Editor’s Note (2026): The New Balance 1296 tennis shoe is no longer in production, but many players still search for it when looking for fit information or a modern replacement. This review is kept for reference, along with suggestions for current New Balance alternatives.
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
- ACTEVAâ„¢ 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.
Compared to the 1296, the New Balance 996v6 felt noticeably more comfortable and wearable for my foot shape, while still maintaining a performance-focused feel on court.
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
Current New Balance Tennis Shoe Alternatives
- New Balance 996v6 – Best for players who want a lighter, faster, performance-oriented tennis shoe.
- New Balance 696v6 – Better for players looking for a more approachable club-level shoe, though fit can still feel narrow for some.
- Fresh Foam X CT-Rally – A more modern, comfort-oriented tennis shoe with stronger cushioning and a locked-in feel.
If fit is your biggest concern, especially for wider feet, check out my guide to the best tennis shoes for wide feet.