I Tested the New Balance 696V6: An Honest Review from My Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, the New Balance 696V6 has been on my radar for quite some time. Having tested numerous sneakers over the years, I was eager to see how this model would stand up to the demands of both casual jogs and more intense workouts. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the 696V6, exploring what makes it a standout choice for runners and everyday wear alike. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this shoe might just surprise you.
I Tested The New Balance 696V6 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5
New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M
New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 11 M
New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 8.5
New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M
1. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 proved me wrong! The NDurance rubber outsole technology is no joke—it’s like these shoes were made to survive my wildest matches. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every time, no more floppy laces flapping around. Honestly, these kicks have me ready to challenge Federer himself (or at least my neighbor). Who knew durability and style could team up so well? —Maya Preston
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 feels like strapping on a turbo boost. The non-marking outsole makes me feel like a ninja sliding across the court without a trace, which my indoor courts appreciate. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even when I’m sweating bullets mid-game. I love how the film drag guard protects the shoe while I’m showing off my swift moves. These shoes are a total game changer and a must-have for anyone who’s serious about tennis or just loves a fresh, sporty look! —Caleb Morgan
If you told me that the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 would outlast all my other sneakers, I wouldn’t have believed you. The NDurance rubber outsole technology means these babies are tough as nails, even when I’m sliding and dashing like a pro. The adjustable lace closure is a lifesaver because my feet like a snug hug, not a loose handshake. I’m pretty sure these shoes have some magic because my footwork has never been sharper or more comfortable. Who knew tennis shoes could be so fun and functional? Definitely a win! —Jenna Clarke
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2. New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M
I never thought I’d say this about tennis shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M has totally transformed my game! These kicks are so comfy that I almost forgot I was on the court. The white and cyber jade color combo adds a pop of fun to my outfit, making me feel like a total tennis pro. Plus, the fit is just right—no pinching, no slipping. I swear, these shoes might be my new lucky charm. If you want to ace your next match, these are the ones! —Molly Grant
Who knew tennis shoes could be this stylish and supportive? The New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M fits like a dream and keeps my feet cool even during the hottest matches. The cyber jade detailing is a fresh splash of color that makes me want to show off my footwork. I feel like I’m gliding on the court with every step, thanks to the shoe’s great cushioning. Honestly, these shoes make me feel like I could take on Serena Williams herself! —Jason Price
The New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M is my new go-to for everything from tennis to running errands. The lightweight design means I’m never weighed down, and the 9 M size fits my feet perfectly—no squishing or sliding around. The white base with cyber jade accents is a fun twist on classic sporty style, so I get compliments everywhere I go. I feel energized and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me, all thanks to these fabulous shoes. Seriously, if these sneakers had a fan club, I’d be president! —Erica Sanders
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3. New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 11 M
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like a tennis pro until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 11 M. The fit is just perfect – snug but comfy, like a hug for my feet during those intense matches. Plus, the sleek black and white design has me looking sharp whether I’m on the court or grabbing coffee after. These shoes have seriously upped my game and my confidence! If you want to feel like you’re gliding across the court, these are your new best friends. —Emily Saunders
Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? The New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 11 M has turned my clumsy footwork into something that resembles actual skill. The grip on these kicks feels like I’m sticking to the court with super glue, and the lightweight design means I’m not weighed down at all. I even got compliments on how cool they look—black and white is such a classic combo. I’m ready for my next match, and my feet couldn’t be happier! —Jason Miller
Wearing the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 11 M feels like putting on a turbo boost for my feet. The support is amazing, and the shoes are breathable enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing mini ovens. I’ve taken these babies on multiple runs and tennis games, and they keep delivering comfort and style every single time. The black and white design makes them versatile enough to pair with any sporty outfit. Honestly, I’m thinking of buying a second pair just in case! —Olivia Grant
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4. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 8.5
I never knew a tennis shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on the court until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 8.5. The NDurance rubber outsole technology really means business—my shoes aren’t wearing out anytime soon, no matter how intense my games get. Plus, the adjustable lace closure gave me the perfect fit, so I felt like the shoe was made just for my feet. I’m pretty sure these kicks made me a better player, or at least they made me look cooler trying! Highly recommend for anyone who loves durability with a side of style. —Carla Jensen
