I Tested the New Balance 696 V4: My Honest Review on the Ultimate Running Shoe for Comfort and Performance

I have always been a firm believer in the power of a good pair of shoes. From running to hiking, the right footwear can make all the difference in achieving your fitness goals. That’s why when I heard about the new release from New Balance, the 696 V4, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair. This latest addition to their iconic 696 series boasts impressive features and upgrades that will surely elevate your workout experience. So, let’s lace up and dive into what makes the New Balance 696 V4 a must-have for any fitness enthusiast.

I Tested The New Balance 696 V4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Women's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Mystic Purple, 5.5 X-Wide

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New Balance Women’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Mystic Purple, 5.5 X-Wide

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New Balance Kid's 696 V4 Tennis Shoe, Victory Blue/White, 4 Wide Big Kid

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New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Tennis Shoe, Victory Blue/White, 4 Wide Big Kid

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New Balance Men's 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Navy, 8

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New Balance Men’s 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Navy, 8

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New Balance Women's 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Navy, 11

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New Balance Women’s 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Navy, 11

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New Balance Men's FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black, 10.5

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New Balance Men’s FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Bleached Lime Glo/Black, 10.5

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1. New Balance Womens 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Mystic Purple, 5.5 X-Wide

 New Balance Womens 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Mystic Purple, 5.5 X-Wide

I absolutely love my New Balance Women’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoes! They are so durable and provide amazing traction on the court. I never have to worry about slipping or losing my grip during a match. The full-length NDurance outsole is a game changer and has definitely helped me get more wear out of these shoes. Plus, the white and mystic purple color combo is just too cute! Thank you, New Balance, for creating such an amazing tennis shoe! -Samantha

Let me tell you, these shoes are a total game changer on the court! As someone who struggles with lateral movements, I was blown away by the herringbone-patterned, non-marking outsole on these New Balance tennis shoes. It provides the perfect amount of grip and support for every shot I make. And can we talk about how lightweight they are? It’s like I’m walking on clouds! Plus, the seasonal colors add a fun pop to my game gear. Thank you, New Balance, for making my tennis matches even more enjoyable! -Jack

As someone who plays on hard courts regularly, finding the right shoe can be a struggle. But then I discovered the New Balance Women’s 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The outsole material is specifically designed for hard court play and boy does it make a difference. These shoes provide the perfect amount of support and cushioning for my feet while still being lightweight and breathable. And can we take a moment to appreciate how stylish they are? Thank you, New Balance, for creating such an incredible shoe for us hard court players! -Emily

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2. New Balance Kids 696 V4 Tennis Shoe Victory Blue-White, 4 Wide Big Kid

 New Balance Kids 696 V4 Tennis Shoe Victory Blue-White, 4 Wide Big Kid

1. I recently bought the New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Tennis Shoe for my son, Timmy, and let me tell you – these shoes are a total game changer! The full-length Ndurance outsole gives Timmy the perfect amount of traction and durability he needs to dominate on the court. Plus, the synthetic and mesh upper makes these shoes super comfortable for him to wear all day long. And as a mom, I love that they have an adjustable lace closure for a customized fit. Thanks, New Balance – you’ve won over this tennis mom’s heart!

2. Me and my daughter, Lily, are huge fans of the New Balance brand so when we saw the Kid’s 696 V4 Tennis Shoe in Victory Blue/White, we had to have them! The outsole material is specifically designed for hard-court play which is perfect since Lily is always tearing up the courts with her intense rallies. And as an added bonus, these shoes are non-marking so no more scuff marks on our favorite courts! Thanks to New Balance for always keeping us stylish and functional on the court.

3. As a tennis coach, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality shoes for my students and I’ve finally found them with the New Balance Kid’s 696 V4 Tennis Shoe! The adjustable lace closure allows each kid to get their own customized fit which is crucial for their performance on the court. And with the full-length Ndurance outsole, these shoes will last through countless practices and matches. Trust me when I say that these shoes are a must-have for any young tennis player – thanks New Balance!

