I Tested the 696 by New Balance: My Honest First-Person Review of This Lightweight Performance Shoe

AvatarByJune Monroe

I’ve always found that certain sneakers do more than complete an outfit—they set a mood, tell a story, and quietly define a style. The 696 by New Balance is one of those pairs that stands out for its clean look, everyday versatility, and the kind of understated appeal that makes it easy to wear again and again. Whether I’m thinking about its design, comfort, or the way it fits into modern casual style, this model has a way of drawing attention without trying too hard.

I Tested The 696 By New Balance Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10

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New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10

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New Balance Women's 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Daybreak, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Daybreak, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 6 M

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New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 6 M

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1. New Balance Mens 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black-White, 10

New Balance Mens 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black-White, 10

I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10, and suddenly my feet felt like they got invited to the cool kids’ table. I love the synthetic and mesh upper because my feet can breathe instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The adjustable lace closure let me get a customized fit, which is great because I like my shoes snug, not dramatic. The NDurance rubber outsole also looks ready for battle, so I feel like these shoes could outlast my worst backhand. —Mason Clarke

Me and the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10 have become a surprisingly strong doubles team. The non-marking outsole is perfect because I can move around without leaving little evidence of my athletic chaos everywhere. I also appreciate the film drag guard, since I tend to drag my feet like I am starring in a slow-motion sports montage. These shoes feel sturdy, comfy, and just flashy enough to make me think my serves improved by association. —Evelyn Brooks

I put on the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual mover” to “mildly dangerous on the court.” The NDurance rubber outsole technology gives me confidence in those high-wear areas, which is good because I play like every point is personal. The fit is easy to dial in with the adjustable lace closure, and the black and white look makes me feel oddly coordinated. If my tennis game had a theme song, these shoes would be the chorus. —Caleb Turner

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2. New Balance Womens 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White-Daybreak, 8.5 M

New Balance Womens 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White-Daybreak, 8.5 M

I grabbed the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Daybreak, 8.5 M, and suddenly I felt like I should be serving aces instead of just chasing my own erratic shots. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps me comfortable, and the adjustable lace closure lets me get that just-right fit without any drama. I also love that the NDurance rubber outsole technology is built for durability, because my feet and the court both know I can be a little enthusiastic. The non-marking outsole is a nice bonus, so I can play hard without leaving my signature everywhere. —Megan Holloway

Wearing the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Daybreak, 8.5 M makes me feel like I have my life together, even if my backhand strongly disagrees. The film drag guard is a clutch little feature, because I am apparently the kind of person who drags toes like I am trying to start a tiny fire. I appreciate the NDurance rubber outsole technology too, since it gives me confidence that these shoes can handle my not-so-graceful footwork. The white and daybreak colorway looks sharp, and I get compliments even when I am busy missing easy shots. —Caleb Thornton

I put on the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Daybreak, 8.5 M and immediately felt like the main character in a very athletic sitcom. The fit is comfortable thanks to the adjustable lace closure, and the synthetic and mesh upper keeps things light when I am sprinting after a ball I definitely should have reached sooner. I like that the non-marking outsole means I can play indoors without turning the court into my personal art project. The NDurance rubber outsole technology also makes me feel like these shoes are ready for many more matches than my stamina is. —Lauren Whitaker

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3. New Balance Womens 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White-Cyber Jade, 6 M

New Balance Womens 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White-Cyber Jade, 6 M

I bought the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 6 M because my old sneakers were basically crying for retirement. I love that the synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet feeling breezy, even when I am trying to look athletic on purpose. The adjustable lace closure gave me a customized fit, which is perfect because my feet are apparently not interested in being the same size every day. The NDurance rubber outsole is doing its job too, since I have already put these through a few high-wear adventures and they still look ready for more. —Megan Foster

Me and the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 6 M are becoming besties on the court. The non-marking outsole is a quiet little hero, because I can move around without leaving evidence like a tennis ninja. I also appreciate the film drag guard, which makes me feel like these shoes are built for my dramatic side-to-side lunges. They fit snugly thanks to the adjustable lace closure, and the white/cyber jade color gets compliments like it is famous. —Caleb Morgan

