This 6th version of the 996 carries on the legacy of lightweight comfort, speed, and the FuelCell midsole for a smooth ride!
Built for players who crave lightweight speed in their court shoes, the New Balance 996v6 2E is comfortable and supportive with FuelCell in the midsole! This update carries on the comfortable and responsive feel underfoot with the full length FuelCell, while the upper has been re-engineered for increased support and durability in the areas you need it most. With this 6th edition New Balance made strategic improvements to increase the lock-down around the heels and in the forefoot. The NDurance rubber compound provides durability in high-wear areas, and the traction grips and gives when needed for the gritty hard courts. Backed by a six month outsole durability guarantee.
- Upper: Lightweight engineered mesh upper for comfort and ventilation, while it is reinforced in target areas to maximize support and improve upper durability.
- Midsole: Full length FuelCell for soft cushion, and propulsion for each stride.
- Outsole: NDurance rubber outsole in multi-directional tread pattern. Great traction on any court surface, but this version is ideal for hard courts. Backed by a six month outsole durability guarantee.
- Color: Yellow / Navy
Fit Details
| Length: | Slightly Short |
|---|---|
| Width: | 2E Wide |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | None |
| Surface: | Hard (all court) |
| Durability Guarantee: | Yes |
| Weight: | 14.7 ounces (size 10.5) |
Other items in New Balance 996 Men's Tennis Shoes
Other items in New Balance 2E Men's Shoes
Customer Reviews
New 996 are smaller and stifferThis updated 996 model runs smaller and stiffer than last year. I had to run a half size larger and these are more rigid and less comfy than prior versions.
New BalanceI like New Balance 996 shoes. I have 3 pairs of 996v4 and 1 996v6.
I purchased all of them from Tennis Warehouse. The delivery has been efficient and reliable.
Durability is trash, Performance is goodSuper good lightweight shoes with excellent stability comfort and support. However, I go through one of these a month. Although I keep buying them.
True to size fitI have been wearing the 996 for over 15 years. 11.5E-E fits the same each time and the shoe is a very good performer.
New Balance 996v6 D Terrarium/Firefly Men's SThe size fits perfectly and feels stable.
Not The Same as V5The good. Lots of added support. The step forward NB took to improve makes a lot of sense. Very stable.
The difference. Slightly narrower. Slightly heavier. VERY stiff. I can't seem to break this shoe in after six weeks. Seems to have slightly more vibrations on my foot and my knee, likely need a new insole.
Works well for me!I formerly used the NB 1006 D but the newest model (1007) of it did not work for me and I returned it. Decided to try the 996v6 D and liked the amount of cushion and especially fond of the way it locked in my heel and provided some stability. I do like a bit of room in toe box so I return the D width and ordered the 2E. After 2 sessions, I am pleased.
The 1006 ReplacementLong time 1006 user - great shoe
then the 1007 showed up to replace it - TERRIBLE FIT
Called Tennis-Warehouse - they recommended the 996
Tried one - needed to order 1/2 bigger
Love it - I bought 9 pairs to avoid any changes to the shoes in the yrs to come.
Toe Box SmallerToe box is smaller and shoe is overall tighter than v5 which is not terrible for me since my feet are on the narrower side. Tongue continually slides to outside of shoe making it uncomfortable. Definite step in the wrong direction.
sneaker ratingThe size 10.0 was a bit tighter than my usual 10.0, so I stretched it a bit and now it's fine. Next time with the same model I will buy a 10.5.
Vs V5 Smaller Stiffer HeavierNB Made the V6 more stable than the V5. However, it's VERY STIFF. Toe Box is tighter (helps with support and sliding), heavier (likely due to the extra reinforcement), and super stiff. The V5 was probably too soft and the V6 is too rigid. Hopeful the V7 will be the goldilocks shoe.
Smaller. Tighter than V5I bought a pair of these after having three pairs of the V5. They were too tight at the ball of the foot. I should have sent them back and tried a half size up or the wider version.
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Toe Box Too SmallI've bought this model the last two versions and liked the how light it felt yet durable. The toe box for this version is too small where I had to remove the original inserts to fit my feet. However, this cause more feet and back pain from not being able to use my custom orthotics.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
New Balance 996v6 2E Terrarium/Firefly Men'sPlayed with it six or seven times, it feels good
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One step backI love New Balance 996 court shoes, but this latest version is somehow less comfortable than the previous version. It’s more stiff and less wide! I used to replace the insole with an upgraded one, but can’t do it with this new shoe version, my feet just won’t fit into the shoe.
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Firm quick and brutalThese shoes are very firm and the outsole is incredibly grippy, which is great for aggressive movement and quick changes of direction, but is very hard on the knees and hips. These are the only shoes that have given me hip pain, and I was having knee pain worse than usual. The hip pain was particularly worrisome. I switched shoes to a softer shoe with rubber that has more give and doesn’t bite the court as much, and my hip and knee pain has practically vanished overnight. I am a 31 year old 5.0 singles player and very quick lateral mover that tracks down a lot of balls.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Like playing barefooted (almost)Someone else wrote: "Also, the cushioning is non-existent and the balls of my feet feel bruised."
Yup, that's it. I made it just a few minutes in these before I took them off because there appears to be no cushioning in them at all.
I'm an older player who still hits the ground hard and fast, and these shoes are not for older, hard-playing feet!
I might wear them on clay or grass, but on hard courts, they'd destroy my poor feet.
Love itI like the feeling when I am running in the court with these shoes.
Best court shoes everAfter trying many court shoes I came across these and love what New Balance did. They kept the classic New Balance comfort while giving it a very durable outsole. Never wearing another court shoe.
Runs a little largeThe 996V4 is my first New Balance pair for tennis. I got many compliments on the style/colors. The shoe tends to run about 1/4 to 1/2 size too large. New Balance running shoes always fit great, so expected to find these shoes in the same size. Even with a thicker pair of socks, there's still just a touch too much room. Hope this is helpful.
Great shoe and styleSo far I love these shoes!
HappyStable, not soft, low to Earth, very good traction, comfortable fit. Happy.
Very comfortable, but not durableI've only had these for 3 weeks and the sole is separating from the upper, which is too bad because otherwise I really like the shoe. Very comfortable. I contacted TW about it but that isn't under warranty, but they offered a refund because they didn't have any more and weren't getting more. I really liked the shoe though, so I decided to buy some Shoe Goo and fix them. So far it's working.
New Balance 996v4 - SupportLightweight shoe that wraps foot securely in shoe, especially the heel area. However, due to minimalistic design there isn't sufficient support from the outsole resulting in foot pain particularly the heel from compromised design. In addition, the slightly low arch support does create medial pain in the foot.