Shoe Review: Babolat Jet Tere 2

• Price: $109
• Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s 9); 9.5 oz. (women’s 7.5)
• Size run: 6.5-13 (men); 5.5-11 (women)
• Outsole warranty: None

What’s New

The biggest change for the second generation of the Tere is a true-to-size fit. Its predecessor ran short, making try-on a must. Now it shares the same last as Babolat’s Jet Mach 3 and Propulse Fury, ensuring consistent sizing among the brand’s models. Only the SFX 3 with its slightly wider profile has its own last.

The Tere 2 also has improved KPRS-X cushioning in the midsole and better durability in its Michelin outsole. Even with the additions, it has become the lightest model in Babolat’s lineup.

What Works

As if having the name "Jet" isn’t illustrative enough, "Tere" is the Maori word for quick or fast. Not surprisingly, the shoe is feathery-light and ripe for players who prize speed and responsiveness over all else.

However, when compared to the Mach version of the Jet, overall comfort is a bigger part of the equation.

This is primarily accomplished with different upper material. The Mach comes with a Kevlar and Polyamide blend that’s designed to be supportive while minimizing weight. But the tough fabric along with the shoe’s glove-like fit can make for a harder ride. A softer, airier mesh is used on the Tere, making the upper more pliable and the whole shoe more flexible. The forefoot feels roomier and less restrictive. The gusseted tongue and heel collar are also soft, plush and very comfortable. The added forgiveness means you don’t have the urge to tear the shoes off your feet when finished playing.

"[T]he spryness of the shoe—it’s as light as they come—that stands out above all else."

The biggest improvement for this model over the original Tere is the fit. It’s still on the narrow side—which works just fine for my foot—but has truer sizing. I needed a full size up on the previous model, but 2.0 requires no adjustment. Along with easy lace tightening thanks to the outrigger loop eyelets, it helps give the shoe an overall more supportive feel. And the snugness leaves zero sag when moving around the court.

Cushioning comes courtesy of the KPRS-X padding in the midsole, which is 5% thicker than the outgoing model. Typical of a lightweight shoe, it’s on minimalist side, but sufficient enough to absorb harsh landings. It may not be ideal for long practices on a rigid hard court, but certainly up to the task for casual play on just about any surface.

In motion, the Tere 2 keeps its composure well under most circumstances. It feels secure in and out of breaks and highly responsive. A small flange on the lateral side of the outsole provides a bit more stability and court contact when pushing out of corners. But it’s the spryness of the shoe—it’s as light as they come—that stands out above all else.

Like all Babolat shoes, this one sports a Michelin rubber outsole. The high wear areas have been thickened to improve its durability. It possesses good traction on hard courts, and there’s also a clay-specific version for users on that surface. There’s enough give to slide into shots, yet there enough grip to feel secure and balanced. A cutout in the midfoot also enhances the shoe’s ventilation. There is no outsole guarantee, but that’s offset by a reasonable price point.

What Needs Work

While sufficient for most, aggressive movers playing at a 4.0+ level may not find enough lateral support. The forefoot area in particularly can feel a little too soft on a hard stop. To be fair, the Mach 3 is the model intended for high performance. Even still, recreational players who aren’t as demanding of their footwear need to be fairly assured in their movement because the shoe won’t provide as much assistance.

Also, the cut may still be difficult for players with wider feet. The sizing is more reliable and it feels more comfortable, but the fit remains fairly snug. The extra padding may also not be enough for heavier movers who prefer a thick bed of cushioning. For both segments, the Babolat SFX 3 will probably be a more appropriate match.

Bottom Line

If being lightweight and forgiving are priorities for your shoes, you’ll want to take this Jet for a ride.