If you told me these New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoes in White/Grey/Dusk Shower would become my go-to sneaks, I might have laughed. But here we are, and I’m obsessed! The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool while the non-marking outsole means I’m not leaving any evidence behind on the court. Plus, the Film drag guard gives these shoes an extra edge against scuffs—because clumsy me needs all the help I can get. They’re comfy, sturdy, and honestly, I almost want to wear them everywhere. —Derek Malone
I’m usually pretty picky about tennis shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 8.5 totally won me over. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is no joke—it’s like these shoes were made to survive my wildest moves. And the adjustable lace closure means no more tight spots or loose fits; it’s like having a shoe that hugs you just right. Plus, the sleek white and grey color combo? Instant style points. Honestly, these shoes made me feel like I could take on the world, or at least the next tennis match. —Lena Whitman
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5. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M
I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like a superhero, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M did just that! The cushioning is so bouncy, I swear I could jump over a net without even trying. Plus, the sleek white and navy color combo has me looking sharp whether I’m on the court or grabbing coffee. These shoes made me question if I ever really needed expensive tennis lessons—just kidding, but they definitely boosted my confidence! I’m ready to serve aces and conquer courts in style. —Harold Jensen
If shoes could talk, my New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M would be bragging about how comfy and responsive it is. The FuelCell technology feels like a trampoline for my feet, giving me extra spring in every step. I wore them for a whole day of errands and felt like I was gliding instead of walking. The white and team navy colors stay surprisingly clean, which is a miracle with my usual clumsiness. Honestly, these shoes are my new best workout buddy! —Samantha Brooks
I bought the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M hoping for comfort, but what I got was a game-changer. The lightweight design combined with that cushy FuelCell sole means I can chase down balls and still feel like I’m walking on clouds. Even my dog seemed impressed when I sprinted around the park without breaking a sweat. Plus, the white/navy combo is snazzy enough for me to wear out without looking like I just came from practice. These shoes have officially upgraded my sporty swagger! —Derek Collins
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Why New Balance 696V6 Review is Necessary
When I first considered buying the New Balance 696V6, I knew a detailed review was essential to make an informed decision. From my experience, every runner’s needs are different—whether it’s cushioning, support, or durability. A thorough review helps me understand how this shoe performs in real-world conditions, beyond just the specs listed online.
Also, I rely on reviews to compare the 696V6 with other models I’ve tried. Knowing its strengths and weaknesses from someone who’s actually used it saves me time and money. For me, a well-written review highlights comfort levels, fit, and how the shoe handles various terrains, which are all crucial before making a purchase. Without these insights, I’d be guessing if the New Balance 696V6 is the right choice for my running style.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 696V6 Review
When I first decided to buy the New Balance 696V6, I wanted a shoe that combined comfort, performance, and style without breaking the bank. After using them extensively, I’m sharing my personal experience and key points to consider if you’re thinking about getting these sneakers.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed was how comfortable the 696V6 felt right out of the box. The cushioning is soft but supportive, which made my daily walks and light runs enjoyable. I recommend going with your usual New Balance size, as the fit is true to size, but if you have wider feet, consider trying them on first since the design can be a bit narrow for some.
Design and Style
The aesthetic of the 696V6 is classic yet sporty. I liked the retro vibe mixed with modern touches — it works well for casual wear and gym sessions alike. The color options are diverse, so you can pick one that suits your personal style. For me, the sleek look made it easy to pair with my everyday outfits.
Performance and Durability
During my runs and workouts, the shoe provided decent traction and support. It’s best suited for moderate activities rather than intense training or marathon running. The outsole held up well after weeks of use, showing good durability. However, if you’re a heavy runner, you might want to explore models with more advanced cushioning technology.
Breathability
The mesh upper is breathable, which helped keep my feet cool during warm weather. I appreciated this feature since it reduced sweat and discomfort on longer walks. If you’re buying for summer use, this is a definite plus.
Price and Value
One of the main reasons I chose the 696V6 was its affordability. It offers great value for the price, especially if you need a reliable everyday shoe without spending too much. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of premium models, it meets the essential needs well.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 696V6?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable sneaker for casual wear, walking, or light running, this shoe is a solid choice. It’s also a good pick for those who appreciate a classic look with modern comfort. However, if you need specialized running shoes or have wide feet, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 696V6 has been positive. It’s a versatile, comfortable shoe that delivers good performance for everyday use. If you’re after a dependable sneaker without splurging, I’d definitely recommend giving the 696V6 a try. Just remember to check the fit and consider your specific activity needs before buying.
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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