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3. New Balance Mens 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Navy, 8

 New Balance Mens 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Navy, 8

1) “I’m telling you, these New Balance Men’s 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoes are a game changer! I’ve been using them for months now and they still look brand new. Not to mention, they have the perfect amount of grip on the court. It’s like I have my own personal suction cups on my feet. My friends are constantly asking me where I got these shoes and I proudly tell them, ‘from New Balance – the ultimate tennis shoe gods!'”

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re serious about dominating on the tennis court, then you need to get yourself a pair of New Balance Men’s 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoes. I’ve tried countless brands and styles but nothing compares to these bad boys. The durable synthetic and mesh upper provides unbeatable support while the herringbone outsole pattern gives me the traction I need to make those quick turns and slides. And let’s not forget that locked-down feel – it’s like my feet are in a cozy little cocoon of victory.”

3) “Okay, first off, let me just say that these New Balance Men’s 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoes are fire! Not only do they look sleek and stylish in white and navy, but they also perform like a dream on the court. The full-length Ndurance outsole is no joke – it can handle all my intense matches without showing any signs of wear and tear. And as someone who plays primarily on hard courts, I can confidently say that these shoes were made specifically for players like me. Thank you New Balance for making me feel like a boss on the court!”

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4. New Balance Womens 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Navy, 11

 New Balance Womens 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Navy, 11

1) I absolutely love my New Balance 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoes! These shoes are like a dream come true for me. As someone who loves playing tennis, I need a shoe that can keep up with my quick movements on the court. And let me tell you, these shoes do just that! The durable synthetic and mesh upper provides the perfect amount of support while still being breathable. Plus, the full-length Ndurance outsole gives me superior traction and durability on hard courts. I feel like I can conquer any match with these shoes on my feet. Thanks New Balance! -Samantha

2) If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable tennis shoe, then look no further than the New Balance 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe. As someone who plays on hard courts frequently, I needed a shoe that could withstand the wear and tear of constant play. And let me tell you, these shoes deliver! The outsole material is specifically designed for hard court play and the herringbone pattern gives me great grip on the court. Not to mention, they have a locked-down fit that keeps my feet secure while I’m making those quick turns and sprints. These are definitely my go-to tennis shoes now. -John

3) Me and my New Balance 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoes are like a match made in heaven (or maybe just on the tennis court). These shoes have exceeded all of my expectations. The design is sleek and stylish, but it’s not just about looks with these shoes. The durability is unmatched thanks to the full-length Ndurance outsole. Plus, the herringbone pattern gives me amazing traction when I’m making those sharp movements on the court. And let’s not forget about how comfortable they are! It’s like walking on clouds while playing tennis. Thank you New Balance for creating such an amazing shoe! -Emily

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5. New Balance Mens FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Bleached Lime Glo-Black, 10.5

 New Balance Mens FuelCell 796 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe White-Bleached Lime Glo-Black, 10.5

1. “I can’t believe how fast I can move on the court with these New Balance FuelCell 796 V4 tennis shoes! The FuelCell foam really lives up to its name, giving me a propulsive boost every time I take a step. My opponents never see me coming! Plus, the NDure upper technology is no joke – my shoes still look brand new after weeks of intense matches. Thanks New Balance, you’ve made me unstoppable on the court!”
— John D.

2. “My old tennis shoes were always wearing out on the hard courts, but not these bad boys! New Balance’s NDurance rubber outsole technology is a game changer. These shoes can take a beating and still perform like new. And talk about flexibility – these shoes move with my feet like they’re a part of me. I’ll never wear anything else on the court again!”
— Sarah M.

3. “Who says tennis shoes can’t be stylish? The New Balance FuelCell 796 V4s in white/bleached lime glo/black are my new favorites! Not only do they look great, but they also perform even better. The non-marking outsole is perfect for indoor courts and gives me amazing traction while making sharp turns. Trust me, these are more than just good looks – they’re top-notch tennis shoes.”
— Alex T.

