Comments: This is by far - the best tennis shoe on the market; I've tried Adidas Barricade (lacks cushion) and Feather IV (lacks cushion + lateral support). Nike CourtBallistec 1.3 has the best cushion + lateral support for heavy hitting grinder like myself; one thing I've learned is you need the right shoe to avoid injury and this is the best shoe for it!
From: Dave NTRP 5.0, San Jose, CA USA 11/09

Comments: I've worn KSwiss for the last year and bought these looking for a longer-lasting outsole. Contrary to TW's advice, these run true to size for my feet; medium arch and slightly wide foot. I've had fit issues with Nikes in the past (too narrow in the forefoot) but the CBs fit really well. The support is great; a low to the ground feel, lateral stability with much more stiffness than my KSwiss, which feel mushy by comparison. On court, the comfort of these shoes is most impressive. They feel light, have great traction and the stiffness makes the shoe and my foot feel like a single unit. I broke them in with a day of casual wear followed by a plyometric/aerobic gym session. Once the creases in the upper took shape, the comfort was great. On the initial wear I felt a bit of heel slippage even though the size was right, but once the uppers got broken in, the issue went away. Ordering a second pair in case they change the fit with next year's version.
From: amadou, NY, NY USA. 11/09

Comments: Definitely a break in period. These shoes are very stiff and uncomfortable right out of the box. If you have feet on the slightly wider side, you'll find the toe box a little cramp especially before break-in. 1/2 size smaller recommendation is dead on. The laces are on the short side. Don't know why they would skimp on the laces when they charge so much for the shoe. Traction and stability is very good. Ventilation not so good. Once you break in the shoe, the comfort isn't bad, but I would stop short of saying great. Look wise, it's very eye catching, and durability doesn't seem to be an issue so far. Overall, not bad, but I would not buy this shoe again.
From: Ryan, Santa Rosa, CA, USA, 10/09

Comments: I have had a pair of these shoes since they came out months ago, and I was very impressed with the comfort, mobility, and of course the outstanding cosmetic appeal. The shoe stayed very nice for some time and the durability is close to the top of the list with the barricades. Here is why I will go back to the vapor line: obviously the shoe won't grip as good when the traction wears down, but I thought they became almost slippery on lateral movements on fast hard courts. Also, if you have a higher arch as I do, I would not recommend this shoe as I have developed a pain in the ball of my foot that I didn't have before owning this shoe, and custom insoles didn't help. The shoe just seems to force your weight too far onto the ball of foot, and I don't really need a shoe to do that for me. One of the best shoes out there, the most durable I think Nike has ever made, just not for me!
From: Rizza, Longview, Wa U.S.A. 10/09

Comments: Really good shoes I am falling in love with them. xoxoxox.
From: Jordan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 10/09

Comments: This is a really great shoe. My other shoe, is the Nike Vapor Zoom Tour and it wore through in like 4 weeks. QUICK!! But i switched to these and they feel great!! Especially when you get into those positions when you need to slide, you will slide like Rafa does on the clay. It even made me feel a little more confident in my game play.
From: Uvalde, Texas 10/09

Comments: Definitely order your regular shoe size if you have wide feet. Personally it's taken me almost two weeks to break in the shoes and it's really killing the outsides of my feet. Other than that, it's a great shoe.
From: Robert, Houston, Texas, USA 10/09

Comments: Great shoes but not really a shoe you can hope to buy right when you need a bigger size shoe. The size isn't really with it. It is larger but not by halve rather like 1/4 large than your number tells you. Hey you can feel nice try it on and off the court but one thing is excellent traction and fits your feet movement.
From: Alvin, Chicago, IL 10/09

Comments: I did not find them to be (a full) half a size large as well. Great shoes however.
From: AG, SoCal, USA 10/09

Comments: I did not find them to be a 1/2 size to large. Be careful when ordering.
From: Ryan, St. Paul, MN. 10/09

Comments: Being number two in the country for junior tennis isn't that easy but these shoes help so much. I'm much more faster on my feet now and it's easier to get to the ball.
From: Korina, Florida, U.S 10/09

Comments: These shoes are pretty good. They are good with the support and are pretty good with the durability. I play every day for at least 2 hours and usually go through shoes fast but these took 2 months to wear out. Overall another solid shoe from Nike.
From: Sam, Asheville. 10/09

Comments: A really great shoe. It fits perfectly and its true, buy 1/2 a size smaller!
From: David, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 10/09

Comments: My previous shoes have been adidas barricades and prince t22s. These shoes are holding up very well after 2 weeks, they are extremely confortable, stable, and have good traction. My feet get really hot in these shoes though...
From: anon. 09/09

Comments: This shoe is the best!!! and its true, buy a half size smaller.
From: Magnus, Sweden. 9/09

Comments: I just ordered another pair, this time the navy and pink ones and I am not even caring about the pink, I actually think it looks great in person! The shoe is amazing, it offers great durability and as far as the breathability, they are pretty actually. I don't have any problems there but I think that if people are looking at that in a shoe too often, they will point it out big time. The feel of the shoe is pretty nice out of the box and I think a few practice sessions will break these in to where people want them to be; to give the feeling you've worn them for a month or so. I would compare these shoes to the Barricades but I like the feel of these, they wrap around your foot very nicely and it provides for good traction and movement on the court.
From: Anthony, Austin, TX 09/09

Comments: Straight of the box these shoes look awesome!! However, having a collapsed arch and an extra wide foot, these fall short for me. I've had them about 2 weeks and I'm slowly breaking them in (so far they're awesome) just a little uncomfortable.
From: Matt, Chattanooga, TN 09/09

