New Balance Womens 806 V1 Tennis

Between Tuesday league matches and weekend pickleball with friends, I needed shoes that wouldn’t quit halfway through my schedule. When my old pair started splitting at the seams three weeks before our club tournament, panic turned into opportunity—time to find something that actually delivered on stability without the premium price tag making me wince. I’m Sarah, and I just finished 8 weeks of dedicated testing with the New Balance Women’s 806 V1 across every court surface I could access. After 47 hours of play, here’s what you actually need to know.

What You’re Getting: Technical Specifications

• Price: $120 MSRP
• Weight: 10.7 oz (women’s size 8)
• Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
• Midsole: C-CAP® with ABZORB® cushioning
• Upper: Full grain leather with synthetic overlays
• Category: Women’s Court/Tennis Shoes
• Best for: Tennis, pickleball, court sports demanding lateral stability
• Testing period: 8 weeks, 47 total court hours across indoor/outdoor surfaces
• Special features: ROLLBAR® technology, Lightning Dry® liner, removable insoles
• Available widths: B (medium), D (wide), 2E (extra wide)

First Impressions: Build Quality That Actually Feels Different

Right out of the box, the 806 signals this isn’t your typical lightweight mesh court shoe. The full-grain leather upper feels substantial—not stiff like budget options that crease within days, but definitely built for the long haul. What caught my attention immediately was the toe box. Compared to my previous shoes that pinched after hour two, this roomier cut made sense the moment I slipped them on. For someone who’s dealt with bunion flare-ups after marathon matches, that extra space wasn’t a luxury.

The construction quality shows in details you notice during wear. Stitching is reinforced in high-wear zones without looking industrial. The herringbone outsole pattern has genuine depth—you can tell it’s designed to last, not just look the part. ROLLBAR technology isn’t subtle marketing speak here. You can see the firmer material running along the medial side, and more importantly, you can feel it during lateral movements.

Game-Ready From Match One

My first tennis match wearing these told me everything I needed about break-in. Unlike some court shoes that require gradual conditioning over weeks, the 806s felt ready for competitive play immediately. The leather did feel firm initially, but not in a way that caused hotspots or blisters. During side-to-side exchanges, the ROLLBAR technology made its presence known—my ankles felt supported without that locked-in feeling some motion-control shoes create.

The ABZORB cushioning surprised me during a particularly intense baseline rally. Three minutes of corner-to-corner sprinting, and my feet felt stable rather than beaten down. The 10mm drop sits in a sweet spot for court play—not so flat that extended sessions leave your calves screaming, not so built-up that quick direction changes feel unstable.

Extended Play: Where Comfort Gets Tested

Two-hour practice sessions revealed what spec sheets never tell you. After matches that used to leave me limping to the car, the 806s kept my feet functional. The Lightning Dry liner works as designed—during hot outdoor sessions, my feet stayed noticeably drier compared to my previous synthetic-only shoes. That said, leather physics still apply. Full mesh shoes breathe better, but they also fall apart faster.

The removable insoles turned out to be more significant than I initially realized. Several players in my league use custom orthotics, and this shoe accommodates them without forcing a full-size jump. You might need to go up half a size to fit thicker inserts comfortably, but the flexibility is there.

Performance Across Court Surfaces

Eight weeks gave me time to test three distinct court types: indoor hard, outdoor hard, and indoor cushioned. The herringbone traction pattern delivered consistent grip everywhere. On outdoor courts, where dust and debris make footing unpredictable, the 806s maintained traction throughout entire matches.

Indoor Court: Stability Stands Out

Indoor play revealed this shoe’s defining strength. During pickleball games heavy on quick direction changes, the ROLLBAR technology prevented the over-pronation that used to leave my ankles sore. The non-marking outsole left courts clean—facility managers notice, trust me.

Outdoor Durability: Actually Holds Up

Outdoor courts destroy shoes. After 25+ hours of outdoor play, the outsole showed minimal wear. The leather upper developed scuffing but held its shape and support. The toe drag area, reinforced with durable rubber, proved its worth during serves and aggressive net approaches.

Do the Marketing Claims Actually Hold?

New Balance markets the 806 as delivering “unrivaled motion control” and “ultimate on-court stability.” After extensive testing, these aren’t empty promises. ROLLBAR technology genuinely provides medial support that prevents excessive foot roll during lateral movements. The C-CAP and ABZORB combination delivers both responsiveness and cushioning—not the softest shoe out there, but balanced for all-day play.

The “Lighter Than Ever” Claim Needs Context

At 10.7 oz, these aren’t ultralight performance shoes. They’re reasonable for the support level provided, but if you’re chasing speed over stability, lighter options exist. The “heritage tennis shoe” positioning is accurate—this feels like a modernized classic that prioritizes function over flashy aesthetics.

Sizing: The Most Common Complaint Deserves Attention

Based on extensive user feedback and my own experience, sizing can trip you up with the 806. Many users report needing to go up half a size, particularly if using orthotics. The width options are genuine—New Balance doesn’t fake width sizing. D and 2E versions provide meaningful additional room. However, recent buyers note the toe box feels narrower than previous 806 versions, suggesting potential manufacturing changes.

