{"product_id":"new-balance-mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-review","title":"New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe - Durable Court Grip","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the New Balance Men's 696 V4 Hard Court Tennis Shoe finds it best suited for players who need a durable, supportive shoe for frequent play on hard courts and for paddle sports like pickleball. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is the NDurance rubber outsole and herringbone tread, which deliver dependable traction and wear resistance in high-wear areas so the shoes last longer under lateral movement. The updated synthetic\/mesh upper and lightweight midsole also make them comfortable for long sessions without feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNDurance rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e provides superior durability in high-wear areas so the shoe resists early breakdown during frequent play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerringbone outsole pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e offers grippy traction on hard courts to help with quick lateral movement and direction changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm drag guard:\u003c\/strong\u003e protects the toe area from scuffing during slides and quick starts, extending upper life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic and mesh upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e balances structure and breathability with perforations in the forefoot for airflow during long matches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable lace closure:\u003c\/strong\u003e allows a customized fit so players can dial in midfoot security and reduce heel slip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-marking outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps indoor and court surfaces free of scuffs while maintaining court-legal performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 696 V4 is aimed at recreational and club players who spend a lot of time on hard courts and need a shoe built to hold up under repeated lateral movement. Players with wider feet will appreciate the extra room described by customers, and those who prioritize lightweight feel and court support will find these shoes comfortable for matches and practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlayers who prefer maximal cushioning or those requiring advanced motion-control features beyond basic support should look elsewhere. Also, shoppers concerned about consistent sizing should verify fit before committing, since some buyers reported sizing concerns that may require ordering carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable NDurance outsole that stands up to frequent play and aggressive toe dragging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable, lightweight midsole and breathable perforated forefoot for longer sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood support and balance for quick direction changes, praised by customers for on-court stability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-marking, grippy herringbone tread suitable for hard courts and indoor paddle use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers reported inconsistent sizing, so fit may require attention when ordering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurability reports are mixed; while many find it long-lasting, a few users experienced earlier wear than expected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\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\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\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilm drag guard, non-marking outsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended Surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard courts and indoor court play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe New Balance 696 V4 is a solid choice for club players and regular hard court competitors who want a lightweight, breathable shoe with durable traction and good lateral support. It represents good value for those who need court-ready durability and comfort, though buyers should confirm sizing before purchase due to some inconsistent fit reports.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes good for pickleball?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, customers report the 696 V4 performs well for pickleball thanks to the grippy herringbone outsole and supportive ride.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizing appears mixed in customer feedback; try the recommended size or order multiple sizes if possible to ensure the right fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the outsole mark gym floors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the shoe has a non-marking outsole designed to avoid scuffs while keeping traction on court surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance Athletics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48120731664603,"sku":"B0D2BS2DWC","price":79.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51vxJFbgydL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1768356206","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-mens-696-v4-hard-court-tennis-shoe-review","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}