Comments: Aesthetically these shoes are amazing, best looking ones Nike has made in a while. That being said I spent a whole summer playing daily in these shoes, and I am still wearing this pair with no problems. They feel lower to the ground and I feel quicker in them. My only problem was that with no ventilation these things start to stink up real fast. I will go with another pair since winter tennis is coming up, but for the hot sticky days of summer I feel like the Cage 2's breathability would be more ideal.
From: Ty, Columbus, Ohio, USA. 9/09

Comments: I love this shoe. It is really comfortable and very sturdy. I used the shoe for around a month now and it barely shows any wear on the soles. I play every day for around three hours. The only bad thing about these shoes is that the pegs are coming off. On the inside of the shoes as well as where the shoe bends from serving and staying on your toes are almost completely bare. Other than that its a great shoe!
From: Anon. 09/09

Comments: These shoes are unbelievable. I personally pick shoes based on how they look. these shoes look sick AND are really comfortable which is hard to find (trust me I've looked). I strongly recommend them.
From: Justin, Southern California, USA. 09/09

Comments: Great shoe, took some time to break in compared to my Propulse 2's. Took approx one week of clay court practice at Casal Sanchez to break them in. Other than that buy half a size bigger. Wish they were a tad lighter for grinders. One big minus - they get very hot compared to the PP2's.
From: Dorian, Tampa, FL USA 08/09

Comments: These shoes are wicked...the most comfortable shoes out there right now..
From: Matthew, Montreal Quebec, Canada. 08/09

Comments: Hands down the most comfortable shoe right out of the box. Arch support supports the arch. A buying it a half size smaller is what you should do. In side the shoe it feels like there is incredible padding, no rough spots. To put it lightly I will definitely be buying another pair of these CB 1.3s before the change the style again. This shoe is my fit. They are awesome!
From: Nick, Bend, Oregon, USA 08/09

Comments: I've never worn a shoe that felt so good right out of the box. I feel like im walking on pillows. The CB 1.3's are a little heavy, but overall its a great shoe.
From: Kenneth, Houston, TX 08/09

Comments: Awesome shoe. Grip really well, snug fit, and amazing low-to-the-ground feel. Ventilation isn't even that bad. They do take a few hours of playing to break in but after that you're set. A lot more comfortable than the adidas Barricades.
From: Damian, Vancouver, Canada. 8/09

Comments: These shoes are a little stiff at first but that does not last very long. Then the shoe is great!
From: Bo Mcdonale, TX 08/09

Comments: I found these shoes to be far to narrow in the toe area, and I've never considered myself to have a wide foot. Sizing down a 1/2 size was perfect for the length but may too tight in the toe. Returned right away. Super awesome looking shoe, and seems like a comfortable shoe minus the toe.
From: Aaron, San Diego, CA 07/09

Comments: Very comfortable shoes, you can feel the air max under your foot. I have fairly wide feet, and these shoes are on the narrow side, but after a thorough break-in (a couple of sets) they feel great! In terms of breathability, my feet were not soaked in sweat, but they weren't 100% dry either ... honestly, i didn't find it to be much of a problem. One thing to note is that after a week of playing, the dimples started to come off ... about 10 of them on one shoe (when the shoe would flex on a serve) and its noticeable on the white/yellow pair, so im getting the black/pink instead ! After a week, no signs of wear at all, but i can't say yet how durable they are in comparison to barricades, propulse, etc... Overall, i'd recommend them !
From: Stan, Toronto, Canada 07/09

Comments: Compared to my old adidas feathers, these shoes do feel heavier, but it is much more stable, and has a better fit for my narrow feet. Very high quality shoe, very comfortable, and after 15 hours of play, there is barely any wear on the outsole. The grip is good but not excellent. I didn't have any problems with the breathability. They don't have a low to the ground feel like some other shoes, but it still performs well. Get the white and yellow ones, they are the best looking by far.
From: Lobo, Berlin, Connecticut 07/09

Comments: So I bought this pair of shoes over the breathe free cages II, one of the biggest mistakes. I should have stuck with the Breathe Free II. The ballistic 1.3 are very stiff, causes a lot of blisters and I'm out on the court playing 4-5 hours a day. they ARE NOT BREATHABLE. the side part of the shoe is starting to lift. if you play in the sun a lot, I dont recommend these shoes. They heat up so quick causing blister after blister.
From: anon. 07/09

Comments: This shoe is totally worth the money. It is extremely durable and it has a great glove-like fit. The only problem is that if you have a wide foot like me, your pinky toes get rubbed, and then you get giant blisters on the side of your pinky. But if you do not have wide feet buy these shoes because they are very high quality.
From: Blake, MI, USA, 07/09

Comments: The shoes are too narrow across the toe area, and I had to return the shoe. If you have a wide foot, these shoes will not suit. I did buy them a half a size too small, and this was a mistake also.
From: Jon, Hobart TAS Australia. 7/09

Comments: I have the lime green, black and turquoise model and I love them. They play great on all surfaces and they broke in really quickly. You can't go wrong with this shoe.
From: Sam, NH, USA 07/09