For someone with bunion concerns, the wider toe box was a relief. That said, if you’re ordering online, consider buying two sizes and using the return policy—proper fit matters too much to guess.

My Overall Assessment

Performance Breakdown

Category	Score (1-10)	Notes
Court Stability	9.2	ROLLBAR delivers exceptional lateral support
Comfort	8.7	All-day wearability with solid cushioning
Durability	8.9	Leather construction and reinforced wear areas
Traction	8.6	Herringbone pattern grips well on all surfaces
Breathability	7.4	Lightning Dry liner helps, leather limits airflow
Value	8.3	Quality justifies price for serious players
Style/Appearance	7.8	Classic look but limited color choices
OVERALL SCORE	8.4	Excellent choice for stability-focused players

What Other Players Report

User feedback shows remarkable consistency. Tennis and pickleball players consistently praise the 806 for stability and support, especially those managing foot issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Multiple reviewers mention using these shoes for 2-3 years with regular play, which validates the durability claims.

The most common complaint centers on sizing inconsistency. Long-time 806 users report recent models running smaller and narrower than previous versions. This suggests manufacturing changes buyers should be aware of when ordering.

Who Should Buy This Shoe (And Who Shouldn’t)

Ideal For:

• Tennis and pickleball players prioritizing stability over lightweight feel
• Women with foot issues requiring motion control and support
• Players who need genuine wide width options
• Those using custom orthotics (removable insoles accommodate them)
• Court players seeking durability over fashion
• Anyone transitioning from running shoes to dedicated court shoes

Consider Alternatives If:

• You prioritize ultralight weight for quick movements
• You have very narrow feet (even medium width may feel roomy)
• You’re on a tight budget (quality costs more here)
• You prefer extensive color and style options
• You play primarily on clay courts (different traction needs)

Better Options for Specific Needs

For lighter weight: Consider the New Balance FuelCell 996 V5 if you want New Balance quality with less weight.

For budget-conscious players: The ASICS Gel-Game series offers decent court performance at a lower price point.

For narrow feet: Wilson Rush Pro Ace tends to run narrower while still providing court-specific support.

Final Verdict

After 8 weeks and 47 hours of court time, the New Balance Women’s 806 V1 earns my strong recommendation for players prioritizing stability, support, and durability. Yes, they’re heavier than ultramodern court shoes, and sizing requires attention, but the quality of construction and performance consistency justify the investment.

For women dealing with foot issues, wide feet, or simply wanting a reliable court shoe that will last multiple seasons, the 806 delivers. The ROLLBAR technology isn’t marketing fluff—it genuinely prevents the ankle roll and over-pronation that can lead to injury and discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shoes run true to size?

Sizing is the most common issue with recent 806 models. Many users report needing to go up half a size, especially if using orthotics. If you’re between sizes or have width concerns, consider ordering both sizes to compare fit. The 30-day return policy makes this a safe strategy.

Are these good for pickleball as well as tennis?

Absolutely! The lateral stability and court-specific traction make these excellent for pickleball. Many reviewers specifically mention using them for both sports. The herringbone outsole pattern works well on both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.

How long do they typically last with regular play?

Based on user feedback, expect 1.5-3 years with regular recreational play (2-3 times per week). Competitive players or those primarily on abrasive outdoor courts may see 1-2 years. The leather upper tends to outlast the outsole in most cases.

Can I use my own orthotics with these shoes?

Yes! The removable insoles make orthotic use straightforward. Many users specifically choose the 806 for this reason. You may need to go up half a size to accommodate thicker orthotics comfortably.

Are the wide widths genuinely wider?

Yes, New Balance is known for authentic width sizing. The D (wide) and 2E (extra wide) options provide meaningful additional room. However, some recent reviews suggest even the wide widths may run slightly narrower than previous years.

How do they compare to ASICS court shoes?

The 806 emphasizes stability and motion control more than ASICS typical approach. ASICS tends to focus on cushioning and lighter weight. Choose New Balance if you need maximum lateral support, ASICS if you prefer more responsive cushioning.

What’s the return policy if they don’t fit?

Most retailers offer a 30-day return window for unworn shoes. New Balance also offers a satisfaction guarantee. Given the sizing variability, don’t hesitate to exchange if the fit isn’t right—proper fitting court shoes are essential for performance and injury prevention.

Performance Scoring Summary

Final Rating Categories	Score	Weight	Weighted Score
Court Performance & Stability	9.2	25%	2.30
Comfort & Fit	8.7	20%	1.74
Durability & Construction	8.9	20%	1.78
Value for Money	8.3	15%	1.25
Traction & Safety	8.6	10%	0.86
Breathability & Climate	7.4	5%	0.37
Style & Appearance	7.8	5%	0.39
OVERALL WEIGHTED SCORE	8.4/10		8.69