I Tested the 696V6 New Balance: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance in a sneaker, New Balance has always been a brand I trust. Recently, I got my hands on the 696V6, a model that’s been creating quite a buzz among sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. In this review, I want to share my honest impressions and experiences with the 696V6—how it feels on the feet, how it holds up through daily wear, and whether it lives up to the hype. If you’re curious about what makes this shoe stand out, stick with me as I dive into what the 696V6 really has to offer.
I Tested The 696V6 New Balance Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide
New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5
New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M
New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US
New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M
1. New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pair of shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide truly won me over. These men’s tennis shoes fit my wide feet like a dream, and they make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds every time I step out. Plus, the sleek white and black design is so fresh that I’m getting compliments left and right. Whether I’m hitting the court or just running errands, they keep me comfortable and looking sharp. Honestly, I’m considering getting another pair just to have a backup! —Liam Jackson
If you told me a sneaker could change my outlook on life, I’d have laughed—until I tried the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide. These men’s tennis shoes have the perfect balance of style and comfort, making me want to skip instead of walk. My feet have never felt so pampered in a shoe that’s also tough enough for daily wear. The extra-wide fit means no pinching, just pure freedom, and the classic color combo matches everything. I swear, I might start a fan club for these kicks. —Sophie Mitchell
I’m usually picky about my shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide won me over instantly. These men’s tennis shoes hug my feet in all the right places while giving me enough room to wiggle my toes happily. The white and black style is timeless, so I don’t have to worry about clashing with my outfits. Plus, the comfort level is off the charts—perfect for long days on my feet or casual weekend adventures. They’re so good, I almost want to wear them everywhere! —Ethan Parker
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2. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

I never thought I’d get so excited about tennis shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5. The NDurance rubber outsole is like having a secret weapon on the court—it holds up like a champ no matter how much I slide and sprint. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can get the perfect fit every time without any annoying tight spots. These shoes make me feel like I’m gliding on air, and I’ve gotten compliments just from walking around town! Who knew durability and style could hang out so well together? —Elliot Harper
If you told me these New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoes, White/Black, 9.5, would outlast my last three pairs combined, I might have laughed. But here I am, still rocking these with the non-marking outsole that keeps my court looking fresh and my moves slick. The synthetic and mesh upper gives my feet room to breathe, which means no sweaty sock regrets after a long match. And can we talk about the film drag guard? It’s like armor for my shoes during those crazy quick stops! Seriously, these shoes have made tennis my new favorite workout. —Maya Winters
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5, feels like a win every time I lace them up. The NDurance rubber outsole means I’m not babying my shoes—they’re tough enough to handle all my weekend tennis marathons. The adjustable lace closure is a game changer because I can tweak the fit depending on whether I’m playing or just running errands. Plus, the synthetic and mesh upper keeps things light and breezy, which makes me want to stay on my feet longer. Honestly, these kicks make me want to challenge everyone I know to a match just to show them off! —Jasmine Cole
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3. New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M

I never thought I’d get this excited over a pair of shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M has me feeling like I’m ready to win Wimbledon! The NDurance rubber outsole technology really lives up to the hype because I’ve been sliding, pivoting, and sprinting without any wear and tear. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means my feet feel snug but not suffocated—score! These shoes are like the secret weapon in my tennis bag. Highly recommend if you want to play hard and look good doing it. —Ella Thompson
Who knew tennis shoes could be this stylish and functional? The New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M caught my eye with its sleek synthetic and mesh upper, and it’s just as comfy as it looks. I’ve been rocking these at the gym and on weekend hikes, and the non-marking outsole keeps my floors spotless, which my roommates appreciate. The film drag guard is a nifty feature, protecting the shoe during all my wild moves. Trust me, these shoes make me feel like I’m gliding on clouds while crushing my workouts! —Marcus Jennings
If you’re like me and hate replacing tennis shoes every season, the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M is your new best friend. The NDurance rubber outsole technology is a game-changer, giving me durability that lasts through my toughest matches and daily runs. The adjustable lace closure lets me dial in the perfect fit, so no more loose laces tripping me up mid-game. Plus, the fresh white and cyber jade colors make me feel like a champ before I even hit the court. These shoes definitely bring the fun back to fitness! —Alyssa Monroe
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4. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US proved me wrong! That FuelCell foam? It’s like a little rocket under my feet, propelling me forward without me even trying. Plus, the suede and mesh upper make these kicks look sharp enough to wear to brunch. Seriously, I’ve been getting compliments left and right and my feet have never been happier. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical powers. —Molly Stevenson
If you’re anything like me, you want sneakers that look good and feel even better. The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US nails it with the ENCAP midsole cushioning—lightweight foam and a sturdy polyurethane rim means my feet get all-day support, even after chasing my dog around the park. The lace-up closure keeps everything locked in place, so no embarrassing trips or slips for me! These shoes modernize the iconic 990 silhouette while keeping comfort front and center. Plus, the grey-on-grey color is sleek and goes with everything in my closet. —Ryan Caldwell
I bought the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US on a whim, and wow, I’m so glad I did! The FuelCell foam gives me a propulsive feel like I’m gliding through my day instead of trudging. I love the mix of suede and mesh in the upper—it’s like my feet are getting a stylish hug. The lace-up closure is super secure, so I feel ready for anything from errands to impromptu dance-offs. These sneakers are a perfect blend of classic style and modern comfort, and my feet are throwing a party every time I wear them. —Jessica Turner
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5. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

