New Balance Men’s 996 V5 Pickleball Shoe Review – Court Performance Issues? Price $130+ – 2025

Can a $130+ pickleball shoe really deliver on New Balance’s FuelCell promises without falling apart after just weeks of play? Mike here, and that’s exactly what I set out to discover with the New Balance 996 V5. After 10+ years of testing court shoes across every brand imaginable, I was curious if New Balance could back up their claims about superior durability and comfort. 12 weeks and countless pickleball sessions later, I’ve got some surprising (and concerning) findings to share.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $130-150 (check latest price on Amazon)
• ⚖️ Weight: 11.2 oz (men’s size 9)
• 🧪 Midsole material: FuelCell foam
• 👟 Upper material: Mesh with NDure technology
• 👟 Outsole: Full-length NDurance rubber
• 🏃‍♂️ Category: Court shoe (Pickleball/Tennis)
• 🎯 Best for: Indoor/outdoor court sports
• ⏱️ Testing period: 12 weeks, 45+ court sessions

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

When I first unboxed the New Balance 996 V5, I was impressed by the clean aesthetics and what appeared to be solid construction. The white upper with blue accents looks sharp on court, and the FuelCell midsole technology promised that propulsive feel New Balance keeps talking about in their marketing.

The mesh upper feels breathable right out of the box, and I appreciated the tethered tongue design – it’s a small detail that makes a big difference during intense games when your foot is moving around. The wider toe box accommodated my feet well, which is typical for New Balance, and the lacing system provided good lockdown initially.

However, after just a few sessions, I started noticing some concerning design choices. The area around the top eyelet has a stiff ridge that sits right on your ankle bone. This isn’t just my experience – I’ve heard multiple players at my local courts complaining about the same thing. It’s like they designed this feature without considering how it would feel during actual play.

Court Feel & Impact Protection

My first pickleball session in the 996 V5 immediately felt responsive underfoot. The FuelCell foam does provide that propulsive sensation New Balance advertises – I could feel the energy return during quick direction changes and when pushing off for shots at the net.

The lateral stability impressed me during baseline rallies. When making those sharp cuts to cover the court, my foot felt planted and secure. The higher midsole topline that New Balance mentions really does help with side-to-side movement, and I never felt like my foot was going to roll over the edge during aggressive play.

I’ll be straight – at my 180 lbs, the cushioning felt adequate for the first month of testing. During 2-3 hour sessions, my feet weren’t screaming by the end, which is more than I can say for some budget court shoes I’ve tested. The impact protection handled the constant stopping and starting that pickleball demands.

But here’s where things get concerning. After about 6 weeks of regular play (3-4 times per week), I started noticing the outsole showing significant wear. By week 10, I was actually slipping on shots I’d normally make with confidence. That NDurance rubber New Balance brags about? Not living up to the hype in my experience.

On-the-Court Performance

During those first few weeks, the 996 V5 performed like a dream on both indoor and outdoor courts. The traction was excellent – I felt glued to the court surface during quick volleys and could make those aggressive shots without worrying about my footing.

The shoe handled the demands of pickleball well initially. Whether I was charging the net for a put-away or scrambling back for a lob, the lateral support kept my foot stable. Recovery between points felt good too – that FuelCell foam does seem to reduce some of the fatigue you get from constant court pounding.

However, the ankle comfort issue became impossible to ignore. By week 3, I was developing actual bruising on my inner ankle bones. I tried different socks, adjusted my lacing, even added moleskin padding, but nothing solved the fundamental design flaw around those top eyelets.

Meeting Your Pickleball Goals – Does It Deliver?

For serious pickleball players logging multiple sessions per week, the 996 V5 presents a frustrating contradiction. When it works, it really works – the court feel is excellent, lateral support is top-notch, and the initial comfort level is solid.

But here’s the reality: after testing dozens of court shoes over the years, durability matters more than almost anything else. What good is great performance if you’re shopping for replacements after 2-3 months of regular play?

The ankle rubbing issue alone would be enough to make me recommend looking elsewhere. In my 10+ years of testing, I’ve rarely encountered such a widespread comfort problem with a single shoe model. It’s not just me – I’ve talked to at least 6 other players at my courts who returned these shoes for the same reason.

For recreational players who only play once or twice a week, you might get 6+ months out of these shoes. But if you’re playing 4+ times per week like many serious pickleball enthusiasts, prepare to be disappointed by how quickly they break down.

