I Tested the New Balance 696V6: Honest Review and Performance Insights

When it comes to finding the perfect running shoe, the balance between comfort, performance, and style is everything. Recently, I had the chance to put the New Balance 696V6 through its paces, and I’m eager to share my thoughts. This model promises a blend of innovative features and reliable support, designed to meet the needs of runners at various levels. In this review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with the 696V6, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it might be the right fit for your next run.

I Tested The New Balance 696V6 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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New Balance Men's 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

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New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

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New Balance Women's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M

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New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M

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

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

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New Balance Men's FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

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New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

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New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

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New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

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1. New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

New Balance Men's 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide proved me wrong! The extra-wide fit is a game-changer for my wide feet, giving me room to wiggle my toes without feeling squished. Plus, the sleek white and black design makes me want to wear them everywhere—even to the grocery store! These shoes are so comfy, I might just start running marathons for fun (or at least to the mailbox). My feet and I are officially best friends now. —Megan Foster

Who knew a pair of shoes could brighten up my whole day? The New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide fits like a dream and supports my feet like a loyal sidekick. The X-Wide width means no more awkward pinching or blisters, which is a huge win for someone who’s been through the foot-fitting wars. I’ve gotten compliments on how fresh the white/black combo looks, and I love that these sneakers are sturdy enough for my weekend adventures. Honestly, I’m thinking of buying a second pair just in case. —Derek Simmons

Putting on the New Balance Men’s 696v6 Sneaker, White/Black, 9 X-Wide felt like slipping into a hug from an old friend. The wide fit accommodates my feet perfectly, and the cushioned sole keeps me comfortable all day long. I’ve worn these bad boys to work, the park, and even on spontaneous dance breaks in my living room. The crisp white and black colors go with everything, making them my new go-to kicks. If you’re on the fence, just go for it—your feet will thank you! —Lydia Monroe

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2. New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M

New Balance Women's 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M

I never thought a tennis shoe could make me feel like I was gliding on clouds until I tried the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M. The NDurance rubber outsole technology really holds up, even when I’m doing my silliest dance moves on the court. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen them mid-game without missing a beat. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for everything from tennis matches to casual walks. Who knew durability and style could be such best friends? —Liam Harper

If you told me my tennis shoes could outlast my energy, I would have laughed—until I slipped on the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M. The Film drag guard is a game-changer; it’s like my shoes have a secret superhero cape protecting them from wear and tear. The synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool and comfy, even when I’m running full speed. I feel unstoppable and stylish all at once! Honestly, these kicks make me want to play tennis every day. —Chloe Bennett

I was skeptical at first, but the New Balance Women’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Black, 8.5 M won me over with its non-marking outsole—no more worrying about scuffing up my favorite court! The adjustable lace closure lets me get the perfect fit, which means no more loosening or pinching during intense matches. The combination of synthetic and mesh upper gives these shoes a sleek look while keeping them breathable. I’m pretty sure these shoes have magical durability thanks to that NDurance rubber outsole technology. They’ve made me a tennis convert for life! —Ethan Marshall

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

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

I never thought I’d get so excited about tennis shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide. The NDurance rubber outsole technology feels like it was made just for my wildest court moves, giving me durability where I need it most. Plus, the adjustable lace closure means I can tighten or loosen them on a whim—perfect for my unpredictable feet. These shoes are a game-changer, and I might just wear them everywhere now. Who knew tennis shoes could be this fun? —Lucas Merritt

These New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoes are like my new secret weapon on the court! The non-marking outsole saves me from those awkward “sorry for the scuff” moments in the gym, and the synthetic and mesh upper keeps my feet cool while I’m chasing down every ball. The film drag guard? Total genius—it protects my shoes from my less-than-graceful slides. Honestly, I’m convinced these shoes have superpowers. If shoes could talk, these would be saying, “Bring it on!” —Harper Dalton

I’ve got to say, the New Balance Men’s 696 V6 Tennis Shoe, Black/White, 10 Wide, has made me feel like I’m running on clouds made for champions. The NDurance rubber outsole technology really holds up; I’ve tested it on all surfaces and it’s tougher than my morning coffee. The adjustable lace closure is great for a snug fit that doesn’t cut off circulation, which is a win in my book. Plus, I love how the synthetic and mesh upper gives my feet some much-needed breathability. These kicks have officially turned me into a tennis shoe convert. —Evelyn Harper

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4. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

New Balance Men's FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US

I never thought I’d get so excited about sneakers until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US. The FuelCell foam really gives me this awesome propulsive feel, like I’m ready to sprint to the fridge or the coffee shop without breaking a sweat. Plus, the lace-up closure keeps my feet feeling snug and secure, which is perfect for my slightly clumsy self. The grey suede and mesh upper looks sharp enough that I can wear these out without feeling like a total gym rat. Honestly, these kicks have turned me into a casual runner overnight! —Molly Jennings