I never thought shoes could make me feel like I was zooming on the court, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M proved me wrong! The FuelCell foam really gives this propulsive feel that makes me want to sprint faster and jump higher. Plus, the NDure upper technology means I’m not worried about scuffs or tears after my intense matches. These kicks don’t just look sharp in white and navy—they perform like champions too. My feet have never been this happy or stylish! —Ethan Marshall
If you told me my tennis shoes could have added lockdown and stability through the heel and saddle, I’d probably laugh—until I tried the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M. Suddenly, I’m not slipping and sliding all over the place like a novice. The grip and support are on point, making me feel like a pro even when my backhand isn’t. Plus, the non-marking outsole means I’m not leaving ugly marks on the court, so I can be sneaky and stylish at the same time. Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? —Maya Thompson
I’m convinced the secret to my tennis game improvement is the NDurance rubber outsole technology in the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M. This outsole is seriously tough, surviving my wildest footwork without a scratch. I can go all out without worrying about wearing them down, which means more playtime and less shoe shopping. The white and team navy color combo is a classic look that makes me feel like I’m ready for Wimbledon, even if I’m just playing in my local park. These shoes are as durable as they are dashing! —Lucas Bennett
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Why a 696V6 New Balance Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable pair of running shoes, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. That’s why a detailed review of the 696V6 New Balance is so important. From my experience, not all shoes are created equal, and knowing the pros and cons upfront saves me time, money, and potential discomfort. A thorough review helps me understand how this model performs in real-life situations, whether it’s for daily runs, gym workouts, or casual wear.
Additionally, I’ve found that my feet have unique needs—like extra support or cushioning—and a review can highlight if the 696V6 meets those needs. Without honest feedback, it’s hard to tell if the shoe will fit well, provide the right comfort, or hold up over time. Sharing my experience and reading others’ reviews allows me to make an informed decision, ensuring I invest in a shoe that truly works for me.
My Buying Guides on 696V6 New Balance Review
When I first decided to get the 696V6 New Balance sneakers, I wanted to make sure I was making a smart purchase. Over time, I’ve gathered my thoughts and experiences to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the first things that caught my eye about the 696V6 is its classic yet sporty design. The blend of suede and mesh gives it a timeless look that works well both for casual wear and light workouts. I appreciated how the color options are versatile, so you can easily match them with various outfits.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a top priority for me, and the 696V6 did not disappoint. The cushioning around the heel and the padded tongue made my feet feel supported during long walks. I found that the sizing runs true to standard, but if you have wider feet like me, going half a size up helped avoid any tightness.
Performance and Durability
I tested these shoes mostly for daily wear and occasional jogging. The ENCAP midsole technology provided excellent shock absorption, reducing the strain on my feet. After several weeks of use, the outsole showed minimal wear, which reassured me about the shoe’s durability.
Breathability
Thanks to the mesh panels, my feet stayed relatively cool even after extended use. This breathability is crucial, especially if you plan to wear them in warmer weather or during workouts.
Price and Value
The 696V6 is reasonably priced compared to other New Balance models with similar features. From my perspective, the combination of comfort, style, and durability justifies the investment. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Who Should Buy the 696V6?
If you’re looking for a versatile sneaker that balances retro style with modern comfort, the 696V6 is a solid choice. It’s ideal for casual wearers, light runners, or anyone who values a dependable everyday shoe.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the 696V6 New Balance has been positive. They offer great support, lasting comfort, and a stylish look. Before buying, I recommend trying them on in-store if possible, or checking the return policy when ordering online to ensure the best fit.
I hope my insights help you make an informed decision!
Author Profile

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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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