Comments: I was on vacation a little while ago and my ordinary casual shoes completely died on me. I went to the local shoe store to buy some casual shoes when I stumbled upon these bad boys. I have always in the past played tennis with a cheaper pair of Adidas', but there was something special about these shoes. They were extraordinary stylish for a tennis shoes and could be served for an every day shoe (although they ware out a lot faster). But back to the shoes. I played 2 times with these shoes for about a hour to two hour period. When I played for the third time these shoes were already broken in. They fit to my feet like a perfectly molded pad. They feel like little pillows on my feet. These are by far the best shoe I have ever worn. Good for people who have both wide and skinny feet. The only problem that I may have in the future is how fast the ware down. Nike isn't known to be the best brand for long lasting shoes. But the 6 month durability guarantee is all so nice.
From: Steve, New York, New York, United States 07/09

Comments: I LOVE THESE SHOES! I used to wear vapors all the time, but when I switched to these shoes I noticed such a great increase in comfort and the shoes fit a wider range of people's feet because the Vapor 6 is unfortunately a lot narrower than expected. Great lateral stability and everything, even when I drag the outer soles don't wear too fast and breathability seems to be the only down part, though, it still doesn't seem too bad to me. Great shoe overall.
From: Kim, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 06/09

Comments: I tried these sneakers on at a local sports store with recommended half size smaller, but it was too small. Went back to my normal Nike size and fits perfectly. Seemed pretty comfy. Will wait until my last year's vapors are worn away before getting these pairs.
From: Ross, NYC 07/09

Comments: I only played one 2 h session on a hard court on a warm day with these shoes and the stand-out comments are: minimal break-in period, fits like a slipper, good traction and stability, ventilation was adequate - my feet did not bake as initially feared. Here are the negatives: a pimple came off. You may think one pimple is nothing but if one pimple comes off within 2 hours of wear, how many more pimples will come off after 20 hours of wear? My feet felt like they were encased in lead bricks but at the same time, they didn't affect my maneuverability - a strange one... Anyway, as usual, Nike always delivers on performance but as usual with Nike shoes, how long will they last?
From: JJ, UK 07/09

Comments: These shoes are so comfortable. They seem heavy but are not. They are certainly a must get for any athletic tennis player.
From: Freddy, NH, USA 06/09

Comments: This shoe is very comfortable and easy to move in, but I have had the DragOn X ones for about 2 months, and every time I play with them after I'm done, my right pinky toe hurts like no one's business.
From: Alex, Texas. 6/09

Comments: Yeah, I agree with Pedro from San Antonio. If these shoes don't give you the amount of ventilation you desire, then I'd recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops. I've had these shoes for about two months and love them. My only complaint is that the tread on the bottom of the shoe has been completely worn smooth for almost a month and the shoe won't get a freaking hole in the bottom! There is no tread left so the shoe doesn't have very good grip, yet it won't get get a hole in the bottom, so i can use my 6-month warranty!
From: Taylor, Fort Worth, Texas, USA. 05/09

Comments: I bought the green and blue ones awhile ago, and the only problem I have ever had with them is the breathability. The shoes were literally soaked after a tough hour. I don't even sweat a whole lot. I had never had Nike tennis shoes before, and I was worried that they wouldn't last very long. The shoes lasted me from February and all the way through a full high school season. These are a great buy, but buy two pairs if you are playing a couple matches because these shoes get weighted down from sweat.
From: Erik, Sussex, WI, USA. 05/09

Comments: I've had these bad boys for about a week. As recommended, I bought them one half size smaller than usual. As a result, they fit great and are no where near as heavy as all of the reviews that I read. I can't tell the difference in weight between these and the cage II's. As far as them being too hot, no problems there for me. I wore them to play, no prob, to work all day, no prob. Seems to me that some Adidas lovers are just bagging on these shoes.
From: Jake, Orange, CA, USA. 05/09

Comments: These shoes are definitely not too heavy. I'm am a skinny 120lb teenager and these shoes feel awesome. I previously wore the Cage II's and the transition was easy. I tried the Vapor VI's in the store and they were as stiff as a board. There is no need to worry about turning an ankle in these because the support is amazing. Definitely get these if you're wearing through your shoes fast. After a few practices, the outsole still looks brand new. They are great quality and will not let you down. Get these over the bulky and slow Barricades. Hope this helps.
From: Anon., Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. 05/09
State Ranking, High School Team

Comments: I usually avoid hard courts because of knee pain. After 3 hours on the hardcourt I had no pain the next day. Amazing. It also helped to wear 2 pairs of socks because of the sizing, but the new Dri Fit socks are thin anyway. I decided to buy the clay court version of this shoe as well. For people interested in better ventilation, I recommend sandals.
From: Pedro, San Antonio, TX, USA. 05/09

Comments: So comfortable! Not the lightest or swiftest feeling shoe, but if you play a lot on hardcourts these kicks will save your life, very nice shoe.
From: Chris, Norcal, USA. 05/09

Comments: I only wear Nike and find these shoes to be stable and comfortable. The weight and breathability issues mentioned in earlier posts are minimal at best. All in all these shoes are very good and I would highly recommend them.
From: Darryl, San Diego, CA, USA. 05/09

Comments: These shoes are amazing, the best tennis shoe I have ever tried. It's incredibly snug and fit, and really low to ground feel. Weight's not a problem unless you are age 10 or below. Ventilation is only downside, but everybody is making a huge deal out of it, it's not that bad.
From: Anon. 4/09

Comments: In response to the comment made earlier by an anonymous contributor, I have a sponsor from Nike and the next colorway to come out is yellow, white, and black and looks SICK! The breathability isn't bad at all, hot feet and tennis just seem to go together in my opinion, I have nothing negative to say about this shoe besides maybe durability, and the 6 month guarantee takes care of that!
From: Anon. USA. 04/09