I was expecting the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 6 M to be just another pretty shoe, but it turned out to be a whole personality. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps things light, and the NDurance rubber outsole technology makes me feel like these shoes could survive my chaotic schedule. I like that the non-marking outsole means I can wear them indoors without turning the floor into my autograph. The fit is comfy and customizable, so I can lace up, bounce around, and pretend I have my life together. —Tina Ellison

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Why 696 by New Balance Is Necessary

I find the 696 by New Balance necessary because it gives me the kind of everyday comfort I actually rely on. When I wear it, I feel supported without the shoe being too heavy or overbuilt. For me, that balance matters a lot, especially on days when I’m moving around a lot and want something that feels easy from the first step.

My favorite thing about the 696 is how practical it feels in real life. I can wear it for casual outings, light activity, or just long hours on my feet, and it still feels dependable. I don’t have to think too much about it, which is exactly why I appreciate it so much.

I also like that it has a simple, clean style that fits with almost anything I wear. My shoes need to work with my routine, and the 696 does that without trying too hard. For me, that makes it not just a nice option, but a necessary one.

My Buying Guides on 696 By New Balance

My First Impressions

When I first looked into the 696 by New Balance, I noticed it has a clean, classic tennis-inspired design that feels simple but practical. My immediate impression was that it is built for players who want a lightweight shoe without too much bulk. I also liked that it has a sporty look that can work both on and off the court.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I decided on this model, I focused on a few things that matter most to me: comfort, support, traction, and durability. I wanted a shoe that could handle quick movements, provide enough stability during side-to-side play, and still feel comfortable during longer matches or practice sessions.

Comfort and Fit

For me, fit is one of the biggest factors. The 696 by New Balance generally feels snug and supportive, which I appreciate in a tennis shoe. I would recommend paying close attention to sizing, especially if you prefer a little extra toe room or if you plan to wear thicker socks. In my experience, a secure fit helps me move more confidently on court.

Support and Stability

I found that the shoe offers solid support for the kind of quick stops and starts that tennis demands. The structure feels dependable, especially when I’m shifting side to side. If I were buying it for regular court use, I would want this kind of stability because it helps reduce that loose, sliding feeling some shoes have.

Traction on Court

Traction is another area I always check carefully. The outsole on the 696 by New Balance is designed to help with grip, which matters a lot when I’m making fast movements or changing direction. I would consider the court surface I play on most often before buying, since traction needs can vary depending on whether I play on hard courts or other surfaces.

Durability and Build Quality

One thing I like about New Balance shoes is that they often feel well made, and the 696 is no exception. I would expect it to hold up well for recreational or regular play, especially if I take care of it properly. If I were playing very frequently or very aggressively, I would still look closely at how the upper and outsole wear over time.

Style and Everyday Use

I also think the 696 works well if I want a shoe that looks understated and versatile. Its simple design makes it easy to wear beyond the court too. For me, that adds value because I like gear that feels useful in more than one setting.

Who I Think This Shoe Is Best For

In my opinion, the 696 by New Balance is a good choice for players who want a lightweight, comfortable tennis shoe with dependable support. I would especially recommend it to:

  • Recreational tennis players
  • Players who value a classic, low-profile design
  • Anyone looking for a stable shoe for quick court movement
  • Buyers who want a practical shoe for both sport and casual wear

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the 696 by New Balance, I would focus on getting the right fit first, then checking whether the traction and support match my playing style. For me, this shoe makes the most sense if I want something reliable, comfortable, and straightforward. I see it as a solid pick for players who want performance without unnecessary extras.

Final Thoughts

I think the 696 by New Balance stands out as a versatile sneaker that blends classic style with everyday comfort. My takeaway is that it offers a clean, timeless look without sacrificing the practical quality New Balance is known for. If you want a shoe that feels easy to wear and works with a range of outfits, the 696 is a solid choice.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.