In our "TRIPLE T – TennisTraveller Tests" section, I took a closer look this time at a true speed shoe for clay court players: the Babolat Jet Mach IV women's clay court shoe in the Lavender/White colorway. With the fourth generation of the popular Jet Mach series, Babolat promises even more dynamism, improved comfort, and optimized support for quick movements. But how does the shoe perform on the court – and who is it really suitable for? You'll find the answers to these questions, along with a comparison to two other classic clay court shoes, in today's TRIPLE T review.
The moment you slip them on, it's clear: the Jet Mach IV follows a different philosophy than classic stability models. Instead of a bulky construction and lots of material, Babolat focuses on lightness and speed. The modern lavender/white design looks sporty and sophisticated at the same time, and should appeal especially to female players who want to make a visual statement on the pitch. The MatryxEVO upper material immediately conveys a premium feel. The combination of aramid and polyamide fibers provides stability in the right places without making the shoe feel unnecessarily heavy. At the same time, the upper feels pleasantly flexible and quickly molds to the foot.
The Jet Mach IV is clearly aimed at players who prefer a precise and direct fit. The fit is slightly snug in length and offers a medium-narrow width in the forefoot. This ensures the shoe sits comfortably close to the foot and provides a very secure feeling, especially during quick changes of direction. A positive aspect is that virtually no break-in period is required. The shoe feels comfortable and ready to use right from the first wear. This is particularly appealing for players who want to use new shoes immediately in training or matches. Despite its sporty fit, the Jet Mach IV offers sufficient comfort for longer sessions on the pitch.
Speed shoes don't have to be harsh – and the Jet Mach IV impressively demonstrates this. The redesigned KPRSX cushioning provides a pleasantly cushioned feel and offers noticeably more comfort than many classic lightweight models. At the same time, the contact with the ground remains direct enough to maintain a good feel for movements on the court at all times. The combination of cushioning and responsiveness is particularly impressive during explosive starts and quick stop-and-go movements. The shoe feels lively and supports a dynamic game without becoming mushy.
Anyone expecting a lightweight tennis shoe to automatically compromise stability will be pleasantly surprised. Babolat has integrated a so-called Starting Bloc Plate, which stabilizes the forefoot during lateral movements and provides additional control. The shoe conveys a secure feeling, especially during aggressive changes of direction or when accelerating out of a slide. Of course, the Jet Mach IV doesn't reach the level of classic stability models like the Barricade or Gel Resolution. However, for its weight class, it offers a remarkable amount of support and control.
The Michelin outsole, specially developed for clay courts, features a classic herringbone pattern and provides excellent grip on clay. At the same time, the pattern allows for controlled slides and ensures a balanced ratio between traction and control. The Jet Mach IV also makes a convincing impression in terms of durability. Reinforcements in high-wear areas protect the upper from abrasion and increase its lifespan.
The lightweight MatryxEVO material not only contributes to the low weight but also ensures excellent ventilation. Even in summer temperatures, the foot climate remains comfortable. Anyone who frequently plays long matches or tournaments will quickly appreciate this advantage.
The shoe is currently available at Tennis Warehouse for €112.89 (RRP: €160)
The Babolat Jet Mach IV Clay Court is a tennis shoe for players who love speed. It combines light weight, high agility, and surprising comfort into a very successful overall package. Particularly strong baseline players who frequently act on the move and make quick changes of direction will feel right at home in this shoe. The model is less suitable for players with very wide feet or for those who prioritize maximum stability above all else. For these players, classic stability models still offer advantages. For everyone else: The Jet Mach IV is currently one of the most exciting speed shoes for clay. It feels fast, reacts directly, and offers significantly more comfort than you would expect from such a lightweight performance shoe. Or to put it another way: The Jet Mach IV won't make you a faster player – but it will ensure that you can transfer your speed onto the court even more effectively.
The top eyelet, which is positioned slightly backwards, is a bit fiddly. Threading the reinforced lace through it is quite difficult. But with patience and perseverance, you can eventually get it through for a more secure fit. Perhaps it's due to the shape of my foot, but the tongue of the shoe pinched a little whenever it shifted out of the center. This was certainly also due to the shoe's still-firm nature.
ORDER BABOLAT JET MACH IV WOMEN'S SHOES
✔ Very low weight
✔ High agility and acceleration
✔ Direct ground contact with comfortable cushioning
✔ Excellent traction on clay courts
✔ Good ventilation even in high temperatures
✔ Instantly comfortable without a long break-in period
✔ Surprisingly stable construction for a speed shoe
✘ Less suitable for wide feet
✘ Less maximum stability than classic touring models
✘ Sporty, direct fit may feel unusual at first
| category | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| comfort | 9/10 |
| Fit | 8,5/10 |
| damping | 8,5/10 |
| stability | 8/10 |
| Traction clay court | 9,5/10 |
| Breathability | 9/10 |
| Dynamics & Speed | 10/10 |
| Overall ranking | 9/10 |
Those looking for new tennis shoes often come across three popular models: the Babolat Jet Mach IV, the Adidas Barricade, and the ASICS Gel Resolution. All three belong to the premium class, but follow different concepts.
The Jet Mach IV is designed for players seeking maximum speed and agility. Its light weight and direct feedback from the pitch make it the ideal choice for a dynamic, attacking style of play. Players who cover a lot of ground, move towards the ball early, and love quick changes of direction will particularly benefit from its strengths.
Strengthen:
Ideal for:
Players with quick footwork and aggressive baseline play.
The Barricade has been a mainstay in tennis for years. Its hallmark is its exceptional stability. The shoe hugs the foot very securely and offers a great deal of confidence, especially during intense lateral movements. As a result, it is slightly heavier than typical speed models.
Strengthen:
Ideal for:
Players seeking maximum support and control.
The Gel Resolution sits precisely between the other two models. It combines high comfort, strong cushioning, and good stability with sufficient responsiveness. Many team and tournament players appreciate it as a well-balanced all-round shoe for long training and match days.
Strengthen:
Ideal for:
Players looking for a versatile shoe without major compromises.
| Characteristic | Babolat Jet Mach IV | Adidas Barricade | ASICS Gel Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| speed | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| damping | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Weight | Very light | Medium to difficult | Medium |
ORDER BABOLAT JET MACH IV WOMEN'S SHOES
The shoe was provided to our shop partner Tennis Warehouse Europe
As part of our TennisTravellercommunity, you can get a 10% discount on the entire range exclusively at the Tennis Warehouse Europe shop with the promo code TRAVELLER10 . This excludes Asics products, balls, and all promotional items that are already discounted.
Sign up now and be the first to know about new tennis hotels and tennis camps, as well as great promotions. You
can unsubscribe at any time. Please see our privacy policy.