Review New Balance 696v5 – The Ultimate Hard Court Shoe? – 2025

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Upper Analysis & First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the New Balance 696v5 feels sturdy yet surprisingly light for a court shoe. The upper is a durable synthetic and mesh combo, designed to provide a “locked-down feel”. I have to say, New Balance delivered on that promise. My heel felt secure, and the lacing system, which goes nice and high, really helped anchor my foot, preventing that annoying heel slippage during quick pivots. A number of women in my pickleball group have praised this exact feature.

However, a note on breathability. While the design on the toe box looks like it has perforations for ventilation, it’s purely cosmetic. I, and other players, found the shoes to be “very hot” during play on warmer days. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but if you play in a hot climate and your feet run warm, it’s something to consider. The real star of the upper, and a recurring theme in the community, is the fit. As someone who needs a wider toe box, finding court shoes that don’t pinch is a challenge. The 696v5 is available in a Wide (D) width, and it’s a game-changer. It accommodates my foot perfectly without being too loose in the heel—a sentiment echoed by many happy players.

Court Movement & Stability

When it comes to court sports, stability is non-negotiable. You need to feel confident moving side-to-side. The 696v5 provides excellent lateral support, which I felt immediately during baseline rallies and quick dashes to the net. My feet felt secure, and I didn’t experience any teetering or roll-over risk. For many players, this stable feeling is exactly what they’re looking for.

That said, the shoe’s structure is a point of contention. Some players, myself included, find the support perfect for preventing injuries and providing a solid platform. In contrast, a few reviewers found the shoe *too* stiff and the heel too hard, leading to heel pain after a match. And at least one user felt the shoe lacked enough stability and attributed an ankle injury to it. This highlights how personal shoe fit is; what feels supportive to one player might feel too rigid or not supportive enough to another. For me, the structure was a huge plus, and for those dealing with issues like plantar fasciitis, several players have called this shoe the one that finally worked for them due to its stable, cushioned base.

On-the-Court Performance

The 696v5 is explicitly designed as a hard court shoe, featuring a full-length NDurance outsole with a classic herringbone pattern for superior traction. On a dry, clean hard court, they perform beautifully. The grip is fantastic, allowing for confident stops, starts, and pivots. The traction is forgiving enough that you don’t feel “stuck” to the court, but reliable enough for aggressive movements.

However, there is a major caveat here that I experienced firsthand: these shoes have almost no traction on damp courts. After a morning rain shower, even when the courts were mostly dry, I found myself slipping. This can be genuinely dangerous and is a significant drawback for a shoe marketed for its “superior traction”. The second, and perhaps more significant issue for frequent players, is durability. After playing 3-4 times a week for just under three months, the tread on my pair is about 80% worn down. This is a common complaint; many players report the outsole lasting only 2-3 months with regular play. While disappointing, it’s a trade-off many, including myself, are willing to make for the comfort and price point.

Meeting Your Tennis Goals – Does It Deliver?

For a recreational player who hits the courts a few times a week for league play or social games, does the 696v5 deliver?  I believe it does, with a few conditions.

• Court Surface Optimization: It is 100% a hard-court specialist. The grip and feel are tuned perfectly for this surface, but as noted, avoid damp conditions.
• Match Endurance: For me, they were comfortable right out of the box and held up through 3-set matches without issue. If you have sensitive heels, the stiffness might be an issue.
• Movement Support: The lateral support is a standout feature, providing confidence during long baseline rallies and quick direction changes.
• Durability: This is its Achilles’ heel. It is not a long-lasting shoe for an aggressive or frequent player. You have to go in expecting to replace them every season if you play regularly.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Extremely comfortable right out of the box, excellent lateral support, available in a true wide fit that accommodates wider feet without heel slippage, lightweight feel, and great value for the price.
• Weaknesses: Poor durability of the outsole (wears out in 2-3 months for frequent players), terrible traction on damp or wet courts, can be too hot for some players, and the stiff heel can cause pain for some users.

Performance in Various Tennis Conditions

A good court shoe has to handle more than just a perfect, sunny day. I put the 696v5 through the paces of my typical weekly routine, which includes both league tennis and social pickleball at my local club.