Performance in Various Court Conditions

I’ve put the 996 V5 through every court condition I could find during my 12-week testing period:

Indoor courts (climate controlled): Performed best here during the first 8 weeks. The traction was reliable on clean gym floors, and the shoe felt most comfortable in these controlled conditions. Temperature consistency seemed to help the materials perform as designed.

Outdoor hard courts (75-90°F): This is where the durability issues became most apparent. The combination of rougher surfaces and heat exposure accelerated the outsole wear dramatically. What should have been minor scuffing turned into significant grip loss after just 3-4 weeks of outdoor play.

Mixed surface play: Testing on both indoor and outdoor courts in the same week showed how quickly the outsole compound was breaking down. The transition from smooth gym floors to textured outdoor courts really highlighted the premature wear patterns.

Extended session testing: During tournaments and longer play sessions (4+ hours), the ankle discomfort became unbearable. I actually had to switch shoes mid-tournament twice because of the pressure points around the ankle area.

Does New Balance Deliver on Their Promises?

You know I’m a stickler for details, so when New Balance made bold claims about the 996 V5, I had to put each one to the test. Let’s break it down!

First up, they claim “FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward”. In reality, I found this is actually pretty accurate for the first 6-8 weeks. The foam does provide good energy return and feels responsive during quick movements. I’d say it delivers about 80% of what they promise initially, but degrades over time.

Next, the “NDure upper technology designed for superior durability” statement needs some serious context. The upper material itself held up reasonably well, but the overall shoe construction – especially the outsole – is where the durability claims fall apart completely.

As for “superior traction and durability to help get more wear out of the shoe”, I’ll give them credit for the initial traction, but the “more wear” part is laughable. Multiple players I know have experienced outsole failure in under 3 months of regular play. That’s not superior durability by any court shoe standard.

The “added lateral stability with a higher midsole topline” claim actually holds up well. This feature genuinely improves side-to-side support during aggressive court movement.

My Overall Assessment

Category Breakdown

After 12 weeks of putting the New Balance 996 V5 through everything I could throw at it, I’m giving it 5.5/10 overall. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Design & Aesthetics: 7/10 – Clean look, nice colorways, but poor ergonomic design around ankle area
• Court Traction: 8/10 – Excellent grip initially, but degrades quickly with use
• Lateral Support: 8/10 – Really solid stability for quick direction changes
• Durability: 3/10 – Major concern with outsole wearing out prematurely
• Comfort: 4/10 – Ankle rubbing issue is a deal-breaker for many players
• Value for Money: 4/10 – Too expensive for the lifespan you actually get

What Other Pickleball Players Are Saying

I’ll be honest – opinions are pretty mixed on the 996 V5 in my pickleball community. Several players have issues with the ankle discomfort and premature wear. During last week’s tournament, at least 3-4 people mentioned the outsole wearing out faster than expected. Two players I know had to return theirs within the first month due to ankle bruising.

That said, I did meet one player who’s had good luck with them, but he only plays twice a week recreationally. I think the shoe might work for very casual players, but anyone playing seriously should be aware of these issues.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Let’s talk dollars and sense. At $130-150 for the 996 V5, here’s my breakdown:

– $140 divided by an estimated 150-200 hours of court time = $0.70-0.93 per hour of play

– Compared to a quality court shoe that lasts 300+ hours: You’re paying nearly double per hour of use

– Based on delivered features vs promises: About 60% delivered × price = questionable value

Bottom line: Not worth it if you’re a regular player logging 3+ sessions per week. If you’re a casual weekend warrior who plays once or twice a week, these might work, but even then, the ankle comfort issue is a significant risk.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the New Balance 996 V5?