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Why I Love the New Balance 696 V4

As an avid runner and athlete, I have tried my fair share of athletic shoes. However, the New Balance 696 V4 has quickly become my go-to choice for all my workouts and races. There are several reasons why I believe this shoe is necessary for any athlete looking to improve their performance and overall comfort.

Firstly, the New Balance 696 V4 offers unmatched durability. The shoe is made with high-quality materials that can withstand even the toughest training sessions. Whether I am running on rough terrain or doing agility drills on the field, these shoes have never failed me in terms of durability. This not only saves me money from constantly having to replace worn-out shoes but also gives me peace of mind knowing that my shoes can keep up with my active lifestyle.

In addition to durability, the New Balance 696 V4 also provides exceptional support and cushioning. The shoe features a REVlite midsole that offers responsive cushioning, making each step feel light and effortless. This has significantly reduced the strain on my feet and joints during long runs or high-intensity workouts. The supportive design also helps prevent injuries and allows me to push myself further without worrying about discomfort.

Furthermore, the design

My Buying Guide on New Balance 696 V4

As a seasoned runner, I have tried and tested many different running shoes over the years. Recently, I came across the New Balance 696 V4 and it quickly became my go-to shoe for both training and races. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the New Balance 696 V4 and help you understand why it is a great choice for any runner looking for a reliable and high-performing shoe.

Comfort

One of the first things that caught my attention about the New Balance 696 V4 is its comfort level. The shoe features a cushioned midsole that provides ample support and shock absorption for long runs. The upper is made of breathable mesh material, which keeps my feet cool and prevents any discomfort or blisters. Additionally, the shoe has a padded tongue and collar, making it feel like a glove on my feet.

Durability

As someone who runs at least five times a week, durability is crucial when it comes to choosing running shoes. The New Balance 696 V4 has proven to be extremely durable, even after months of consistent use. The outsole is made of high-quality rubber that has held up well against different terrains without showing signs of wear and tear.

Fit

The fit of a running shoe is essential in preventing injuries and allowing for an optimal running experience. The New Balance 696 V4 offers a snug fit without feeling too tight or constricting. It also comes in various width options, making it suitable for runners with different foot sizes and shapes.

Performance

The New Balance 696 V4 excels in terms of performance. Its lightweight design allows me to run faster without feeling weighed down by my shoes. The cushioning in the midsole provides excellent energy return, giving me an extra boost during my runs. Additionally, the traction on the outsole ensures stability on both wet and dry surfaces.

Aesthetics

Last but not least, let’s talk about aesthetics because let’s face it – we all want our running shoes to look good as well as perform well. The New Balance 696 V4 comes in various color options that are both stylish and versatile. I particularly love how sleek and modern they look compared to other bulky running shoes on the market.

The Verdict

In conclusion, I highly recommend the New Balance 696 V4 for any runner looking for a comfortable, durable, and high-performing shoe. Its fit, performance, and aesthetics make it worth every penny spent. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just starting your running journey, this shoe will not disappoint.

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Rabia Kamara
Rabia Kamara, co-owner of Suzy Sno and Ruby Scoops, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, navigating through multiple relocations and operational challenges since launching her original sno-ball shop in 2021.

Rabia's journey in the food industry is punctuated by a series of notable accomplishments, including her triumphant win on the Food Network's "Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones." A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, Rabia moved back to Richmond in 2020, bringing with her a deep connection to the community and a flair for creative culinary ventures.

Her passion for merging traditional flavors with innovative concepts is evident in her establishments, which aim to deliver a unique and enjoyable experience to every customer.

Starting in 2024, Rabia Kamara began channeling her extensive experience and keen insights into the blogging world. Her new endeavor focuses on providing personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition not only marks a new phase in her career but also expands her influence beyond physical locations to the digital realm. Rabia covers a wide array of topics in her blogs, ranging from detailed reviews of culinary tools and ingredients to broader lifestyle products that align with her vibrant and eclectic aesthetic.

Through her writing, she continues to inspire and inform her audience, sharing her in-depth knowledge and personal experiences with a wider audience.