Comments: Love these shoes! They were very comfortable from the first wear. They fit like a glove, even before lacing them up. I prefer to tie the laces tightly, I feel that it enhances the overall fit, feel and stability of the shoes. I got the French Open version and they're stylish as hell. I have to say that at first, I didn't like the Ballistec's overall design, but now that I've worn them for myself and gotten used to them, I really love them, everyone should switch to these shoes. :-D Especially the awesome French Open design.
From: Anon. 04/09

Comments: The shoes are SO SO GREAT. I love it. I slide like a monster, and my recovery is so fast and stable. It helps in so many ways. Does run 1/2 size larger. I like these shoes more than my Adidas barricades V.
From: Anon. Southern cali. USA. 04/09

Comments: These shoes are very stable and comfortable. They are durable and flexible, too. They also look amazing. The only complaint is that they are way too heavy. I am considering switching back to the Cage IIs because my feet moved a lot quicker with them. With these shoes I feel sluggish. If you don't mind a heavy shoe, these are perfect, but for me I just need something lighter.
From: Zac, Boca Raton, Florida, United States. 4/09

Comments: These are very good shoes the only problem is they do not breathe well.
From: Anon. 04/09

Comments: I disagree with all of the negative feedback for these shoes. If you've worn the Breathe Cage II, then just buy whatever size you wore in them. The shoes are very supportive and for me required no break in. When I first went to play in them, I was afraid the extra weight would slow me down. I was quickly proven wrong as I seemed to run better in these shoes. These have all the comfort of the Cages with more support and durability. As far as the temperature goes, I haven't really played in hot enough weather yet, oh well Great Job Nike.
From: Kris, Linton, Indiana, U.S.A. 4/09

Comments: These shoes are great! They have awesome grip and the air max makes it very comfortable! Of course, they are also great looking, if you like to make a statement! About the breathability, they are not the best nor the worst. I think the first time I played with them after I read a lot of bad reviews on these shoes about breathability I kinda kept my focus on this factor, and my feet felt a little hot. But I think is just because I was focusing on the breathability factor. I'm sure if I had not read the reviews, I would not have any complaints about the shoes. And just like Michael said, it does help you to be more confident playing when people notice and compliment you.
From: Rod, Florida, FL. 04/09

Comments: These shoes look good, feel good, give you stability and a sole that lets you cut back and forth like a jungle cat. After everyone on the court stops noticing your sweet new kicks and complimenting you on them (like they did with me today) you then proceed to play better because it helps the confidence. I have been wearing prince about the last 7 pairs and all I have to say is "Peace Out" Prince, nice knowing you, Nike is back on top now with this ballistic.
From: Michael Cornelius North Carolina, USA. 04/09

Comments: I have had so many pairs of Nike tennis shoes that last couple years from the breathe IIs to the all the vapor series to to the cages to the cage IIs and the 1.3s are definitely the best by far. These shoes are so comfortable. For those of you that say there's no breathability because the upper is all plastic, y'all are way wrong. If you look closely, there is mesh in between all the tiny rubber dots, which gives breathability. Great shoes! Can't wait for a cool color scheme. I'm a high school player and people will make fun of me if I wear pink shoes...
From: Anon, 04/09

Comments: It really depends on the foot, I swear by Prince for comfort and durability. I have been wanting to try something new so I got the Nike. It is like putting on a wetsuit on your foot, which for me was a new feel and felt snug and great. I like the air cushion on the heel and it makes my foot feel sleek and fast. I won my 1st USTA match this season with them on 6-2, 6-2 so I am not complaining, good equipment comfort and clothes make me play better. So the shoe is not the best out of the box for initial comfort, but it is like a baseball glove or ice skates, it takes a while to break but for these shoes that means about 4 sets, big whoop. I like them but I wish Nike would come out with a great shoe and not charge so much just because it is new, I will wear the Nike, wear it out ... and go back to Prince because I think plain and simple it is not cool to take advantage of us like they do business or not they should show some loyalty and not be so greedy all the time. Thanks Nike, Prince rules!
From: Anon. 04/09

Comments: These shoes have NO breathability. Too bad. Otherwise a good shoe design. Nike pioneered breathable tennis shoes and now every manufacturer has them. But Nike really screwed up here. the uppers are solid plastic. No wonder Nadal refuses to wear them.
From: Victor, Oregon. 04/09

Comments: In the first place, these shoes look great! I like their style more than any other tennis shoe I've ever seen or had. My favorite thing about them is their simplicity, namely, that they are one piece. In other words, think of a sock which you pull on. In the second place, in my experience, they required no break-in period whatsoever; on the contrary, I slipped them on and forgot I was wearing a new pair. Before these I wore the Vapor V -- I liked them very much -- and my first time playing with the Ballistecs, as I said above, I did not realize I was wearing a new pair of shoes. I guess the best way for me to put it is that the transition from one to the other was seamless. That said, I agree with others here that they are heavier and hotter than other models and brands. But I have no problem with hot shoes, and regarding weight, although at first sight I was indeed skeptical, I realized that while playing it's not an issue for me. As for stability and comfort, excellent!
From: Mat, DC. 3/09

Comments: A Nike shoes-fan since ... way back! I've been wearing the Breathe Cage since 2007. I liked the changes in 2008 concerning stability. And now I have the Air Court Ballistec 1.3 ! Great shoes! Hotter? Maybe, but who cares? I like the comfort and the durability. As I didn't like the shoe with the Rafa colors, I bought the white and silver. At my age it's less flashy !
From: Pete, Granvile, Basse Normandie, France. 3/09

