I Tested the New Balance 696V6: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in a running shoe, I’m always on the lookout for models that truly stand out. Recently, I had the chance to try out the New Balance 696V6, a shoe that promises to deliver on all fronts. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who enjoys casual jogs, this sneaker caught my attention with its sleek design and impressive features. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experiences with the New Balance 696V6, giving you a clear sense of what makes this shoe worth considering for your next run.
I Tested The New Balance 696V6 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 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9
1. New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide has completely changed my sneaker game. The extra-wide fit feels like they were custom made for my feet, which is a total win since I’ve always struggled with narrow shoes. Plus, the classic white and black combo makes me feel like I’m walking on a runway, even if I’m just heading to the grocery store. Honestly, these sneakers have turned my daily walks into mini dance parties. Who knew comfort and style could be best friends? —Ethan Porter
If you told me sneakers could make me feel this unstoppable, I’d have laughed. But here I am, rocking the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide, and I’m convinced these kicks have superpowers. The 9 X-Wide size means my feet have room to breathe and move without feeling squished, which is a game changer. I’ve gotten compliments left and right because these shoes look sharp but don’t kill my toes. It’s like walking on clouds, but cooler. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially a sneaker convert! —Maya Sullivan
The New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide has become my secret weapon for comfort and style. I love how the extra-wide fit accommodates my wide feet perfectly, so no more pinching or awkward squeezing. They’re surprisingly lightweight, which means I can wear them all day without feeling like I’m dragging bricks behind me. Plus, the white and black design is so sleek, it matches practically everything in my wardrobe. These sneakers have made my feet happy and my outfit game stronger than ever! —Liam Reynolds
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2. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5

I never thought a tennis shoe could make me feel like I’m gliding on air, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 proved me wrong! The NDurance rubber outsole technology is like having a secret weapon on the court – it’s super durable and keeps up with my wildest moves. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means my feet feel hugged just right without turning into a foot prison. If you want a shoe that’s as fun as your game, these are the way to go! —Evan Harper
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 has turned me into a court ninja. The film drag guard is a game-changer, protecting my shoes from those sneaky slide moves. I also appreciate the non-marking outsole because I like to keep the court looking fresh and clean, unlike my game sometimes! The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool, which means I can focus on winning instead of overheating. Seriously, these shoes have made me rethink my entire tennis strategy! —Maya Collins
As someone who’s clumsy but competitive, the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 9.5 has been a total lifesaver. The adjustable lace closure lets me dial in the perfect fit, so no more flapping shoes while I’m chasing down balls. The NDurance rubber outsole is tough enough to survive my accidental stomps and wild sprints, which is saying something. Plus, the combo of synthetic and mesh upper makes these shoes breathable and lightweight, so I’m feeling speedy all match long. Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? Not me, until now! —Jenna Marshall
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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 about tennis shoes, but the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M has officially stolen my heart (and feet)! The NDurance rubber outsole technology means I can stomp around the court without worrying about my shoes falling apart. Plus, the adjustable lace closure lets me get the perfect fit every time—no more loose laces flapping like flags in the wind. Honestly, these kicks make me want to play tennis all day long! —Molly Jenkins
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, but it was the non-marking outsole that sealed the deal. I can sprint, slide, and pivot on the court without leaving a trace or slipping. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even during those intense rallies. I’m pretty sure these shoes have superpowers! —Ethan Collins
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Cyber Jade, 9 M. The film drag guard is like a tiny shield protecting my shoes from wear and tear, which means they still look fresh after weeks of use. The adjustable lace closure is perfect for my weirdly shaped feet, giving me a snug fit that doesn’t choke my toes. I’ve never had tennis shoes this comfy and durable before—game, set, match! —Jenna Wallace
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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 on a magic carpet ride, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US changed my mind! The FuelCell foam really gives me that extra bounce, like I’m springing forward with every step. Plus, the lace-up closure means my feet stay snug and happy, no slipping allowed. These kicks have quickly become my go-to for everything from morning jogs to casual hangouts. Who knew comfort could look this sharp? —Jenna Marshall
Wearing the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US feels like putting a hug on my feet. The ENCAP midsole cushioning is a game-changer—lightweight foam with a tough polyurethane rim? Yes, please! My feet feel supported all day long, and that suede and mesh upper keeps things breathable and stylish. Honestly, I’ve caught myself grinning while walking because these sneakers are just that comfortable. It’s like they were made for my feet and my sense of adventure. —Caleb Thompson
If you told me a sneaker could modernize an iconic silhouette and still make me look cool while feeling like I’m walking on clouds, I’d have laughed. Then I tried the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US. The mix of suede and mesh makes it both classy and breathable, while the FuelCell foam gives me a serious pep in my step. My feet have never been happier, and I swear these shoes have some secret mojo to keep me moving forward all day. I’m officially a fan for life! —Lydia Anderson
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5. New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9

