that is right where the bone on the side where your big toe meets the foot. After playing on hard courts, my shoes have red (from the court) right where that reinforcement is; in other words, great thinking from Nike and perfect placement. They feel like slipping your feet into butter, which is what I say about Sperry's. These are, dare I say, comfortable shoes, and I would not say that about any of my other tennis specific shoes. I have the black version and think they are, quite simply, eye candy. I am a full time teaching pro and play at fairly high level; I have done both in these shoes and they are brilliant for both. Just don't try sliding on hard courts in these unless its covered in ice!
From: Andrew Moseley, Georgia, US 01/10

Comments: These shoes are great! Worth every penny. I went with the grey and whites. I've been through one practice of nothing but court drills, and one practice of nothing but agility and conditioning, and these shoes are already broken in, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, great job Nike! and you cant go wrong with a 6 month warranty.
From: Travis, Phoenix City, Alabama 01/10

Comments: A good improvement! Same stability and traction with a better upper. Still want a split tongue, but that can be for the CB 3.3s. Breathability is greatly enhanced thanks to the use of mesh.
From: Tony, Eugene, OR 01/10

Comments: A major improvement over last years model. Lighter, more comfortable. I felt like they were broke in after one session on the court. Will get a couple more pairs.
From: David, Carlsbad, CA 01/10

Comments: What a great job Nike; this is a complete update from the ballistecs 1.3; their more lightweight, but they yet are sturdy and durable as the previous versions. I will be getting two pairs of these.
From: Nick, Bakersfield, CA, USA 01/10

Comments: Love these shoes! Just got my pair yesterday, went out and played for about 3 hours, and in that time these had already broken in. Compare that to the laborious process of breaking in the 1.3s, which took me about a week of solid hitting. These are somewhat lighter than the 1.3s, too. Don't know about the ventilation, as it's still winter and my feet are barely able to avoid frostbite even if I keep them by the fireplace, but judging by how sturdy the soles appear I might actually still have them around as spring and summer kick off, so we'll see. Wish Nike had released better colors for kick off, but as with the 1.3s better colors are certainly coming (for reference, I got the black and gray and am kind of 'meh' on the aesthetics).
From: Oho, S.F., California 01/10