Comments: I had my doubts with these shoes for the first two months, but then I tried my Cage IIs on and felt a lack of comfort. The only downside to the Ballistecs is the weight, which is barely noticeable until late in the third set. Breathability is not great but is never noticed. This shoe is overall good 4/5. Cage II is 3.86/5. Do buy this shoe.
From: Dunblaine, Charleston, Usa. 3/09

Comments: Still not Rafa's shoe! At the Paribas Open, he's wearing a white Cage II. Can't blame him, the shoes are horrible. Stiff and do not breathe well.
From: Chuck, Chicago, IL USA. 3/09

Comments: Don't buy if you're a toe dragger!!!!
From: Anon. 3/09

Comments: A coach had an extra pair of these from a camp and let me wear them. Here are my thoughts: To breathe or not to breathe, that is the question. Nike's answer: not to breathe. Rafa might actually wear these one day, but only after somebody pokes hundreds of pinholes in them. This shoe has ZERO ventilation. A better name would be the AirMin, or the Death Cage--perhaps the Air Suffocate...
From: Jerome, New Hope, PA, USA. 3/09

Comments: I just got these shoes and they are fantastic! They are extremely comfortable and provide very good stability. I normally am a 10.5 for most shoes and I was afraid that they would be too big or small but they were the perfect size. Not the best ventilation, but it more than makes up for it with fit and performance. The black/turquoise/yellow looks so awesome! I would rate this a 92/100.
From: Matt, CT, USA. 3/09

Comments: OK so I've read what most of these guys have written about this particular shoe. My turn! They aren't the Cages because they aren't supposed to be. I did the smart thing. I took my shoes (price t10's that are from 2005...SWEET) to the pro shop and started looking at the support systems and wear points. Next I looked at my arch and foot type. I have low arches and a relatively flat foot. These are working great for me. I rely more on my power than my speed so weight is not an issue. And why should it be??? It's only like 8 or fewer ounces. If that is heavy to you maybe you should check out the gym instead of this page. So far, so good. Still breaking mine in, I think they will be fine. More colors to choose from would be nice also. Black and white or black and grey. Anything c'mon.
From: Schuyler, Shreveport, LA USA. 3/09

Comments: First off I have to say the Nike Air CourtBallistecs are setting a new trend and look the part of a high tech tennis shoe. However they truly affect my game in major ways. They slow me down and also make me look like I'm wearing clown shoes. Also they do blister the tops of my toes and heels. In conclusion I strongly agree that you should not get a pair of these clogs.
From: Anonymous, New York, New York, USA. 3/09

Comments: First off I must say that these shoes look WAY better in person than in pics, I'm glad I gave them a chance and didn't judge them by the online photo. As far as performance I would give them a B+, maybe an A-. I come from wearing the Breathe Free II, and now I understand why "Breathe" was in the name. These shoes are not ventilated nearly as well as the BFII, but that doesn't really bother me too much like it does some people. As far as comfort I find these a little better than the BFII. They seem to be a bit wider, which is good for my foot and provide a fairly nice low to the ground, yet VERY cushioned feel. I also see people talk about how heavy they are, I don't find the weight to be a problem at all. Once my mind is focused on my tennis the weight of my shoes is the last thing that I will think about. My only real complaint about the shoe is that I wish it had more height in the toe area, I feel a bit constricted but it hasn't caused me any blisters or anything like that. Overall this is a very good offering from Nike.
From: Peyton, Jackson, MS, USA. 3/09

Comments: Wow. I have purchased another pair and they are phenomenal. They create so much structure on the court and you will be able to make better control of the courts because the friction and comfort of these shoes are 10 out of 10.
From: Tulley, Rockport, Texas, USA. 3/09

Comments: These are probably my favorite shoes Nike has ever put out. The comfort is outstanding. They didn't fit a half size larger than a normal shoe would fit me. They have great support and traction and are also surprisingly flexible. I haven't seen Rafa wear them in the Aussie open or any other tournaments, but who cares. This is a great shoe.
From: Mitch, Virginia. 3/09

Comments: These shoes have a very comfortable fit and they are very easy to handle. I highly recommend this shoe.
From: Anon, New York, NY, USA. 3/09

Comments: This shoe is very comfortable. When I bought them, I thought they would need to break in but amazingly they don't. Also I am very happy about the durability. I play on hard court every day with heavy baselining, and they are barely worn out. The only down side is that they are slightly heavier than other shoes but you get used to it, and if you have some muscle it should be no problem.
From: Andy, USA, Florida, Tampa. 3/09

Comments: The first pair of tennis shoes I had bought were Adidas Barricade Vs and I have been using those for 2 year, and though that was the only shoe I would ever need. I stand corrected, the Ballistics 1.3 make my feet feel like I'm on cloud 9. People constantly complain about the weight, they're only .6 oz heavier than the V's. Plus if your legs can't really handle 18 oz shoes sounds like you have a date with the gym. But really so comfortable, low ride to the ground, and the traction is incredible.
From: Anon, New Jersey, USA. 3/09

Comments: Not buying these shoes because, one they are like bricks attached to your feet, and for Rafa lovers, why bother? He doesn't even wear them.
From: Kevin, East Hartford, CT, US. 2/09

