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Editor’s Note (2025 Update)

The New Balance 696v6 is a lightweight hard court tennis shoe designed primarily for recreational and league players. I recently purchased a pair but ended up returning them due to fit issues. That experience highlighted something important about the 696v6 — sizing and width can make or break this shoe.

In this updated review, I’ll break down the fit, court feel, durability, and who this model is actually best for so you can decide confidently before buying.

New Balance 696v6 Quick Specs

• Category: Entry-level / recreational tennis shoe

• Cushioning: ABZORB® midsole

• Outsole: NDurance rubber (non-marking)

• Upper: Synthetic and mesh construction

• Court type: Hard court

• Fit profile: Runs slightly narrow for some foot shapes

  Fit & Sizing — Buyer Caution
  Based on my hands-on experience (and immediate return), the New Balance 696v6 runs narrow for some foot types. My normal size felt tight, especially in the midfoot and toe box, which is why I had to return them.

  If you have wider feet or prefer a roomier forefoot, you may want to consider the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2, which I found significantly more forgiving in wide width.

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  Key takeaways for sizing:

  • Standard width may be tight for medium-to-wide feet.

  • If you have narrow feet, your normal size might work.

  • Consider trying on in-store or ordering two sizes if buying online.

  • Heel and arch support are generally fine, but sizing is the biggest risk factor.

  Bottom line: These shoes are excellent if they fit correctly, but sizing is critical — don’t skip trying them on if possible.

• Best Court Surface for the 696v6

  Mention:

  • Hard court traction
  • Outsole durability
  • Suitability for frequent play

• Who the 696v6 Is Best For

  Best for:

  • Players with narrow-to-standard width feet (Best Tennis Shoes by Player Type)

  • Court athletes looking for lightweight, durable tennis shoes

  • Fans of a classic New Balance performance silhouette

  Not ideal for:

  • Medium-to-wide feet without sizing adjustments

  • Anyone seeking a very cushioned, soft-feeling shoe

  • Buyers unwilling to try sizing carefully

• Playing Style Fit

• • Baseline grinders
  • Lighter movement players
  • Recreational league players
  • Not heavy toe-drag power players
    

     

A Note on Older New Balance 696 Models

I’ve worn older versions of the New Balance 696 in the past and logged full seasons of play in them. Those earlier models were lightweight, well-ventilated, and offered solid support for recreational-level tennis. Durability was consistent with what I’ve experienced from New Balance, and the ABZORB midsole provided reliable comfort over time.

That said, the current New Balance 696v6 is a different shoe in terms of materials, fit, and construction. While my past experience with the 696 line gives helpful context, this review focuses on the v6 specifically.

If you’re deciding between this and the 996, see my full 696 vs 996 comparison here.

My Experience With the New Balance 696v6

I tried and unboxed the New Balance 696v6 but ended up returning it shortly after due to fit issues. The shoe felt more restrictive than expected in the forefoot for my foot shape, which was immediately noticeable during try-on. While I didn’t log on-court time in the v6, this experience reinforced how important sizing and width are when choosing a tennis shoe in this category.