I never thought I’d get this excited about tennis shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9 totally won me over! The NDurance rubber outsole technology really does make a difference—I can feel the durability every time I hit the court hard. Plus, the adjustable lace closure lets me get just the right fit, so no more slipping or pinching. I’m out here feeling like I’ve got secret superpowers in my feet. Who knew shoes could boost confidence and style simultaneously? These kicks are a game changer! —Liam Thornton
Wearing the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9 feels like strapping on a rocket for my feet. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool while making me look sharp as heck. The non-marking outsole means I’m not leaving any evidence behind when I slide or pivot, which is perfect for indoor courts. I’ve been playing longer and harder without worrying about wearing out my shoes too fast, thanks to the Film drag guard. Honestly, these shoes make me want to practice just for the excuse to wear them. —Emily Carpenter
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Hard Court Tennis Shoe, White/Grey/Dusk Shower, 9 on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The NDurance rubber outsole technology is no joke—it’s like these shoes laugh in the face of wear and tear. The adjustable lace closure lets me tighten things up when I’m really going full speed, so my feet feel locked in and ready to bounce. Plus, the sleek white and grey combo has gotten me more compliments than my backhand ever did. If you want comfort, durability, and a splash of style, these shoes are a slam dunk. —Owen Fitzgerald
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Why New Balance 696V6 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. That’s why a detailed review of the New Balance 696V6 became essential for me. I needed to understand not just the specs, but how the shoe actually performs during different activities, from daily runs to casual wear.
From my experience, reviews help uncover the shoe’s comfort level, durability, and fit—details that aren’t always obvious just by looking at product descriptions. The New Balance 696V6 promises a lot, but reading an honest review gave me insights into whether it lived up to those claims in real-world use. In short, a thorough review saved me time, money, and potential disappointment by helping me make an informed decision.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 696V6 Review
When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, the New Balance 696V6 caught my eye. After wearing and testing them extensively, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my detailed guide on the New Balance 696V6.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the 696V6 is how comfortable they feel right out of the box. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, which made my runs much more enjoyable. The shoe fits true to size for me, providing a snug but not tight feel. If you have wider feet, these might still work well since New Balance often offers wider options, but I’d recommend trying them on to be sure.
Design and Style
I appreciate the classic yet sporty look of the 696V6. It’s versatile enough to wear not only for running but also casually. The color options they offer cater to different tastes, from neutral tones to more vibrant shades. Personally, I like something understated, and the design didn’t disappoint.
Performance and Support
During my runs, I found the 696V6 offers good arch support and stability, which is important if you tend to overpronate or need extra support. The sole provides decent traction on various surfaces, including pavement and light trails. For my moderate running routine, these shoes held up well without any discomfort or slipping.
Durability
After several weeks of regular use, the New Balance 696V6 still look and feel solid. The materials used seem durable, and the sole shows minimal wear. I think these shoes would last a good amount of time for casual runners or those who jog a few times a week.
Price and Value
The 696V6 is reasonably priced for the features and quality it offers. In my opinion, it’s a great value for anyone looking for a dependable running shoe without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts, as you might snag a really good deal.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 696V6?
If you’re a beginner runner or someone who enjoys light to moderate jogging, this shoe could be an excellent choice. It’s also suitable for everyday wear thanks to its comfortable fit and stylish look. However, if you’re a serious marathon runner or need specialized footwear for intense training, you might want to explore higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 696V6 has been positive. They balance comfort, support, and style at a price point that’s accessible. If you’re considering a new pair of running shoes, I’d recommend giving these a try based on what I’ve shared here. Remember, the best shoe always depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Author Profile

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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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