• Dry Hard Courts: This is where the 696v5 is a star. During regular league matches and drills, the traction was reliable and the support was unwavering. I felt I could trust the shoe completely during aggressive lateral movements and quick sprints, which is exactly what you want.
• Damp Hard Courts: As mentioned, this is the shoe’s biggest failure. After a light morning shower, I had to be extremely cautious. The NDurance outsole became slick, and I experienced several slips that undermined my confidence. I would not recommend these if you frequently play on courts that don’t dry quickly.
• Pickleball Play: These shoes are fantastic for pickleball! Many women in my group swear by them. The excellent side-to-side support is perfect for the quick, short movements at the kitchen line, and the comfort holds up through hours of games.
• Durability Over Time: I’m a fairly active player (3-4 times a week), and the durability reflects what many others have reported. The upper has held up perfectly with minimal scuffing, but the outsole is another story. After about two months, I noticed significant wear on the tread under the ball of my foot. At the three-month mark, they are nearly smooth and need replacing. This short lifespan is a consistent theme.

Does New Balance Deliver on Their Promises?

You know I love getting into the details, so when New Balance made some pretty clear claims about the 696v5, I had to put each one to the test from a player’s perspective. Let’s break it down honestly!

• Claim 1: “Durable synthetic and mesh upper” – This is ACCURATE. The upper material itself is quite resilient. Aside from some minor scuffs, the structure of the shoe has held its shape perfectly over three months of regular play.
• Claim 2: “Full-length Ndurance outsole provides superior traction and durability” – This is a MIXED BAG and needs context. The traction is superior *only on dry hard courts*. On damp surfaces, it’s poor. The “durability” claim is the most questionable part. For a frequent player, an outsole that lasts only 2-3 months can’t be considered durable. For a casual, once-a-week player, it might last much longer, but the claim is an overstatement.
• Claim 3: “Outsole material designed specifically for hard court play” – This is TRUE. The performance on hard courts (when dry) confirms this is its intended and best surface. It’s not suitable for clay and definitely not for walking, as many have noted its stiffness.
• Claim 4: “Designed with a locked-down feel for a reliable fit” – This is DEFINITELY TRUE. This is one of the shoe’s best features. The fit is secure, supportive, and inspires confidence during play, especially with the higher lacing system preventing heel slip.

My Overall Assessment

Category Breakdown

After three months of putting the New Balance 696v5 through everything I could throw at it on the court, I’m giving it a solid 7.5/10 overall. It excels in comfort and support for its price, but is held back by its durability issues.

• Design & Aesthetics: 8.0/10 – They have a clean, classic court shoe look. While some wish for more fun colors, the available options are sharp and stylish without being overly flashy.
• Court Traction: 6.5/10 – This score reflects a major split. On dry courts, it’s a 9/10. On damp courts, it’s a 2/10. The average reflects this critical performance flaw.
• Comfort & Support: 9.0/10 – For a court shoe in this price range, the out-of-the-box comfort is exceptional, especially with the wide-width option. The lateral support is top-notch for recreational play.
• Durability: 5.0/10 – This is the shoe’s biggest weakness. An outsole that wears out in 2-3 months for regular players is well below average.
• Value for Money: 8.5/10 – Despite the poor durability, the value is still high. As one player put it, paying this price for a shoe that lasts 3 months is still more economical than buying insanely expensive alternatives. The comfort and performance you get for that short time make it a worthwhile trade-off for many.

What Other Tennis & Pickleball Players Are Saying

I’ll be honest – opinions are pretty split on the 696v5 in my tennis community, but the lines are clearly drawn. Players who prioritize out-of-the-box comfort, need a wide fit, and play recreationally absolutely love this shoe. I’ve heard so many women say, “These are the most comfortable court shoes I’ve ever worn!”. However, more serious, aggressive players and long-time New Balance wearers are often disappointed. Many feel the v5 is a downgrade from the beloved v4, citing it as “chunky” or less comfortable. The short lifespan of the outsole is the most common and valid complaint among frequent players.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Let’s talk real value for your dollar. At around $75, if you play 3 times a week and the shoes last you 3 months (about 36 sessions), you’re paying a little over $2 per wear. For the level of comfort and support you get, especially if you need a wide size that’s hard to find elsewhere, I think this represents a solid investment for your active lifestyle. If you’re a casual player hitting the courts once a week, they’ll likely last you much longer, increasing the value even more. But if you expect a shoe to last 6+ months of heavy play, this isn’t it.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the New Balance 696v5?

