{"product_id":"new-balance-fuelcell-996-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-responsive-energy","title":"New Balance FuelCell 996 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Responsive Energy","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the New Balance FuelCell 996 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe the bottom line is clear: this model is built for players who want a responsive, energy-returning ride without sacrificing court feel. The reviewer found the new full-length FuelCell midsole delivers pronounced propulsion on each push while the synthetic mesh and hyponit upper hold the foot securely. For hard-court players who prioritize forward momentum and a non-marking outsole that still provides tactile ground feedback, this shoe is a strong contender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull-length FuelCell midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e provides pronounced propulsion and energy return to help with quick forward bursts and longer rallies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic mesh and hyponit upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a balance of breathability and supportive structure so the foot stays locked in during lateral movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull-length NDurance outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers durable, non-marking traction designed for hard-court surfaces while preserving a good ground feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCourt-focused sole construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e underfoot design emphasizes stability and contact so players can change direction with confidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight build:\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps overall shoe mass down, aiding quick footwork without noticeable drag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FuelCell 996 V4 is aimed at competitive club players and frequent hard-court competitors who want a lively midsole that returns energy on each step. It suits movers who value a blend of propulsion and court feel, especially players who push off the toes for aggressive serves or quick approach steps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers who need maximum cushioning for long practice days on hard surfaces or those who prefer extremely plush, soft midsoles may want to consider other models with thicker foam stacks. Similarly, clay- or grass-court specialists should look at shoes tuned specifically for those surfaces.\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\u003eStrong propulsion and energy return from the full-length FuelCell midsole helps with faster recoveries between points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupportive synthetic mesh and hyponit upper provides a secure fit without feeling overly stiff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable, non-marking NDurance outsole offers good ground feel and traction on hard courts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shoe favors a responsive, firmer ride which may feel less cushioned for players seeking plush comfort during extended play.\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\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\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynthetic mesh and hyponit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull-length FuelCell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull-length NDurance non-marking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard court\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance FuelCell 996 V4 is a solid choice for hard-court players who want a responsive, energy-returning shoe that still preserves court feel. It represents good value for competitive players who prioritize propulsion and durable traction, though those seeking ultra-soft cushioning should try a different option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this shoe suitable for match play?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the FuelCell midsole and NDurance outsole are designed to stand up to frequent match play on hard courts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the outsole mark indoor courts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the full-length NDurance outsole is non-marking and intended for court use where marks are a concern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the fit true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe shoe uses a supportive synthetic mesh upper that generally fits true to size, but players with wider feet may prefer trying on for exact fit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48236822757595,"sku":"B07RLD393S","price":144.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71uc9EBNU7S._AC_UX695.jpg?v=1770743586","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-fuelcell-996-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-responsive-energy","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}