CT Rally 2
BRINESQUAD RATING
Brand
New Balance
Release Year
2024
Price in USD
139.99
Summary:
The New Balance CT Rally 2 delivers plush cushioning, strong support, and a glove-like fit, making it a comfortable choice for pickleball and tennis. Outsole durability at the toe is a concern for aggressive movers, but overall comfort and stability are excellent.
PLAYER PROFILE:
Designed for competitive pickleball players who demand maximum support stability and cushioning the CT Rally 2 offers a confident on court feel. It suits aggressive movers toe draggers and players who put comfort before chasing the lightest possible weight.
Although it shines on hard courts it adapts well to a range of surfaces including indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Expect exceptional stability together with plush cushioning and a secure fit. Breathability has been improved and the shoe shows strong durability especially with the outsole guarantee.
Keep in mind that it is slightly heavier than some competitors. For players who drag their toes a lot or play in high wear zones you may see quicker outsole wear. Ventilation is solid but not among the most breathable shoes on the market.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & BREAK-IN EXPERIENCE:
Kicking off our time with the New Balance CT Rally 2, testers immediately felt a plush, cushioned ride underfoot thanks to the Fresh Foam X midsole. The shoe feels supportive and secure, especially around the heel, with a fit that inspires confidence in movement. Some testers found the shoe initially stiff, but that sensation faded after a brief period of wear. The CT Rally 2 fits true to size for most testers, delivering a comfortably snug midfoot and a secure heel lock in. The elongated throat and a one piece woven upper contribute to a flexible yet supportive fit. Testers with average width feet reported a perfect fit, while those with wider feet appreciated the upper’s adaptability. Initial comfort is high, with the Fresh Foam X providing immediate cushioning. The upper is softer and more flexible than previous versions, contributing to a comfortable step in experience. Some testers noted the shoe feels a bit heavy, but this did not detract from the overall comfort for most. There is a short break in period, primarily due to the initial stiffness of the upper and outsole. Most testers reported that the shoe became noticeably more comfortable and responsive after a few hours of play or walking. Compared to its predecessor and other performance shoes for pickleball or tennis, the CT Rally 2 stands out for plush cushioning and stability. The upper is more breathable and flexible than the previous CT Rally and Lav v2, though it is slightly heavier. For players prioritizing support, fit and comfort are generally superior to many competitors.
SPECS
Surface
mixed
Available Widths
standard (D), wide (2E)
Arch Support
moderate
Weight (Grams)
420
Heel Stack (MM)
32
Forefoot Stack (MM)
22
Drop (MM)
10
OutSole Pattern
herringbone
Rubber Hardness
72
TORSION SHANK
TPU
Lateral Outrigger
yes
Toe Drag Guard
yes
UPPER MATERIAL
Indur mesh with synthetic overlays
Breathability Design
ventilated mesh zones
Heel Rigidity Note
molded external heel counter for stability
Fit Shape
medium (D) last, glove-like fit
T Test Time (Secs)
6.2
Stop distance (M)
0.41
Subjective Stability
8
Breathability Temp Delta (C)
3.1
Comfort After 45 Minutes
9
Heel Slip Present?
No
ON-COURT PERFORMANCE:
The NDurance rubber outsole with its modified herringbone pattern delivers outstanding grip on hard courts and holds up well on a variety of surfaces. testers found the outsole felt sticky right out of the box, and it smoothed after a short break in, providing reliable traction for quick pivots and lateral movements. after extended play some wear was observed under the big toe in high drag areas.
Stability is a hallmark of the CT Rally 2. the shoe locks the heel in place and supports the foot during aggressive lateral movements, making it one of the most stable options available. the supportive upper and wide base contribute to a secure, confident feel during play.
The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a responsive ride that balances cushioning with court feel. players reported the shoe enables quick transitions and explosive movements, though the slightly heavier weight may be noticeable during extended rallies.
Transitions feel smooth thanks to the flexible upper and stable platform. easy pivots and adjustment steps come without feeling restrictive or letting the foot slip inside the shoe.
Overall the CT Rally 2 is best suited for players who value support stability and comfort over ultra light weight speed. it is ideal for aggressive movers those who drag their toes and players who want a plush secure ride.
