Updated with a fresh, sporty look and Fuelcell cushioning in the midsole.
Now featuring Fuelcell in the midsole, the New Balance 796v4 not only offers great comfort but has a fresh and sporty style! The upper consists of synthetic and mesh material, that provides comfort, support, and ventilation. Fuelcell in the midsole helps absorb shock and supplies energy as you push off. The signature NDurance rubber is formed into a multi-directional tread pattern that performs well on a variety of surfaces. New Balance offers a great price for such comfortable and stylish shoes.
- Upper: Mesh and synthetic materials constructed with no-sew overlays.
- Midsole: Fuelcell technology for comfort and energy return.
- Outsole: NDurance rubber outsole in a modified herringbone tread pattern for long lasting traction on any court surface.
- Color: Black / Cement
Fit Details
| Length: | True |
|---|---|
| Width: | Slightly Snug Medium |
| Arch: | Medium |
| Break-in: | Slight |
| Weight: | 12.6 ounces (size 10.5) |
Other items in New Balance 796 Men's Tennis Shoes
Customer Reviews
Disappointing DurabilityThe Highlights: A Win for Hard-to-Fit Feet
The standout feature of the New Balance 796 is undoubtedly its inclusive sizing. In a market where most performance tennis and pickleball shoes lean toward a narrow, aggressive profile, New Balance continues to lead by offering multiple width options.
Out of the box, the shoe offers immediate comfort for wider feet, eliminating the "break-in" pinch common in competing brands. If your primary struggle is finding a court shoe that doesn't squeeze your forefoot, this model provides a rare and welcome solution.
The Lowlights: Durability and Support Concerns
Despite the initial comfort, the 796 falls short in several critical areas for active players:
Subpar Outsole Longevity: The NDurance rubber outsole—a staple across the New Balance line—simply does not hold up under high-intensity lateral movement. I have burned through the heel and foot pads of two separate pairs in just two months. For a shoe designed for the friction of hard courts, this wear rate is unacceptable.
Minimal Cushioning & Support: The 796 is a "low-to-the-ground" shoe, which unfortunately translates to a lack of impact protection. The thin midsole provides minimal energy return, leading to noticeable joint fatigue in the knees and feet after long sessions.
Warranty Inconsistency: Curiously, the 796 is excluded from New Balance’s outsole warranty, despite sharing the NDurance outsole with higher-tier models that are covered. This lack of brand backing is a significant red flag for consumers.
Not a good fitI ordered the exact same model number I bought last time a year ago, but after 2 days of wearing these my feet are killing me, I compared old and these side by side and can see the new is "pointier" and the height of the toebox is less, so my big toe feels pressed against the inside front, and all my toes feel "squashed" down slightly because the toe box is not as tall
dodger blue babyyes!!
