The New Balance WC655 is not a generic "tennis shoe" but rather athletic footwear designed specifically for the needs of a tennis player.  The shoe has great stability support to minimize rolling your ankles when changing directions quick from side to side, and it has a slight forward angle to keep players on their toes.  The toe box in most New Balance tennis shoes is wide, and this model is no exception.  You can buy a medium-width size, have it correctly keep your foot in place at the ankle and arch, but still have some wiggle room in the toe area.  (New Balance is known for offering tennis shoes in a variety of widths, making them popular for a range of foot shapes/sizes.)  The shoe is a little heavier than some brands, although still light.

For me, the original selling point of New Balance tennis shoes was the sole.  I managed to wear through the toe soles of a K-Swiss pair in a month.  Wilson and Prince lasted only two-three months.  The New Balance soles for about six months or more.  Because I play mostly on hard surface courts, I'm really tough on my shoes, and this brand is one of the few that seems worth the expense.

I have started buying my New Balance shoes a half-size larger than I normally wear to preserve my toe nails.  Because I haven't broken or lost a toe nail since I've done this, I suspect these run a little small.  The half-size smaller was equally comfortable, but I did jam my toenails against the sneaker during sudden stops.

I highly recommend New Balance.  This particular model falls in the middle of the NB tennis shoes for women.  The 300-level line has less ankle support, with a lower cut on the sides.  The 800-level ones have greater stability, but also more height.

-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann