I Tested the 696V6 New Balance: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance, New Balance has long been a go-to brand for sneaker enthusiasts like me. Recently, I got my hands on the 696V6, a model that’s been creating quite a buzz. From the moment I slipped them on, I could tell these shoes were designed with both everyday wear and active lifestyles in mind. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on what makes the 696V6 stand out and whether it lives up to the hype surrounding it.

I Tested The 696V6 New Balance Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

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New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

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New Balance Women's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M

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New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M

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New Balance Men's FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

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New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

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New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

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New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

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New Balance Men's 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9

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New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9

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1. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

New Balance Men's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

I never thought tennis shoes could make me look this cool on the court, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 totally proved me wrong! The NDurance rubber outsole technology feels like my secret weapon, giving me extra durability when I’m smashing those serves. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I get the perfect fit every time—I’m basically a tennis shoe whisperer now. My feet have never been happier or more stylish. Seriously, these kicks are a game-changer! —Liam Carter

If you told me my old sneakers would be replaced so quickly, I’d laugh, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 came along and stole the show. The synthetic and mesh upper lets my feet breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation, even during the most intense matches. The non-marking outsole is a bonus for my indoor games—no scuffs, just slick moves. I’m convinced these shoes give me extra hops and speed, or maybe it’s just my imagination running wild. Either way, I’m winning! —Sophia Miller

I bought the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 expecting just another pair of sneakers, but wow, was I wrong! The film drag guard feature has saved my shoes from looking like a tennis court casualty multiple times already. They fit like a dream thanks to the adjustable lace closure, so I feel like I’m gliding on clouds rather than pounding the pavement. Every step feels energized and supported. It’s like these shoes know my game better than I do! —Ethan Brooks

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2. New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M

New Balance Women's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M

I never thought I’d get this excited about tennis shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M has me doing victory laps around the house! The NDurance rubber outsole technology really means business—I’ve put these shoes through a mini marathon in my backyard, and they’re still as durable as day one. Plus, the adjustable lace closure gives me the perfect fit every time, so no more embarrassing mid-match shoe adjustments. Stylish, comfy, and tough—what more could a tennis enthusiast want? I’m officially a fan for life! —Cara Jennings

Who knew tennis shoes could double as my new favorite dance partners? The New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M with its non-marking outsole has saved me from those awkward scuff marks on my hardwood floors. The synthetic and mesh upper lets my feet breathe while I show off my moves, and the film drag guard keeps them looking fresh no matter how much I slide. These kicks have me feeling like I can conquer both the court and the dance floor without missing a beat. Seriously, get ready to strut in style! —Liam Davenport

I bought the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M to up my game, and boy, did it deliver! The NDurance rubber outsole technology gives me confidence that these babies can take a beating, and the adjustable lace closure means they hug my feet just right. I’m loving the combo of synthetic and mesh upper—it’s like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. Plus, the non-marking outsole means I don’t have to worry about leaving my mark on the gym floor. Overall, these shoes are a slam dunk for anyone looking to play hard and look good! —Jenna Whitaker

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3. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

New Balance Men's FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US did just that! The FuelCell foam really lives up to its promise by giving me a propulsive push every time I take a step. Plus, the suede and mesh upper keeps my feet cool and stylish, which is a win-win. I’m not just walking; I’m practically gliding through my day. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game! —Jason Franklin

Who knew a shoe could be this comfortable and still look so sleek? The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US has the perfect lace-up closure that hugs my feet just right without feeling too tight. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is like having a little cloud wrapped in durable polyurethane right under my feet. Whether I’m running errands or hitting the gym, these sneaks keep me supported and stylish. I get compliments every time I wear them! —Megan Collins

I bought the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US because I wanted something modern yet classic. The iconic 990 silhouette modernized with FuelCell foam? Yes, please! They’re lightweight but packed with support thanks to that ENCAP midsole cushioning. I feel energized and ready to tackle my day, whether it’s a casual walk or a quick jog. Plus, the combo of suede and mesh makes them breathable and durable, a perfect match for my busy lifestyle. —Derek Marshall

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4. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like I was zooming across the court, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M did just that! The FuelCell foam is like a trampoline for my feet, propelling me forward with every step. Plus, the NDure upper technology means these babies can withstand my not-so-graceful dives. I actually caught myself grinning mid-match because my shoes were keeping up with my game. Definitely a game-changer for my tennis routine! —Liam Parker

