MC804

I have been a New Balance Tennis MC 800 series buyer for the last 10 years. I have always spoken highly of this shoe series to my fellow tennis players. The MC 804 has changed all of that. First the shoes squeak when walking in them. This is annoying and new for New Balance shoes but I could live with it. Now I have developed pain in the top of my heal on both feet. Today I pulled out my old MC803 and discovered that there is a substantial ridge in the top of the heal area of the MC804 that is not in the MC803. I am convinced that it is causing my foot pain. I will be doing an on line search today for a MC803 that is in my size. Hopefully there are still some out there. New Balance should take a look at both of these problem areas.

Although the 804 tennis shoe has great support, cushion, and stability for me, it sorely lacks in comfort with such short tongues. I can't believe that any one would like the idea of a short tongue. I had to send a pair back because the tongue was so short it slipped below the laces. This caused direct contact to my upper insole and considerable discomfort. Couldn't wear them. Seems to me a faulty design and if it was designed to reduce weight, it is not worth it. I have a pair of 803s and they are much more comfortable with their adequate length tongue. NB designers,please, add an inch to the tongue and create a great shoe that could really be a winner. I would buy an recommend in that case. Thanks

I have been a long time fan of New Balance shoes for playing tennis. They seem to be the only ones who realize that not everyone requires the same shoe width and typically have made a great shoe. But, while the new MC804 maintains the superior fit concerning the width with good cushioning, for some reason they have shortened the tongue of the shoe. Therefore, what happens when running and turning, is that tongue of the shoe slides down into the shoe so the shoe laces are then digging into the top of the foot. That is not only VERY annoying but painful as well and requires constant adjusting. I will not buy another pair until they correct that problem.

Contrary to another review, I am glad that the tongue has been shortened.I've worn the 780, 781, and the 803 prior to the 804. I'm glad that there is no grommets, as they only dirty the laces, and the tongue from the stained laces.The fit is very good, and the design at the beginning of the laces is much better than the 803 as its more form fit than the 803. I also have the 655 shoe, but the laces are already starting to get that gray/black stain on the laces from the grommets. I already bought two additional pairs of 804's so when there is a design change, I'll still have another pair to wear. I sense no rollover on lateral movements, and traction is great.

I have been a long time customer of New Balance court/tennis shoes because of the narrow width availability; they are the only shoes that fit me properly. I must say that I am disappointed with the new MC804's, particularly in comparison to the MC803's which met my needs perfectly. It seems as if someone tried to "value engineer" (a euphemism for making a cheaper version) the MC804's. First, he tongue is clearly shorter, or if it is technically the same length as the 803's, then it is attached in a manner that causes it to ride forward or not extend as far; the tongue on the 803 seemed longer or at least performed longer/better. Second, I am suddenly wearing holes into the back of the shoe where my heel contacts the shoe; this never happened in two pairs of 803's. And lastly, the appearance of the 804 more closely resembles the 655's, and has lost its more distinctive look. Overall, I'd suggest you go back to what you were doing on the 803's, and abandon the 804's.