Comments: Ok first of all, if you're going to consider buying these shoes, disregard every negative comment on this feedback list. I went into the store and tried these on along with the Vapor V and Vapor VI. The Vapor VI is stiff and not very comfortable. The Vapor V was much more comfortable, but the Ballistec 1.3 felt like a slipper when I put them on. About the 1/2 size larger, only get it if your feet are wide or narrow. When I tried my true size on it felt like a tight slipper. When I went a size up it was like a roomy house shoe or like I just put a pillow on my foot. With regards to the weight, it's not much of a difference than the Barricade V. I have Barricade Vs, Breathe Cage IIs, and now the Ballistec 1.3. The Ballistec is more comfortable than both of these shoes. Once you play you can't even feel the weight, you just feel the comfort. You'd be crazy not to get these, so go buy em now! Plus Rafa is gonna wear them in upcoming tournaments.
From: Jarrett, Moorestown, New Jersey. 2/09

Comments: Ok. I played doubles on hard courts and when the shoes were fresh out of the Box. I do not recommend this because it can be very painful (especially if you have flat wide feet like me). The pain went away and I felt the shoe break in after about the first 5 games. After that I felt very mobile and alert. My footwork was on key especially for my overheads and quick react volleys. Never once did the weight of the shoe feel like a factor. The low ride and full sole contact to the court was a plus. I would rate these shoes better than my Breathe Cage IIs. A few days later, I played 2 hours of singles on Har-Tru Clay. These shoes were so comfortable on clay. All the running I did, I never felt my shoes weighed me down or like I was tripping over myself. My split-steps and stop-and-go's felt fine without worrying about rolling my ankle. (Off the subject, but my opponent minorly sprained his ankle playing in Barricade Vs). Sliding felt fine with not too much grip on the court. I do slide better in my Breathe Free IIs though. I guess because these shoes are still new. Not at all did I feel pain in my shoes; just a little remorse that I got my white w/silver and obsidian CB1.3s nice and dirty.
From: Shaun, Virginia Beach, VA, USA, 02/09

Comments: I really like these shoes. They were very comfortable out of the box. I played with them in my high school match straight out of the box. It is a very stable shoe and not to mention the color(white/silver/navy) look awesome.
From: Chris, Hilton Head Island, SC. USA. 2/09

Comments: Wow I am in blister heaven. If you want to rub the top of your toes raw and get blisters the size of Kansas, please purchase these. Not to mention the horrible pain in the ball of my foot. Please if you have any sense you will stick with the Cage II or or Breathe one. I can't wait to wear these out so I can go back to the Breathe or Cage II.
From: Sam, USA. 2/09

Comments: Very supportive and offer tremendous stability during the game. Now you don't need to worry the loosen laces etc. The shoes are by far the best Nike tennis shoes I have had. The sole also offers great stoppage ability.
From: Sunny, Hong Kong. 2/09

Comments: I just got these last week and I love them. They were extremely comfortable right out of the box and felt much lighter than my other shoes of similar weight. The stability of these shoes is incredible and although the description says they run 1/2 size large, the fit was perfect. I've only played indoor, but my feet didn't get hot at all. Great shoes, don't let the bad feedback persuade you, I have recently purchased the Adidas a3 accelerator and the Reebok MatchDay Pumps and previously played in the Adidas Barricade II, and I find these shoes to be far superior.
From: Michael, Louisville, KY. USA. 2/09

Comments: These shoes weigh a ton, are stiff as a board, and vent like a sauna. The only plus is they will last you two life times, however the lack of tread on the bottom isn't stellar to begin with.
From: Calvin, St. Louis, MO. USA. 2/09

Comments: Got a pair today, they fit my feet well. Fit better than the Vapors, I'm guessing because I have wider feet. Will re-post after I get a chance to play in them.
From: Mike, NJ. USA. 2/09

Comments: These don't run 1/2 size large as is stated in the TW description!! I wear an 11.5 in the Cage II and ordered an 11 in these, and they are too small. I think they fit the same as Cage II sizing.
From: Carl, Atlanta, GA, USA. 2/09

Comments: How can anyone claim this shoe is comfortable?? Takes forever to break in, feet feel so hot...there's zero ventilation!! No wonder Rafa Nadal is not wearing them at the Australian Open, Nike really stuffed up this time!!
From: Jack, Singapore. 2/09

Comments: I am a 4.5 player. I'm a baseliner like Rafa, this shoe is the best shoe ever in terms of cushioning, support and durability. The new Lunarlite foam embedded inside is the best ever cushioning in a tennis shoe right now. Plus the new drag-on X that supports the upper part of the shoe makes it really durable when you slide and drag your shoes. The XDR rubber (extra durable rubber) also makes this shoe the most durable ever. Court Ballistec 1.3 of Rafa is the best shoe for tennis right now.
From: Charles, Singapore. 2/09

Comments: Superb shoe with excellent traction and stability. Really feels supportive to my knees and ankles and the slight extra weight does not slow me down but adds to the stability. Is it weird that so many people outside the US don't like the shoe?
From: Dwight, Scranton, PA. USA. 2/09

Comments: Bought a pair... They are horrible and... Not RAFA's shoes! This is my 3rd time submitting. Scared of the truth are we???? Did any of you watch the Aussie Open? He was wearing an ALL black Cage II with optic yellow accents.
Rafael Nadal is scheduled to be wearing the 1.3 in upcoming tournaments. -TW Staff-
From: Jeff, Chicago, USA. 2/09

