Review of New Balance Men's 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe
The New Balance Men's 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe is designed for players who demand both performance and comfort on the court. With a clean white and navy aesthetic, these shoes not only look great but are also engineered to enhance your game. Featuring a full-length NDurance outsole, they provide exceptional grip on hard courts, ensuring you can make those quick movements confidently.
Constructed with a durable synthetic and mesh upper, these shoes offer breathability while maintaining a locked-in feel. This means you can focus entirely on your match without worrying about the fit of your footwear.
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Features
- Durable synthetic and mesh upper
- Full-length NDurance outsole for superior traction and durability
- Outsole material specially designed for hard court play
- Herringbone outsole pattern for enhanced grip
- Locked-down feel for a reliable fit
Pros
- Excellent traction on hard courts
- Comfortable fit that supports foot stability
- Stylish design that appeals to many players
- Durable materials minimize wear and tear over time
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Availability of sizes may be limited
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | New Balance 696 V5 | Nike Court Zoom Cage 4 | Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traction | NDurance outsole | Multi-directional traction | Adiwear outsole |
| Fit | Locked-down feel | Dynamic Fit | Sprintframe construction |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Very lightweight |
Detailed Review
If you're looking for tennis shoes that can keep up with your competitive spirit, the New Balance Men's 696 V5 Hard Court Tennis Shoe offers an impressive blend of comfort, durability, and style. The full-length NDurance outsole ensures that every step you take on the court maintains stability and grip, crucial for executing sharp movements. You’ll appreciate the herringbone pattern, which further enhances traction during lateral movements, making it easier to change directions quickly.
The breathable synthetic and mesh upper allows for ventilation, mitigating discomfort from extended wear. However, some users have reported that the shoes might need a short break-in period to achieve their ideal level of comfort. Once broken in, you can expect a snug fit that helps keep your feet secure during fast-paced matches.
In terms of aesthetics, the combination of white and navy gives the shoes a classic yet modern appeal, fitting seamlessly into any sports wardrobe. Overall, if you prioritize performance alongside style, the New Balance Men's 696 V5 should definitely be on your radar.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8/10 | Generally comfortable after break-in; supportive fit. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Outstanding grip on hard court surfaces. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Aesthetics | 8/10 | Stylish design appealing to various players. |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | Good value considering performance and durability. |
User Reviews
Most comfortable tennis shoes I've found so far. Feels like you're waking on pillows.
Great width with foam support and great comfort.
I really love this model.Great heel support and holds the court very well.
I initially purchased a size 10.5 which is my usual size for other shoes but this was too tight. I exchanged this for a size 11 and this fit perfectly. The shoes are comfortable and secure on the court.
So yes, these are comfortable, nice sneakers... a few things I haven't seen others mention that I really appreciate about these sneakers... they are completely wipeable. Most sneakers have some sort of fabric mesh, and once it gets dirty, its just a mess. These have a complete (leather???) upper, completely easily wipeable to keep looking clean. This is a feature I really appreciate as I am always spilling stuff on my shoes or getting them dirty with my pets or whatever. Another feature that most prob don't really care about, but I really like (I'm a female buying these guy shoes), is that they are designed cleverly to have a bit of an optical illusion to make the shoe look a little more narrow in the front part of the shoe than it really is. You just have to get them to see what I mean. These are nice shoes. I'll prob order a second pair as a back up I like them so much. I buy the guy shoes because they are a little wider and I can wear really thick socks in the winter with them without scrunching my toes. :)
2ee is perfect for wide feet.
The fit was just off. Have tried several different New Balance court shoes and the toe boxes seem to slope down toward the toes and put pressure on the toes as well as a weird angle that cuts off at the outside of the toe box, putting pressure on the toes there as well. Unfortunately, had to return them.
This is a great tennis shoe for a good price. The support are durability are good and it holds up well.