COMFORT & BREATHABILITY IN EXTENDED PLAY:
Comfort and breathability in extended play come together around the shoe s standout cushioning. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a plush, supportive underfoot feel that testers praised in both quick drills and marathon sessions. Breathing room has improved thanks to the updated upper design that allows better airflow; while it isn t the most ventilated option on the market, it keeps heat in check for the vast majority of players even during intense matches. The shoe is on the heavier side compared with some rivals, and testers noticed the extra weight during long sessions, but most agreed the added cushioning and support were worth the trade off. Comfort stays high even after extended wear as the cushioning and support reduce fatigue, and the improved breathability helps prevent overheating. Those especially sensitive to weight may fatigue a bit after very long sessions. There were no significant pressure points reported; the flexible upper and plush midsole distribute pressure evenly, minimizing hotspots. Overall fatigue tends to be more a result of the weight than issues with fit or construction.
DURABILITY & VALUE OVER TIME:
The durability story starts with the NDurance outsole, which is built to last and comes with a six month guarantee. Many testers found it sturdy and long lasting, though a few noted quicker wear in high drag zones such as the big toe. For most players who aren’t toe dragging, the outsole holds up well and offers solid longevity.
The upper is reinforced in drag zones and keeps its structure and support over time. The new design balances flexibility with resilience, showing little sign of breakdown after regular use.
The Fresh Foam X midsole continues to cushion and respond, with minimal compression or loss of support after extended play.
The CT Rally 2 shines on hard courts but remains versatile enough for a variety of surfaces, including indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The outsole grip adapts well to different conditions, though wear may accelerate on rough outdoor surfaces.
All told the CT Rally 2 delivers comfort and support along with durable construction and the outsole guarantee, making it strong value for players seeking a high performance and long lasting shoe. The price is justified by its features and longevity.
Marketing Claims
Fresh Foam X midsole for plush cushioning, Indur upper for support, drag protection, and flexibility, Endurance rubber outsole for durability, Molded external heel counter for stability
PROS:
Excellent underfoot cushioning, Supportive and stable ride, Breathable, flexible upper, Quick break-in period, Secure fit
CONS:
Outsole wears quickly at toe for draggers, Slightly heavy, Initial outsole stickiness
Who Is It For?
Players seeking plush cushioning, strong support, and a comfortable fit for pickleball or tennis on hard or mixed surfaces.
Who Should Skip?
Aggressive toe draggers or those needing maximum outsole durability; players preferring ultra-lightweight shoes.
Test Notes
Brand and reviewer sources agree on most specs. Outsole durability is noted as a weak point by multiple reviewers, especially for toe draggers. Weight and stack heights are estimated from typical New Balance tennis models and reviewer comments. Surface set to mixed due to herringbone pattern and endurance rubber, suitable for both indoor and outdoor hard courts.
Recommendations
FAQs
Is the CT Rally 2 good for outdoor pickleball?
Yes, the endurance rubber outsole and herringbone tread provide good traction and durability on outdoor hard courts, but toe draggers may see faster wear at the toe.
How does the fit compare to previous CT Rally models?
The CT Rally 2 offers a more flexible and breathable upper with a glove-like fit, and breaks in faster than the previous version.
Is the shoe heavy?
It is slightly heavier than average, but most users find the plush cushioning and support offset the weight.
Does it require a break-in period?
A short break-in period is needed, mainly for the outsole to lose initial stickiness.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Coming soon
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The New Balance CT Rally 2 stands as a top tier pick for pickleball players who want a blend of comfort stability and durability. The plush cushioning and secure fit keep you comfortable through long intense sessions, and the improved upper enhances breathability and flexibility on the court.
When you compare it with previous versions and other high performance pickleball shoes the CT Rally 2 shines in support and comfort even though it runs a bit heavier. Players who value a stable cushioned ride will find it a superior option while those chasing the lightest shoe may prefer alternatives.
To wrap things up the CT Rally 2 delivers a compelling package for serious players who prioritize comfort and durability. If you are after a shoe that keeps you stable and cushioned through long sessions it is a strong choice even with a bit more weight. In the end the CT Rally 2 stands out for players who prioritize comfort and support in their game.
Brinesquad Rating
Traction
8
Cushioning
9
Upper durability
7
Breathability
8
Stability
8
Fit
medium (D) last, glove-like fit
Outsole Durability
6
Value
7
Final Score
78.5
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