{"product_id":"mens-696-v4-tennis-footwear-by-new-balance-for-superior-grip","title":"New Balance 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Durable Court Performance","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the New Balance 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe is evaluated for recreational and competitive players who need a durable, breathable court shoe. The bottom line: these shoes are best for players who value a grippy herringbone outsole and lightweight support for quick lateral movement, with the standout reason to buy being the NDurance rubber that targets high-wear areas for long life. The review looks at fit, comfort, and on-court traction based on the shoe's updated construction and customer feedback.\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 enhanced durability in high-wear areas so the shoe holds up longer on abrasive hard courts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerringbone outsole pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers dependable grip and consistent traction for quick starts, stops, and lateral cuts on hard surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic and mesh upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combines structure with breathability, keeping the forefoot ventilated during long sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable lace closure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows a customized fit so players can dial in snugness for better stability and comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces bulk underfoot, helping players move quickly without feeling weighed down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-marking outsole and film drag guard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protects the shoe during aggressive toe drags and is court-friendly in indoor settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 696 V4 is well suited to club players, pickleball enthusiasts, and tennis players who prioritize durability and court traction without a heavy shoe. Its extra-wide fit reported by customers also makes it a good option for men with wider feet who need comfortable toe room and steady support during lateral play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers looking for maximal cushioning, a narrow race-style fit, or specialized clay-court performance should look elsewhere. If you need a plush, high-cushion running trainer rather than a court-oriented shoe, this model may feel firmer than expected.\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 extends outsole life in the highest abrasion zones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGood traction from the herringbone pattern improves confidence when changing direction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLightweight construction and breathable forefoot keep feet cooler and less fatigued.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSupportive fit with adjustable laces provides stable balance for quick moves.\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 fit or sizing issues, so trying on before purchase or checking sizing guidance is advisable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed, with a few users noting wear in heavy-use scenarios despite NDurance protection.\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 with herringbone pattern, non-marking\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\u003eProtection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilm drag guard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard courts and indoor hard surfaces\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 for players who need a court-focused shoe that balances durability, traction, and lightweight feel. It suits wider feet and club-level athletes who demand steady support and breathable construction; shoppers should confirm sizing but will find a dependable, well-rounded hard court shoe for regular play.\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 use the 696 V4 for pickleball thanks to its grip, support, and comfortable wider fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing feedback is mixed; some customers report needing to check size carefully, so trying them on or consulting size charts is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow durable is the outsole?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe NDurance rubber targets high-wear zones for improved longevity, though a few users in heavy-use cases reported varied durability outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance Athletics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48146280448219,"sku":"B0CLBC3FWX","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61B31tDDVRL._AC_SL1500_60a6abda-4846-4f91-ac25-194a78df7939.jpg?v=1768742025","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/mens-696-v4-tennis-footwear-by-new-balance-for-superior-grip","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}