{"product_id":"mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-lightweight-supportive-fit","title":"Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Lightweight Supportive Fit","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe the bottom line is clear: this is a lightweight, supportive court shoe aimed at players who need breathable comfort and a durable sole for hard courts. The shoe's biggest reason to buy is the combination of a grippy herringbone outsole and NDurance rubber in high-wear areas, which together deliver reliable traction and extended outsole life for frequent play. Reviewers praise the fit and feel, noting comfort for long sessions and a design that suits both tennis and pickleball.\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 provides superior durability in high-wear areas so the shoe holds up longer under frequent court use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerringbone outsole pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers consistent grip on hard courts for predictable traction during lateral movement and quick turns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic and mesh upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e balances structure with breathability so the forefoot stays ventilated through perforations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e offers cushioned support while keeping the overall weight low for quicker court movement and less fatigue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable lace closure:\u003c\/strong\u003e allows a customized fit to secure the foot without adding bulk or restricting motion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm drag guard:\u003c\/strong\u003e protects the upper in toe and drag zones to resist abrasion during play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 696 V4 is best for recreational and club-level players who spend many hours on hard courts and want a shoe that balances breathability, support, and a durable outsole. It is especially suitable for players who value a lighter shoe that still provides stability during quick direction changes and lateral shuffling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers who need a narrow, race-style fit or those seeking maximal cushioning for long-distance running should look elsewhere; this shoe is tuned for court agility and wear resistance rather than long-run cushioning. Also, buyers concerned about exact sizing should check fit guidance because some customers report mixed sizing impressions.\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 NDurance rubber in high-wear areas increases outsole life for frequent court players.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable, breathable upper with forefoot perforations keeps feet cooler during play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight construction and good support give a responsive feel and stable balance when changing direction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers report mixed sizing experiences, so fit may require trying a size or consulting width options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed for a few users, meaning longevity can vary with play style and frequency.\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynthetic and mesh with forefoot perforations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNDurance rubber, non-marking with herringbone pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClosure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable lace closure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilm drag guard, lightweight midsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance Men's 696 V4 is a strong choice for players who need a breathable, lightweight hard court shoe with reliable traction and focused durability. It represents good value for club players and pickleball participants who prioritize support and agility; just confirm sizing before buying if you are between widths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes suitable for pickleball?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, customers commonly report the shoe works well for pickleball thanks to the grippy herringbone outsole and stable support during lateral movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these shoes run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing feedback is mixed; some buyers find them true to size while others note width differences, so try them on if possible or check width options before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow durable is the outsole?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe NDurance rubber and film drag guard improve longevity in high-wear zones, though durability can vary by play frequency and style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance Athletics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48615267434715,"sku":"B0CLBBG9DH","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61B31tDDVRL._AC_SL1500_1b8a8265-d8d6-49cd-8cbd-e15a95077507.jpg?v=1778419349","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-lightweight-supportive-fit","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}