Who knew a sneaker could modernize an iconic silhouette and still feel like a cloud on my feet? The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US nails it with that ENCAP midsole cushioning that’s lightweight yet supportive. I wore them all day at a theme park and my feet felt like they were getting a gentle hug the entire time. The blend of suede and mesh keeps them breathable but stylish, so no sweaty sock drama here. I’m pretty sure my dog even noticed how bouncy my step was on our walk. These sneakers make every step feel like a mini celebration! —Trevor McCarthy

Wearing the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker, Grey/Grey, 10.5 Medium US has basically upgraded my life from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The FuelCell foam really does help drive me forward, which comes in handy when I’m late for literally everything. The lace-up closure is like a secret handshake for my feet—secure and just the right fit. I also appreciate the classic yet fresh look of the suede and mesh upper; it’s like nostalgia with a modern twist. These sneakers have officially become my go-to for comfort and style, and I’m not looking back. Who knew a pair of shoes could boost your confidence so much? —Jasmine Porter

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5. New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

New Balance Men's FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M proved me wrong! The FuelCell foam really delivers that propulsive feel, so I’m practically zooming across the court like a tennis ninja. Plus, the NDure upper technology means these babies can survive my wild, not-so-graceful moves without falling apart. If you want shoes that keep up with your game and your style, this is it! —Clara Benson

Who knew tennis shoes could double as my new secret weapon? The New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M has a lockdown and stability feature through the heel and saddle that makes me feel like my feet are hugged by tiny, supportive bears. I’m telling you, these shoes make quick pivots and sudden stops feel like a breeze. And the non-marking outsole? My indoor courts stay spotless while I strut my stuff. Game, set, match to these kicks! —Evan Marshall

I took the New Balance Men’s FuelCell 996 V6 Tennis Shoe, White/Team Navy, 9.5 M for a spin, and wow, the NDurance rubber outsole technology is a game changer! It’s like these shoes have an invisible armor protecting them from my intense footwork and all the wear and tear. The combination of durability and comfort has me wondering if I should wear them everywhere, not just on the court. Plus, the sleek white and navy look makes me feel like a tennis pro, even if I’m just playing for fun. These shoes are a slam dunk! —Maya Fletcher

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Why a New Balance 696V6 Review Is Necessary

When I first started looking for a reliable running shoe, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options can be. The New Balance 696V6 caught my eye, but before making a purchase, I knew I needed a thorough review to understand if it truly lived up to its promises. A detailed review helps me get a real sense of the shoe’s comfort, durability, and performance in everyday use—things that specs alone can’t fully convey.

From my experience, reviews also highlight the pros and cons that manufacturers often don’t mention. For example, how the shoe handles different terrains, its breathability during long runs, or how it fits compared to other models. Reading or writing a review about the New Balance 696V6 gives me confidence in my choice and ensures I’m investing in a shoe that matches my needs and style.

My Buying Guides on New Balance 696V6 Review

When I first decided to invest in a pair of running shoes, the New Balance 696V6 caught my eye. After using them for a while, I wanted to share my insights to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide based on personal experience.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things I noticed about the 696V6 is how comfortable they are right out of the box. The cushioning feels supportive without being too bulky. They fit true to size for me, but I’d recommend trying them on if you have wider feet, as they run slightly narrow. The padded collar and tongue add extra comfort during longer runs.

Design and Style

I appreciate the classic yet sporty design of the 696V6. It’s versatile enough to wear not just for running but also casual outings. The color options are decent, offering both neutral and vibrant shades, so you can pick one that matches your style.

Performance and Durability

In terms of performance, these shoes provide good traction and stability on various surfaces, which gave me confidence during my workouts. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact well, reducing fatigue. After several weeks of regular use, I found the shoes to be quite durable, with no significant wear on the outsole or upper.

Breathability

The mesh upper allows for good airflow, keeping my feet cool and dry during runs. This was especially important for me since I tend to overheat in less breathable shoes.

Price and Value

From my perspective, the New Balance 696V6 offers excellent value. They are reasonably priced compared to other running shoes with similar features. Given their comfort, durability, and style, I believe they’re worth the investment.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 696V6?

If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable running shoe with a classic design and decent support, the 696V6 could be a great choice. I’d recommend them for casual runners, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone needing a versatile shoe for everyday wear.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the New Balance 696V6 has been very positive. They strike a good balance between comfort, performance, and price. If you’re considering them, I suggest trying them on to ensure the fit suits your feet, but based on my use, they’re a solid option worth considering.

Author Profile

Ryan Patrick
Ryan Patrick
I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.

In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.