I have a pair of new balance tennis shoes and there is a hole in one of the shoes. I have only worn the shoes for 6 months. This may be wear and tear of the shoe but I have never has this happen to a pair of tennis shoes before. I was surprised to see a tear in it as I have worn lots of other brand of tennis shoes. I thought when you pay so much for a pair of shoes they should stand up and last longer. Allison