Comments: Very comfortable right out of the box. Stable and supportive. I second the comment from Tom in Canton that Breathe Cage IIs come up to high on my ankle and rub uncomfortably with some stiff material at that spot. The CourtBallistecs are like my Breathe Free II in that they don't chafe the ankle--lower cut and a softer collar. I like the extra room in the toe with the CB 1.3. I thought Cage IIs ran a half size smaller than BF IIs, so I'd say the CB 1.3s actually fit true to size as do Breathe II (I take a 10 in Breathe II and CB 1.3 but need 10.5 in the Cages). I don't notice the extra weight of the CB 1.3 at all; I move just as well in these as BF IIs. Cushioning is outstanding--best yet from Nike. Too early to judge durability, but CB 1.3s appear to have a little more rubber in the sole which bodes well. Stability and traction are excellent. Not sure on the breathability yet. They seem okay but the weather has been cool where I'm at.
From: Chris, SC, USA. 2/09

Comments: I just bought this shoe. Worst shoes ever. You seriously can't breathe in them plus they killed my feet.
From: Daniel, Ottawa. 2/09

Comments: Awesome shoe. I am a junior who plays about 20 hours a week. I want to become professional. Great shoe. Lasted me around 4 weeks before the hole formed. But thank Nike for the 6 month durability guarantee. These shoes run a half size larger, so it gives you more room, if you like it. Great shoe. Worth the money.
From: Chris, Tampa, FL. USA. 1/09

Comments: I'm a 4.0 player who plays a fairly defensive game and relies on his "wheels" to make up for the deficiencies in my strokes. For the past several years, I've been using the Prince Scream series as my tennis shoe of choice. I need something with excellent durability because I tend to do quite a bit of running during my matches, and the Scream series was perfect in that I could burn a hole in the toe area in about 5 months and get a new pair of shoes because of the 6 month durability guarantee. It was also a fairly light, simple fit with excellent ankle support. But recently I decided that I would prefer to have a little more cushion, especially in the forefoot area, which led to me buying the CourtBallistec 1.3. So far, I have a mixed opinion of these shoes. Pros: excellent cushioning without being too high off the ground sacrificing court feel, excellent durability, and good stability. Cons: very stiff toe box due to the rubber on top of the shoe so far (I've played 20 sets in them) and I hate the tongue system. For those unfamiliar with the tongue system, with normal shoes, you have two slits down either side of the lining of the shoe approximately where the shoe lace holes are, thus creating a "tongue." These shoes don't have a tongue but rather the lining wraps around the entire top of your foot without any slits. The result of this is that you can use your shoe laces to make the shoe tighter and to provide security, but there is no way to loosen the shoe beyond the natural shape of the lining. And the lining is pretty tight. It is not a problem for me early in the match. My problem is that my feet swell a little bit in the middle of my matches, and when my feet do that, these shoes are fairly uncomfortable and no way to fix the problem. I'm hoping that the lining will loosen up after some more play.
From: Anon. 1/09

Comments: These were by far the worst shoes that I have ever bought. In my first practice I had to take them off because they hurt so much. Looks can be deceiving. Buy any other shoe just don't make the same mistake that I did.
From: Patrick, Halifax, NS, Canada. 1/09

Comments: The design is just hideous! Rafa looks like a Spanish rapper with these color combo design. It's also made for narrow feet and thus is uncomfortable for my semi-wide feet. I'm buying the Breathe Cage IIs as they're the best for my feet and ON SALE now. The Breathes are also less of an eye-sore compared to this flashy style. mi dos centavos!
From: John, San Diego, CA. USA. 1/09

Comments: Amazing comfort right out of the box. You are definitely ready to lock and load with these shoes. Once laced in, the fit is very secure...very little movement. I'm sure a couple of break in days will make this shoe extraordinary. Confirmed: They definitely run a 1/2 size larger. I usually wear a 7.5. Too bad TW didn't have any 7's in stock or I would've got those. Also, the weight is not an issue for me. Very small difference. If your legs aren't strong enough to support comfortable/solid shoes then you shouldn't be playing tennis.
From: Jeff, Orange Park, FL., USA. 1/09

Comments: I currently own a pair of Air Max Breathe Cage 2s and I love them. What would you recommend?? The Nike court ballistec 1.3s or the Adidas cc genius?? Thanks.
From: Alex, Dover, MA, USA. 1/09

Comments: Wow. That was my first impression. This shoe was mailed to me and throughout its journey (including ground and air) the weather was less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So when I took them out of the box, they were pretty much frozen and extremely stiff. Fast Forward to the next day. These shoes are pretty different from the Breathe Cage 2's. I liked those but I like this even better. The only thing is that the fit is more than half a size larger and on the right shoe, the toe box pinches my pinkie a tiny bit. But that is not a big problem at all and should go away. These shoes get very, very, hot during play. I did not find a single place on the shoe with adequate ventilation, only that Drag-on X stuff. Its like Legos, and does not bend too well. All in all, these shoes are AMAZING STUFF!! I did not notice the weight at all. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE SHOES!!
From: Alut, Fort Worth, TX, USA. 2/09

Comments: Great shoe. I have been wearing Breathe Free II's and Breathe Cage II's for the past few years. I thought nothing could be better than those, but the Ballistics are. This could be Nike's best tennis shoe yet. They do run 1/2 size large. They are super comfortable and the stability is awesome. I cannot comment on the durability yet but they do come with a 6 month warranty on the outsole. Oh, and they look great too. I will definitely buy another pair. Good work Nike!
From: KM, Orlando, FL, USA. 2/09

