If you want a dependable tennis shoe for regular court time, durability and support matter as much as comfort. The New Balance 696v6 is built as a straightforward option for players who want a breathable, non-marking shoe that can handle repeat sessions.
New Balance 696v6 2E WIDE Mens Tennis Shoes Review: Built for steady court time
What the New Balance 696v6 is
The New Balance 696v6 sits in the “daily driver” end of the tennis shoe world. It is designed to be light and breathable, with a practical build that suits training, social hits, and regular club sessions. The focus is on a shoe that feels uncomplicated: stable enough to move confidently side-to-side, durable enough to take the edge off court wear, and comfortable enough to reach for a few times a week.
This particular version is labelled 2E WIDE, which is New Balance’s wide fit option for men. If you often feel cramped through the forefoot in standard-width court shoes, that detail is a big part of the appeal.
Who it suits best
The 696v6 tends to suit players who value a predictable, secure court feel over chasing the lightest or most aggressive performance build. It is a strong match for:
Regular recreational and club players who train or play weekly and want a pair that can cope with the stop-start nature of tennis movement without feeling flimsy.
Players who prioritise durability in high-wear areas. If you are hard on outsoles or you play often enough that your shoes are a true consumable, a durability-focused outsole is worth seeking out.
Wider-footed players who want room through the forefoot. The 2E width is designed to offer a more accommodating fit than standard men’s widths.
If your tennis is mainly occasional and casual, this shoe is still a sensible choice. The main difference is simply whether you will fully benefit from the durability features over time.
Key design features that matter on court
New Balance keeps the feature set focused and practical here, which is often what players are after in a reliable court shoe.
NDurance rubber outsole technology is used to improve durability in high-wear areas. Tennis shoes take a beating where you push off and brake, especially through the forefoot and the lateral edge, and this is the part of the spec that speaks directly to that reality.
Film drag guard is included for extra protection where the shoe is likely to scuff or scrape during movement. Players who slide or who tend to brush the court during changes of direction often appreciate any extra reinforcement in those zones.
Non-marking outsole is the standard requirement for many court environments, particularly indoor courts. It is a small line in the spec list, but it matters if you are moving between different venues.
Weight is listed at 377.15 grams (13.3 oz). That number gives you a sense of where it sits: not an ultra-minimal racing-style build, but still firmly in the lightweight-and-playable category for a tennis shoe designed for repeat use.
Overall, the design reads as a balanced package: breathable and light, with the durability work done where court shoes typically wear first.
Where it works best, and where it is less suited
The 696v6 is designed for court use, where lateral movement and traction are non-negotiable. It makes the most sense for players who want one pair they can use across training sessions, coaching, and match play at a recreational or club level.
Where it is less suited is for players chasing a highly specialised feel. If you want an extremely low-to-the-ground, super agile court shoe, or you prefer a very structured, heavy-duty build, you may find a more specialised model fits your preferences better. The honest call is that the 696v6 is about steady reliability, not extremes.
Sizing and fit notes for the 2E WIDE version
The “2E WIDE” label is the key fit signal. It is designed for men who want extra width through the fit compared to standard widths. This can be useful if you often feel pressure along the sides of your forefoot, if you prefer more room for toe splay, or if you simply do not enjoy the squeezed feeling some court shoes can have.
Fit is personal, and socks, foot shape, and orthotics all matter. If you are between sizes or you are unsure how much width you need, it is worth trying on in-store and doing a few side-steps to check you feel stable without being pinched.
Trade-offs to be aware of
Every tennis shoe makes choices. With the 696v6, the trade-off is that a shoe designed around durability and straightforward performance will not always feel as specialised as top-end, match-day focused options. If your priority is the most premium materials, the most advanced build, or the most aggressive speed-first profile, you may prefer to compare a higher-tier performance shoe.
On the other hand, if what you want is a breathable, non-marking court shoe with durability features aimed at high-wear areas, this is exactly the kind of spec list that makes sense.
Who should look elsewhere
If you rarely play and you mainly need a shoe for the occasional casual hit, a simpler court shoe may do the job. Likewise, if you are a very advanced player who wants a highly specialised feel underfoot, you may be better served by a more performance-leaning option built for that style of play.
And if wide fit is not something you need, you may prefer a standard-width version, simply to avoid extra space you will not use.
The verdict
The New Balance 696v6 2E WIDE is a sensible tennis shoe for players who want steady, repeatable performance and a more accommodating men’s fit. The NDurance outsole focus, drag guard reinforcement, and non-marking outsole are practical features that line up with what tennis actually demands. If you play regularly, tend to wear shoes in high-stress areas, or you simply want a wide-fit court option from a major brand, it is well worth considering.
Where to buy the New Balance 696v6 at Sportsmart
You can find the New Balance 696v6 2E WIDE Mens Tennis Shoes online at Sportsmart. If you are comparing court shoes more broadly, it is also worth browsing our tennis range to see what suits your court time and your fit needs.
Need a hand choosing?
Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to try on and compare options. If you are buying online, our team can help you narrow down what makes sense for your court time and your fit.