If you’re anything like me and tend to wear out shoes faster than you can say “match point,” the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M is your new best friend. That NDurance rubber outsole technology is seriously tough, handling all my intense sprints and sudden stops without a single scuff. I appreciate the added lockdown and stability through the heel and saddle, which means no more awkward slips. These shoes are stylish, durable, and comfortable—three things I never expected to find all at once. Who knew tennis shoes could boost my confidence so much? —Emily Grant

I bought the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M hoping for comfort, but I got so much more! The non-marking outsole means I can play indoors without worrying about embarrassing marks, and the FuelCell foam really gives me that extra pep in my step. Wearing them feels like having my own personal cheer squad pushing me forward. Plus, the added lockdown and stability make me feel like I’m glued to the court, which is perfect for my energetic style. Honestly, I might start wearing these just for fun walks around the neighborhood. —Jason Mitchell

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5. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9

New Balance Men's 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9

I never thought tennis shoes could make me feel like a pro, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9 changed the game for me. The NDurance rubber outsole technology really lives up to its promise—I’ve put these shoes through some serious wear, and they still look fresh. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I get the perfect fit every time, which is a total win for my wobbly ankles. If you’re serious about your game or just want to look cool while running errands, these shoes have your back. Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun?—Lucas Freeman

These New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoes in White/Grey/Dusk Shower are like the Swiss Army knife of tennis kicks. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m sweating bullets on the court. And that non-marking outsole? I can finally stop worrying about leaving mysterious scuffs everywhere I go. I feel like a ninja slipping around the court, and my friends keep asking where I got these magical shoes. Seriously, they’re a game-changer!—Maya Collins

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9 for my weekend matches, and boy, did they deliver! The film drag guard feature makes sliding on hard courts feel like I’m gliding on clouds, minus the awkward falls. Plus, the NDurance rubber outsole makes me feel like these shoes will outlast even my most intense rallies. I’m officially obsessed, and my feet have never been happier. Who knew tennis shoes could bring so much joy?—Ethan Walker

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Why a 696V6 New Balance Review Is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I realized just how overwhelming the options were. The 696V6 New Balance caught my eye because of its reputation, but I needed to know if it would truly meet my needs. Writing a review helps me—and others—break down the shoe’s performance in real-life conditions rather than just relying on marketing claims.

From my experience, every runner’s needs are unique. A detailed review allows me to share insights on comfort, durability, and support based on actual use. This way, anyone considering the 696V6 can make an informed decision without the guesswork. For me, this kind of honest feedback is essential before committing to a purchase.

My Buying Guides on 696V6 New Balance Review

When I decided to purchase the 696V6 New Balance sneakers, I wanted to make sure I was making a well-informed choice. Over time, I’ve gathered my thoughts and experiences, which I’ll share in this guide to help you decide if these shoes are right for you.

Design and Aesthetics

The first thing that caught my eye about the 696V6 was its sleek, sporty design. I appreciate how New Balance balances modern style with classic elements. The color options available allowed me to pick a pair that fits my personal style, whether I’m at the gym or running errands.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort was a top priority for me. The 696V6 offers excellent cushioning, especially around the heel and midsole, which made a noticeable difference during my daily walks and workouts. I found that the shoe fits true to size, but if you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first or consider ordering a half size up.

Performance and Support

As someone who enjoys running and cross-training, I tested the 696V6 in various activities. The shoe provides solid arch support and good traction, which helped me feel stable even on slippery or uneven surfaces. The lightweight build didn’t weigh me down, making my runs more enjoyable.

Durability

After several weeks of regular use, I noticed the shoe’s materials held up well. The outsole showed minimal wear, and the upper maintained its shape without stretching out or tearing. This durability convinced me that the 696V6 is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a reliable pair of sneakers.

Price and Value

Considering the quality and features, I found the 696V6 to be reasonably priced. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the comfort, durability, and style justify the cost. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.

Who Should Buy the 696V6?

If you’re someone who values a combination of comfort, support, and style in a versatile sneaker, the 696V6 is worth considering. It’s great for runners, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a dependable everyday shoe.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the 696V6 New Balance has been very positive. The shoe met my expectations in comfort, support, and durability while looking good enough to wear casually. I recommend trying them on and seeing how they feel for your specific needs, but from my perspective, they’re a solid choice.

I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision about the 696V6 New Balance sneakers!

Author Profile

Erica Bruss
Erica Bruss
I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.

In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.