The lacing system is a series of outrigger eyelets that promote easy sliding, but are stitched in tightly to the upper for a respectable lockdown. The tongue is mostly integrated into the upper so it stays put during movement. It has a nice level of padding; just enough to prevent the laces from biting into the top of the foot without crossing over into voluminous. It’s also made of ventilated mesh which helps aerate the shoe.
Just like the previous model, the midsole is an entire bed of Fresh Foam X. Along the outside of the shoe, you can see broader hexes in the heel area for added shock absorption, and narrower hexes in the forefoot for better court connection and responsiveness. The difference in thickness creates a slightly elevated feel to start, but becomes less apparent as the firmness of the padding softens and the heel sinks into a pocket over several court sessions.
Overall, this is my favorite aspect of the shoe. It provides a very cushioned and comfortable ride and is a real sponge when it comes to soaking up court contact. The heel collar is also rife with padding—you can straight-jacket the laces and never feel a pinch around the ankles. I’ve been battling a calf strain and the shoe did yeoman’s work of limiting shock and minimizing the injury.
The NDurance outsole has the same tread pattern as the previous model. It’s not overly deep or gritty, opening up the opportunity for sliding on a hard court. Yet it has enough of grip that secure footing is not an issue. Since it’s positioned as a hard court model I never tried it on clay, so I can’t vouch for its credentials on that surface. But if you beat up your shoes on less forgiving courts, this one comes with a reassuring six-month outsole warranty.
What Needs Work
Just out of the box, the heel-to-toe transition is fairly noticeable. If you’re accustomed to more court-hugging models with less pronounced drops, this can take some adjustment.
The shoe still also may not be the best choice for narrow feet. Especially for those who wear thin socks. I fall into that category and can occasionally feel a bit of shoe sag during movement. It’s better than most NB offerings I've come across, but lockdown isn't always a sure thing.
Lastly, the shoe doesn’t feel quite as rigid and firm as some competing stability and support-centric shoes. Depending on your preferences, this could actually be a positive. But it could fall short for heavy movers who need something with minimal give.
Bottom Line
If you wore and liked the first two versions of the Lav, the CT-Rally will be an easy and welcome transition. The name has changed, but the top-notch stability, comfort and support remain as good as ever.
