{"product_id":"new-balance-mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-durable-support","title":"New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Durable Support","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe the bottom line is straightforward: it is a sensible, performance-focused option for players who need durable outsole traction and comfortable support for long sessions on hard courts. The shoe's most compelling advantage is its NDurance rubber outsole and herringbone tread that hold up well in high-wear areas, giving consistent grip during lateral movement. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps weight down and improves airflow, and the adjustable lace closure allows a snug, customizable fit for on-court stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNDurance outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides superior durability in high-wear areas so the shoes last longer through aggressive play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerringbone outsole pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers reliable traction on hard courts for quicker direction changes and improved balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic and mesh upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balances structure with breathability so the forefoot stays ventilated during long matches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm drag guard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protects high-abrasion zones to reduce wear where players commonly slide or drag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable lace closure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows a customized fit that helps lock the foot in place during quick pivots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports mobility without weighing the foot down for faster court movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese shoes are well suited to club tennis players and recreational competitors who play primarily on hard courts and want a reliable, well-built shoe that emphasizes outsole longevity and court traction. Players who also enjoy pickleball will find the design translates well to that game thanks to the support and balance during lateral movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoppers with very narrow feet or those seeking a plush, maximal-cushion running shoe should look elsewhere, as this model focuses on court feel, ventilation, and durable traction rather than a soft, thick ride. Also note that sizing can run differently for some buyers, so trying them on or checking return options is prudent.\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 outsole extends shoe life in high-wear areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHerringbone tread and film drag guard improve grip and protect the sole during slides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLightweight synthetic\/mesh upper offers breathability and comfortable fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSupportive design yields good balance when changing direction on court.\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 sizing inconsistencies, so fit may require trying different sizes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed; a few users saw faster wear depending on play style.\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 technology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNDurance rubber with herringbone pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynthetic and mesh with forefoot perforations\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\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\u003eMidsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLightweight midsole for mobility\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 practical choice for players who prioritize court traction, breathable support, and durable outsoles. It represents good value for club players and those who play frequently on hard courts because the NDurance outsole and herringbone tread deliver reliable grip and extended wear. Expect a firm, responsive court feel rather than maximal cushioning, and check sizing recommendations before buying.\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, the outsole traction and lateral support make them a good option for pickleball as well as tennis on hard courts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFit can vary; several customers mentioned size concerns, so trying them on or verifying return options is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the outsole mark indoor courts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the shoe has a non-marking outsole designed for indoor and outdoor hard courts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance Athletics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48231909261531,"sku":"B0D2BRS291","price":79.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51vxJFbgydL._AC_SL1000_4186889d-9fda-4cf1-9888-42fafa837f27.jpg?v=1770723423","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-durable-support","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}