**Status update:**
The New Balance 1296 is no longer in production. This review is kept for fit, comfort, and performance reference. Where relevant, I’ve linked to current New Balance tennis shoes that most closely replace the 1296.
I have generally had good luck with New Balance tennis shoes, so when it came time to buy a new pair, I looked at the New Balance latest offerings. The New Balance tennis offerings are divided into stability and cushioning shoes. since I try to keep my feet moving (I’ve been listening to my tennis coach) and trying to cover the court as much as possible. I have had previous history of rolling my ankle so I figured I’d choose from the stability line. Besides the features, the other main reason I chose the New Balance 1296 were the available colors. I chose the Blue with Orange color. I’m also a Mets fan and this color represented my favorite baseball team perfectly. Listed below are the features of the 1296:

• S-Curve technology for lateral support.
• Ndurance forefoot cage
• long-wearing drag tip
• Non-marking outsole
• No-sew material application
• Synthetic/mesh upper
• ACTEVA™ LITE 24% lighter than New Balance’s standard compression molded foam for optimal compression set properties.
• Rubber compound for maximum durability used in high wear areas.

Ordering and shipping from Newbalance.com was very easy and straightforward. I received the shoes a few days after ordering and was excited to try them on. Unfortunately, that is where my excitement ended. The NB 1296 offer a superior stable feeling, but they are very narrow. Much narrower than the New Balance regular fit that I am accustomed to. I originally ordered the regular width. Because of how narrow these shoes are, I probably should have ordered the wide width but I am not sure if it would have made a difference or not.

Unfortunately, I had to pack them up and return for a refund. Fortunately, the New Balance return procedure is also very easy and straightforward. A return label was provided and the refund issued to the credit card I used for payment. Once I returned the NB1296, I ordered a different pair of New Balance Tennis shoes, hoping that they would fit much better. The replacement order, a pair of New Balance 996’s were perfect. Look for an upcoming review on those shoes at a later date.
## What Replaced the New Balance 1296?

The New Balance 1296 has been discontinued, but its stability-focused design didn’t disappear.

New Balance has continued this performance category under newer model numbers, most notably the **New Balance 996 series or the Coco Delray**.

While not identical, the 996 carries forward a similar on-court focus with updated cushioning, lighter materials, and a more modern upper construction.

If you’re comparing older and newer New Balance tennis shoes, this guide explains how discontinued models translate to current ones:
👉 New Balance tennis shoe model numbers explained