✅ PERFECT FOR:

• Recreational tennis and pickleball players who play 1-3 times a week.
• Players with wide feet who struggle to find comfortable court shoes.
• Anyone who prioritizes immediate comfort and support over long-term durability.
• Budget-conscious players looking for great performance at a reasonable price.

⚠️ CONSIDER CAREFULLY IF:

• You often play on courts that might be damp.
• You have very sensitive heels and find stiff shoes uncomfortable.
• You are a very aggressive player who is hard on outsoles.

❌ LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:

• You play 4+ times a week and need a shoe that will last more than one season.
• You were a huge fan of the 696v4 and are expecting the same shoe.
• Your top priority is durability above all else.

My Final Take

After three months on the court with the New Balance 696v5, here’s my honest opinion: it’s a fantastic shoe for a specific type of player. If you’re a recreational player who values comfort and a great fit (especially a wide one!) and you’re okay with replacing your shoes every season, these are one of the best values out there. They feel secure and supportive right away, allowing you to play your best without a painful break-in period.

Pro tip: Many long-time New Balance wearers find they need to go up a half-size, so consider that when ordering. And definitely have a backup pair if you know the courts at your club tend to stay damp after it rains!

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Questions? Drop them in the comments below – I’m here to help! Stay active, ladies! 🏃‍♀️

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my testing and what active women need to know, here are the key questions about the New Balance 696v5:

Q: How do the New Balance 696v5 fit, especially for wide feet?

A: They fit wonderfully for wide feet! This is one of their biggest selling points. Many players, including myself, find that the ‘Wide’ (D) option provides ample room in the toe box without the heel being too loose. If you have a wider foot, these are a must-try. For sizing length, many experienced New Balance customers suggest ordering a half-size up from your usual shoe size, which I also found to be accurate.

Q: How long will these shoes realistically last?

A: This is the most important question. Be realistic: if you are a frequent player (3-4 times a week), expect the outsole to last about 2 to 3 months before the tread is significantly worn down. If you play once a week, you could likely get 6-9 months of use. The upper is durable, but the sole is not.

Q: Are these good for walking or just for court sports?

A: These are strictly for court sports like tennis and pickleball. Several users have tried them for walking and found the heel far too stiff and hard for comfortable walking on sidewalks. They are designed for lateral stability, not the forward motion of walking.

Q: How is the traction on different court conditions?

A: On dry hard courts, the traction is excellent and reliable. However, on even slightly damp courts, the traction becomes very poor and slippery. They are not recommended for play in wet or damp conditions.

Q: I have plantar fasciitis or heel pain. Are these a good choice?

A: The reviews are very mixed on this. Some players with plantar fasciitis have found these shoes to be the perfect solution, offering great stability and cushion. However, other players have experienced *more* heel pain, finding the sole too stiff and unforgiving. If you have foot issues, these could be a gamble; they might work wonderfully or they might aggravate the problem.

Q: What is the main difference between the 696v5 and the older 696v4?

A: Many fans of the v4 feel the v5 is a completely different shoe. Common complaints about the v5 compared to the v4 include it feeling heavier, bulkier, and less comfortable around the ankle collar. If you loved the v4, I would recommend trying the v5 on in a store before buying, as it may not have the fit and feel you’re expecting.

Review Scoring Summary & Shoe Finder Integration

🎯 Bottom Line Assessment

• Perfect for: Recreational players with wide feet who prioritize out-of-the-box comfort and are okay replacing their shoes every season.
• Great for: Pickleball players looking for excellent lateral support and a locked-in feel at a great price.
• Skip if: You are an aggressive, frequent player who needs a durable outsole, or if you often play on damp courts.
• Best feature: The fantastic combination of a true wide fit and excellent lateral support.
• Biggest limitation: The very poor durability of the NDurance outsole.