{"product_id":"fuelcell-996-v4-tennis-shoe-for-men-hard-court-performance","title":"FuelCell 996 V4 Tennis Shoe for Men - Hard Court Performance","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe is assessed for players who want a mix of court durability and responsive cushioning. The bottom line: this shoe is best for men who play frequent hardcourt or mixed-surface tennis and value a propulsive midsole plus reinforced high-wear protection. It stands out because the \u003cstrong\u003eFuelCell foam\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a noticeably forward-driving feel while the NDurance outsole and NDure upper technologies focus on long-term durability rather than a plush, casual fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFuelCell foam:\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a propulsive, energetic feel that helps drive you forward on serves and transitions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNDure upper technology:\u003c\/strong\u003e reinforces high-stress areas of the shoe to resist abrasion from frequent lateral movements and surface contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeel and saddle lockdown:\u003c\/strong\u003e added structure in the heel and midfoot improves stability for quick directional changes and lateral pushes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNDurance rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e places durable rubber in high-wear zones to extend outsole life on hard courts and clay edges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-marking outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e designed to protect indoor and club court surfaces while maintaining traction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FuelCell 996 V4 is aimed at recreational to competitive male players who spend a lot of time on hard courts and need a shoe that combines responsiveness with rugged construction. Players who like a slightly more performance-oriented ride and want additional durability in high-wear zones will appreciate the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may be less suitable for players seeking a very narrow, race-style fit or those who prioritize maximal cushioning over court feel; similarly, if you prefer a barefoot or minimal shoe, this model's added stability and durability features could feel too structured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponsive \u003cstrong\u003eFuelCell midsole\u003c\/strong\u003e gives forward propulsion that helps on court movement and recovery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable upper and \u003cstrong\u003eNDurance outsole\u003c\/strong\u003e stand up to frequent play and abrasive surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood lockdown and lateral support from the reinforced heel and saddle for quick direction changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight feel and clean appearance make it comfortable for extended wear off court as well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFit reports are mixed; some find the shoe wider than expected, so fit may vary by foot shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayers seeking maximum plush cushioning might find the emphasis on propulsion and durability less soft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuelCell 996 V4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard court and mixed-surface tennis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuelCell foam (additional padding vs prior version)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNDure durability technology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNDurance rubber, non-marking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupport\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdded heel and saddle lockdown for stability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V4 is a strong value for male players who need a durable, responsive hardcourt shoe. Its \u003cstrong\u003eFuelCell propulsion\u003c\/strong\u003e combined with reinforced upper and outsole materials makes it a practical pick for frequent play, offering both support and longevity without unnecessary bulk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes suitable for clay courts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; customers report the outsole and durability features work well on clay as well as hardcourt, though traction will vary by surface and play style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing is mixed in reviews; some find the fit wider than expected, so try your normal size but consider trying them on if you have narrow feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they be worn off the court?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the lightweight feel and appearance make them comfortable and practical for casual wear in addition to on-court use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48677884199131,"sku":"B0CLB8ZTG5","price":134.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/512bkC2MROL._AC_SL1000_9e98eab8-6645-4dab-bb88-754054e79fd1.jpg?v=1778668978","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/fuelcell-996-v4-tennis-shoe-for-men-hard-court-performance","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}