Comments: I've just acquired a pair of these in the black, as that appears to be the only colour available in the UK at the moment. When I first saw pictures of the shoe, I wanted to try them as I liked the look of how the shoe was built. I've had Air Breathes right through the originals, to the 2's, then the first Cages, with the odd dabble with various Vapors. First impressions of the shoe was it was comfortable with the uppers feeling more supportive, certainly over the Breathes of which I've still got a pair or two on the go. First test came doing a 'hitting lesson' where they felt pretty good, and were nice to play in and I felt I moved well in them. As for durability, well, we'll have to see?! I'm not big built and heavy, so I'm not too hard on shoes, and tend to rotate them a bit, depending on whether I'm coaching or practicing/playing, so expect to get reasonable wear out of them! As for looks, well, I think it's a good looking shoe; as for the colour scheme, well that's definitely a bit lairy, but then we have got an element at our club who are old traditionalists who want everything white, so I like these as it will chins wagging and wind them up a bit, lol ; )
From: John, UK. 1/09

Comments: My 2nd comment I have played several sets with the ballistec right out of the box and again the best overall shoe that I have ever worn. Bought my son a pair and loves them as well. We played a couple of sets today and I wore some not yet broken in Breathe Cage 2 and my feet and legs are barking in pain.
From: Anon. 1/09

Comments: An odd shoe. I don't ever remember having a shoe made out of basically rubber and with zero ventilation. Having said that, I find them to be quite comfortable with very good cushioning. The so-called extra weight is a non-starter for me. Yes, they do run at least a half size long unless you really want extra toe room. They lace up kinda weird too but once you get them in the right place, they are solid. I had much trouble with the last Cages tearing into my ankles as they came up way too high for me. Not the case with these Ballistecs. Nice and low cut. Tried the new Vapor VIs on and they came up too high for me also. Not too sure why Nike insists on doing that. Bottom line is this: they fit me well, look good (can notice people looking at them) and the biggest key of all is I do not really notice them when playing which I think is huge. If I'm having shoe issues, then I'm in trouble on the court.
From: Tom, Canton, OH. USA. 1/09

Comments: Fantastic shoe. Feels great, looks great, very stable. It's the best shoe Nike has put out. It's so good shoe stocks have run out here. I totally recommend buying one.
From: Robin, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. 1/09

Comments: I wore these a couple of times to the gym and they were perfect the first time I tried them on court. A nice relaxed feel, so I think I will use them at practice every now and then to get some variation for my feet from my vapors..
From: Oystein, Oslo, Norway. 1/09

Comments: These shoes are the awkward for a junior to play with. They need to make the Air Max Breathe Cages again. but as far as durability these are a really good shoe!!!!!
From: Zack, AL, USA. 1/09

Comments: Worst shoe ever it completely sucks. I love Federer's shoe, though. His are comfy but those are the least comfortable shoes ever. I give the shoe a 4 out of 10.
From: Ray, Pheonix, AZ. USA. 1/09

Comments: Really heavy. I didn't think I would mind given my height and weight but just putting these on and walking around is annoying.
From: Jordan, MPLS, MN. USA. 1/09

Comments: A good durable shoe but would be nicer with a tongue as Rafa has on his shoes.
From: Anon. 1/09

Comments: OK... this is now my second review of this shoe... I stand behind everything I said earlier: Comfortable (LunarLite is better), good fit, stable, and warm. This is where I will change my initial answer.. they are not warm... they are hot.... so much so that I can no longer call them better than Breathe Free 2's... maybe fix this problem and you will really have something... but holy unbreathable!
From: Mike, Minnetonka, MN, USA. 1/09

Comments: After reading the "Anonymous from New York" review, and having already ordered a pair, I was discouraged. I love the Breathe Free 2's..... and ever since they elevated the back of the shoes (Breathe Cage, etc) I have disliked them and just ordered the "Old ones." The CourtBallistec's are SUPER COMFORTABLE! They seem heavier, a bit warm, but have more cushion comfort than my Breathe Free 2's. They are more stable and have the same tongue system.. so when you are lazy you don't have to lace them when you aren't playing. I hope they make a more breathable pair... then they will have the figured it out. I was also concerned about the forefoot... I only order shoes with the "air pocket" in the front... these have that Lunar Lite... It seems better.. an improvement for Nike... hope to see it in future pairs. For summer play I'm thinking these will be a tad warm... but for just comfort they are my new favorites.
From: Mike, Minnetonka, MN, USA. 1/09

Comments: These shoes are built like a tank...if you want a durable shoe this is the way to go. Unfortunately you have to sacrifice weight, as these are far heavier than the Barricade IIs I had earlier. Also, they do run a half size large so order a half size smaller than you normally would.
From: Shahrukh, Aurora, IL, USA. 1/09

Comments: Very cushioned ride but a different fit than previous styles. I don't find the shoes to be as breathable or light as other comparable models from NIKE. The shoe does run a half size large (subtract a half-size when ordering). In the end, I'd rather wear my Breathe Cage II's.
From: Brian, St. Paul, MN. USA. 1/09

Comments: I would have to say they are what they claim to be: tough. When you hold the shoe in your hand you can feel the extra weight from the thickness of the outsole. The cushioning from the Air Max and LunarLite is excellent. The only downside of this shoe really is the narrow fit. If you have wide feet then this shoe will require an decent break-in period. The upper material DragOn X has an interesting pattern similar to Legos and holds up to dragging well. Again, an excellent durability shoe but it will require some break in to get the full effect.
From: Tuan, Houston, TX, USA. 1/09