{"product_id":"b0d2bqbky3","title":"New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Durable Support","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe finds it best for players who want a lightweight, supportive court shoe that holds up in high-wear areas. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is the \u003cstrong\u003eNDurance rubber outsole\u003c\/strong\u003e, which targets durability where you need it most while preserving a grippy herringbone pattern for hard courts. The updated 696v4 blends a breathable synthetic and mesh upper with a responsive midsole, making it a practical choice for frequent indoor and outdoor hard-court play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNDurance rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to provide superior durability in high-wear areas so the shoes last longer through repeated lateral movements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerringbone outsole pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers dependable traction on hard courts to help quick starts and changes of direction feel secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic and mesh upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e The combination gives structure and breathability, with perforations in the forefoot that improve airflow during long sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides cushioning and responsiveness without adding unnecessary weight that could slow footwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable lace closure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows a customized fit to lock the foot in place and enhance stability during lateral steps and pivots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm drag guard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds abrasion protection in toe and drag zones to extend the life of the upper on hard surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 696 V4 is ideal for recreational and club-level players, including pickleball enthusiasts, who need a shoe that balances \u003cstrong\u003esupport\u003c\/strong\u003e and breathability for frequent hard-court play. Wide-foot players will appreciate reports of extra room in the fit, and those who change direction quickly will like the stability and grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers seeking plush, maximal cushioning or a very narrow, race-ready fit should look elsewhere. Likewise, if longevity under extreme use is critical, consider trying them first since durability feedback is mixed despite the NDurance outsole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable outsole compounds concentrate wear resistance where it matters for longer life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable, breathable upper with perforations that reduce overheating during long matches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight construction and good support make quick lateral movement feel balanced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-marking outsole suitable for indoor courts and gym use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizing can be inconsistent for some buyers, so trying on first or checking size guidance is recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed; while many find them long-lasting, heavy hitters may see faster wear in extreme use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew Balance Athletics, Inc.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNDurance rubber with herringbone pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynthetic and mesh with perforations in forefoot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClosure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable lace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNon-marking with film drag guard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard courts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance 696 V4 is a solid, value-oriented hard-court shoe for players who prioritize lightweight support and targeted durability. It suits recreational and club players, especially those with wider feet or who play pickleball, offering breathable comfort and dependable court traction without excessive bulk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes good for pickleball?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, customers commonly report they work well for pickleball thanks to the stable outsole and supportive fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing is mixed; some find extra width helpful while others note size inconsistencies, so try them on when possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill they mark indoor courts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the outsole is non-marking and suitable for indoor court play.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance Athletics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48235595923675,"sku":"B0D2BQBKY3","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51vxJFbgydL._AC_SL1000_16423f2e-b432-4ddf-8a61-1a55e7f0e6ec.jpg?v=1770824062","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/b0d2bqbky3","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}