✅ PERFECT FOR:

• Very casual players (1-2 sessions per week maximum)
• Players who have successfully worn previous 996 versions without ankle issues
• Those who prioritize lateral support above all else
• Players with very specific foot shapes that avoid the ankle pressure points

⚠️ CONSIDER CAREFULLY IF:

• You’re a weekend warrior playing 2-3 times per week
• You have narrow ankles that might avoid the rubbing issues
• You’re willing to accept 3-4 month replacement cycles

❌ LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:

• You play pickleball/tennis 4+ times per week
• You need shoes that last 6+ months of regular use
• You’ve had ankle comfort issues with shoes before
• You’re on a budget and need maximum durability per dollar

Better Options for Specific Needs

For better durability at this price point: Consider the ASICS Gel-Resolution series – consistently outlasts the 996 V5 by months

For superior comfort without ankle issues: Look at the Adidas Barricade line or Wilson Rush Pro series

For New Balance fans specifically: The older 996 V4 model had fewer of these durability and comfort issues

My Final Take

After all this court time in the New Balance 996 V5, here’s the deal: this shoe had the potential to be great but falls short due to fundamental design and manufacturing issues. If you’re a serious pickleball player with a budget around $130-150, this is not worth considering unless you’re prepared for frequent replacements and potential ankle discomfort.

Pro tip: If you absolutely must try these shoes, order them with a good return policy and test them extensively in your first few sessions. The ankle issues usually become apparent within the first week of play.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my testing and what pickleball players need to know, here are the key questions about the New Balance 996 V5:

Q: How long will the New Balance 996 V5 realistically last for regular players?

A: Based on my testing and feedback from other players, expect 3-4 months with regular use (3+ sessions per week). Light players (under 150 lbs) who play 1-2 times per week might get 6+ months. Heavy players (180+ lbs) playing frequently should expect closer to 2-3 months before significant outsole wear affects performance.

Q: Is the ankle rubbing issue as bad as everyone says?

A: Unfortunately, yes. I experienced ankle bruising within 3 weeks, and I’ve talked to multiple players with the same issue. The stiff ridge around the top eyelet sits directly on the ankle bone for many people. Adding padding helps some, but it’s a fundamental design flaw that affects a significant percentage of users.

Q: How does the 996 V5 fit compared to other New Balance tennis shoes?

A: Compared to the 996 V4, it runs slightly smaller and narrower. If you wear size 9 in other New Balance models, you’ll likely need the same size, but be prepared for a snugger fit. The toe box is reasonably wide, which is typical for New Balance, but the midfoot and heel area feel more constrictive than previous versions.

Q: Can I use these on outdoor pickleball courts without destroying them?

A: This is where the shoe really struggles. Outdoor court surfaces accelerate the outsole wear significantly. I saw noticeable wear after just 2 weeks of outdoor play, and by 6 weeks, the grip was severely compromised. If you primarily play outdoors, I’d strongly recommend looking at shoes specifically designed for outdoor court durability.

Q: What’s the break-in period like?

A: The good news is there’s virtually no break-in period for most of the shoe – it feels comfortable from day one. However, the ankle issues (if you’re going to have them) usually appear within the first 3-5 sessions. The rest of the shoe is game-ready immediately.

Q: Are they worth the price compared to the ASICS Gel-Resolution 8?

A: Honestly, no. The ASICS typically last 2-3 times longer, offer similar or better court performance, and don’t have the widespread comfort issues. At similar price points, the Gel-Resolution series delivers much better value for serious players.

Q: What are the deal-breakers I should know about?

A: The shoe absolutely won’t work if you have prominent ankle bones or have had ankle comfort issues with other shoes before. Common complaints include the rapid outsole degradation (especially for players over 170 lbs), heel slipping for some foot shapes, and minimal arch support. The biggest limitation is simply the short lifespan for the price you pay.

Q: Best practices for getting maximum life from these shoes?

A: Rotate them with another pair of court shoes to let the foam decompress between sessions. Avoid outdoor courts when possible, or use them exclusively indoors if you want maximum longevity. Clean the outsole regularly to prevent debris buildup that accelerates wear. Replace them as soon as you notice any slipping – don’t try to play through worn outsoles as it’s a safety risk.

Review Scoring Summary & Shoe Finder Integration

🎯 Bottom Line Assessment

After all my testing, here’s who should grab these:

• Perfect for: Very casual pickleball players (1-2 times per week) who have narrow ankles and don’t mind replacing shoes every 4-6 months
• Great for: Players who loved the 996 V4 and want to try the updated version, knowing the risks
• Skip if: You play 3+ times per week, have had ankle comfort issues before, or need shoes that last 6+ months for the money
• Best feature: That lateral support system during quick direction changes – it really does work well
• Biggest weakness: Premature outsole wear combined with ankle comfort issues make this tough to recommend at this price

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Questions? Drop them in the comments below – I’ll do my best to help! Happy playing! 🏓